Wednesday, July 1, 2015

It's All Rainbows, Butterflies and Leslie Knope

Last summer was the first summer of adulthood that I haven’t had a summer job.  However, last summer I had a newborn at the beginning of summer and had the job of figuring out how to handle all of that.  So, this summer is now officially my first summer of adulthood without a summer job.  To be honest, almost two weeks in, I’ve missed my summer jobs.  I always did things that were completely different and separate from my actual job.  It was rejuvenating.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m truly and sincerely enjoying time at home with Amelia. 

We have gone to play at the playground, on walks, discovered the joys of bubbles, just played and even attended “Baby Lap Time” at the public library where Amelia claps, waves and bounces as much as her little heart desires.  She loves a crowd; I’ll give her that.  We’re also using the summer to slowly get used to her new daycare, which will hopefully ease the transition.  All happy things! 

For a little while each day, Amelia naps (or at least that’s the hope).  During that time, I scramble to get things done around the house, take care of Scout and I have also started a few projects that will most definitely be the subject of future blog posts.  I hope you can handle the anticipation since I’m glossing over it for now.

Sometimes, since I can’t leave the house while Amelia’s asleep, there are a few rare and glorious moments when I use the time to read or watch TV or done something else that is mindless, relaxing or even fun.  This summer, as nearly always, Netflix and I are best friends (don’t tell my DVR or HGTV or Friends reruns or my books).  I am currently watching “Parks and Rec.” I didn’t get into this show while it was actually on, but I am loving watching it this summer.  I have to say that I do love Chris Pratt and he was more than a little of the draw for me to start watching.  He is hilariously lovable on the show, but he isn’t what truly stands out to me in the show.   For the ultimate standout, I have to look to Leslie Knope.  Amy Poehler’s character, Leslie, is driven, optimistic, well meaning, and generally a good person.  There aren’t many of those on TV right now.  Leslie loves her job and works hard to improve the lives of those around her.  She remembers her friends’ birthdays, plans parties, gives compliments, puts her friends above her job and just loves her life.   She does it all with the backdrop of a goofy cast of characters, a town known for obesity and a theme song that makes Amelia drop everything and dance.


Leslie Knope reminds me how to be optimistic about everyday life.  I understand how hyperbolic that sounds, but I have watched a lot of Parks and Rec in the last couple weeks.  I still have a couple seasons to go, so don’t spoil things for me, if in the last two seasons, I’m going to be forced to lose my faith in the town of Pawnee.  I don’t know about you, but I need that humor.  I need that optimism, that drive, that buoyancy, that cheer.  I know I’ve said it before and I’ll most definitely say it again, but little things matter.  If Leslie can get this excited about the world’s smallest part, or Lil’ Sebastian or a city council campaign or Jerry’s birthday party, then so can I.

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