Enjoying the simple things

I participated in the Kimball Expo as a representative of the Tri-County News last weekend. It was a really productive and positive experience for me. I had the opportunity to take photos at the event, and to introduce myself to local businesses and people. 

Thank you to all who made me feel so welcome. I look forward to providing the area with my flavor of local coverage. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any potential story ideas. 

After the Expo, I went to my younger brother’s home a few towns down the road to continue my weekend. He has a wife and a son who is also my godchild. My parents were visiting his place at the time, coming down from my hometown of Greenbush, so it was a great opportunity to see much family nearby.

I brought some painting clothes with me to help them paint my nephew’s new room a denim-blue color. He was moving out of his original room to this newly painted and floored space, making room for his new sibling who is on the way. 

Before my visit, they tore out the carpet and, after my visit, they installed the new flooring. His new room looks so nice, and I’m so happy my favorite little dude has such a nice and special place. Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed just painting away with my family, sharing many laughs and listening to much music. 

My mom asked me to do some of the more detailed work at the end, knowing my personality. Let’s just say I like to do things just right, in other words to try to be as perfect as possible. This oftentimes leads to certain things taking me longer to do. It’s a gift and a curse, I tell you. I kept looking back into the room and seeing a missed spot. My mom had to just tell me to leave the room and not look back. 

After we finished painting, we ate and I got to hang out with my nephew, who will be 2 in a couple of weeks. I enjoyed playing and hanging out with him. He is growing up to be such a smart little man, knowing how to identify his name and many of his colors already, among other things. 

He puts the biggest smile on my face. My love for him is, without a doubt, infinite. After being at my brother’s home for about five-and-a-half hours, and before saying goodbye, I sat with my nephew for a picture. As we sat together for that picture, he said, “Cheese,” and tears welled up in my eyes.

For those who don’t know me yet, I wear my emotions on my sleeve, and this was one of those times where I couldn’t hold back those happy tears. I was in the moment, enjoying and soaking in every bit of this special time with this little man. 

Throughout my life, I’ve had the privilege of knowing and loving several people who taught me one very simple but important lesson: Enjoy the simple things in life! This past weekend allowed me to do just that, and I hope to have many more days just like it.