random gratitude

I'm thankful for:

1) The Pentel .5 mm pencil. I love it. I am very loyal and refuse to write with a pencil unless it is this kind

2) the fact that we took our Christmas card picture today - we're going to be on top of it this year if it kills us

3) that my niece no longer smells

4) the fact that we aren't cooking for Thanksgiving and instead are going out - sweet - no messes - no hard work - just relaxation

5) I finally got rid of my Thomas Kinkaid mousepad that came with the office. No more painter of light - I think I'll be able to concentrate a lot more.

6) I'm grateful that the Toddcat is finally back from his vacation - it seems like he was gone for forever.

project gratitude

Today I'm grateful that even on my worst hair day - I have better hair than last night's "guest" judge on Project Runway, Suzy Menkes.

And I won't spoil it by saying who won but she did have the best collection although she is a bit of a jerkface.

great-ful

Gratitude . . . it continues . . . .

1) Ross and I taught a negotiation "seminar" yesterday for faculty and staff. I cannot tell you how relieved I am that this is over. And now as I sit amidst all the paperwork in my office and start patrolling my inbox I think, "whoa - that thing made me get a little behind." But it's over and it wasn't horrible. We are thinking that we should turn this into a side-job - team teaching topics on anything you request. Maybe we'll take it to the family Christmas party (no, we don't want to inflict a snooze-fest).

2) I'm grateful that I instructed my student employees to call me "boss lady." I just like the sound of it. (And I'm not kidding I really did tell them to call me that).

Beatle Gratitude

It is about time I get in on this gratitude business. Today, I am grateful for Beatles Rock Band. I love this game. I have played Guitar Hero and enjoyed that, but there was just something about following the career of the Beatles that took it to the next level. Even KTC was really excited about the release of the game. She has been getting in touch with her inner Ringo and hitting the drums while I try to decide which guitared Beatle I want to be at the moment. I just finished the other night going through the story which ends with the Beatles playing on the roof of the Abby Road Studios. As you can see in the picture, the animation isn't just some cheesy background like we find in Guitar Hero, but it is faithful to the movie that was made of the concert. You play the Ed Sullivan show, the concert at Shea Stadium and even drop into the studio to do some amazing recording. The entire time, you feel a part of the action. I know some critics have said that this cheapens the music, but it really makes you feel a part of the process. While this isn't the first try, we just weren't as interested in the Aerosmith or Metallica versions (although I would love to play Orion or Fade to Black . . . ) The designers have gone to great lengths to make you feel like you are in the actual moment. It is just fun to play and to sing along. The art is incredible, it sound amazing, and best of all - you get to be a Beatle! How cool is that? This is a full recommendation if you have any interest in the Beatles at all - you will love this game. For those reasons, I am grateful to be a Rock Band Beatlemaniac. Anybody want to come play?

garage gratitude

Now that it is getting to be cold/winter I am reminded of how awesome it is and how grateful I am for a garage. It really is a delight to not have to walk outside and scrape the car off before driving. Instead we simply get right into the car and we are on our way. This is the first time we've ever had such a luxury and for someone who is prone to coldness - especially in the car - it is fantastic.

my gratitude knows no bounds

Today I'm grateful that we bought the grossest milk ever from Smith's. Because now I know to never get that milk again. It seriously tastes like powdered milk . . . but worse.

I'm not grateful that I had to go put up a bunch of flags with the YW (of "the ladies" as I like to call them) this morning. I kept hoping I could get out of it . . . but alack and alas - duty called and I answered. But I will complain about it . . . just to keep things real.

But to end on a positive note . . . I am grateful that I got a bunch of pictures of my niece, Charlotte, hugging Disney princesses - in her Minnie Mouse costume/outfit. I'm sure that Haylee is thrilled that the outfit she made for Halloween is getting a lot of use. A lot.

grateful . . .

Today I'm grateful that Ross found his old scout shirt so that he doesn't have to buy any new (or DI/Savers) ones.

attitude of gratitude - continues

Today I'm grateful that this morning at 3:00 am when I found myself wide awake I could turn on the DVR and watch "The Biggest Loser." More importantly, I'm glad they finally voted off "Crazy Eyes" Tracy. Finally.

attitude of gratitude - continues

Today I'm grateful for Facebook. I mean who doesn't love finding out what their best friend from elementary school is up to? Currently she is enjoying a very clean house from all her pent up energy . . . I know this thanks to her status updates.

I also am grateful for Facebook because it allows me to hone my scrabble skills with other friends that I don't get to see much. I often lose . . . and I'm not grateful about that.

I'm also grateful for Facebook because sometimes people think you are someone that you aren't. Case in point - I received this email this week:

Do you remember me from the mission? I was your trainer. How have things been since then? Where else did you serve? What have you been up to since you've returned home?

I actually don't remember this person because I didn't go on a mission - I never had a trainer. I have no freaking clue what she is talking about. But still - it's nice to have "friends." (Currently I have more friends than Ross and that is also quite nice).

attitude of gratitude #3

Today - I'm grateful that we (well, really I) finally broke down and turned on the heat. It is luxurious to walk around our house not dressed in a full winter get-up of a hat, scarf, and gloves.

So I guess you could say that really our house now feels like this:

balmy.

I'm not thinking of what this excessive heat wasting is going to do to our budget - for right now I really am finding that ignorance is blissful . . . and warm.

Today I'm grateful for two things - I know I probably should save these up for the days when I can't think of anything - but I thought I would take a risk.

1) I'm grateful that I stink when I sweat at the gym. This means that the person who thought they were going to run on the treadmill next to me - will move. Which translates into me not having to share the fan with anyone else. Sweet.

2) I'm grateful that I didn't have to wake up at 5:30 am and go and set up flags on people's lawn for election day. Ross did - but I didn't. Apparently setting up and taking down flags is a "fundraiser" for YM and YW and they do it all the time. My goal is to never do it. Ever. And so far so good.