Welcome to Jen's Pond

More joy...  It's almost football time for the RAIDERSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!  ⚑ The Raiders first preseason game starts soon, vs the San Francisco 49ers. I'm excited for the season, as I am every year, filled with hope, anticipation, excitement, and nerves. Lots of nerves. We start the year after a disappointing season last year. The Raiders have a new quarterback, having traded their starter for many years to the Saints. I'm not sure they traded for a better quarterback, but I don't think any worse. Their big time running back hasn't signed yet so is missing in action. We have some key defensive players back, but also new folks. I've been a Raider since ... I really don't know. It's been a while though. I always say since I was a little girl. I remember being at a friend's house and "some" football game was on. I don't remember who they were playing, but I do remember the Raiders never quit, coming back to win the game. I proclaimed th...

Finding My Joy I've realized I need to focus more on joy. Not just doing things that bring me joy, but realizing everything that brings me joy. There's a lot that brings joy to me, but I'm not sure I see it all the time. A quick list of things that bring me joy as I sit here: my family, sitting in my house, watching soccer, writing, even paying bills (sounds weird, but I am happy I have the ability to buy what I want and need)... Today's world can be overwhelming. News of bad things happening around the world can make me feel anxious, sad, angry, drained, upset... all the feelings. Thereare a lot of good things happening, too. I don't have a lot to say in this addition, except that I hope my writing encourages any reader to start recognizing all the joys in their life - the small joys, the big joys, and all the joys in between. They're there, I promise.  Tater Tot is chilling, while I write.