Three Thanks

This morning...

2008-04-16T07:52:00.004-05:00

... I was thinking about how thankful I am for something, which reminded me that I shamefully haven't posted here in two - TWO weeks. So here are a few thanks to make up for it:

1. I am sooooo thankful that I can afford the $1,000 a month it's going to cost us for daycare. No, we have no extra cash flow, but Hubby and I make a decent living and we're able to rearrange our finances to*just* make it work. I was thinking about how I used to make $330 a week at Hoam Deepoe (sound it out) 10 years ago, and how my monthly salary was only $200 more than a months worth of infant child care. I don't know how monetarily less fortunate people do it, but God bless them, sincerely.

2. I'm always, ALWAYS thankful for my good health and the good health of my family. This is something that one can NEVER take for granted.

3. I'm thankful that I am a person who remembers to be thankful for things, rather than be bitter about all that I don't have - like many of my coworkers and a few family members do. Life is too short to focus on what you lack... and when you focus on what you DO have, it just grows and grows...

4. I'm eternally grateful for the fabulous friends I've made who support me even when I'm not at my best (read: being bitchy). These people understand that humans are flawed individuals and most don't allow the bitchiness to take over - it's just a passing mood. They know this, and they love me anyway.

5. I'm thankful for some of the decisions I've made. I can be too eager at times and do things or tell people things without thinking. Lately, I've been able to filter that REALLY well, which is good, because it makes for far less regrets.

That's it for now...

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

For Janet

2008-04-04T03:13:00.001-05:00

Please see a revised #3 in previous post :P

A little of this, a little of that...

2008-04-03T20:20:00.003-05:00

1. I was once friendly with someone I thought was completely harmless. Turned out they weren't even close to being normal after all, and worse yet, they turned out to be someone you'd want to steer clear of for various reasons. Sadly I found out that there were others who thought the same of them for similar reasons I had. I am thankful that I learned about this person as early as I did and was able to see right though them.

2. Yesterday I wasn't feeling good AT ALL. Each time I thought about having to eat something, I felt "grossed out" by that particular food. I was also exhausted... really exhausted. Today was a totally different story - while still a bit tired, I felt better and was able to eat all day long. After being so sick a few weeks ago, it's been a rough start getting back to "normal", but I'm thankful that I'm getting there :)

3. I am SO flipping excited about two new soon-to-be ~~American~~ CANADIAN...lol citizens coming to this country in a few weeks... I can't even STAND it!!!! I am soooo thankful for the blessings that enable two orphaned children in Africa to come and be loved by such wonderful people on the other side of the world from them :)

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

So many things...

2008-03-31T10:41:00.002-05:00

1. I'm thankful for my mother and her genuine excitement and fabulous reactions to great news :)

2. I'm thankful for all of the rock solid friendships I've made in certain bloggers... and that I've been able to avoid the crazy ones (for the most part...lol).

3. I'm thankful for the full nights sleep I got last night, after waking up at 4:30am and thinking I wouldn't be able to sleep any more! I actually didn't get up until 7am!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

It's Easter...

2008-03-23T06:30:00.002-05:00

... and again, I've been neglecting coming here, but not for any other reason then I keep forgetting (I know, that's terrible).

Here are my Three Thanks:

1. After being sick for soooooooo very long, I am finally eating regularly, and my nausea has disappeared :) But because of this, unfortunately, the 12lbs I lost has found me again :(

2. I am SOOOOOOO blessed to have the husband I have. Soooooooo blessed....

3. Although it doesn't look or feel like it, spring is here, and with that will come my hundreds of plants! All of my hard work over these past 4 years in this house of planting perennial after perennial Is FINALLY starting to show!

Oh, and of course, Happy Easter to all!!!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

It's been 2 weeks...

2008-03-18T09:02:00.003-05:00

I was really, really sick. The flu AND bronchitis. I barely had the energy to sit in front of the laptop most days, so when I did, I chose to do one thing - and unfortunately, I didn't choose to come here :(

So I'm back, and I'm SOOOOOOO grateful for so many things! So today, I'm just going to list a bunch of stuff I'm grateful for!

1. Babies from Africa - and their mama :)
2. Hubei mama's who pray for me :)
3. Keeping my temp below 102!
4. Waking up today for the first time in 2 weeks and not having my 20 minute coughing, gagging, vomiting - today I didn't do that!!!! This is HUGE!
5. Being able to take pictures of my insides :)
6. Great friends
7. A great mother in law
8. My mom & step dad coming to visit me soon!
9. Not hacking up a lung when I talk to clients at work
10. Going back to my natural color and having it look great!

So there are 10 things for you!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

It's been a while

2008-03-05T08:47:00.002-05:00

1. I'm thankful that I'm able to get liquids down, and keep them down (fingers crossed). I have bronchitis AND the flu. Since y'day I've had a fever that won't go away, hacking cough, body aching horribly, (violently) vomiting up anything I put in me - but that could have been the Robitussin w/codeine not sitting well. Even broke blood vessels in my face & that's never happened to me before. Was so bad last night almost went to the hospital, even if to just get hydrated. Been up since 3 with another fever, but thankfully none have been over 101 (that was highest and was brief). Let work know I'm not coming in today & will report back to them later this afternoon as to whether I still have a pulse. I'm so dehydrated that I lost 4 pounds overnight. So I'm thankful that I don't have a fever right now and that liquids are staying down.

2. I'm thankful for a husband who, even when he's sick, takes care of me.

3. I'm thankful for my positive attitude in always seeing a bad situation and saying "a week from now, you won't even remember this - it'll all be over before you know it". That's how I'm handling being sick, and I've already got one day down - only 6 more to go...lol.

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

My body, my hubby, my friends

2008-02-26T09:10:00.003-05:00

1. I don't have a perfect body. In fact, it's the farthest from perfect it has ever been in my entire existence. But you know what? I have a healthy body that sustains life without issue; no medications, no cane or wheelchair, no real pain. To not be grateful for that would be crazy. I am so thankful for my incredible machine of a body, full of life...

2. I wasn't feeling well y'day at all and I barely ate anything all day (and what I did eat wasn't all that nutritious). Last night I asked Hubby to make me some scrambled eggs in the morning (he makes the BEST scrambled eggs. I assure you, it IS possible to make a bad scrambled egg...lol). So when I was in the shower, he made me scrambled eggs and an English muffin, even though he was running late himself! I am so thankful to have such a great husband, I really and truly am...

3. I have some really great friends. These people are good enough to know that I don't always want them to tell me what they think I want to hear, but even without asking them, they always validate exactly what I'm thinking - verifying for me that I'm not (as) crazy after all...lol. I'm so grateful for these like-minded individuals...

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

Better sense, Valentines cards, loyal followers

2008-02-21T15:36:00.003-05:00

1. I've recently had some stress directed at me by an acquaintance and I came very close to telling them where to go. The fact of the matter is, my life and happiness is far too important to allow this kind of crap into my life, and I came just shy of cutting them off for good. But I have better sense. I knew that this would bring up a whole new fresh hell for me so I sucked it up, took the blow (again, for the umpteenth time), and just waved it off. I am so thankful to know when arguing my point will do nothing but more harm. Sometimes you have to consider the source and just suck it up if you want peace.

2. Walternatives sent me a gorgeous, hand made Valentine's day card. it is amazing and I am ever grateful to have been on her recipient list.

3. I don't always post here, yet Patricia and Janet are ALWAYS here posting their own Three Thanks when I do. I am always grateful for them because sometimes there are days where just knowing they're wondering where my post is is the only reason I DO post! I love you both...

What are YOU Thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

Safe, friends, hubby

2008-02-18T20:38:00.002-05:00

1. I am ever grateful for the incredibly competent pilots who operated my planes going to and from my destination this past weekend and got me there and back safe and sound!

2. I am always grateful for the incredible friends I have.

3. I got home from my weekend trip to find that Hubby had done a few VERY long standing things on the "to do" list. I was so shocked and SO grateful, I was brought to tears!!!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!!!)

The little things

2008-02-10T09:41:00.000-05:00

1. This morning it started snowing snowflakes the size of golf balls. I noticed that my bird feeders didn't have any seed in them, and I asked Hubby - who was still in his pj's (as was I) if he'd fill at least one of them up for me. Without hesitation or even a passing glance to me, he very willingly went and put on all of his snow gear (hat, coat, gloves & boots) right over his pajamas and went out and did it for me. I had to tell him how to open this particular one up, and at the end of telling him, I said, and then you do the Hokey Pokey (all while he's standing there in the falling snow). When he was done doing what he had to, h stood there in the middle of the deck and did a wiggle/twist as if he was doing the Hokey Pokey...lol. I can't believe that he did that, in the middle of what looked like a blizzard, and right out of bed no less. I am so thankful to have such a great and happy-go-lucky husband.

2. After hubby had filled the bird feeder, I was standing there watching the birds while he then made us bacon & eggs. He had just placed a 13x9 glass Pyrex baking dish on the table and said "I'll need this for later (to make baked mac & cheese, his new nemesis...lol). I stood there looking at that dish, trying to recall where it had come from. I've had it for years and years, but it wasn't new when I got it, and I couldn't remember when I got it or from whom. I mean, here's just this little glass baking dish that I know someone had to have given me, and it's been with me forever. How lucky am I to get one of these old glass Pyrex dishes that last forever and ever - they're great, aren't they? And as I stood there thinking of these things, I realized how incredibly blessed I was to have all of the things I have, how easily they came to me, and how rich I am for having them. I have cupboards filled with glasses that were gifts, we made our breakfast in pans that were gifts, and we ate off of really cool plates that were really cheap. I stood in my cool kitchen watching birds feed off of seed that was on my deck, attached to my very own house. I stared out through the bare trees and across the property of the neighbor behind me to faintly see two swans swim by in the torrent of the storm, all from the comfort of my warm home. Thanks just aren't enough. I am immensely blessed.

3. After dumping a few inches of snow, the sun has come out full force as if it's a day at the beach! I am so thankful that it's not a gray and gloomy day today!!!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

Thoughtfulness, feeling good, FRIDAY!

2008-02-08T09:33:00.000-05:00

1. I received the most beautiful bracelet from a bloggy buddy. It was so incredibly thoughtful and generous, it brought me to tears. I am so very, very grateful for my dear, dear friend.

2. Lately I've been feeling run down & tired, but today I'm feeling GREAT! I'm thankful for how good it feels to feel good! lol...

3. It's FRIDAY, and it couldn't have gotten here soon enough. I'm grateful that I have the next two days off from the hell that is my job.

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!!!)

Friday, Hubby, my job

2008-02-01T11:27:00.000-05:00

1. I am SOOOOOOO thankful it's Friday!!!

2. I know I'm always thanking him for something, but I can't help it - he's always worthy of it! He never ceases to amaze me with how much he does for me.... I am forever grateful for him.

3. I hate my job. It's boring, the people are abrasive (ok, well only a few, but enough that it may as well be everyone...lol), the entire building (old Victorian house) is decorated in early 1970's dark wood paneling, the place is a dump that's falling apart, we're packed in like sardines, I hate the users I have to talk to, my office mate is so frigging loud I get a headache daily and can't hear ppl on the phone, and the developer of the software I support is a raging asshole. However, with all that said, I am thankful to have a job, and one that affords me the opportunity to pay my bills with no problem. Yes, even the sucky jobs are worthy of thanks.

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

Babies from Africa, Friends feeling better, Good signs

2008-01-29T10:48:00.000-05:00

Quick one today...

I am thankful for:

1. Babies from Africa :)

2. Friends who are feeling better :)

3. That sometimes, sucky, uncomfortable things are good signs - and I remember this.

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!!!)

Feeling good, making decisions, mother in law

2008-01-26T13:52:00.000-05:00

1. I wasn't feeling great last week, but this week I'm feeling back to my old self for the most part. I'm thankful for feeling so good!

2. I'm grateful that hubby and I came to the same decision about our adoption paperwork. It's a little scary at first to realize you're going to let everything expire, but it's the better alternative than renewing them over and over again.

3. Hubby was on the phone with his mother today having a grand old time. She is a great lady, and I'm very thankful that she's such a good person and that we get along SO well! I love her!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

Good medical staff, my self esteem, hubby

2008-01-24T19:18:00.000-05:00

1. I recently had a routine Dr's visit and it's AMAZING what a difference it makes when everyone working at the office is NICE and friendly!!! I am so thankful for the staff at my doctors office!

2. I am reminded daily of what a person is like when they lack self esteem, because I work with someone who is so lacking, there should be a sign over her head wherever she walks. Because if this, she is nearly intolerable to be in the same room with, because the way she defends her inability to believe in herself is to try to make everyone else feel like an asshole while they're in her presence. I am soooo grateful that I'm so confident and never, EVER feel the need to put others down to make myself feel better.

3. I know I thank him a lot, but hubby has pulled out all the stops lately with this house cleaning stuff he's got going on. He is truly amazing with all he does and I am blessed beyond belief to have him.

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

Confident, hubby, Giants

2008-01-21T06:36:00.000-05:00

1. I am incredibly thankful for the level of confidence I've had lately... it's very comforting!

2. I am unbelievably grateful for my hubby who has been doing every single little thing around the house... I'm sooooo lucky!

3. I'm thankful that the Giants pulled it off last night!!! On to the superbowl!!!!!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

Love this...

2008-01-17T16:55:00.001-05:00

To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven.

Johannes A. Gaertner

Tasty lunch, understanding friends, my capable body

2008-01-17T14:10:00.000-05:00

1. I haven't been feeling well lately and was home from work yesterday. Today I was feeling better, but still had no appetite. Finally, just before I was set to go to lunch, it occurred to me that I can get some bland food at my favorite sushi joint down the block. I ordered Miso soup, a salad with avocado & miso dressing, and white rice. It was sooooo tasty and I am soooo thankful to have found something that didn't make me want to hurl...lol.

2. I'm (most likely) going away to Atlanta in Feb and a friend of mine (who I adore) lives in Nashville. When I mentioned to her that I'd be there and when, she was so excited and asked if she could drive the 3 hours to Atlanta to spend some time with me. I initially told her yes, but after thinking about it, I have no idea what's planned or if I'll even have time to spend with her. I casually mentioned this to her and she understood immediately. I am thankful for mature, self secure, and understanding friends.

3. Again, I'm am constantly amazed at what my body is capable of. Even though I haven't been feeling good these past few days, just when I need to feel better, I do. When I have time to relax and rest, and do, I immediately feel better. I am ever grateful for this body of mine.

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

Friends, my body, my attitude

2008-01-16T10:05:00.000-05:00

Quick & dirty one today...lol

I am thankful for:

1. Trustworthy friends

2. my healthy and capable body

3. my incredibly positive attitude!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

A good read...

2008-01-14T09:23:00.000-05:00

Got this in my email this morning... Since big brother is still here (I'm still training someone at my desk...lol), this is all I have time to post today, but it's great!

Smooches to you all!!!

Sorry...

2008-01-09T18:24:00.000-05:00

I'm training someone at work, which is mostly when I blog...lol. Training her means that she is sitting next to me, viewing everything on my monitor at all times - I can't email, web surf, blog, read blogs, look at porn... nothing (Yeah, right! ROFL!). So I'm sorry for my absence so quickly after getting back here, but it's unavoidable.

So, on with my three thanks!

1. I am thankful for my own assertiveness and that I stand up for what I need.

2. Hubby has been doing so much around the house that he became the primary cleaner and house keeper, and I became the slug. I am so thankful to have a husband who will do everything around the house, including making my dinner while I sit on my fat arse...lol. It's not intentional at all - I didn't even realize I've been slacking until yesterday. I'm trying to turn that around (got a load of laundry in and I just scrubbed the potty!), but in the meantime, I'm grateful for all of his hard efforts.

3. I'm thankful for old friends who decided to get back in touch with me - they always have great news to share (seriously!) and I'm always so overjoyed for them!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

State of calm, a helpful husband, good soup

2008-01-05T21:11:00.000-05:00

1. I am extremely grateful for my state of calm. Some things make me very anxious, some things don't. Lately, nothing does. And for that, I'm grateful.

2. Hubby stayed home from work yesterday and when I got home, the Christmas tree was put away, some of the gifts put away, and the whole downstairs vacuumed. I am very thankful for my helpful hubby!

3. I scored a huge bag of pre-chopped kale at BJ's last week and the expiration date was growing nearer. I decided today to just fudge a pot of soup made with whatever I had in my cupboards. Black beans, kale, diced roasted tomatoes, onions, garlic, chicken broth and some corn and I had myself some kick ass soup - and, it's incredibly healthy to boot! I am thankful for my really great cooking skills!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

A long, long time ago...

2008-01-03T10:44:00.000-05:00

... I used to post here...lol. I'm not really sure why I stopped - I guess the only thing I could blame it on is the holidays taking over and my getting totally sidetracked.

But a recent someone has made mention that they miss the three thanks, so I'm back today to post some.

So today, here are my Three Thanks:

1. I am eternally grateful for good surprises that have happened recently for me and for a few of my friends... (nothing specific, just different things that were great surprises)

2. I am thankful for how healthy I am after these hectic holidays! Everyone I know is sick!

3. I am thankful for my fabulous husband, whom I've been married to for 5 years today!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

Giving Thanks

2007-11-22T08:24:00.001-05:00

It's been almost a month since I've posted here. Mostly because I've been really busy and not even posting to my main blog more than once a week. But there was also a lull in how thankful I felt about things. I wasn't depressed, so it wasn't that. I guess I felt as if it was a little contrived, all this "thanking". I guess I felt that way because I started not feeling grateful while I wrote my three thanks each day, and I didn't want to just post them without truly feeling the gratitude behind it. Then I just forgot to post entirely and so here I am, a month later, posting for the first time.

There are so many things I'm grateful for, truly grateful for, and sitting here alone on Thanksgiving - in the living room with my coffee before Hubby wakes up - is the best time for me to really reflect without distraction. So without further ado, here are my thanks...

I am thankful for my lax attitude towards my weight this past month - I haven't been this relaxed in forever.

I'm thankful that Hubby has finally understood what I've been trying to tell him for the past 5 years and that he's FINALLY found his "mojo".

I'm grateful that Hubby and I have finally combined finances and no longer have separate accounts.

I'm so grateful that my mom still looks like my momma since having her face lift. Pre-op and post-op, there is still nothing more beautiful and comforting than seeing your mothers face.

I'm thankful of who I've become, in spite of the circumstances I've been in throughout my life. I have fared very well, and I have been truly blessed.

I'm thankful for the incredible relationship I share with my step sister, whom I usually refer to as my sister. She is my rock in the turbulent river that is my father and her mother. I am so grateful that she and I are 110% on the same wavelength when it comes to them and we are able to support each other through whatever evil deed they dream up next.

I am grateful for deciding to let my fears be replaced with the excitement and joy of what is possible.

I am thankful that I've been able to color my own hair and not miss having all the highlights. I've been saving myself $200 every two months!

Even though my house is teeny tiny, I am soooo grateful for it!

I am grateful for the men and women who are overseas right now, representing our country. They are the reason you and I don't have to fight wars, and they do it in other countries so as to keep war from being fought on our soil. We all should give thanks to them daily for standing tall, and for fighting for the freedom we enjoy every day.

We have a new girl training to answer the phones at work. It is painfully apparent - based on her actions and also what she has told me thus far - that at 23 years old, she is in dire straits financially and has had a pretty rough life. I remember being exactly like her many years ago, and I am ever grateful to the Universe, God, whatever your word for it is, for watching over me though my times of complete destitution. To think there were times where I was only one night on a friends couch away from being homeless at one point in my early twenties, to being madly in love with my husband and owning a home - and adopting my baby girl Gracie now in my late thirties, is a miracle - a true miracle. I feel forever eternally blessed for that experience because it's what makes me so very sincerely grateful for so very much in my life today. I send prayers to this girl today and I wish for her to one day have the comfort I have right now.

I give thanks for the relationships I've formed with women on these blogs - I sincerely have never, ever met so many quality people in one forum in all my life. I sit here tearing up just thinking about it, and my gratitude for you all is deep and immeasurable.

For my daughter Grace, who, because she has yet to be conceived, currently exists only in the realm of the universe: I can feel you all the time, your spirit surrounds me in certain moments and I'm taken aback at how real you are in that moment to me. Although you have yet to be conceived, I know your soul is just waiting to be delivered to us, to show us how much more beautiful this world can be because you are in it. I am grateful to you for the moments you visit my heart because it's what keeps me going, keeps me trudging forward towards you. You have already enriched my life so very much that sometimes it's inconceivable that you're not actually here yet in physical form. This is how powerful you are, how full of love and light you are, and how much you are meant to be here. Never for a moment think you are not wanted, for you are wanted beyond measure. And even thought I can't yet hold you or see your sweet face, I am immeasurably grateful for the opportunity to be your mother. I cherish it, I cherish you, and I will always be forever grateful that you are my daughter. I love you endlessly...

I am always and forever thankful for my husband, one of the most morally and ethically upright people I've ever met. He is incapable of doing anything other than what is "the right thing", because nothing else ever crosses his mind. He is kind, considerate, thoughtful, caring, generous, helpful, funny to the point of making me cry with laughter, he's sexy, he's gorgeous, and he adores me regardless of what I look like at any given moment, and, regardless of the weight I've gained since marrying him...lol. I am truly blessed to have found such a man, one whom I no longer thought existed. Thank you John for loving me so well, and for choosing me to be your partner for life... You are an incredible husband, and you will be an even more incredible father... I awall you.

And just for you two here on this blog, Patricia and Janet: for you two I am so thankful, because you have always given me the steam to continue to think about what I am grateful for. I always look for your comments with your own thanks, and it truly boosts my gratitude to read what yours are. You also remind me of things to be grateful for that I may have missed, and that enriches my gratitude as well. Thank you for always following along with me, reminding me that I'm not crazy for posting my gratitude. I love you both, and I send up a prayer for you and your families today in thanks for being my sisters in gratitude :)

Now for anyone else who might be reading: Go and be thankful today, go and make a list of what you have in your life to be thankful for, and hang that list up in a place where you can always see it. Write until your hands hurt, and make your list as long as you can get it. This is a fabulous life and we are blessed beyond measure... the things to be grateful for are there, you just have to open your eyes, and take a moment to see them.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all....

Comfy sweater, Hubby's dinners, almost Friday

2007-10-25T15:53:00.000-05:00

1. I made an impulse purchase last month of a huge cowl-neck sweater. I got it at Marshalls for only $20, but I didn't need it. I didnt even try it on in the store - I held it up and said "ok, if it doesn't fit I'll bring it back". Well, not only did it fit and look FABULOUS on me, it's sooooooo comfy and warm... It's the kind of sweater you want to be wearing on a cold day. I am thankful that I have no buyers remorse about my new sweater...lol.

2. I got home y'day and Hubby had made - are you ready for this - Chicken Cordon Bleu! NOT frozen and thawed, NOT purchased at a local restaurant and placed on our dishes... he made it himself!!!! And, it was delicious!!! He is not one who cooks often and usually doesn't have confidence when he cooks, and yet he just whipped this up himself!!!! I am SOOO impressed!!! I am thankful for my Hubby and everything he does for me! Including his tasty dinners!

3. I can't believe how fast the weeks have been flying by lately. I mean, I blink and it's the weekend again. Not sure why it's going so fast but I'm not knocking it! I am thankful for the fast flying weekdays and that tomorrow is Friday!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

great advice, decisions made, blogs done

2007-10-22T11:01:00.000-05:00

1. My last post on my other blog was about having fear of things and not proceeding in life because of fear. The comments I got were just what I needed to start putting my mind at ease. I am thankful, very thankful for the comments on my blog post - they were so thoughtful and they really helped.

2. In regards to that same post, I was trying to make up my mind about something and I am happy to say I have done exactly that - and I'm content with how I feel about it. Again, it's not about our adoption - Gracie will get here eventually and she is already our daughter :) But it's nice to be able to feel good about decisions you make that initially paralyzed you with fear. I am thankful to not have the incredible fear (I initially had) associated with my decision.

3. I have had 2 full blog makeovers in the chute for (I swear to you) almost a year. I have procrastinated doing them because of the time factor - I just haven't had any time at all. Well, I spent literally 12 hours y'day doing blog makeover stuff. The TV was off, I was at the laptop, plugging away, and didn't even think to eat anything til almost 4pm. I have one blog completely done and the headers for two others in the works. The feeling I have from getting this accomplished is incredible. I am thankful to finally have the ball rolling on these and to have completely finished one!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

my mother, my calm mind, my cooking hubby

2007-10-18T20:55:00.000-05:00

1. I had a really great talk with my mother tonight, and it was incredibly helpful. I am thankful for the conversation, for my mother, and how well it went.

2. My mind has been racing left and right lately and right now it's pretty calm. I'm thankful for the peace and quiet in my head!

3. I came home tonight and hubby had dinner all ready for us - he did last night too. Cooking isn't really his forte but OMG it's been GREAT! I am thankful for my cooking hubby!!!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

love notes, effort, money

2007-10-17T12:38:00.000-05:00

1. My husband makes my lunch everyday and yesterday, on my sandwich wrapper, he drew a heart in magic marker. Today he drew a smiley face. I am thankful that I have such a thoughtful and loving hubby :)

2. I have often accused my thoughtful, loving hubby of not making an effort to come up with original things for us to do (I come up with many, many things, but he doesn't often seem interested in doing them). Well, he came up with something - a brewery tour! And he doesn't even drink! lol! But he does like the tours, so it's something we will both enjoy and have enjoyed in the past as well. I am thankful for the effort that he is going to in order for us to get off the couch and out of the house...lol.

3. I have been focusing on having money come to me, and, it's working. I'm thankful for the money that seems to be finding its way to me on a weekly basis :)

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

Too long....

2007-10-16T11:49:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I forget to come here. When that happens, I feel guilty. I don't want to feel guilty about not being thankful because everyday I say my own thanks regardless of whether I type them out here or not. So now I'm curious as to why I feel guilty about not writing them out... interesting...

Ok, so here are quite a few thanks to make up for the days I was gone:

1. I am incredibly thankful for the people I've met through this adoption process. I have met many people in my life and haven't clicked with more than 5% of them. However with these women I've met through adoption, I have clicked with over 90% of them. I spent the entire weekend with two of them in Georgia, and the friendship we have formed is a bond I have not been able to establish with anyone in many, many years. I haven't flown on a plane since my honeymoon, and yet when these women wanted me to join them in July, I flew. I had happy pills, but I flew. Then again this past weekend, they wanted to get together and I jumped at the chance and flew again. People like these women will make you do things that you wouldn't normally do just to be with them. The best part is, I'm meeting new women just like these two all the time. I have many friends in this adoption world and with time the bonds can only grow stronger. I am honored to have met such amazing women on my journey to my daughter...

2. I have been trying to save money and spend less and make more money (did that even sound right? lol). I am thankful to say that I have become so aware of my spending that when I got a lg coffee this morning for $2.13 (I usually make my own but was running late), I added up all the days in a month that I would buy my coffee and it totaled $40. I was and still am amazed that I used to spend what is currently the equivalent of 1.5 times my current gas bill on coffee. Two months of coffee could pay for 3 months worth of heating/cooking gas in the warmer months - yet one vacuum pack of coffee is only $3.99 and lasts me 2-3 weeks. I am thankful for my newly found awareness of how much wasteful spending goes on in my life.

3. Recently my mother said something to me about how I have learned to take care of myself over the course of my life. I won't elaborate as to why it was mentioned or the conversation we were having, but it made me feel good that she recognized that in me. I am thankful for the mistakes in my life that have created the person I am today, and that I was afforded the opportunity to become a self-sufficient adult as a result of them.

4. Hubby makes me lunch every weekday now when he makes his own. This morning he told me that my sandwich was on the counter. I like my sandwiches wrapped in aluminum foil because it keeps the bread on the sandwich instead of it sliding around in a plastic baggie and getting mayo or mustard all over the inside. Anyway, when I went to get my sandwich to put it in my purse, he had drawn a heart on it in black magic marker. I love my husband so much, and he reminds me of how wonderful he is every day. I am thankful to have this wonderful man as my husband and partner for life.

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

new doctor, endo not likely, fast appointments

2007-10-09T12:14:00.000-05:00

1. I went to my new GYN this morning and he is amazing beyond amazing! I am thankful to have been referred to him and that I have FINALLY found a great Dr!

2. My new Dr said that I most likely DO NOT have endometriosis and that what I'm experiencing is probably due to my body changing. He was very very confident that even if I DID have it, it would be so minute that it wouldn't be what is causing my symptoms and that instead, it's due to my hormones changing due to my age. His confidence and sympathy/empathy is enough to have me convinced, because he sat and talked to me for 30 full minutes before examining me. I am thankful to not have endometriosis.

3. He wanted me to have an internal ultrasound done just to be sure that all my "lady parts" are there and look normal...lol. When I went to the reception counter to schedule it, she asked me if a particular time of day was better, I told her that if it's in the next month, mornings are good (because my schedule is changing). She said "next month? How's tomorrow sound...". I have an ultrasound scheduled for 10am TOMORROW... can you believe it? I am thankful for a Dr who is so on top of things, he gets me scheduled for what I need, WHEN I need it!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

Good times with friends, money saved, painless needles

2007-10-08T18:25:00.000-05:00

1. I am thankful for the good friends I have who come to my house and eat my food, drink wine with me and make me laugh till my guts hurt. I love them and I am thankful for them!

2. I am really thankful for my ability to save money lately. I've sold books on eBay, saved by not ordering take out or getting fast food, and have also received one client for a new blog header. I am thankful for the money that is just flowing my way!

3. I had to get blood work this morning and it had to be taken from my hand because my veins in my arms are just too deep. I am thankful that I BARELY even felt the needle go into my hand!!!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

Friday, $200, house guest

2007-10-05T16:10:00.000-05:00

1. It's Friday people, do I need to say more??? lol...

2. It's only been one week (to clarify, a 5-day work week, not a total 7 days) since Hubby and I revamped our budget and decided no more take out or fast food in order to save money. I also haven't spent any money frivolously either. My total expenses since Monday have been $30.32 (that's just on stuff I didn't need, not on groceries or anything), and I even feel slightly guilty about that low number because I'm trying to keep it down to $20 per week. But after going over my budget and seeing what bills I've already paid and what was left over, I thought I'd make a miscalculation.... but I didn't. It turns out that I have saved, in one week of not buying BS stuff or eating my breakfast and lunch out of the house, a total sum of $200. I don't know how I did it, and I'm still skeptical that this is even the correct number, but I have an excess of $200 in the bank this week with nothing scheduled to use it for (no bills pending). This is a minor miracle. I am thankful for my efforts to not spend needlessly and for the incredible feeling of possibility I get for the future task of becoming "monetarily unencumbered".

3. Kristen is coming Saturday afternoon and staying over. I'm cooking up a great meal and she's bringing the wine! I am thankful to have made such a great friend (who lives relatively close) during this adoption process...

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

new blog, The Secret, good friends

2007-10-04T11:43:00.000-05:00

1. My hours are changing to 9-5 as of November 1st (yay!) and that means I'll actually be able to cook real meals and eat them too by 7pm instead of getting home at 9 and then playing "guess what's for dinner" by choosing from a multitude of take out menus...lol.

I used to cook ALL THE TIME and LOVED it, but somehow it just stopped (Hubby only eating what you can find on a kids menu also put a damper on my experimentation). So after combining our finances over the weekend (only took us 5 years) and seeing the debt that we have together, I realize that we are broke as a joke and need to stop the take out 100%. And with my hours changing and the lack of excess funds, cooking is the answer for ALL our meals now, for a long time to come. I'm actually excited at the thought of cooking again because if I may be so self absorbed, lol, I am a DAMN good cook. I proved that to myself yet again by whipping up some tagliatelle alfredo from scratch (not the pasta, just the sauce). It was soooo good that Hubby remarked about it no less than 5 times. I have to admit, it was rather tasty (and it was Giada DeLaurentis' recipe, too).

So I'm excited - so excited that I'm going to start a cooking blog. I even bought the domain name for it... needsmoreketchup.com. How hysterical is that? lol! I can't take credit for it though, I thought if "needs more salt" and then he came up with the ketchup thing, and said it's from an old Odd Couple skit...lol. I liked it so much, I checked to see if it was available and it was - so I bought it! There's nothing there right now if you go to it, but I hope to get a blog going for it soon, and when I do, I'll post about it :) I am thankful to have found a renewed interest in cooking and to have been able to buy "needs more ketchup dot com"...lol.

2. Before "The Secret" came out, I was already a fan. It had been out a few months before it hit the media, and I'd already given copies of the cd's to my family in hopes that it might inspire some of them to help themselves. The people I knew would appreciate it the most are the ones who didn't really need it...lol. But rather than single anyone out specifically, I gave it to everyone.

I used to listen to the cd's on my commute to and from work, and I could listen to almost the whole thing just going one way. For some reason I stopped listening as often, and then, not at all. Now, I'm no cult member where it comes to following The Secret, but I just knew that it was at least helping me to stay positive and be goal oriented. I wasn't all crazy-psycho about it at all. But just recently I started listening to them again, and I realize why I liked them so much - because no matter how many times I listen, something in them speaks to me, to the place I'm at in my head at that particular moment. And subsequently, it does put me in a better frame of mind and helps to clear away the dark cobwebs that form over my ideas, goals, and visions of my future. I am thankful for the cd's and the effect that listening to them has on me.

3. I've been really down in the dumps about the wait for my daughter from China. I'm not trying to be a whiny baby about it at all, but there's only so much smiling nodding you can do before you find a rooftop and an AK-47. I feel like my other blog, the one that's supposed to be about all things China and what I'm doing while I wait, is totally stale and swimming in circles. I can't keep posting about nothing anymore. I mean, I have great hair now and everything and that was totally post-worthy, lol, (and apparently now so does Patricia! lol!), but I mean, don't want to keep bitching on the blog, and I don't want to keep acting as if everything is sunshine and rainbows, either. So I'm going to focus on my cooking and other stuff in the meantime, and post on Digging A Hole when I feel the urge.

After writing my post today. Maryellen called me to see how I was. I was floored that this woman - who just returned home with her beautiful Sophie only 2 weeks ago - had the time and presence of mind to pick up the phone to see how I was doing. It was fabulous of her to call, soooo thoughtful, and I appreciated it soooo much. I am thankful for the people I've met along this journey thus far (your gals included!) and I am thankful for Maryellen taking a moment in her busy day to think about me.

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

my hair, and that's about it...

2007-10-01T17:53:00.000-05:00

1. I'm thankful that my hair turned out great.

2. That's about it.

I'm in a really shitty mood right now because I figured out that the compassion and interest that my mgr showed me when I complained about the measly increase I got was a total scam.

I spoke to the owner of my company today and was told that the increase I was given was because my mgr specifically stated that that's what I should get. So when I was complaining to him about it a few weeks ago, he stared me in the face, acted surprised about the percentage when I told him, and told me he'd talk to her with me to try and get a higher percentage if I wanted him to. I told him that wasn't necessary and that I'd speak to her directly.

Good thing I didn't have a sit-down with them because I would have been very surprised to learn that all that concern was total lip service and that he sold me out. Add to that the fact that I was told that my particular increase was due to my absences - all of which I have had Dr's visits for, with the exception of 2. I'm not sure at what point this doesn't all become discriminatory against someone who has in the past year alone: been diagnosed with herniated and bulging discs at two different times, two miscarriages, 3 months of periods so painful I've missed a day of work and had to take pain killers, throwing my back out once, norovirus for 5 days where I could barely move (total of 9 but I worked the other 4), and had the stomach flu for two days.

Meanwhile, we have one tech here who sleeps every day at their desk. Yeah... I guess that's not so bad as long as they show up to get paid everyday. Oh, and how about the tech who takes two hours on each call, thus making the rest of us have to pick up the slack. Yeah, I guess that's not important either. I was actually told that some people don't get raises. Yeah, right.

I told the owner that she can just dock my pay on the days I'm not here because I'd rather not have to feel as if I have to come in when I physically can't. She refused and said she'd never do anything like that and "don't be silly". Well, if it'll get me the increase I deserve, then why not?. I also told her that being that I have another Dr's visit scheduled next week to determine whether or not I have endo (not that he can determine that right there on the spot), I might have to be out for a laproscopy in the near future. Turns out she too has had endo and has had the procedure, so she was aware of the pain associated with it all. Too bad that didn't help me any.

Oh well. I will continue to work here until I either hit the lottery, I get offered another job paying the same money, or the place burns down overnight. I'm actually hoping for all three things at this point.

Thanks for listening to me whine.

-H

Friday, finances, hair

2007-09-28T06:51:00.000-05:00

1. It's Friday, and I can't tell you how wonderful that is for me...lol. I am thankful the weekend is upon us!

2. Hubby and I have never joined finances. We were both independent when we met, with our own debt, and figured we'd merge when our debt was paid off. Fast forward to nearly 5 years later when we both have twice as much debt, a house, new trucks, etc, and we still have separate finances/banks. Today we are *supposed* to go to the back to join forces so to speak. We might not make it there because he has to wait for FedEx to bring a laptop for work, but if they show up bright and early as they usually do, we're headed out to joined. And if that happens, then on Sunday we're reworking out budget (I've kept one for years, he doesn't keep one at all), and I'm excited! I'm thankful that we're finally going to get our money together once and for all.

3. I'm getting my hair cut tomorrow and I'm excited about it! And, since I dyed my own hair last month, I don't have to get it done and I won't go broke paying for it! The cut is still going to be astronomically expensive, but still cheaper than cut and highlights. I am thankful for not having to go and spend an arm and a leg tomorrow for my hair!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

I don't need to be right, Wednesday, hubby, and a PS

2007-09-26T11:14:00.000-05:00

1. In my field (I.T.), I encounter many individuals who have the need to be right. So much so that even though they're calling or writing me for assistance on something they don't know about, they still insist that they are right and I am wrong.

The best is when they are blatantly wrong in front of others while being an ass about it - i.e., the email exchange I've been having with one serious ass-hat named Randolph (he's probably just pissed that his parents named him Randolph...lol). Anyway, he was EXTREMELY rude in an email he sent to us y'day claiming our software was garbage and the cause of all his problems. He made it a point to cc a bunch of people at his firm as well so they could see what a huge set of cahones he has on him, shooting off a nasty email to us. The funny thing is, I did a REPLY ALL as well and explained to him that 1. we hadn't heard from him since March and didn't know he even had this issue, and 2. we could easily fix his problem. He shot off his own "reply all" stating that he already did what I told him I would do to fix the problem, and then spelled out what he did (in all caps no less) - which was completely incorrect. Did I mention he replied to all? Yeah... so I did another reply all and told him the error of his ways and how what he did was incorrect. I then told him to call in again for assistance.

Some people need to be right, no matter how much of an ass they make themselves out look in the process, and no matter how wrong they actually are. I am very thankful that I am NOT one of these people.

2. It's Wednesday. Two more days and it's Friday :)

3. I know I thank him a lot, but I have to again. I'm thankful for my hubby because he is an amazing person to love me in spite of all my flaws....

PS - Patricia - the email you sent me y'day made me cry :) THANK YOU!!!!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

feeling good, writing ability, friends who check in on me

2007-09-24T18:28:00.000-05:00

1. I had a doozie of a painful Saturday. My womanly issues reached their all time high when I had to resort to prescription controlled substances to take the edge off. To say that a knife in the face would have been a nice distraction is putting it mildly. I am thankful to have a Dr's appt on Oct 9th and I'm thankful to not be in so much pain today.

2. I am a good writer... at least I think so anyway...lol. I may not be a literary genius or the best with grammatically correct paragraphs. And I might not even be the best speller - but I write the way I speak. I write using the words themselves as punctuation, in a way to most accurately and succinctly get my point and views across to the reader so that they can feel what I'm saying as well as hear it. I don't always think I'm a good writer, but after perusing some articles on the net this past week, I think I've missed my calling... because I know I'm better than at least a quarter of them.... I am thankful for my writing ability :)

3. I am thankful for my friends here who check in on me when I take a bloggy break :) I love you guys :)

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

Ugh...

2007-09-21T07:30:00.001-05:00

Ok, I'll find something to be thankful for:

1. I'm thankful that I haven't completely gone insane obsessing over my "health issues". WTF is wrong with me??? Thankful I haven't completely lost my mind over it... yet.

2. I'm thankful that my friend Pam - who is coming to stay the weekend with me - doesn't mind a cluttered house :)

3. I'm thankful that my 2-day headache (that I woke up with... again) has finally gone away.

PS - Janet, please email me - I can't find your email addy... Thanks!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

Hope, new day, Wednesday

2007-09-19T13:06:00.000-05:00

1. I'm quite surprised at the hopefulness I have regarding a certain situation in my life right now. If it doesn't work out, I'll be mildly disappointed, but totally ok with that outcome too. But after having such disappointment in the past, to find that I am actually hopeful about this did indeed surprise me. I am thankful that time heals wounds and that I grow stronger from my experiences.

2. It's a new day and new girl has lost her attitude. I am thankful that I didn't drop-kick anyone yesterday...lol.

3. I can't believe it's Wednesday already. Only two more days til the weekend and then my friend Pam is staying with us! I'm thankful that the week is flying by me...

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

Control, control, control

2007-09-18T12:13:00.000-05:00

1. I am very thankful that with age, I have learned that some things aren't worth focusing on.

2. I am very thankful that with experience, I know what is important to give my energy to, and what is not.

3. I am extremely thankful that I have the self control to not choke the ever-loving crap out of the new girl who just got bent at me for trying to explain her how she needs to do her job. She is NEW - hence the reason she needs to be told. Tough shit sister, you need to do it right or not at all. Thanks for the silent treatment. You're 40 years old - it's very mature of you. And BTW, you're still a temp... you can still be replaced.

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments)

Friday, no plans, mom's ok

2007-09-14T13:50:00.000-05:00

1. I'm forever grateful it's Friday :)

2. I am incredibly thankful that I have nothing planned this weekend AT ALL!!!!

3. My mom had surgery the other day and I'm grateful that she is doing so well!!!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

kind words, Wednesday already, everything

2007-09-12T12:34:00.000-05:00

1. It's amazing what a few kind words will do for a person. I am thankful for all of the kind words I've received lately...

2. Because I was out of work Mon & Tues with back pain, it's already Wednesday. While I'm not thankful for the pain, I am thankful to be starting my week in the middle of the week.

3. I'm still overly thankful and grateful for everything in my life... crappy stuff included. Because I have a life...

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

Thankful beyond words

2007-09-11T09:30:00.000-05:00

That's all I have to say today....

Life, family, things

2007-09-10T07:20:00.000-05:00

1. I am thankful for my life. 'Nough said.

2. I am also thankful for the beautiful people who are my family....

3. It still amazes me sometimes that I'll be doing something totally benign and it hits me that this beautiful "fill in the blank" is actually mine. I had a weird one this morning where I went into my medicine cabinet for something and remarked silently to myself, 'This is a beautiful medicine cabinet... and it's mine... and it's in my beautiful bathroom, in MY HOUSE!" (all still silently might I add...lol). Sometimes I have that kind of "Thankful stream of consciousness". I am thankful for all of the beautiful things that are mine that I thought I'd never have.... like my house and everything in it.

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

Referral days, another pound, Frank

2007-09-06T07:46:00.000-05:00

1. My friend Patricia posted all about her referral day on her blog (password protected) and while I was reading, I felt like I was right there with her. It then got me to thinking about the day we'll get the referral for Gracie, and it made me very excited, happy, and full of love. Thank you to my friend Patricia for sharing her story, because it brought joy back into this adoption process for me...

2. I have lost another pound (finally, first one in 2+ weeks!) for a grand total of 18 pounds down!!! How can you not be thankful for that??? lol...

3. A man I used to work with died Tuesday night. I left that company three years ago and hadn't kept in touch with him, yet when I heard about his death at the tragically young age of 53, it still hit me like a ton of bricks. This was a good man, a very good human being. He was the kind of person whose energy drew all around him into it. I spent countless hours and lunches with him, listening to his grandiose stories of traveling the world (and all true stories at that), and even with his immense wealth and high ranking business status in the financial world, he still treated everyone as if they were his cousin or close friend, always on the same level, the same playing field, and it was one of the reasons he was so well loved. I am thankful that I knew Frank, because he helped to remind me how to treat others and how to live life from a place of joy....

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

Thanks for a bunch of things....

2007-09-05T07:14:00.000-05:00

I've been away from here since the holiday weekend and I just can't get back into the swing of things, blog-wise. I have MUCH to be thankful for, but will only list three short things here:

1. My Amigurumi crochet book came yesterday and I am totally addicted to it already. I can't wait to make some stuff!!!! I am so thankful for having found this style of crochet!

2. I think I have finally found peace with a decision I've been needing to make. I am just going to let go, live my life and see what happens. There will be no putting off of things while I wait for something that I have no idea if and when it will happen. We will cross those bridges when we get to them. I am thankful for being able to relax about this.

3. I am thankful for my new hair color. I'm still surprised when I look in the mirror and see how much darker it is (especially when it needs to be washed! lol!) but I really think it compliments me. No more bleached out blond for me.

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

my hair, my ring, my husband

2007-08-30T07:26:00.000-05:00

1. I did something last night that I didn't think I would do ever again - I colored my own hair. I did this for three huge reasons: first, I have been going to my hair guy for years, but the last two or three times I've gone, he isn't doing my hair the way I want it done, nor doing it the color I've wanted it either. He is coloring it the way HE wants it, and that my peeps, is not good business practice. I tell him darker, he goes lighter. I tell him lighter, it stays the same and doesn't even look like he's done a thing to it. The second reason is that - and don't choke - I can no longer afford the almost $300 it was costing me to get it done every 2-3 months. I know, I know, it's totally ridiculous to pay that much to get your hair done, but he wasn't always that expensive, and it's the only vice I have that I spend money on, and that's because once you have someone totally screw up your hair to the point of being in tears, you don't care how much you pay to have it done right. Gradually over the years he's increased his prices, and like a lemming I just follow along with the inflated prices and keep paying it because it's easier to shell out an extra $100 to not have to find someone new who charges less. Lastly, each time I've been there over the past year or more, the cost is always the same no matter what I get done to my hair - and how can THAT be??? If you go into the store one day and buy milk, bread, and butter, and it all comes to $5, then how is it you can go in the next week and buy just bread and have it also be $5, if there are set prices for everything??? So each time I go in there, it's always the same price, whether I get my hair cut or not. So if I go and get highlights and not get it cut for the same price as getting highlights and getting it cut, how the hell are you figuring that should be the same price if a haircut costs $60??? So I'm tired of it, and I finally took the plunge and dyed my own hair the color I've wanted it done for so many months, and I must say, it does look good. It's darker than my bright, fake-looking, brassy yellow hair was before, but that's good because it's really close to what my natural color is now. So after this whole long and rambling story, I have to say that I'm thankful to have finally bitten the bullet and did it myself! AND, I'm thankful that it turned out great!

2. I got my engagement ring back from the jeweler and it is so shiny and sparkling that I can't take my eyes off of it. I feel like I just got a new piece of jewelry! I am thankful I had the courage to leave my jewelry with the guy and that he did such a great job. I'm still having work done on my wedding band, so I'll have to wait and see how that turns out next week before I give thanks for that! lol...

3. My hubby is just the best, and I love him madly. I am so thankful to have him in my life!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

fast times, sparkling jewels, new girl

2007-08-29T11:05:00.000-05:00

1. When I say fast times, I mean that the time is flying by so fat that the 8 months we've been waiting since our LID has literally felt like only 2. I am thankful for beng so distracted and busy that the months are just flying by!

2. I just returned from picking up my jewelry, which was being serviced and polished (the stones were loose and they were filthy). I swear to you, I could blind someone with the shine coming off of these things right now, that's now great they look. I cant' peel my eyes from them - I feel like it's a brand new gift on Christmas and I'm 6 years old again! lol... I am so thankful for the great job the jeweler did on my rings!

3. We have a new girl answering the phones and she is AMAZING! I am so very thankful for her!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

clean house, fall, big pants

2007-08-28T07:08:00.000-05:00

1. I had a BBQ a few weeks ago and cleaned the house spic and span. We're having another BBQ a week from Saturday and the house is still relatively clean (huge shocker! lol!). I am thankful that we have been able to maintain a quasi-clean house!

2. Fall is my favorite season. There's something in the air, the holidays are around the corner, you can break out your sweaters... I just love that season! I am so thankful that fall is on its way!

3. Yesterday I wore a pair of pants that were a regular wardrobe piece for me for the past 6-12 months. They were a tad big on me, but they hung really nicely so I kept them and wore them regularly. Well, yesterday I decided that they're too big for me to wear anymore. They not only look big, but they feel ridiculous - like I'm wearing someone else's clothing. I haven't lost any more pounds, but I'm definitely losing inches, and those pants are proof of it. I am thankful to have pants that I can retire :)

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

Friends, camera, exercise

2007-08-27T07:38:00.000-05:00

1. We had a great time with a newer friend this weekend. She is such a great person, and I am blessed to have become friends with her. I hope we have many more years of friendship to come! I am thankful for my new friend :)

2. I love my camera. I have loved my camera since before I even got my camera, but now I love it even more. I am SOOO thankful to have my kick-ass camera!

3. It seems that the dreaded monthly event that was becoming so painful and horrific on all counts has become increasingly and noticeably better this month. I am attributing it to increased exercise! My new motivation for exercising now - besides weight loss - is pain management from the dreaded cramps (which were so bad Saturday morning that they woke me up from a sound sleep) and lightening the monstrous quantity of, well, you know. I am thankful that my exercise has had an added benefit of making my womanly issues not as bad!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

Oops, my bad...

2007-08-24T16:06:00.001-05:00

Y'day was Thankful Thursday and I didn't even post any thanks! Ugh!

1. It seems that here in the northeast, the summer has already been shoved out the door and the fall has ushered itself in. Ok, well maybe it doesn't feel like that today, but it has felt like that for a week now. And, it's got me yearning for the days of pumpkins, wool sweaters, and the fiery, blazing hues of the trees as they don their autumn shawls of color. We've even slept with the windows open almost every night this week, and it's been chilly... perfect sleeping weather if you ask me. So, my first thanks is to the summer that took care of my plants so well, and the fall that is coming right behind it, that I can't wait for...

2. Again, even though the scale has stopped (it's THAT time of the month, my peeps), I continue to see the changes in my body despite the fact that I've still only lost 14% of the total number I need to lose. that equals 6.3% of my total body weight lost so far. I was shooting for 17% lost by Labor Day and 7.3% of my body weight gone, but with this wretched monthly female virus (of which I'm having serious issues with right now on top of it), I may not get there. But I still regard my changing form with approval regardless, and I am thankful for the opportunity to see the change through my eyes on my body, rather than through my body on the scale...

3. I love my fabulous husband. I am blessed and have been given the gift of a noble, kind, generous, morally steadfast man, and I am thankful for him.

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

pain, trips, hope

2007-08-22T17:43:00.000-05:00

1. A very close friend emailed me yesterday to tell me that she just had a miscarriage at 7 weeks. She has a beautiful 2 year old son and was there for me when I needed someone to vent to when I had my miscarriages. Now, here she was, telling me about hers. I cried for her. Numerous times. I know that pain, and it's hard to not feel it again in an empathetic way when you hear about someone you love having to go through it for the first time, or any time for that matter. The thanks I give today is for my being able to help her with my words, being that I have BTDT. If there are thanks to be given, then I am thankful to be able to support my friend in such a personal way.

2. I am planning a trip to see once of my new bloggy BFF's. I am thankful to have the invite to go see her and spend time with her, because she is such a great person :)

3. I have hope about my weight loss and getting healthy. Even though the scale hasn't budged in almost a week, I still have hope - and faith even - that it will. I am thankful for this optimism.

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

Holy carp!

2007-08-21T04:58:00.000-05:00

And yes, I do mean holy carp ;)

It's been WAY too long since I've been here. But I guess sometimes life just snatches you up and you don't even realize it til you notice that it's been 4 days since you posted on your DAILY thanks blog. Ugh.

Ok, so here are my three thanks today:

1. I am thankful that even thought the scale isn't going down right now, I'm losing inches.

2. I am thankful to be planing a trip to see one of my bloggy buddies in October, where I'll even see MORE bloggy buddies once I'm there.

3. I'm thankful for my arms that look as though I've started using weights... because I have :)

What are YOU thankful for today?

(Tell me in your comments!)

date with Hubby, getting lighter everyday, Friday

2007-08-17T07:58:00.000-05:00

1. As I'd mentioned before, I have a date with Hubby tonight - and I am sooo thankful for that!

2. Even though I'm still at a 16.5 lb loss today, my enthusiasm and determination - and esteem - are overflowing. I am so thankful to feel this way.

3. It's Friday - do I need to be more specific than that??? lol...

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

perseverance, tomorrow, coffee

2007-08-16T07:06:00.000-05:00

1. Because of my efforts, I have now lost 16.5 pounds! I am thankful that my perseverance has paid off!

2. Hubby is taking me on a date tomorrow, which coincidentally happens to be the 6 year anniversary of our first date - which he just remembered last night. We're going to the restaurant we went to on our second date, only because I don't get out of work and home until 9pm and the first restaurant we ever went to is too far away from us to make it there before they close. This other restaurant though is very close to where we live now, so that's where we'll go - which is cool, because we haven't been back since our second date! I am thankful to have a real date with my husband :)

3. I drink the best coffee in the world (at least I think so anyway). It's Cafe Bustelo, Cuban (or Spanish - not sure) espresso - and I make it in the coffee maker as if it were regular coffee. It's rich and strong without ever being bitter. I have it every morning, and after tasking what Dunkin Donuts tastes like compared to this, I am not, as Hubby says he is, forever ruined for "fast food" coffee. I am thankful to not only be saving money, but to be drinking better stuff too!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

Oops - I missed a day: weight, noticing, friends

2007-08-14T11:48:00.000-05:00

1. I have now lost 15 lbs! It feels like I'm barely trying, but that's not entirely true. I have reduced my calories, made sure I don't eat anything too heavy for dinner (I eat dinner at 9:30pm!) and have started walking at least 4x a week. The food has never been an issue for me because I don't eat poorly to begin with... but the exercise is what I think is doing it for me. I am thankful to not have gotten bored with exercising yet, and I'm thankful it's paying off!

2. My mother and sister both noticed that I'd lost weight - which is bizarre because usually I have to lose 30-40 lbs before anyone can tell (like Janet said!). My sister even went as far as to say that my face and arms are what looks smaller, specifically - which again is bizarre because that's exactly what I thought looked smaller on me, too! I am SO thankful to have someone notice my efforts - WHAT a motivator!

3. Kristen spent the weekend with us, and I am sooooo thankful to now have a true friend in the state of NJ :)

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

new friends, willpower, clean house

2007-08-12T12:44:00.000-05:00

1. After having a bloggy bbq y'day, I'm am thankful for having met so many new people, and people that I knew online but not in person. I am also especially thankful for meeting Kristen... she's a keeper, for sure. I am so thankful to have met new friends...

2. Have you ever known someone who constantly says inappropriate things to you because they're so totally insecure, their goal is to make sure you "know" that they're better than you? Yeah. I hate those people. While I understand why they're doing it, I still can't stand them - they are such a waste of my time and oxygen. I am thankful that, when these types of people speak up, I have the willpower to not deck them. I am thankful that I am mature enough to know why they do what they do and that I have the willpower to see past it.

3. My house is c-l-e-a-n! Need I say more?

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

No work til Monday!, feeling ambitious, 14 lbs

2007-08-09T06:50:00.000-05:00

1. Holy crap, I don't have to go back to work til Monday!!!! Like I mentioned once before, I'm still going to be cleaning and stuff at home while I'm off so it's not like I'm going to be a lady of leisure, but I'd rather scrub crap in my own house til I was riddled with pain than to sit for one hour at my place of work. So therefore, I am SOOOO thankful to have two whole days off!

2. I'm a little tired today, but I'm feeling ambitious! Now I just can't wait for Hubby to get his ass out the door so I can get down to business! (is it just me, or do you clean better too when your husband isn't around???). I'm so thankful to not feel dreadful or overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of things I have to do today.

3. So far, I have lost 14 lbs!!!! I am thankful to be so hopeful that I will finally, once and for all, lose all of my weight this time around...

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

knowing I have a problem, hubby's help, short week

2007-08-07T08:06:00.000-05:00

1. Whenever I have people over, I need to clean the house. Well, ok, so does everyone when they have people over. But here's the thing: you'd be shocked to see how we live 24/7 when it's just us, knowing that no one comes to our house uninvited because we live an hour away from everyone we know. We're slobs. No Joke. It's like we're giant 8 year olds where we will use something and not put it back, or when we get in the house after work we drop our shit at the foot of the piano in the living room and it'll sit there til... well, till we plan on having company and it has to get moved. So what usually happens is that I get so overwhelmed with how much has to be done that I freeze up and do nothing. Not even kidding. It's a panic thing, and that's how I cope with it. Then, at the last minute (the day before) I take the day off from work (I always plan for it way in advance, knowing I do this...lol) and then I go CRAZY getting everything done - being too exhausted to really enjoy the festivities the next day. Well this year, this time, I planed even better. I took not only Friday off, but Thursday too. This way, I can freak out and clean on Thursday and then give myself a free day to try to relax and rest between the leaning and the party. I also started cleaning last week instead of two days before and I made a list of everything I'd like to do. I also stop myself when I feel the panic (lack of movement) set in and I talk myself out of it, and focus on doing one of the things on the list. So the thing I'm thankful about this is that I know I freeze up and go stagnant when I feel overloaded, and this is the very first time that I have been able to talk myself out of it and talk myself into doing something else. I am thankful for being able to plan ahead and move through my overwhelmed state.

2. Thank God for hubby and all of his help. I am very grateful for him, and for his assistance in getting the house ready.

3. Even though I took two days off to clean house and prepare for a BBQ, I'm still thrilled to have a short work week at my job. I would rather scrub shit in my own home til my knuckles bled than sit on my ass all day long in that godforsaken place. I am thankful to have only three days of it this week.

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

Short week, less pain, moulding

2007-08-06T06:27:00.000-05:00

1. This week I took off on Thursday & Friday to prepare for a gathering at my house. Just knowing that I don't have to work the full week is sooooooo less stressful! I also usually only take one day off before a big event, but then I spent that entire day killing myself with cleaning, and then have to shoot straight into the party day with no reprieve. However this time around, I thought of that ahead of time and took both Thursday AND Friday off! I am so thankful to have a short week and to have had the forethought to take two days instead of one.

2. My heel spurs in my right foot were so bad yesterday that I was afraid of getting up off the couch a few times, afraid of the pain that I knew would follow. However this morning it's feeling MUCH better... I am thankful to have much less pain in my foot!

3. I was able to put up moulding in our bathroom this weekend - and it looks GREAT! While I did that, Hubby was upstairs cleaning...lol. We're soooo opposites in that arena - I do all the home improvement stuff, he does all the laundry...lol. I'm sure it could be better, but I think that for a novice, it tuned out pretty damn good. I am thankful to be resourceful enough to do almost any home DIY task set out to do!!!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

Air conditioning, baby steps, good friends

2007-08-04T10:25:00.000-05:00

1. I'm cleaning my house this entire weekend and OMG I am dripping with sweat. I had the air conditioner in the bedroom on and it helped, but every time I left that room it was an oven. I am thankful to be able to sit and take a break in my very very cold air conditioned room!

2. Like I said, I'm cleaning. But I'm not doing the "just put things somewhere so you can't see them" type of hurried "straightening", I'm REALLY going through things, throwing things out, organizing things, etc. I just moved a tiny book case from our bedroom to our crawl space (it's pretty huge actually and I can stand in it) and organized and moved all of the books that were on it as well. I cleaned out my nightstand drawer, under the nightstand (stray books there too) and moved another stack of books and magazines upstairs to the crawl space as well. Time spent? 2 hours. You'd never knew I did a damn thing in here for two hours because the place is still a sty...lol. However, moving those books has been on my list of things to do for almost a year if you can believe it - so I am thankful to finally have it done, no matter if it looks like I've done nothing...lol.

3. After my recent bout with an ass of a dr, I had a few bloggy pals email me. One even gave me the name of her Dr and guess what - they're in my medical plan! I am SO thankful for that, and thankful for my bloggy pals who support me.

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

new found motivation, Friday, my job

2007-08-03T08:09:00.000-05:00

1. After having a doctor completely dismiss my health concerns and instead bash me about my weight (you can read the whole story on my other blog), I have a renewed interest in getting healthy - so that doctors will treat me instead of dismiss me because I'm fat. I am thankful for the renewed motivation I have to lose weight.

2. It's Friday - this week FLEW by. I am thankful for it being the last day of work this week!

3. Speaking of work, I really loathe my job, but it does provide me with a decent salary where I don't have to dig ditches for a living doing it. I am thankful for the low-maintenance job I have that pays me well.

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

no pain, Wednesday, moving?

2007-08-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

1. Ever since I had the second miscarriage in Feb, my "Aunt Flo" has been completely bizarre, painful, and getting worse and worse each month in many ways. This month was no exception. But this time. after being in pain at work, I left at the end of the day and on my way home, broke out into a cold sweat and just hoped to make it home before I really started feeling ill. Well, I made it home and I had a temperature of 100 (mine is usually 97. something, so that's like 101). I took some antibiotics that my Dr had given me for something else a few weeks ago, and sat on the couch in a daze, drifting in and out of sleep. About two hours later, I felt better. I went to sleep hoping I'd wake up and not feel sick, and, this morning when I got up, I was ok. I know I should go see my GYN, and I will, but for right now, I'm happy and thankful to be feeling better.

2. It's Wednesday, and that means it's halfway through the week - and I am thankful for that!

3. Yesterday I told Hubby that for our 10 year anniversary, I wanted to move to North Carolina - and he said "ok, let's work on a 5 year plan". I was floored. This has been something I've wanted to do before meeting him, and before getting married he'd originally said yes but totally changed his tune after getting married. Not sure what changed his mind, but at long last, I feel like I at least feel like I have some forward moving momentum in my life. I am very thankful for whatever gave Hubby a change of heart.

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

Briana, clean house, my possibilities

2007-07-30T08:54:00.000-05:00

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?

2007-07-29T13:44:00.000-05:00

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

2007-07-26T08:06:00.000-05:00

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

2007-07-25T23:08:00.000-05:00

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...

2007-07-24T12:59:00.000-05:00

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

2007-07-18T06:56:00.000-05:00

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

2007-07-16T17:48:00.000-05:00

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

2007-07-15T08:13:00.000-05:00

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

2007-07-14T08:40:00.000-05:00

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

2007-07-13T07:53:00.000-05:00

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

2007-07-12T15:56:00.000-05:00

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

2007-07-11T09:16:00.000-05:00

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...

2007-07-10T18:02:00.000-05:00

... 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

2007-07-07T06:35:00.000-05:00

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

2007-07-06T16:45:00.001-05:00

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

2007-07-05T06:44:00.000-05:00

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

2007-07-04T12:09:00.000-05:00

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

2007-07-03T09:10:00.000-05:00

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

2007-07-02T09:08:00.000-05:00

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

2007-07-01T11:56:00.000-05:00

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!)

Friday, cooler weather, the mess in my yard

2007-06-29T11:04:00.000-05:00

1. It's Friday - I don't think I need to explain that one...lol. I am thankful that I have two whole days to myself :)

2. It's been stiflingly hot and humid here for 3 days - but today, it's 70 with a cool breeze, and slightly overcast! I am very thankful for the break in the balmy weather!

3. The house next to us has been vacant for almost 2 years - and we've loved every minute of it. However the bank decided recently to put it on the market and no one was coming to see it. Well, they dropped the price drastically and now everybody and their brother has been there, blocking our driveway, parking in front of our house in my spot... it's been really annoying. But I think that the mess in our side yard is deterring them a bit! It's a mess because it's "under construction", but they might not see it that way. So I'm thankful that maybe the disaster in our yard is scaring people away from buying it so we can have the rest of the summer to ourselves!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

Thunder and lightening, plans with friends, favors

2007-06-28T05:55:00.000-05:00

1. Yesterday we had some of the most amazing weather I've seen in a very long time. At lunch, I drove to the duck pond as per my usual, and as soon as I got there and parked, the skies opened up and it began to pour. While I sat there listening to the rain, the lightening started - and I witnessed bolts that literally lasted for 3 full seconds. It was truly amazing. Then, of course, came the thunder - and it literally shook my truck. It's been a very long time since I've sat through a lightening storm, and it was just amazing. I am thankful for the unbelievable weather!

2. I have some blogitty plans with one very cool chica this Saturday night! I have really been looking forward to meeting her in person and getting to know her better! I am thankful for a new friend in NJ :)

3. I've been thinking about gift ideas for a few people and yesterday it hit me as to what I should give them. So I called up my best friend Pammy who actually makes these gifts and sells them, and asked her for her help. I told her that I was low on cash and while I wasn't expecting anything for free, it would be better for me if it wasn't too expensive. She said if I bought the materials, she would make the gifts. I am SO thankful for my friend Pammy and for this huge favor she is doing me!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

Enthusiasm, early rising, the drive in

2007-06-27T08:15:00.000-05:00

1. I recently came up with a great idea for a side business and I just told my best friend all about it last night. She is so enthusiastic about it - she even wants to do it with me! I am SO thankful for the people I love to be enthusiastic about my ideas!

2. This morning I woke up before the alarm at around 6am. Thinking I should get a little more sleep, I tried to lay there for a while but I just couldn't - I was already too awake. So I got up around 6:30, got dressed, and went outside to water all of my plants, window boxes, and various veggie and flower gardens. By the time I was done with the back yard and window boxes, it was only 7:30am! That's the time I usually START! (and yes, it takes me about 2 hours to water everything by hand, front yard and back). After Hubby left for work, I went out into the front yard. Wouldn't you know it, I was done with everything by 9am and now I actually have time to sit and relax with a bowl of cereal for 30 minutes before I have to start getting ready for work! I am thankful for waking up early today! (and I just might have to make a habit of it!)

3. We actually have an old school drive in movie theater about 15 minutes from us. The movies start at 9pm, just as the sun has completely gone down. We love to go, however I don't usually get home until 8:45pm from work. So last night we decided to go - but I know I was going to be hungry because I hadn't eaten lunch at all. I asked if Hubby could go get us some Chinese food before I got home because we'd be late for the movie if we had to stop on the way. Well... when I pulled up to the house, he was already in his truck, with it started, waiting for me, WITH CHINESE FOOD! I am not only thankful to have a drive in so close to us, but I am thankful for Hubby who made it possible for us to make it there on time!!!

4. Bonus thanks: I am very thankful that Patricia found her wallet, in tact, nothing missing!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

My wild spirit, hummingbirds, money

2007-06-26T09:15:00.000-05:00

1. I recently posted pictures of myself at my bachelorette party, where I dressed in drag and danced on a stage - lipsynching to "I Will Survive". As I posted those pics, I was belly laughing, because I couldn't believe that I was THAT outgoing. I know I'm extroverted, but that takes the cake...lol. I am SO very thankful for my wild spirit... without it I wouldn't have such great memories!

2. I have a fascination with hummingbirds. Before we'd bought this house, I'd never seen one "in real life" before. But after chatting with a friend who lives only 15 minutes from me, I found out that she had dozens that flocked to her feeders - so I put one up (or 5). Now I get hummingbirds everyday. I never usually see more than two at a time, but I do see them all day long. I am very thankful that I am able to watch hummingbirds up close and personal!

3. Just when you most need it and least expect it, a boat load of money comes your way. I am so thankful for the money that is finding it's way to me, over and over again.

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

Yard almost done, new guy, same on the scale

2007-06-25T09:05:00.000-05:00

1. It's still June and the stuff in my yard is almost done. For the past two years, there has always been so much going on (projects in the yard or outside) that we were still working on them well into August. This year, I'm confident that everything will be done in only a few short weekends. I am soooo thankful to have less stuff to do this year and that we'll be able to not do anything on the weekends again!

2. The new guy starts today at my office. He will be the one eventually working my 12-8 shift and I'll be going 9-5. PLEASE pray to all things holy that this guy is REALLY good and doesn't bail. I am thankful for having a new person at work!

3. For the first time in what seems like a lifetime, I weighed the same this morning as I did on Friday, my weigh in day. This hasn't happened in FOR-EV-ER. Usually I'm up a few pounds for various reasons, then I spend the first three weekdays trying to get those pounds off and then I can work on adding additional losses to it the other 2 weekdays. But this week, I get to start clean, from where I left off! I am SO UNBELIEVABLY GRATEFUL to weigh the same today as I did Friday!!!!!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

Friday, bbq at 5, no plans for Sunday

2007-06-22T12:38:00.000-05:00

1. I'm thrilled and thankful it's Friday... I always am!

2. Tomorrow I have a bbq to go to and I thought that it was going to be at like 2, but it's at 5. This means that I can go have my hair redone tomorrow and not have to rush home and rush back out. I'm thankful for the extra time.

3. We have no plans to do anything else with or for anyone else this Sunday, and I am very thankful for that!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

Lifted spirits, good pictures, healthy habits

2007-06-20T21:14:00.000-05:00

1. I've been in a bit of a funk lately, but my mood has lifted and I'm definitely in a better place in my head. I know my hormones are to blame for this, but it doesn't make it any easier. I am thankful that my attitude has left the building!

2. I did a photo challenge on my blog and tomorrow is the first post. As I was sorting though the pictures I took, there were more good ones than I'd realized. I am thankful for the good pictures to remind me that I do indeed have a keen eye.

3. I've been eating Lean Cuisines and salads every day for lunch. Not only have I lost weight, but I've saved a boat load of money too because I'm not buying my $10 lunch everyday. I am very grateful that I have stuck to my diet because I'm taking the fat off my thighs and making my wallet fatter in the process!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

Great ideas, 3lbs in a day, 8 days off

2007-06-19T11:59:00.000-05:00

1. I had a million dollar idea the other day. I was thinking about what it is I could produce and sell as a side business, and it came to me. The whole idea came to me at once: everything I'd sell, the name of the company, products. Everything. I went online and even bought the domain name for it already, and I've done some research on some product that I need to purchase. It's like it was in my head the whole time, just waiting for me to find it. I'm a little intimidated to get things started, but I'm more excited than I am scared, and THAT s a GREAT THING! I am soooo grateful for this idea!

2. I recently saw a picture of myself from a wedding I went to last month. I had no clue - not even an idea - that I was as large as I am. I'm not one of those girls who is 20 lbs overweight and wrecks on themselves for being fat. I am VERY large - 100+ lbs over what I should be, and since I never see myself that way, the number on the scale doesn't register in my head as being "too much". Well, after seeing a few of those pics, I was dumbfounded. So, I restarted my diet yesterday. I watched all salt and sugar intake, drank my water, ate copious amounts of veggies, counted my points, and did REALLY well. Because of this, I was down 3 lbs overnight (don't get all "that's not healthy" on me, it's all water, and when you have 120lbs to lose, it's the equivalent of .5 for a mildly overweight person). I am very thankful to ME for sticking with it for an entire day, and for the scale showing me the rewards of my efforts!

3. I knew I had already used almost all of my vacation days this year, and it's only June. But when I was talking to the new person who keeps track of those things, she said "you have lots of days left!". I had no idea what she was talking about so I had her look it up. It turns out I had 2 vacation days left over from last year, as well as 2 days left for this year. I also have 4 personal days a year - and I thought I only got 2! So when you total them all up, I have 8 days coming to me for the rest of this year!!! am SO thankful for these days I have off!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

My body, a long weekend, getting a sign

2007-06-18T06:51:00.000-05:00

1. I am a HEAVY gal. WAY heavier than I should be (100+ pounds over in fact). But I am very active in my yard all weekend long, doing things that "fit" women would never even attempt to do. Hell, there are lots of men I know who wouldn't do these things either. I am just so thankful that even at my size, I'm able to do sooooo much hard & strenuous work. I am thankful for the overweight body that is capable of so much.

2. This was a regular weekend for me, but for some reason it seemed so much longer. I love feeling that I got the most out of my weekend instead of having it fly by. I am thankful for the feeling of having a full and long weekend.

3. I've been trying to justify the psychotic amount of money I spend on my hair every few months. Each time I go and my hair turns out perfect, I feel satisfied that my money was well spent. Well, I went again this Saturday and once again was justifying the expense with my friend, saying that it's too hard to find someone new because they screw up your hair. Well, I had the chance to finally wash and style my own hair last night and I noticed that the low lights he put in look AWFUL. It's almost as if he didn't get the hair color on all of the hair, because it's spotty and streaky. There's no way of explaining it really without a visual, but let's just say for the money I paid, I should come out with pristine color - not a palm sized chunk of hair that is speckled and streaked, and INCREDIBLY noticeable unless I style my hair "just so". I called and left a message stating that I will need to go back in next Saturday to get it fixed, because I have no time during the week to do it. So I spent 3 hours in there this past Saturday, and because of their gross error, I have to spend another 3 this coming Saturday. So, how is it I'm thankful for this? Well, I always said in my head that if he wasn't so good, I would find someone cheaper. Guess what - the Universe gave me a sign saying "you can go find someone cheaper now...", and that's exactly what I intend on doing. I am thankful to have this experience so that I can now go and find a cheaper hair stylist.

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!"

Time has gotten away from me...

2007-06-15T11:15:00.000-05:00

I can't believe that days can go by and I forget to post. I have to stop doing that.

Ok, my three thanks today are:

1. I am thankful it's Friday (did you think I was going to say something different? I'm ALWAYS thankful when it's Friday...lol)

2. I'm soooo thankful that Google's bladder infection seems to have healed and has not peed on anything in two weeks. He also takes his medicine like a champ, and as I got near to the end of the bottle, he was actually licking the medicine out of the eye dropper instead of squirming when I got near him with it...lol. I am thankful for a healthy cat!

3. Today is Hubby's birthday and I'm happy to be able to buy him a cake later and sing happy birthday to him!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

Beautiful, someone's out, Hubby

2007-06-11T21:35:00.000-05:00

1. Today I got dressed and felt beautiful, thin, hot... I am very thankful for the moments I feel that way!

2. There is one coworker that was out of the office today and for my own reasons, I am very thankful for that :)

3. I love my Hubby, and I am very thankful for him in my life.

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

Thursday is Friday, Out at 5, Weekend

2007-06-07T12:42:00.000-05:00

1. Todays thanks are all about getting out early and the weekend being here. Hubby left this morning for the entire weekend and I miss him terribly already. I decided a while ago that while he was gone, I'd switch my hours and get out early today, and take tomorrow off, just to ahve some time to myself in the house to get things done without him there. My friend is coming to stay the weekend with me and we have a bunch of stuff planned, but tonight and tomorrow I will have the house to myself. So right now, I'm thankful that today is my Friday.

2. I changed my hours today so that I get out at a normal hour - 5pm. I love that I'll have so much day left! I am so thankful for getting out early.

3. I'm just plain grateful it's the weekend. Can you tell yet? lol...

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

Bladder infection, Money, Nicotiana

2007-06-05T09:14:00.000-05:00

1. Google, my youngest cat, decided last weekend that peeing in places where there is no litter box was ok to do. I on the other hand, lost my shit over it. None of my cats have ever done that before, and I've had cats my entire life. I knew that this was one of two things: a UTI or bladder infection, or he was peeing to mark his territory. We waited he week to see if he'd do it again, and either he hasn't, or we just haven't found the spots he's gone in since (ewww, I'm freaking jsut thinking about it). We decided it was time to go to the vet just to rule out illness, and as it turns out, he has trace amounts of blood in his urine, aka, mild bladder infection. We were given some liquid meds to administer via eye dropper (what fun - he'll have my fingers for lunch) and told to return in 10 days to do another urine culture. I am SOOOOOO thankful that he has a bladder infection and that he isn't just peeing all over to mark his territory!

2. It seems that just when I think I don't have any more money, a lot of it turns up out of nowhere. I am sooooo grateful and thankful for all the money that is now coming into my life.

3. I have planted copious amounts of annuals in window boxes all around my house, but I added a new one called nicotiana (tobacco flower) this year because it is supposedly hummingbird friendly. One of the other added bonuses of this flowering annual is that it has the most amazing smell! I planted them in all my deck planters and we frequently open the sliding glass doors as well as the windows in the living room, just to get a cross breeze. Now, with the nicotiana planted, the smells coming into my house are just beautiful - it smells like summer time in here all the time now. I have yet to see a hummingbird go near it yet (they visit the feeders and the honeysuckle only for right now), but in the meantime, I'll jsut enjoy their perfumey smell! I am so thankful for my beautifully smelling flowers!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

Rain, Monday, Friends

2007-06-04T08:52:00.000-05:00

1. The local weather forecast has been predicting rain all week and we finally got it yesterday afternoon, just after I'd finished reseeding the entire lawn. I am very thankful for the rain!

2. After working like crazy last weekend and then doing the same this weekend, I'm actually happy it's Monday and I have to go to work, because I'd feel guilty not getting outside and doing more today if it was another day off. But my body is beat down and I just need to rest. And since my job requires that I do little else than sit, then rest is what I'm going to get. I'm thankful for Monday, for once in a very long time...lol.

3. Hubby is going away this weekend and my friend is coming to stay with me. I don't like being in the house alone, so I am very grateful for her to be staying the weekend with me.

What are YOU grateful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

Searching...

2007-05-31T17:29:00.001-05:00

I've been in a really foul mood lately, and I'm searching for something to write about being thankful for. It's not that I don't have things to be thankful for, everyone does no matter how tumultuous their life is. But I'm just being pissy about it.

Since no one comes here save for a few peeps I dig, I'm going to use this blog to vent. I'd post about it on my other blog, but it's a juvenile vent and I would rather not be mocked for it. But still, it's bugging me and I just don't freaking get it.

I don't blog for comments. I truly don't. I like when people comment, but it's not why I blog.

But... why is it that some people can post about what they ate for lunch and get 40 comments, and I can post about a horrific event in my life and get 9? Some people post about having nothing to say and get 60+... Me? I can post about finding out I'm pregnant with triplets the day before boarding a plane to China (just an example) and get less than 12.

So here's my question: What gives? What makes a post about paint drying so much more interesting and comment-worthy than my post about my father having a sex-change operation (again, just an example)?

I told you this was juvenile... but I just can't help but wonder WTF people are thinking when they get all wrapped up on someone else's blog in a post about technically.... nothing. I guess my problem is that I hope for people to comment and when they don't, I get bummed out. That never used to be the case, my wanting comments... that is, until I started seeing posts on other blogs getting 40+ comments about something like fried bologna. Hell, I poured my soul out regarding my miscarriage and I only received something like 19 comments. AGAIN, I don't blog for comments, but when I see that I get over a hundred hits a day and yet only 4 comments, it really does make me wonder what makes a post comment worthy or not, and why my posts are the "not's".

Ok, my juvenile rant is over. But if anyone has any ideas as to why this is the case, please let me know...

Ok, three thanks:

1. I am thankful for my husband, who always has a wise ass comment for me when I get home

2. I am thankful that I stood up for myself to the cretin I work with

3. I am thankful that my relationship with the other person at work went from horrific to really great

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

Nature, Wednesday, hope

2007-05-30T17:26:00.000-05:00

1. This morning I took pictures of a deer that was standing in the middle of our street. Last week I took pics of a bear in my neighbors backyard. I love that nature is all around me where I live - It keeps me n check to remember what matters most. I am so thankful to live in the middle of good old mother nature.

2. There are only two more full days til the end of the week, and although this was a short one, I really can't wait til it's over. I'm thankful for the short week and that Friday is only 2 more sleeps away! lol...

3. Hope. There are times when I doubt myself and doubt my situation and doubt I'll ever be able to change it. Those times are usually brief, I assure you. But I've been having them lately, and I am thankful that even in the midst of them, I still cling to hope. And the more I think about hope, the better I feel. I am so very thankful that I have hope to get me thought the negative thoughts that sometime invade my head.

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)