Last 3 days.....

It looks as though we are coming to the end of this journey.  (sad face)   There are only 3 days left of the month.  As you know, if you have been following along, I finally decided to join in on the "Giving Thanks Each Day of November" idea.  Not only have I shared my daily "High & Low" with my husband (check out week 1), I have also shared what I am thankful for every day with you!  Thanks for reading!  If ya missed anything, or perhaps needs some inspiration, you also check out week 2 , week 3, and Thanksgiving week 4.
I have truly enjoyed doing this!  Throughout the day I find myself looking for things to be thankful for.  Not dwelling on what went wrong, or what I missed out on, or what ticked me off.  But instead, what was good, what made me smile, what warmed my heart, what would I want to pass on.  This only reassures that sharing High/Low every night is an important way to end each night!  I am going to try to continue focusing on the "High" of each day and hoping that with that focus, I will struggle to think of my "Low"!

DAY 28:

I woke up to a quiet house today.  Nobody here but the dogs.  As soon as I let them out of their crates, they ran to the guest room and then down to the living room to look for everyone.  Bummer, to their disappointment, it was just me.  No "grandparents" to spoil them.  No Rob to torture with their morning energy.  No cuddles from people who spoil them even more than I do.  Speaking of which, don't worry about the dogs...they only spend the night in the crates!  Otherwise they are "free" all day.  We just went with the theory of no "kids" in the parents bed. 
As for how I feel today?  I did the same thing this morning!  In my own way... I sat on the couch having coffee by myself.  Nobody to share my morning "Cup Of Joe" with.  Nobody to laugh with when we watch "Kelly & Michael" or "Rachel Ray."  Nobody to yell back and forth with down the hall as I got ready.  I missed the company.  As I always do!  Whether it's my parents or my Aunt Linnie or a good friend who comes for dinner.
So today I am not giving thanks for the guests leaving (as many others around the country are).  Instead, I am giving thanks that they were here in the first place and that I actually enjoy time with my family and close friends!  Not everyone can say that!

DAY 29:

As you may have noticed in some of the photos, I wear glasses.  Only to see far away, as I would tell my students.  I can see just fine close up.  But more than five feet or so feet away (maybe even closer than that since I have to wear them to watch tv), it all gets really blurry!  It's not that I'm legally blind or anything.  But all detail is lost with any sort of distance.  Perhaps that is why I love photography.  I just zoom in and instantly have the clear, crisp detail that I so love seeing.  I have always said that if I had to loose any of my senses, I would hate to loose my sight most of all!
Today, I would like to give thanks for my sight (and for my glasses which help my nearsighted vision) and I'd like to share a video with you.  It is called, "The Power of Words."  As soon as I watched it this afternoon, I knew what today's blog would be about!  Thanks, Linnie, for sending this to me!

video

Please share this with others and give thanks for your blessings!




DAY 30:
Last Day...

It is the last day of November.  That means this is the last blog post for the "Give Thanks"  daily idea.  I am thrilled that I joined the bandwagon and focused on giving thanks every day of November.  As I mentioned earlier in my posts, it truly made a difference!  My whole outlook was more positive.  Hopefully those around me, and those who kept up with my blog, noticed.  It's a goal of mine to continue this warm & fuzzy feeling.  I know not every day will be perfect, but this "experiment" proves that attitude is everything!  Well, ok...maybe not everything, but it sure makes a huge difference!

Today, I am thankful it's Friday!  I have really been looking forward to today.  Not because this daily blogging bit is over (don't get me wrong, I will still blog DIY projects, recipes, etc),  but because IT'S FRIDAY!  I am really looking forward to some date nights with my husband this weekend.  He has been at a sales training this week and we haven't been on a date in weeks.  Which for us, the couple without kids, is very rare!  So here's to a movie in the theater, dinners out, a gourmet popsicle at LocoPops in downtown Raleigh (it's supposed to be almost 70 degrees this weekend), a nice walk in the sun together, and a company Christmas party in "dress up" clothes.  Here's to us, Rob!

To those of you who have been following along with my "Giving Thanks"... THANK YOU!  And to those of you who are just joining me, you are a little late!  But please take the time to catch up, browse the blog, "follow,"  leave some comments, and "Pin It" if ya like it!

Thanks Giving... week 4

This marks the 4th week of my Daily "Giving Thanks".  For those of you who are just now following this part of my blog,  every year I read other people post things that they are thankful for and I always think it's such a great idea.  But, then life happens and I just don't get it started.  Not this year!  I've successfully blogged every day this month and counted my thanks!  Not that I am under the assumption that anyone else cares, but what a great way to focus of giving thanks!  After all...I AM One Lucky (Heart) Girl!!!
 

Perhaps I can inspire some of you to join me and give thanks each day, these last few days of November, as well.  If you would like to read week 1, week 2, or last week's (week 3), please do!  And feel free to comments and share what you are thankful for!  

DAY 21:

 Tomorrow is Thanksgiving!  I am so excited!  But at the same time, I will miss my few family members that are not here and able to celebrate with us.  Ok wait, this is not a sad blog.  I'm giving thanks each day!  

Today I am thankful for such a fabulous home!  I spent some time cleaning today, in preparation for our small feast for 4 tomorrow, and was reminded how blessed I am.  I feel so blessed to have a home with hardwood floors, a warm cozy fireplace, lots of sunny windows, a DIY remodeled bathroom, open floor plan, a big kitchen that is perfect for cooking and entertaining, beautiful iris and plants in the backyard, a DIY raised garden, and even a nice laundry room with a black chandelier.  It's the little things, right?  

Seriously though, I know I am blessed and wanted to add that to my list today!  I live in a beautiful home that I get to share it, with not only my husband & dog, but also the family and friends that come to visit.  I enjoy hosting and much of the reason I do, is because I have such a warm, welcoming home!  

DAY 22:

Thanksgiving Day!

Today, the recognized day to give thanks, seems like the day where I should list everything I am thankful for.  That also seems "indulgent" (as Simon Cowell would point out on American Idol).  Not to mention that the list would be quite long.  So, I am keeping today simple.  Perhaps the food comma speaking!
Besides the obvious home, clothing, good health, necessities, etc I am thankful that we were able to afford and prepare a yummy celebration/Thanksgiving meal.  As Americans it has not only become a tradition but also an expectation, that of course we are having turkey, stuffing, mash potatoes, and everything else that we have come to love eating at Thanksgiving.  But really?  We are blessed that we can "expect" it.  Not everyone is as fortunate!

 

I clearly made too many root vegetables!  More veggies than turkey!

DAY 23:

Well, Mom and I ventured out today, Black Friday.  Wait...hold your judgement!  Too be fair, we didn't head out until noon.  And, what I am thankful for today is the fact that we ventured out to have fun.  Not because we were stressed and needed to complete an entire Christmas list.  But instead, just because we were wanted to poke around, watch others stress out, and see what was out there.  I, by the way, am already done with my Christmas list!  Except last minute stocking stuffers and the next holiday meal!

DAY 24:

Brrrrrrrr!  Although it wasn't in the teens, so I shouldn't be complaining, today was 20 degrees colder than yesterday.  So needless to say I was thankful for a warm coat.  Which, I have realized earlier this Fall, could easily become an addiction.  Or should I say, "collection" of sorts.  I could have a cute coat in every color and still think I "need" some other coats.  Luckily the coat closet limits me! 

DAY 25:

What a gorgeous day!  It was chilly (yep, got to wear another warm winter coat) but sunny and clear!  What a GREAT DAY for a drive!  We all got in the car and took a drive.  Yes, we took the car with seat warmers in the front and in the back just to make sure we warm.  I'm not sayin' I'm wus, but I'm sure not claiming to be a real "survivor" of the cold.  If ya have seat warmers, use them!  

We explored around one of our local lakes,  Jordan Lake, and the surrounding area.  Got to see the fall leaves, the sunset through the trees as it shimmered on the lake, some million dollar homes, and small town roundabouts.  I am thankful for such a relaxing beautiful day!

DAY 26:

Not sure about your household, but I know mine was trying to recoop after the long holiday weekend!  Although Rob was up at 5:30AM heading to gym and then off to work,  the rest of us kinda looked zonked out.  You know...as in tired.  We don't really have an excuse either.  There were only 4 of here for Thanksgiving and I honestly do not get stressed around the holidays.  No really!  Cross my heart!  Pinky swear!  I love the change in season, the cooler temps, the longer nights, the holiday bustle, the warm comfort food, the time with friends and family...  So why were we so tired?  Probably because we stay up late visiting and watching random shows like "House Hunters International."  The point????  Today I was thankful for my new (bigger) crock pot!  Instead of the weensie 4 quart pot, I now have a 7 quart!  I no longer have to do recipes in two batches or start the recipe in the crock pot and finish it on the stove (which sorta negates the point of the crock pot).  Our 1st meal in this crock pot was a Rum Rump Roast.  YUM!  I can't wait to use the left overs for sandwiches tomorrow!  

 

DAY 27:

Random!  I decided to clean every window sill today.  That's 23 window sills... in all their green slime glory!  I try to clean them twice a year - once every Spring after the pollen season and once in the Fall when it's time to open the windows after a hot southern summer.  However, if you would have raised any window in my house (before noon today) you would not have guessed they had a Spring cleaning.  This morning I randomly got motivated to clean each sill.  After spraying each sill with vinegar, I armed myself with a huge cup of hot water (which I was constantly filling), a rag, and my handy dandy "Sonic Scrubber."  If you have any windows and/or any grout in your home I strongly recommend purchasing one of these great tools!  I am ever so thankful this Sonic Scrubber today!  It only took some elbow grease as they say and not a lot of scrubbing on my part!  Wooo hoooo!  With the vinegar and the battery powered scrubber, I was done in no time.  And now when you raise a window in my house, the sill dings like the smiles in those tooth whitening commercials!  At least for now.

3rd week of Giving Thanks

I am so excited that I've been able to keep up and post daily!  Some days there are countless things to be thankful for and it's hard to pick which one I'd like to blog about.  Other days, luckily they're few and far between, it is a little more challenging to come up with something...other than the obvious shelter, food, clothing, family, etc.  I am trying to get a little deeper and make sure it's truly heartfelt each day.  

If you missed it from the beginning, you can visit week 1 and week 2 to catch up on life here on my home-front!  

Here's to the 3rd week...

DAY 14:

As many of you know, Uli, our long hair daschund is a Certified Pet Therapy K9.  He has started his 2nd year at a Wake County school as a Reading Therapy Dog.  After years of studies, they have found that: (1) reading to the dog means all threats of being judged are put aside, (2) the child relaxes and focuses on the reading, (3) the child's reading scores improve by a grade level [sometimes more], (4) it helps build self-esteem, and (5) the child begins to associate reading with something pleasant.  

Today, we met another student that Uli will be reading with this year.  The student is dealing with a pretty severe stuttering issue and all the social problems that accompany it.  Uli sat and listened while wagging and offering a kiss on the cheek every now and then.  As the minutes passed, you could hear the stuttering begin to slowly subside.  

We have heard stories of children in the program who arrive with a stutter and leave without any trace of a stutter at all.  Wouldn't it be great to see & hear that change first hand?  I know if another dog has done it, Uli can too!  

I feel so blessed to have found Uli, the sweetest and most patient dog ever.  And I am so very thankful to be a part of his journey!  

Now we just have to get his sister, Addie, out there working too!

  

DAY 15:

I am thankful to have such a supportive family and gifted friends!  I spent the night enjoying great food and conversation with my parents, followed by the amazing voice of my dear friend Amy Wiggs.  I love when the 4 of us (me, Rob, Mom, & Mike) are all together!  Feels like all is right in the world.  And when we get to share new experiences and be surrounded by warm, loving, talented friends it makes it even better!  Thanks Mom, Mike and Amy for making the night so special!  Love you all! 

DAY 16:

Sometimes I forget how much I like to cook.  After enjoying another good movie (I highly recommend seeing "Lincoln" so you know what they are talking about when it wins ALL of the awards for 2012), we came home and I made Tom Yum soup for dinner.  As always, I followed most of a recipe and then threw some extra ingredients in.  Some of this, a little of that... And YUM!  It really was Tom YUM soup, if I do say so myself!  Too bad it won't be exactly the same next time.  Perhaps it will be even better.  But it won't be the same!  That's what happens when you ad-lib with recipes!  But ya know something...cooking for myself just doesn't feel the same.  It's cooking and sharing it with others that I really enjoy!  Soup for 4 made it that much better!  
I am thankful that I am fairly decent at cooking and  have family & friends that are willing try anything I make!  And they do a great job making it look like they enjoy my cooking ;)

 

DAY 17:

We are so lucky!  I enjoy living in a small town where people can tell you about years past when there were only a couple roads, when the local town building was the school house, when buildings had two entrances before the Civil Rights movement, where you still have wooden road signs, etc.  But we are also lucky to live in a town that has an amazing Cultural Arts building where artists like Reba and Chris Allen play and where Broadway shows stop by and perform.  Before seeing a Broadway show, "Hitchcock's 39 Steps" at our Clayton Center, we enjoyed a fabulous Italian dinner on Main Street, where the chefs are Italian immigrants from Italy, by way of New York and now live here in Clayton.  What a great community!  Small town charm with big city talent.  =)

DAY 18:

 Well...after our night of excitement at the theater, we heard a crash upstairs.  It was one of those situations where everyone else thinks it was the other person.  I thought it was Rob;  Rob thought it was the soap holder in the shower (which is crazy loud if you have never had it happen); Mike thought it was Rob; Mom thought it was Mike.  We never did find out what it was...until this morning.  Woke up to the clothes bar on my side of the closet hanging half way down the wall.  THAT'S what made that sound last night... the snapping of the plastic brackets holding up my hundreds of pounds of clothes.  Thank you KB Homes for your expensive closet organizers.  

Thankfully Lowe's Hardware is near by and thank goodness Rob was strong enough to hold up the bar AND help move ALL of my hanging clothes.  The task of hanging them back up, after fixing the bar, was most annoying!  And clearly I need to do more upper body exercises...who am I kidding?  MORE?  How about doing any upper body exercise at all!  The muscles between my shoulder blades are reminding me that I don't exercise!  But, it's fixed, hopefully for good, and it forced me to go through my clothes again!

Don't judge me...some of those items on the top shelf are Christmas presents.  I am done with my Christmas shopping!  Are you?

DAY 19:

I am so thankful that I am able to go grocery shopping whenever, and where ever, we want.  Mom and I spent time wandering around Costco today and I was reminded how lucky we are!  Only in America can you go to a store with all of the excess food, toys, tools, house ware, etc. stacked to the ceiling of a warehouse while you have a wide selection of choices and even fed while you shop!  Who doesn't enjoy those Costco samples?  Yum!  I feel blessed to be able to afford food as well have the access to food.  I can't imagine standing in line for hours or days at a time only to be told that they ran out of the essentials, like bread.  Too often we take things like a simple grocery store for granted.  

DAY 20:

 So thankful for yet another Mother-Daughter day.  We went to Glamor Shots yesterday and finally got mom's pictures done for her 60th Birthday.  We had fun getting our airbrushed makeup, doing our 3 outfit changes, and then picking our favorite poses to order.  I can't wait to see our magazine worthy photos!  It was a great day together just us girls!  Thanks mom for taking time for days like these.  We have been having Girls Night (or Day) Out for 35 years and I am thrilled we have another couple decades of them!  God willing and the creek don't rise! ;)

2 nd week of Thanks

 

I'm on a roll!  Starting the 2nd week of Giving Thanks every day this month.  Thank you for following along last week.  Some of you made the list week!  If ya missed it, check out last weeks posting (week 1).  As with most of you, the next few weeks are going to start getting busier and busier by the day.  But I vow to keep giving thanks and sharing my thoughts...

DAY 8:

As weird as it sounds...today I am thankful for the creators of cold medicine!  

I have the ever so famous "sniffling, sneezing, sinus ache, can't sleep" symptoms that accompany the common head cold.  Unlike my husband, or most men for that matter, I believe that cold medicine really does help.  And hey...even if it's all in my head...what ever works!  Nothing is more annoying than that tingling I'm gonna sneeze feeling that lasts for days!  Ok, maybe not being able to breath through your nose at all is as annoying as that watery eyes, scrunched up, need to sneeze face.  Lucky me, I have both!

I am keeping my fingers crossed that this is the worst of it and I will be back to "normal" this weekend!  Off for my afternoon dose of cold medicine....

DAY 9:  

Although I am able to breath a little more clearly today than yesterday, which isn't saying much, it's the warm sunshine that I am thankful for today!  Driving with the moonroof open and feeling the warm sun on face somehow made me feel better today.  Taking in deep breaths of fresh air, soaking up the rays, and being surrounded by the Fall colors made me feel so blessed today.  It's not as warm as the "weathers guessers" (as my stepdad would call them) predicted but I am not complaining about the low 60s with clear skies!  

After all....I have power and a home (unlike many people further up the east coast) and it's not in the teens (like my parents are dealing with in Canada).  And for heaven's sake...my poor friends in California have a national weather alert for "colder than normal" temps.  Sorry CA friends and family, but that made me laugh when I checked on your weather earlier today.  I'm not sure that high 50s/low 60s calls for a weather advisory!  Guess they just don't want you to freeze when you put on your flip flops with your sweatshirt.  ps...they laugh at me here when I wear my favorite sandals and warm, comfy sweatshirt! Guess it's my inner CA girl shining through.  

Thank you, God, for today's sunshine that warmed my face and spirit!

DAY 10:

I know I am in the minority here, but...I am thankful for having a husband who likes to shop!  We enjoy many window shopping excursions while we people watch and sip of coffee.  He will accompany me on crazy searches for those random items you must have but just can't find.  And, there are times he is the one who "needs" to get more ____, or wants to find another ____, or would like to replace ____.  In fact, when we are out, he usually finds & buys more than I do!  Today was one of those days!  Which leads me to another  thing I am thankful for... Kohl's!!!!  OMG!  Every time we leave there I wonder how they are still in business.  Today?  I left wondering if somehow they owed us money!  With their regular sales, a 30% off coupon, Kohl's Cash and an email $5 reward...Rob got several new work slacks and 2 great sport coats for $177.  Oh wait....at the bottom of every Kohl's receipt they print how much you saved....$364.13  WHAT???  We saved waaay more than we spent?  That does mean they owe us money, right?  Wink. Wink.  Thanks, Rob, for being such a good shopping buddy!  

And thank you, Kohl's, for your fabulous savings!

DAY 11:

I am so thankful for all of the men & women who has served, and continue to serve, our country!  It is because of these brave people that we are able to live free!
THANK a veteran!  Not just today, but when ever you see them!!!

DAY 12:

Thankful for Rob's new job!  Today is the beginning of his 2nd week and was my 1st visit to the office.  They had a Thanksgiving luncheon to get families and coworkers together.  How nice is that?  I got to meet the new boss and a few of the guys Rob will be working with.  It was great to see Rob happy and surrounded by people that will help him succeed!  I know working from home has been a blessing, but it's also nice to be in an office and have that support!  

DAY 13:

What a chilly fall day!  I love it!  I am so thankful for the drop in temperature (20 degrees over night) and the light rain showers.  I know, I know...those of you who keep up with me read that just a few days ago I was blogging about the warm sun and temps in the low to mid 70s.  Well...although I was soaking up the rays and enjoyed the warmth, it didn't exactly feel like Fall.  Today, on the other hand, was a chilly, gray day with showers off and on.  We needed the rain desperately so I welcomed it with open arms!  I turned on the fireplace, made a cup of tea, threw on my sweats and cuddled with the puppies.  Ahhhh....NOW it feels like Thanksgiving is a week away!  Love it!!!!

 

my first 30 DAYS OF THANKS!

This year, I'm gonna do it!

Every year I read other people post things that they are thankful for and I think, "What a great idea!  I need to do that!"  Not that I am under the assumption that anyone else cares, but what a great way to focus of giving thanks!  After all...I AM One Lucky (Heart) Girl!!!
But then....well, it's usually 5 or more days into the month and I come up with some "excuse" that I'm already behind and I should totally remember it for next year.  Do I?  Ha!  Remembering something a few hours later is hard enough!  Remembering something over 300 hundred days later?  Not gonna happen.
You might be thinking...Well, it looks like you remembered this year!  But I didn't.  I just saw a post this morning and was reminded AGAIN!  And look...I am only a day behind!  I can totally do this!  Perhaps I can inspire some of you to join me and give thanks each day as well.  With all of that being said, let's pretend that it's November 1st.

Giving Thanks DAY 1:  

I am truly thankful for the job offer that my husband received TODAY!  What a blessing in so many ways!  Listening to the joy in his voice as bespoke to his new boss on the phone made my heart happy!

DAY 2:

I am thankful that I am able to wake up to such happy dogs who share unconditional love for us.  Their wiggly butts as they greet us with pure joy and their happy puppy kisses on our face remind us that each day is a new day with new a clean slate.  A day to be excited & wag about!  Even if the day ahead doesn't look so great, it's still another day we have been given...here together!

DAY 3:

Technically I'm late...but since I just changed all the clocks in our house before going to bed, all my clocks say it's 11:330pm (still the 3rd day of November).  My guilt got to me and I had to post before heading to sleep.  And, as my husband pointed out, I was already thankful for today's topic.  Today, I am ever so grateful for the time that I have been able to spend with him (my husband) throughout the past 2 years.  We have both been working from home and have been able to do lunch together, stop for coffee breaks, see a matinee, run errands together in the middle of the day etc.  Spending today, Saturday, wandering around town with him made me stop and think about how lucky we have been!  As of this coming Monday things will change...for the better I assume, because he starts his new job.  Woooo hooooo!!!!  That means I will cherish our weekends together even more!

DAY 4:

For I am thankful for texting.  Sounds pretty shallow, BUT it has really helped me stay in touch with Mom.  She and Mike have been busy working in Canada for weeks at a time, with a week vacationing in California.  With the time difference between here on the East Coast, Canada, and California it could have been more difficult to stay in touch!  Luckily, through texting we were able to send updates about the weather, Superstorm Sandy, great meals that make us think of each other, CA sunsets and shared old memories, travels updates, flight info, etc.  Mom and I sent texts to each other today that made me feel like she was right around the corner, not another country away!  I'm not always huge fan of technology...but today I am!  Love you Mom!

DAY 5:

 Every night before falling asleep, my husband and I say "High-Low."  For those of you have seen the 1999 mobie "The Story of Us" (staring staring Bruce Willis & Michelle Pfeiffer) you know what I am talking about.  Those of you who haven't seen it (shame on you...everyone in a relationship should see it), High-Low is a time when you share your High/best part of your day and your Low/worst part of your day.  We have been sharing our High-Low nightly for over a decade now.  Thank you Rob Reiner for directing another great movie!  My point is...that sometimes during High-Low we cheat and say that there was a tie because we just can't pick the one best part of such a great day.  So, we say our top 2 favorite things that happened during the day.  WELL...today, I have a tie for 2 things I am thankful for!  (1) I woke up to two messages from dear friends saying that they were thinking of Rob and his 1st day at his new job.  I was surprised and touched!  Thank you, Jennifer & Heather, for making me smile and feel loved!  I am thankful to have you both in my life!!!  (2) I am so thankful that Rob is having a really good 1st day!  He isn't home yet, so I don't have the final verdict, but based on messages throughout the day he is happy and blessed!!!

DAY 6:

Today, Election Day, I am thankful to live in a country where I am free to vote, free to speak my opinion, free to choose my religion, and where I have the right to enjoy many other freedoms! 

“Freedom is the last, best hope of earth.”  - Abraham Lincoln

DAY 7:

I am so grateful that I am able to take Uli to his BARKS Reading program every Wednesday.  Having hm certified for Pet Therapy was one of the best things that I have taken the time to do.  Seeing the smile on the children's face when they walk in the room and see Uli wagging his tail is priceless!  And hearing a student, who struggles with and dislikes reading, ask us, "Can we read?"  WOW!  Uli is making a difference in these children's lives!  I am proud dog mom today!