Sunday, September 18, 2011

Attitude of Gratitude Day 13

Today I am grateful for:

1. Bonus Check. We randomly got a bonus check from one of my husband's jobs. The amount of the check was just enough to cover our huge electric bill (which are horrendous out here in the summer). We were struggling on figuring out how we were going to pay this bill (as they wanted immediate payment of the money owed on the last bill, that we'd paid in increments, and full payment of the new/current bill within two days after that). This covered the costs and gave us room to breathe. We are so very thankful for a kind Father in Heaven who gives us support and relief at the exact moment we need it!

2. Pizza! Yes, it is a little thing but it was nice to have a meal that didn't come from the freezer last night!

3. Time Off. It was so relaxing and lovely to spend an entire day and night with my Sweetheart. He wasn't on the schedule last night so he had the entire day off and we spent it together. We hung out, ate pizza for dinner. Rented Prince of Persia and watched that from Redbox. Enjoyed watching Doctor Who's newest episode (God Complex) and I was able to introduce him to CW's 'Secret Circle' which he found to be fairly decent. (The night before he finished watching 'The Ringer' and said it had potential and caught up on 'The Vampire Diaries' since I'd already caught the season opener). And when I grew tired he came to bed to read to me but we just ended up linking hands and sleeping. I feel so safe when he is beside me. :)

4. The Gospel. I'm thankful to know where my blessings come from. To know that someone up there is looking out for me and is mindful of my needs and those of my family and friends. To know that the loved ones that have been such a part of my thoughts of late are still there, just a bit beyond physical reach, and are still mindful of me and looking out for me in their own limited capacities. I miss them a great deal but I know they are engaged in doing many valuable things on their side of the veil.

5. Photos. Yesterday I spent several hours looking through photos from college. (Mostly). It warmed me inside to think back on all of those times. All of the fond memories. There was the time Manna, Byrant, Aimee, Mel, and I went to RennFaire (Mel and Aimee tried on Pixie Wings). There were photos from when Michelle Bellante threw me an 'Aunt' Party a few days after Emily was born. (We had sparkling apple cider and blew bubbles, it was so fun!). There were pictures of snow and pictures of Tangie's car after she wrecked it. Pictures of Barslund, Sam, Angela, Calla and I all hanging out. (Not so much me as I was always behind the camera). I had a really nice shot of Josh-n-Les and Jase-n-Tanya that would have been framable if Josh hadn't been making this big goober face in it! Just a lot of warm, happy memories. (I need to invest in a high quality scanner so I can share these shots with others. I think they'd enjoy them as much as I do!)

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Attitude of Gratitude

Today I am grateful for:

1. Kindle. I've been sick lately and I've really enjoyed having my Kindle and being able to plow through books (without the typical eyestrain).

2. Secure Employment (knock on wood). I'm grateful for how hard Steve works to support us, even in times of trial. We're stretched to the limit financially right now but I am really glad we can meet most of our bills.

3. Aslan. The new car is doing well. (knock on wood). We just had the oil changed. It's so nice to have a car that doesn't break down every second. Reliability is a treasure.

4. Internet. It keeps me in touch with the world at large and keeps me informed on events. I appreciate that. (I wonder if my History teacher in 9th grade ever imagined how current events would be disseminated in the future? He used to make us subscribe to TIME magazine and do reports on the articles every week. It was his way of keeping us up to date on world and national issues. Now we can do the same thing with the click of a button).

5. Mom and Dad. I'm thankful that they were kept safe during all the flooding and crazy storms in the East.

6. Aimee. She was also kept safe and sound during the rains and such.

7. Cara and Russ. A tree fell in their back yard. If it had fallen the other way it would have taken out the adults bedroom (leaving their kids orphans). I saw the pics and it was a big dang tree. So glad they were kept safe.

8. A/C. It's costing us a lot of money (tho a bit less than last year but still up there because the company has increased rates).

9. Food. We've at least been able to afford groceries. Fresh fruits and healthy items for Steve (and me occasionally! Working on that, I promise!) We've had a few times where the budget granted us enough personal money to order a pizza.

10. Prayer. I've been ill and listless the past couple of weeks. Depressed too. But I think the prayers are kicking in and I've been able to clean some today and to feel like I've at least accomplished a few things.

That's all for now! Catch you next time!