Being Thankful

Sometimes when things aren't going our way and aren't working out how we "have planned", I think it's very easy to lose sight of all of the wonderful things in life we are blessed with. I was out of work sick almost the entire week last week and since I'm not into watching daytime TV, I did a lot of resting and thinking about all of the things I am grateful for.

I'm thankful for:

1. Having a family who is not complicated; no drama, everyone is genuinely happy for one another's success and would do anything for anyone without ever expecting something back in return. It just stinks they all live so far away!


2. Living in a modest house in a middle class neighborhood. It's very easy to always want more and to make that next jump, but we are very happy with our decision to stay and not get in over our heads. Sure, a newer house with more space would be nice, but it's so much nicer to be able to save a lot every month, spend our money on things we love doing and not be married to our house. It will also be very nice for me to have the option some day to stay home with little ones and not to have to go back to work if I choose to stay home.
3. Having a dog. My buddy W is always there for me, whether I'm happy, sad, mad, etc. I used to not really be that into dogs, due to the hair and slobber. Luckily W doesn't slobber and I've learned to deal with the shedding. Let's face it, it doesn't kill me to vaccum in between our cleanings from the cleaning people.
4. My friend J. I had a bad day last week and instead of giving me advice or telling me it would be fine, she just cried along with me. It was just what I needed. Thanks J. You are the best.
5. My friend M. She makes me laugh. She locks her parent's out of her house, has QVC packages delivered to my house and has an enormous shoe collection that could easily put shoes on a small village of people in west Africa.
6. Having a husband who is patient, kind, thoughtful, does laundry without having to be asked and makes me laugh all of the time.
7. Living in Europe for 3 years. This experience was the most amazing experience I have yet to have. It opened my eyes to new cultures, people and gave me a new perspective on how I view certain things.
8. The friends I made during my 3 years abroad. Although we are separated by miles of ocean, I know we will all remain friends for a lifetime. It is so nice to know we always have a place to stay if we're ever passing through Capetown, South Africa or Copenhagen, Denmark!
9. Having a sister who is almost completely the opposite of myself. She keeps me in check with the simple things in life and reminds me to focus on what really matters.
10. My friend L. She is probably the most thoughtful, caring person I know. If I'm having a bad day or am stressed about work, she'll show up on my doorstop with a Starbucks and a special treat.
11. My brother's decision to move back east. I am absolutely thrilled that my brother will soon be only a 6 hour car ride away instead of on the other side of the country. He is one of those people who walks into a room and makes everyone smile in an instant. And he certainly knows how to have a good time, hence he is the inspiration behind the title of this blog.
12. Being an aunt. There is nothing that makes me happier than when I walk into a room and see my niece's face light up with the biggest smile as she runs over to me with her arms raised so I'll pick her up. It is the best.
13. Having a sister in law who is an "allie!" After hearing horror stories about many of my friends sister in law's, I consider myself very lucky. No horror here.
14. Having a job that I work hard at and feel that I am appropriately compensated for.
15. Working from home when I'm not traveling. Nothing beats this, especially on a Monday!