on five good things...

1. Receiving an amazing tip this evening, completely unprovoked. I was just sitting there at the desk, and he walked by, dropped the bill on the counter, said, "Here's your cigar money!" while walking away. I was taken aback and said, "Er, thanks! I'll make sure I give this to the guys outside!" He turned over his shoulder and waved his hand at me, "No, no. I've taken care of them. That's for you." And out he went. I am pretty sure my face turned beet red, my heart started racing, and I just stood there in a state of complete awkwardness for a full thirty seconds. Amazing, the generosity of a complete stranger - customer or not. After he left, the security guard up front walked up to me with a shocked look on her face and said, "Um, did that guy just give you money, too?" Apparently he gave one to every single person he walked past. Inspiring? I think so.

2. Christmas decorating today. I would cover every window, every ledge, and every shelf with tiny white lights if it were at all possible. In fact, if it were up to me, I'd cover THE ENTIRE WORLD with them! Oh, and how glorious it would be! But for now, we just have them on the tree and around the window in our bedroom. "Let's keep them lit up ALL THE TIME," I cried out to Jay this afternoon. And although I'm not sure he's as enthused about it as I am (I seem to remember him mentioning something about the electric bill) I think they must make him feel at least a little romantic while looking at them.

3. Getting my hair done tomorrow. Ah, yes. The joy of highlights. Amen.

4. The lovely Jane Boston volunteering to make me an adorable December banner for my blog. I mentioned in passing (on Twitter, because apparently I'm addicted to that thing) how I wasn't sure if I was going to have time to do one for a while, and in the blink of an eye, she had one made for me! Is she a peach or what? I'm not sure if I've expressed to her enough just how amazing I think she is. She is one of the most genuine, creative, inspiring and lovely people I've come across. She is someone who truly cherishes the small things in life, and has such an eye for anything artistic. I used to lurk her blog and think, wistfully, "She is way too cool. Seriously. She can take a photo of a toothbrush and make it look amazing. And I want her room because it has pretty blue walls." Okay, Jane, have I creeped you out yet? Would it creep you out more if I told you I want to hug you? Okay, good.

5. Um, free cake? Because free cake makes me a happy girl. But I'm sure you already knew that.