five on friday…

I haven’t posted a five on Friday in a while. In fact, I have only ever posted one, so I suppose there is no anticipated timeline. I have such a plethora (word of the day toilet paper) of little tidbits to share that don’t warrant an entire post, so I like the idea of 5 quick musings. Let’s get this party started.

1. Compassion. I have often wondered whether basic human emotions like compassion are instinctual, or whether to some degree they are learned through societal expectations and observing our loved ones. My mother-in-law received some bad news relating to her health this week, and yesterday she sat on my couch crying. My dog – my shy, anxious rescue dog – walked up to her, rested his chin on her leg, and lay his paw gently on her other knee, and just sat quietly while she cried. I am proud and humbled that, while some people seem incapable of expressing compassion, my dog is a natural.
2. Buddha bowls. Buddha bowls are kind of my my new jam. If you’re not familiar, Buddha bowls are healthy meals made of greens, raw or roasted vegetables, a lean protein or legume, and healthy grains. My lazy side loves that I can just throw everything in a single bowl, give it a quick stir, and pack it up in my insulated lunch box to take to work. My Buddha bowls often consist of roasted sweet potato, broccoli, pan fried chickpeas or beans, mixed greens, avocado, quinoa, and dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness. Sometimes I add some salmon. I love that I can quickly put together a healthy meal. Speaking of healthy meals…due to my mother-in-law’s recent health complications, I am responsible for preparing dinner for 4 adults each day after work. If you have any quick and healthy family recipes, I can use all the suggestions I can get. Bonus points if they can please 4 people with differing diets and preferences.
3. Rawr. Lately I wake up regularly with joint pain, primarily in my knees, hips, elbows, and occasionally wrists and ankles. I prefer topical pain relievers, as my internal organs have said “whatevs” to pills, and Tiger Balm is my go-to topical (in addition to a CBD cream to be discussed in a future post). A little goes a long ways, and one whiff works well as a decongestant, too. Rawr.
4. My secret place. Recently discovered a short trail near my house where, after walking for about 30 seconds up a small hill via a dirt trail, I am rewarded with this view:
5. The c-word. It has been a troubling handful of days. My mother-in-law was diagnosed with gall stones, pancreatitis, and cancer. A co-worker, who is probably about my age, underwent her first chemo treatment this week. My heart is sad and confused. Although I have a religious educational background, I do not consider myself to be a religious person. In fact, I’m pretty far from it. But today’s closing quote comes from the Book of Isaiah (and as proof of how nonreligious I am, I had to look up how to spell “Isaiah”), because it was listed on the online cancer journal of my co-worker, and because right now, I think there are a lot of us that are just trying to put one foot in front of the other without fainting:
   

   But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. – Isaiah 40:31
   

   Smell ya later.
   – Linds