Did you ever have one of those days when you should have stayed in bed? Today could have been one of those days.

I planned to be in the office by 6 a.m. this morning so that I could be home in time to pick my daughter up from play practice at 4 p.m. We had an ice storm during the night, and when I went out to warm up my car, I took one step onto the driveway and ended up flat on my back with the wind knocked out of me. And I wrenched my shoulder trying to grab onto the doorframe to stop my fall.

I haven't actually driven my car since early last week, so not only was it covered in snow, but it was also encased in a thick layer of ice and I could not get the door open. But that didn't matter because when I looked down, I saw my rear tire was completely flat. Squashed like a pancake flat. I didn't even know that rubber could wrinkle that flat!

After wrestling the door open, I started the engine and then went into the basement to get my husband's air compressor (Jeannie, I think I may join you in making a New Year's resolution to clear out the basement! I nearly killed myself trying to haul it out.). The thing weighs a ton, and after I dragged it outside to the dark and frozen driveway, I realized I had absolutely no idea how it worked. So even though I'd been determined to do this on my own, I had to wake my husband and have him help me, and I was thankful that he didn't say one word of reproach to me (like why I hadn't noticed this tire before). All he asked was why I hadn't woken him up right away.

Finally, after what seemed like ages, I was on my way to work. I had less than a quarter of a tank of gas, but enough to get me to work. The roads were icy, and I had to keep my speed down, but it was only when I was more than half way to the office (a thirty mile commute) that I realized I'd forgetten my Government ID card. Without this card, I can't get into my office. I can't even log into my computer without first inserting this card into a special reader. So basically, if I don't have the card I might as well not even show up for work.

So I turned around and headed home. By the time I reached the house, my gas tank was on empty, my shoulder was killing me, I hadn't had my coffee, and I was very, very cranky. I called my husband to let him know I was on my way home, and that he should just plan on going to work as soon as I returned. No sense in both of us being late.

But my husband met me in the hallway with a steaming travel mug of dark roast, and put me behind the wheel of his brand new, toasty warm SUV that had a full tank of gas, assuring me he'd be fine with my car. So instead of feeling cranky and sorry for myself, I feel like today is going to be a good day! Sometimes it's the little things (like fresh-brewed coffee and a sympathetic smile) that make all the difference.

If you have any stories of how someone made a difference in your day recently, I'd love to hear them! Happy Monday!