Briana, clean house, my possibilities

1. Today, Lisa & Doug received their daughter Briana. I'm still impatiently waiting on pics of the days events, but I am so thrilled for them! I am so thankful to have been able to meet her in person before she traveled, and I can't wait to meet her daughter now as well!

2. Last night Hubby and I took an hour and a half to clean whatever we could clean. We got SO much done in that time, that I feel like we actually cleaned the entire house wen in reality, we only put a small dent in it (yes, it was and usually is a wreck in the summer, when we spend the majority of our time outside working in the yard). I am thankful for the clean house I am experiencing right now! lol!

3. Today I'm feeling quite the optimist. I normally feel that way, but in the past few weeks I've felt bogged down a bit and haven't been feeling it very much. But today I can feel that I have unlimited potential and possibilities for my life, and I am SO thankful for that feeling returning to me!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

Boy - I'm slacking lately, huh?

Friday night wedding, ferns, 2:45

1. We had a wedding Friday night that lasted til about midnight. the great thing about going out on a Friday is that it makes the rest of the weekend THAT much longer!. I am thankful that the wedding was on Friday and not on Saturday!

2. This year, there's a little tiny mystery insect that has been eating my million bells (plants, like mini petunias). I had two gorgeous yellow and HUGE hanging plants of this kind in the front of my house. One week they were great, the next week they were nearly all dead. I've wanted to put up some plant brackets on the side of my garage (too much to explain, but the side of my garage is perpendicular to the front walk of my house) and hang the plants from them (instead of from the shepherds hooks in the ground, which are too low). Well, I went to L*owe's today and got two huge ferns. I've always liked ferns, but didn't know if they'd go with the cottage garden theme I have going on right now. Well, I hung the brackets and then hung the ferns. WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!!!! it looks AMAZING! I am thankful for trusting my instincts and buying the ferns!

3. It's 2:45 in the afternoon on Sunday, and it feels like it's 8pm - so that means I've got a whole lotta extra hours to my day :) I'm thankful for what seems like getting extra hours in my day!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

Fabulous new friends, wedding, the scale

1. I know I should have mentioned them in yesterdays post, but didn't - too much mentioning them in my other blog...lol. I am so thankful to have met some fabulous women this past weekend, They are all my true and dear friends.

2. One of my coworkers is getting married tomorrow night and they've (my bosses) decided to close the office at 4pm so we can all get home, get changed, and although miss the ceremony, still make the reception. And even thought it sucks to have to work til 8pm tonight and then get up and out of the house to work at 9am tomorrow (the late shifters have to work early because of it), I'm excited for the good time I'll be having! I'm thankful for having a great party to go to tomorrow night!

3. After seeing the visual evidence of my incredibly huge self (not exaggerating) from this past weekend, I've recommitted to losing the weight. I started on Tuesday and I'm already down an additional 1.5 lbs :) I am thankful to have been able to use the negative pictures as a positive motivator to lose weight and get healthy!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

scale, nicotine, steak salads

1. I have not lost any more weight but have maintained my 10.5 pound loss over the course of a few ugly weekends! YAY! I'm thankful for not having back-slid in my weight loss efforts.

2. Every now and then, more often lately, just one cigarette does me a hell of a lot of good when it comes to de-stressing. I'm thankful that I'm able to have one and not have to have a whole pack.

3. Hubby has taken to making salad at night now, which suits me just fine since I don't get home til 9pm and don't eat til 9:30. But we've added steak to the salad, and now it's my new favorite. Not only do I get some tasty steak, but I get three entire cups of veggies in for the day. I'm thankful for a husband who makes me such delicious and pretty much healthy dinners.

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

Too many things to be grateful for...

I know I haven't posted in a very long time, but I've been away, creating friendships that I am incredibly grateful for. I never expected to not only hit it off with them, but feel as if these were long lost relatives (the good kind...lol), sisters even, who have finally reunited. I could go on and on about how grateful I am for these women I've finally met in person, but I won't because it gets me all teary eyed.

So my three thanks for today is simply this:

I am eternally grateful for these women who will forever be in my heart.


What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

Needles, belly, happy pills

1. I haven't been feeling well and yesterday I called in sick and went to my Dr. He immediately wanted to take blood, and instead of getting all jittery about it (I'm a huge needle-phobe), I was calm as anything - even though he always takes it from my hand because he can't ever find a vein. I am so thankful to have been anxiety free for my needle!

2. My stomach has been bothering me, and while it was again this morning, it isn't really hurting too much now, I am so happy and thankful that my belly has stopped hurting.

3. On my visit to the Dr y'day, I told him I had a fear of flying and that I would be taking a trip this weekend. I asked him for some happy pills, and he very willingly wrote me a prescription for a few. I am SO FREAKING GRATEFUL for my dr! lol!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

Feeling better, clean kitchen, almost 8

1. I have literally been exhausted these past few days with no explanation as to why (and no, I'm not pregnant). Today was the same, but right now (almost 7pm) I'm feeling tired still but better. I am thankful that I don't think I'm going to fall asleep on the drive home tonight...lol.

2. I got up this morning at 6:30am and couldn't go back to sleep. I got up and decided it was time to start living like humans and started cleaning my disgustingly filthy kitchen (not nearly as bad as you'd imagine, but you'd definitely look and say "um, what happened in here?"). I got SO much done, it's amazing. I am thankful that I used my powers for good and have a semi-clean kitchen to go home to! lol...

3. It's almost 8pm. I leave work at 8pm. Any questions???

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

feeling good, didn't fall, an extra day

1. Friday and yesterday I felt completely exhausted, to the point of having heavy eyelids. All day this went on, and Hubby started to think that maybe I was coming down with something. I went and slept about 8 hours last night (which is 2-3 more than normal for me) and today I feel good as new again! I'm thankful for feeling awake and well.

2. Before getting in the shower this morning I decided to clean the tub and the non-slip mat, as well as the curtain liner. I threw the mat and liner in the washing machine and got in the shower, cleaning the walls and floor of the bathtub. When I started bathing myself after cleaning the tub, I wasn't being cautious of there not being a mat to stand on, and nearly broke my neck when I lost my balance and regained it just as I was falling backwards out of the shower on to the bathroom floor. I screamed but Hubby was upstairs vacuuming and didn't hear me. Good thing I DIDN'T fall, because he wouldn't have found me for another 15 minutes! I am sooooo grateful I didn't fall in the shower!

3. Since we didn't absolutely nothing yesterday, it felt like a Sunday. So, today feels like an extra day! I am grateful to have an "extra" day off!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

quiet, yard, home

1. I think that Scary Mary & the Groovie Ghoulies went away for the week (those are my hillbilly neighbors who I loathe). It has been SO QUIET with them gone! I sat out on my deck this morning with my coffee and my magazines for the first time in a loooong time, and enjoyed the peace & quiet. I am thankful to be able to sit in the sound of birds and nature instead of screaming rednecks and their unruly children! lol!

2. While sitting on my deck, I sat there for a long time just surveying my yard. I thought about whether someone else might think it to be beautiful, or even if they'd appreciate all the work that has been done to this point to get it so lush. I don't garden for anyone else but myself, so I wasn't wondering for the sake if it all being worth it - because it soooo is... I was wondering because I think sometimes about whether anyone else can appreciate my love of nature, gardening, flowers, trees... I would love for someone to walk into my yard and just wander around for a long time, staring, thinking, asking questions. I don't know anyone personally who would do that - except for me. So as I sat and took in the entirety of the yard, I realized that it makes me so comfortable, so settled, so at peace. It's not the most perfect of yards or gardens or landscapes, but it's mine, and I did it with my own two hands... and I am eternally grateful to find such a small thing that has such an impact on my state of joy, every day.

3. We're having a few BBQ's this summer, the first one being in only 3 short weeks. Again, while I don't decorate my house for anyone but me, I do have some people coming that I don't know very well and I want to put my "best *house* foot forward" if you know what I mean. There are still so many little projects in my tiny house that have yet to be done: the stair risers need to be painted (the blue painting tape has been there for a year, ever since I primed them!!!), there's trim to be cut and put up, cabinet hardware that needs finishing, other painting done in the dining room... there's just a ton of little things to do - not to mention CLEAN this whole place spic and span... But while I was compiling the list of what needed to be done, I realized that we've done so much already and the results have made this tiny little shack a gorgeous and very comfortable home. I am so thankful to have this beautiful little house...

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

early hours, mowed lawn, stopped scale

1. I'm working 10-6 today instead of 12-8! I am thankful to be able to get home before it gets dark today!

2. Yesterday I mowed the lawn, but I didn't have time to look at the yard when I was done. This morning I surveyed the newly cut grass and realized how incredible the yard looks when the grass is mowed. I am thankful for my beautiful yard!

3. I haven't been diligent with my eating these past two weeks, yet the scale has stayed the same! I am SOOOO thankful that the scale stopped where it was and hasn't crept back up at all!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

signs, cool weather, coffee with Hubby

1. I applied to a local community college to take classes in horticulture a little over a month ago. After getting accepted, I kind of let it all sit on the back burner, and the longer it sat, the more I started talking myself out of actually registering, telling myself "what's the use?". Then I posted on my blog about how to water your lawn and plants, and I had a few people comment about it. One in particular said that she learned more in my one post than she had from reading gardening books. Another said she'd printed out my post to show her husband so they'd know what to do, because they'd "been doing it all wrong". These few comments put the fire back in me to go ahead with my plan to get a degree in horticulture. I am so thankful for those people who have brought me back to the reality of wanting to have a career doing something I love .

2. The humidity has been oppressive lately and after a big storm yesterday, the weather was just gorgeous this morning, and cool. So much so that I took advantage of the cool breeze and mowed the lawn before work. I am thankful for the cooler weather!

3. This morning I asked Hubby if he wanted to sit outside in the gorgeous weather and have coffee with me. Normally being one rushed in the morning, he surprised me and said "sure". We sat and had coffee and breakfast, and enjoyed the time outside on our deck. I am thankful to have little moments like that where I can just sit and enjoy time with the ones I love, in the home that I love.

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

Hump day, rain, life in general

1. It's Wednesday. I can't believe it's already Wednesday. I'm thankful that half the week is already over!

2. The local weather report says they'll be rain and thunder storms today. Not only do I love storms, but my lawn could use the watering. I'm thankful for the rain.

3. Nothing specific, but life is good. There are things that are in need of dire attention - like our finances and this dirty house - but all in all, life is good and I'm content. I am thankful for this full feeling of peace in regards to my life.

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

I can't believe...

... it's been three days since my last thanks!

1. I am making blog friends by the boatload - some of these people have been more kind and generous to me than some of my own family have been - expecting nothing but friendship in return. I will be forever thankful for having met them!

2. I am continually thankful for my incredible husband. I am a very blessed chica.

3. My coworker - who is a machine when it comes to getting things done - is back at work tomorrow after an almost 2 week vacation. It has been hellish here without her and I am thankful she is back in the office tomorrow!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

No rain, good food, great friends

1. I'm going into the city today and while I'm not to happy about ti being so hot out, I'm thrilled that it's not raining. I'm thankful for the good weather.

2. After the show, we're going to a Mexican restaurant that I love. I'm thankful to be able to have gone to this restaurant over and over each time I visit NYC.

3. My friend Christine is going to meet up with us at the restaurant. She lives on the upper east side and when I told her about us going to be there, she immediately said yes, and is overly enthusiastic - which is one of the many reasons I love her. I am so thankful to have a few really great people for friends.

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

Beautiful day, weight loss, a fabulous husband

1. It was so beautiful today... it was just one of those days where you don't have a care in the world and the weather makes you feel fantastic. I am thankful for the gorgeous weather today!

2. I'm trying to lose weight and get healthy. I bounce up and down the scale a bit each week, but it's still going in the right direction, even if it's S-L-O-W. A year from now, I could be down by 50 pounds, 30 pounds, or 100 pounds - but regardless, the year will pass anyway so no matter how much I've lost, better to be less weight one year from now than the same! I am thankful for the weight loss I am having!

3. My husband is truly an amazing, fabulous individual. I know I get down-right bitchy about things, and there are some things he does (or doesn't do subsequently) that turn me into a raving lunatic, but all in all he's a great guy and I am very thankful that he s my husband, my partner for life!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

Dinner with a friend, thoughtful gifts, hummingbirds

1. Tonight I'm having dinner with a friend. We usually do dinner once every three weeks or so but we've both been busy so it's been a while and I'm really looking forward to it :) I'm thankful to be having dinner with my friend.

2. Last night Hubby and I went to some friends of ours whom we haven't seen since before Christmas. When we got there, they had Christmas gifts for us that they'd been holding on to for all these months. One little package had our names on it, the other, larger box had Gracie's name on it. I immediately started getting all misty, but when I opened the box, it was the cutest Asian doll inside - and my water works started flowing. I am so happy, so thankful, for thoughtful friends.

3. I recently moved a pole that attaches to my deck railing to a place where I could see it better. I've hung a few hummingbird feeders on it as well. For the past two weeks since I've moved it, I had never seen any hummingbirds go to it - but yesterday and this morning, I've seen 4 or 5. I don't know what it is about hummingbirds that I'm so mesmerized with, but I love to just be working out in the garden and have one whoosh by my head sounding like a giant bug, and watch from only a foot or so away as they feed on the deck planters and feeders. I am so grateful to have such gorgeous and tiny birds visit my flowers.

4. BONUS thanks: I am SO very grateful for all of the blogger friends I've met over the past year. They are all so precious to me, and I am incredibly thankful for them.

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

Sorted clothes, hanging with friends, peace

1. Today I'm 3/4 of the way though sorting through all of my drawers and storing any clothes that are either a) too small for me, or b) stuff I won't wear til the winter. As of right now, I've gone from 6 stuffed drawers with piles and piles of clothes on top of the dresser, to 1.5 full drawers, 4 empty drawers, and NOTHING on the dresser! Now, I'm off to tackle the closet! I am SO grateful for deciding to do this finally!

2. Tonight we're going to a friends house about 15 minutes away. We always have a great time with them and haven't been able to see them since Christmas! 'm thankful for the time we will spend with them tonight.

3. I am utterly thankful that I was born in a country that is not riddled with war, drought, and famine. I am thankful for the peace we are privileged to experience, and for our soldiers who fight not only to keep our freedom, but for the freedom of others. I am thankful to have been born a citizen of the United States of America.

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

New shirt, 20 minutes, early hours

1. Against my better judgment (because I'm trying to budget my money), I went online and ordered board shorts and a 3/4 sleeve shirt that has an Asian inspired design on it. The board shorts are just ok (it's more my body that's the problem than the shorts), but the shirt fits really nice. Hubby really likes it, and as soon as I walked into work, two more people said they really liked it too. So while wasn't getting the shirt to impress anyone, having so many say they liked in in such a short time makes the purchase all that more worth while. I'm thankful to hot have buyers remorse!

2. This morning I woke up earlier than usual and instead of gong back to sleep, I did 20 minutes on the treadmill. I'm thankful for having the 20 minutes to get on the treadmill this morning!

3. Today and Thursday I'm working 10-6 instead of the dreaded 12-8. But today, we get out 2 hours earlier than our normally scheduled hours - so I'm leaving today at 4! I am thankful for having spoken up and told my boss that I can work earlier if he needs me this week :)

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

A budget, creative juices, a fire in my belly

1. I just reworked my budget as best I could this morning. I am usually budgeted for 2 years in advance, but this time I'm only good til March of '08. I've been having some money issues lately, and haven't been able to figure out why the hell I never seem to have any. It seems that there have been a few large things that have come up, which has totally sucked up all of my spending cash - and that was the problem. The good news is, the bleeding in that dept should stop after the end of this month, and I'll be able to catch back up with paying down my debt. Without having reworked my budget this morning, I would not feel as confident right now (which I had NO confidence about my finances beforehand). I am thankful that I have a budget to not only show me how much I owe, but how well I'm doing to pay that down.

2. My creative juices started up a month ago and haven't stopped flowing. I know something is on it's way. I can feel it. I am thankful for all the creative inspiration that seems effortless and endless this past month.

3. It seems that over the course of the last 6-8 months, I now have had not one, but two family members suggest to me at different times that I have gastric bypass surgery when discussing weight loss. Did I mention that this was unsolicited? Do I have to tell you that these people are also overweight? Do I have to tell you that this will never leave my brain, the memory of them suggesting to me that I should undergo risky, major surgery, just to be thin - which by the way doesn't solve any food issues you may have (which I don't anymore) or make you exercise (which I need to do more of), or necessarily make you healthier? I know I shouldn't care what they think or let it affect me, but I would never suggest anything like that to them, not to anyone. I was married to a man once who DID have that surgery prior to my meeting him, and not only did he have complications, had to take pills everyday for the rest of his life because of it, but what his body looked like afterwards (and the surgeries he had to have to remove all of that excess skin)... I will never do that to myself, ever. My body is more beautiful fat than it is in that state, for certain. At first I was taken aback by the suggestions, but now? It has put a fire in my belly to really get this weight off once and for all, and have people - people that I love - stop telling me how my weight is affecting me and what I should do about it (which truly is none of their concern, or any one's other than my own for that matter). I am thankful that I can turn my aggravation into motivation.

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

New friends, gift cards, doing nothing

1. I got home a little while ago from staying the night with Kristen! We went out to dinner and then back to her place to chat the night away over wine. I was exhausted by 1am from having been up so early that day, and crashed in her spare bedroom. Needless to say, I slept like I was in a coma...lol. We had another two hours of chatting this morning over coffee, and I left for the two hour drive home. I am sooooo thankful to have finally me Kristen, and my only regret is that we don't live closer :(

2. When I was looking for a bag to pack a few things in to bring to Kristen's, I saw an old purse I used to use from 2 years ago. When I emptied it out, I found over $100 worth of gift cards that I'd gotten for Christmas - from 2005!!! I am so grateful to have this "found money"!

3. As per every weekend, I was planing on coming home and working in the yard all day. However, I'm pretty tired from the drive home, and I just feel like bumming around. It's been soooo long since I've done nothing for an entire day! I am thankful for being able to relax and enjoy the day!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)