Sunday, February 28, 2010
I would add a picture if I could figure out how. I am very grateful for many moments in my life. The best moments were shared with my family. When my children graduated from college I wanted to take a special family vacation, because I knew that the dynamics of my family would soon change. I am so thankful for the time that we spent together in New York City. This is a place that I thought I would never enjoy going to because I thought that it would be difficult to get around. I was right. It is a huge city. However, I was wrong as far as it being difficult to get around it. My family would point me in the right direction and we were off to explore the treasures of New York City. I loved it!!! Jennifer is right about the Ellen Star Dust Cafe. They sang all of the Oldies But Goodies. The girls wore poodle skirts and bobby socks. We got the old time ice cream sundaes. They were so good. We ate in a French restaurant and sat by doors that opened up like windows so that you felt like you were sitting on the street. Seeing the Statue of Liberty was a WOW moment. Wicket was a fabulous play as was Phantom of the Opera. I loved riding the bus with my family and touring the city. The Yankee game and the surroundings of the Yankee Stadium was like going back in time. The vendors selling peanuts, cokes, and beer was like seeing the past. People passed the food and drinks up several rows and across 25 to 30 people before it got to the person who bought it. We ate hot dogs and peanuts. Paul was like a little kid at Christmas. He reminisced about sitting on his grandfather's lap and watching the Yankees play on TV. We met some very friendly and kind locals who helped us get on the right subways so that we ended up where we were supposed to. Time Square was bigger than life. Walking through the financial district and seeing Wall Street and the Bull was an eye opener in itself. The church that was next to the Twin Towers where presidents had sat and worshipped and the rescuers would take a break was another WOW moment. Our family time and the fun we had exploring New York City together was one of my favorite memories. What an awesome family I have. God is wonderful.
Family
The following pictures are a few from my grateful moment. When I look through the New York pictures, my mood automatically rises, I have a grin that hurts and I sometimes cry for joy. We went to a restaurant where the waiters danced and sang, and my mom would smile the entire time. We went back a few times because she loved it so much. My dad had a hotdog at Yankee stadium with me which was a dream come true. I saw the cafe from You've Got Mail. I had more fun in New York with my family that week than at any other moment. I know there were times we argued just because we are family, but I don't remember that part. I remember the part where we experienced an adventure as adults. We laughed until at least I cried and stayed up late talking. I will treasure those moments forever and hope to make more in the future, but with an added bonus. Jackie will be with us next time.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
From Tara: Grateful picture
Take a picture of one thing, person, place or specific moment that makes you feel grateful. Share it with your social network.My picture is of a specific moment. Saturday mornings Brandon usually sleeps in till 11am, but somehow Bruno (our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) always knows when it is time for Brandon to wake up. And so every Saturday morning he jumps into the bed, and snuggles next to Brandon, rolling over and making noises of pure joy until Brandon starts playing with him. They snuggle and play for about 10-15 minutes, then both are up and in a happy mood. I am always so grateful for the these moments, because it is just so cute and sweet. The smile on both their faces (yes, Bruno smiles!!) gives me such a feeling of joy and gratefullness every week.
When I went away for a week this past summer, Brandon called me when they were snuggling and put me on speakerphone, so I wouldn't miss it. He knows just how much I love it. So these are a couple of pictures from this mornings snuggle session.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Call....
Today's post is to call someone you haven't talked to in awhile. I will have to think on this one because I try to talk with everyone. I think I will call Bo or Rachel. Bo is my great aunt whom I rarely see or speak to, but I hope that changes when I return. Rachel is one of my closest friends, and I miss her. Being in Honduras I don't call many people, so I guess my list could be very long of people to call.
Yesterday, we didn't have students and only had to work part of the day. Today, we are not working at all. Why? Because we had a wind storm that took out trees, power, roofs, and more. I have power now, but the school does not. I think this gives teachers and students a much needed break from each other. I sat with friends last night talking and laughing well past my normal bedtime and was grateful for their open door policy and laughter. We shared a glass of wine and chocolate cookies while laughing until some of us cried.
I know this isn't part of today's challenge, but I am grateful for all of you posting because I smile and think of more to be grateful for as I read your posts. I also am starting to recognize more when I am being negative or those around me are being negative and never realized before how much I skip over looking for beauty in my day. Love you all and will let you know who I call later.
Yesterday, we didn't have students and only had to work part of the day. Today, we are not working at all. Why? Because we had a wind storm that took out trees, power, roofs, and more. I have power now, but the school does not. I think this gives teachers and students a much needed break from each other. I sat with friends last night talking and laughing well past my normal bedtime and was grateful for their open door policy and laughter. We shared a glass of wine and chocolate cookies while laughing until some of us cried.
I know this isn't part of today's challenge, but I am grateful for all of you posting because I smile and think of more to be grateful for as I read your posts. I also am starting to recognize more when I am being negative or those around me are being negative and never realized before how much I skip over looking for beauty in my day. Love you all and will let you know who I call later.
God has blessed my life in many ways. Family (including some that have adopted us as parents and we have adopted as our own which I love, friends, jobs, wonderful neighbors, and a Cowboy Church where we have made more new friends. For these things I am very thankful. You see one of the definitions of God is,"God is love." The more unconditional love that I have around me the happier and more content I am. Love feels like a big hug from God. God has blessed Paul and me with steady jobs while living in a time where that is not the norm. The teachers that I taught with for many years got together the other night and had so much fun it was hard to any of us to leave. Laughter and Chatter for hours. Heaven on earth. My children are so thoughtful and caring. It amazes me the friendship that has formed between us as they are now adults. I love getting together with them. Now I have one more precious child. My son is getting married to a thoughtful, caring, and loving cowgirl. She is delight to be around. One of my prayers is that my children marry into a family that loves them and is kind to them. He as answered that prayer for my son. I am bless that my daughter, who lives in Honduras, set me up on Skype and taught me how to use it before she left so that we could talk and see one another on a daily basis. We have had so much fun. I even got to visit her and see where is lives. Honduras is a beautiful country. She has gotten to travel and see places that she would not of seen had she not gone there. I am looking forward to seeing all three of my children next weekend. My children are a gift from God. After writing this blog today I can see that I am truly blessed. God's riches are in his name,"Love." He has showed me with his love and I plan to remain under this shower as it feels so good.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
I am grateful-
Why did Deb post 5 days of challenge material at one time? See Day 4 and have a good laugh.
Day 5:
I have a wonderful family, a great stable career, a large orange cat, good health (my blood pressure is normal again), and no money to worry about losing. I am truly blessed! and I do not think about it often enough. I have no need for a bigger TV, bigger house, bigger car. I have all the clothes and jewelry I can wear and more food than I can or should eat. I have the blessing of time to think, read, and worry about my family because I do not have to fight for survival each day, the way so many people do. The slogan is true: "Life is good."
Day 4:
We all call stress a "negative." but stress makes me a more productive person. It causes me anxiety and worry, but I also try to achieve more because of it The stress of learning to use a blog site and being so far behind was pure stress. I had to reach out to my oldest son for help and that was positive stress. Opposite attracts - so, maybe it's the negatives that make the positives so good.
Day 3:
I am grateful for daffodils. I start the winter months thinking of warm fires and reading good books, but soon the cold, gray days take their toll. Two of Steve's yellow daffodils bloomed today, so spring is coming soon. Birds, baby squirrels, outdoor music events, and warm afternoons will make life easy living.
Day 2:
A apples
B Bo and books
C cartoons
D Dancing (slow dancing)
E Elves
F fried food (I'm Southern)
G gin
H historical anthropology
I interstate highways
J John, Jennifer, Jenni, Janice, Jonathan
K Kisses
L Ludo (our cat)
M Matthew, Michael, Mareike, Melissa
N nighttime
O onions
P Paul and pumpkins
Q quiet
R rabbits (I was born in the year of the rabbit)
S Steve and Stephanie
T travel
U universities
V Valentines
W wine
X X-chromosomes
Y ying and yang
Z zebras
Day 1:
I accepted the challenge because Jennifer thought enough of me to ask me to join. I was delighted she thought I would have something of importance to contribute. It is exciting to believe people she knows can learn from each other and about it each at the same time.
Day 5:
I have a wonderful family, a great stable career, a large orange cat, good health (my blood pressure is normal again), and no money to worry about losing. I am truly blessed! and I do not think about it often enough. I have no need for a bigger TV, bigger house, bigger car. I have all the clothes and jewelry I can wear and more food than I can or should eat. I have the blessing of time to think, read, and worry about my family because I do not have to fight for survival each day, the way so many people do. The slogan is true: "Life is good."
Day 4:
We all call stress a "negative." but stress makes me a more productive person. It causes me anxiety and worry, but I also try to achieve more because of it The stress of learning to use a blog site and being so far behind was pure stress. I had to reach out to my oldest son for help and that was positive stress. Opposite attracts - so, maybe it's the negatives that make the positives so good.
Day 3:
I am grateful for daffodils. I start the winter months thinking of warm fires and reading good books, but soon the cold, gray days take their toll. Two of Steve's yellow daffodils bloomed today, so spring is coming soon. Birds, baby squirrels, outdoor music events, and warm afternoons will make life easy living.
Day 2:
A apples
B Bo and books
C cartoons
D Dancing (slow dancing)
E Elves
F fried food (I'm Southern)
G gin
H historical anthropology
I interstate highways
J John, Jennifer, Jenni, Janice, Jonathan
K Kisses
L Ludo (our cat)
M Matthew, Michael, Mareike, Melissa
N nighttime
O onions
P Paul and pumpkins
Q quiet
R rabbits (I was born in the year of the rabbit)
S Steve and Stephanie
T travel
U universities
V Valentines
W wine
X X-chromosomes
Y ying and yang
Z zebras
Day 1:
I accepted the challenge because Jennifer thought enough of me to ask me to join. I was delighted she thought I would have something of importance to contribute. It is exciting to believe people she knows can learn from each other and about it each at the same time.
Blessings......
The challenge for today is to write a list of all the blessings I currently have. Since starting the project, I have discovered this might be a never ending list, so here is an incomplete list. Here goes…..
Janice and Stephanie Kelly – two people who know me better than I know myself
Family – all of them
Yogi
Friends – Honduran, Canadian and American – some who know me as well as Mom and Steph and call me on my craziness (Tara, Megan, Laura)
Rain
Butterflies, birds
Exterminators and bug spray
Electricity
No electricity
Laughter
Food
Clothes
Computer
Music
DVDs – Movies and TV series
Neighbors
Enough money to pay bills and have food
Backyard with plants
Health
Clean water
Rain jacket
Books, Literacy
Literacy
Common Sense
People in my life who keep things in perspective and have a sense of humor who have taught me to laugh instead of crying.
Professional coworkers who are willing to share resources
Prayer warriors
A wonderful job
A roof over my head that doesn’t leave during a wind storm
Traveling
Support for my endeavors and crazy adventures even when they fail
Warm showers
Flashlights, candles and matches
Guacamole and chips – my dinner when the electricity went out
Internet to talk with family and friends
Hugs
Beaches
Going home to Texas to people who love me
Coming back to Honduras to people who miss me
I know my list is full of randomness. People, materials, knowledge. Since being in Honduras, I have discovered that the greatest blessings are not bought. They are experienced with the people in our lives. I don’t know if this is the right kind of list, but they are things I am grateful for today.
Janice and Stephanie Kelly – two people who know me better than I know myself
Family – all of them
Yogi
Friends – Honduran, Canadian and American – some who know me as well as Mom and Steph and call me on my craziness (Tara, Megan, Laura)
Rain
Butterflies, birds
Exterminators and bug spray
Electricity
No electricity
Laughter
Food
Clothes
Computer
Music
DVDs – Movies and TV series
Neighbors
Enough money to pay bills and have food
Backyard with plants
Health
Clean water
Rain jacket
Books, Literacy
Literacy
Common Sense
People in my life who keep things in perspective and have a sense of humor who have taught me to laugh instead of crying.
Professional coworkers who are willing to share resources
Prayer warriors
A wonderful job
A roof over my head that doesn’t leave during a wind storm
Traveling
Support for my endeavors and crazy adventures even when they fail
Warm showers
Flashlights, candles and matches
Guacamole and chips – my dinner when the electricity went out
Internet to talk with family and friends
Hugs
Beaches
Going home to Texas to people who love me
Coming back to Honduras to people who miss me
I know my list is full of randomness. People, materials, knowledge. Since being in Honduras, I have discovered that the greatest blessings are not bought. They are experienced with the people in our lives. I don’t know if this is the right kind of list, but they are things I am grateful for today.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
"All things work together for good for them that know God and are called according to his purpose." This is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. Let's face it. A lot of life stinks. This is a verse that is a constant reminder that when life gives us lemon we need to make lemonade. In other words we need to look for God in all things and know that he is working in all situations. He is the silversmith who is refining us for greater things. It is during our trials that God proves how faithful he is. As a mother it has been an extremely difficult struggle to let my children fly solo. To let go of the control and the influence that I had as they were growing up was very difficult. It was one of my greatest struggles in life. My children had filled my heart and my time. To let them fall on their faces and watch them struggle to pick themselves up was hard and it hurt. But oh what a blessing when I would see them get up and soar like an eagle. I am so proud of the individuals that they have become. They love the Lord and each other. They value family and friends. Now instead of me leading them to new adventures in life and guiding them they are reaching out to me and we are working together to share life's new experiences. Lemonade is refreshing.
From Tara: Negatives to be grateful for...
I once heard someone say "If you want to make God laugh, make a plan," and I never forgot it.
Because I always plan, and have always had a plan since graduating high school. I still remember my Mom calling my Dad because she was not particularly thrilled with my "plan" to be a theater major, and my Dad just laughed, and said "Give her a break. What was our plan when we were her age?"
After college, my life plan was to go to graduate school and become a theater professor. But that did not happen. My next plan was to go to Lamar and become a high school teacher. But because of certain family obligations, that did not happen either. So then I'd focus on trying to be a novelist, because writing had always been a hobby, and why not do something that I love. But my novel never got published, and all I received were rejections. For everything, even short stories. All the while, I'm working at several different casinos and feeling pretty low about myself because I'm not accomplishing any of my plans, which must make me a loser.
But I'm gaining all this experience at the casinos, and then suddenly one day, I find myself as an HR Trainer at a casino, and sitting next to an adorably nerdy IT guy. Now I realize that if my greatest negatives had not occurred, my greatest positive would not have occurred either. It doesn't change the fact that I still wish I could have and be all those things listed above. But I am very grateful that they didn't happen, because I wouldn't have the lovely life I have now.
Because I always plan, and have always had a plan since graduating high school. I still remember my Mom calling my Dad because she was not particularly thrilled with my "plan" to be a theater major, and my Dad just laughed, and said "Give her a break. What was our plan when we were her age?"
After college, my life plan was to go to graduate school and become a theater professor. But that did not happen. My next plan was to go to Lamar and become a high school teacher. But because of certain family obligations, that did not happen either. So then I'd focus on trying to be a novelist, because writing had always been a hobby, and why not do something that I love. But my novel never got published, and all I received were rejections. For everything, even short stories. All the while, I'm working at several different casinos and feeling pretty low about myself because I'm not accomplishing any of my plans, which must make me a loser.
But I'm gaining all this experience at the casinos, and then suddenly one day, I find myself as an HR Trainer at a casino, and sitting next to an adorably nerdy IT guy. Now I realize that if my greatest negatives had not occurred, my greatest positive would not have occurred either. It doesn't change the fact that I still wish I could have and be all those things listed above. But I am very grateful that they didn't happen, because I wouldn't have the lovely life I have now.
Flowers in the desert...
I am grateful for quite a few negative events in my life.
I am grateful for Hurricane Ike because it brought my family closer together and has taught us to let go of material items and focus on the people around us. It gave me the opportunity to help my family and friends and give back to my community. After the initial shock of losing everything, friends, neighbors and family started checking on each other and helping rebuild. We talked with neighbors we hadn't talked to in months. I was reminded of the power of love and how important people are because they can not be replaced.
I am grateful for my divorce because it has made me stronger. It has made me depend on family and friends to heal, laugh and love. It has made me depend on God for direction. I have become a stronger individual and have quit waiting for someone else to make things happen for me. I feel like I have truly started to live by making decisions based on what I desire in life. I am living in Honduras for a year, I travel, and I have become content with being single. Life is finally a beautiful, wonderful journey.
I miss my grandmother, but positive has come as a result of her passing. I am now closer with my dad's family than before. I met and reconnected with many family members who have become an important part of my life. I have also become closer with my aunt. I am thankful for my new relatioinship with Aunt Debbie because it is closer and full of love.
At the time of these events, I was not grateful. The thought did not cross my mind until much later that positive was blossoming in the midst of tragedy. I am grateful that God knows what we need and can make a flower bloom in the middle of sorrow.
I am grateful for Hurricane Ike because it brought my family closer together and has taught us to let go of material items and focus on the people around us. It gave me the opportunity to help my family and friends and give back to my community. After the initial shock of losing everything, friends, neighbors and family started checking on each other and helping rebuild. We talked with neighbors we hadn't talked to in months. I was reminded of the power of love and how important people are because they can not be replaced.
I am grateful for my divorce because it has made me stronger. It has made me depend on family and friends to heal, laugh and love. It has made me depend on God for direction. I have become a stronger individual and have quit waiting for someone else to make things happen for me. I feel like I have truly started to live by making decisions based on what I desire in life. I am living in Honduras for a year, I travel, and I have become content with being single. Life is finally a beautiful, wonderful journey.
I miss my grandmother, but positive has come as a result of her passing. I am now closer with my dad's family than before. I met and reconnected with many family members who have become an important part of my life. I have also become closer with my aunt. I am thankful for my new relatioinship with Aunt Debbie because it is closer and full of love.
At the time of these events, I was not grateful. The thought did not cross my mind until much later that positive was blossoming in the midst of tragedy. I am grateful that God knows what we need and can make a flower bloom in the middle of sorrow.
I am excited about the gratitude challenge. I am looking forward to focusing on the blessing God has for me everyday. I have a wonderful Christian husband and 3 fabulous Christian children. I want to see the good in each situation. I worship and awesome God who is by my side through the good and the bad. I want to delight in Him during the ups and downs so that I grow closer to Him. A positive, Pollyanna attitude will be a gift that will be worth work for. Thanks Jen for encouraging me to join your group.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
one thing i'm grateful for-dianne
Today I must think of one thing I am thankful for in my life. Today I am going to say I am truly thankful for my dogs. To a lot of people dogs are just pets but to me my dogs are my family. So, "thank you" Doc and Izie for all the love and happiness you bring to my life!
Grateful
I am thinking this is going to be a wonderful project for me because each day I am having to think about the many events and people I am thankful for. I keep thinking what a long day I have had then sit down to do this challenge and have to change my attitude.
Today, I am thankful for Tara who is consistent to post because her posts put a smile on my face.
I am thankful for a mom and sister who realize when I need to talk just because and make time for me because it means I am loved.
I am thankful for friends who leave me messages just to say they miss and love me because it means I am remembered.
I am thankful for Tonia bringing me squash soup because it means I have a friend.
I am thankful that I am able to watch the Olympics it means I am alive.
I am thankful that I have the option to go home because it means I am free.
I am thankful that I can be a teacher and counselor even on the hard days because it means I can make a difference.
I am thankful for old friends and new pen pals just because.
I am thankful for the picture my sister sent me of snow because she thought about me.
I am thankful for Mom showing me Yogi on skype because he makes me smile.
Today, I am thankful for little things I used to take for granted.
Love you
Today, I am thankful for Tara who is consistent to post because her posts put a smile on my face.
I am thankful for a mom and sister who realize when I need to talk just because and make time for me because it means I am loved.
I am thankful for friends who leave me messages just to say they miss and love me because it means I am remembered.
I am thankful for Tonia bringing me squash soup because it means I have a friend.
I am thankful that I am able to watch the Olympics it means I am alive.
I am thankful that I have the option to go home because it means I am free.
I am thankful that I can be a teacher and counselor even on the hard days because it means I can make a difference.
I am thankful for old friends and new pen pals just because.
I am thankful for the picture my sister sent me of snow because she thought about me.
I am thankful for Mom showing me Yogi on skype because he makes me smile.
Today, I am thankful for little things I used to take for granted.
Love you
From Tara--Today I am grateful for....
Write about something you feel grateful for in your life today.
When I really stop to think about it, I'm very grateful for many things in my life. Indoor plumbing. The ability to earn a living. Geniune people to love who love me back. But today I am very grateful for warmth.
It's snowing again. Not a big surprise in Northern Indiana/Southern Michigan, but the snow today is big, fat flakes falling slowly. It's like being in the middle of a snow globe that someone has just shaken, and now the flakes are softly floating back to the the bottom. It snowed most of last night too, so we have a good bit of accumulation on the ground. And on days like today, I am so grateful that I have warm coats, and wool socks, and a nice warm comfortable home. The snow is so beautiful, but only if you are inside and warm. As soon as I let the dog out, that beautiful snow hits you in the face, and it is blistering and miserable in a very short amount of time.
So today I am grateful for warmth, because "there, but for the grace of God, go I."
When I really stop to think about it, I'm very grateful for many things in my life. Indoor plumbing. The ability to earn a living. Geniune people to love who love me back. But today I am very grateful for warmth.
It's snowing again. Not a big surprise in Northern Indiana/Southern Michigan, but the snow today is big, fat flakes falling slowly. It's like being in the middle of a snow globe that someone has just shaken, and now the flakes are softly floating back to the the bottom. It snowed most of last night too, so we have a good bit of accumulation on the ground. And on days like today, I am so grateful that I have warm coats, and wool socks, and a nice warm comfortable home. The snow is so beautiful, but only if you are inside and warm. As soon as I let the dog out, that beautiful snow hits you in the face, and it is blistering and miserable in a very short amount of time.
So today I am grateful for warmth, because "there, but for the grace of God, go I."
Monday, February 22, 2010
ABC's of Gratitude Dianne Style
Today's assignment of the Gratitude Challenge was to make a list of things A-Z that I am thankful for. My list is below...
A - Apple's iphone
B - Bible
C - Chapstick
D - Doc. Doc is my oldest dog and has been there for me through so much. I am thankful for what he has done for my life. Yes, I reallize he's just a dog but to me he's more!
E - Equal Rights
F - Friends and Family. They are both amazing and mean the world to me.
G - God and Grapes
H - Hugs. Especially the hugs on those bad days when that's just what you need!
I - Izabelle aka Izie my adorable, sweet Scottie dog. She's the best cuddle partner.
J - Jana Ja and Jennifer Aniston(aka Melissa i'm her courtney cox) the best bestfriend's a girl could ask for!
K - Kisses! Izie gives some good ones too!
L - Lake Tahoe
M - Music
N - Niece, Adrianne and Nephews, Jacob and Franklin Riley
O - Open minds
P - Power of Prayer
Q - Queso....I love me some queso!
R - Roses. Sometimes you gotta just stop and take a smell!
S - Siblings. All 5 of them: Tamara, Jaclyn, Ashley, Jacob and Hannah
T - Technology. Like Kip sang, "I love technology!"
U - Umbrellas
V- Vacations
W - Wine
X - X-Ray machines
Y - Yogurt
Z - Zac. Zac has taught me a lot about love, life and happiness.
This isn't an "all inclusive" list but just a few A-Z things I am sincerly grateful for!
A - Apple's iphone
B - Bible
C - Chapstick
D - Doc. Doc is my oldest dog and has been there for me through so much. I am thankful for what he has done for my life. Yes, I reallize he's just a dog but to me he's more!
E - Equal Rights
F - Friends and Family. They are both amazing and mean the world to me.
G - God and Grapes
H - Hugs. Especially the hugs on those bad days when that's just what you need!
I - Izabelle aka Izie my adorable, sweet Scottie dog. She's the best cuddle partner.
J - Jana Ja and Jennifer Aniston(aka Melissa i'm her courtney cox) the best bestfriend's a girl could ask for!
K - Kisses! Izie gives some good ones too!
L - Lake Tahoe
M - Music
N - Niece, Adrianne and Nephews, Jacob and Franklin Riley
O - Open minds
P - Power of Prayer
Q - Queso....I love me some queso!
R - Roses. Sometimes you gotta just stop and take a smell!
S - Siblings. All 5 of them: Tamara, Jaclyn, Ashley, Jacob and Hannah
T - Technology. Like Kip sang, "I love technology!"
U - Umbrellas
V- Vacations
W - Wine
X - X-Ray machines
Y - Yogurt
Z - Zac. Zac has taught me a lot about love, life and happiness.
This isn't an "all inclusive" list but just a few A-Z things I am sincerly grateful for!
ABC's of gratitude
A - Amazing sunsets and sunrises
B - Books that take me to new worlds, baseball, blankets
C - Coffee because it makes me smile, camping on a sandbar
D - Dancing under the stars
E - Eating seafood
F - Family and friends who remind me what love truly is, fishing
G - God
H - Hope, Hard work that leaves me exhausted and feeling like I accomplished something
I - Ice Cream
J - Janice, my mom who is always available to listen and talk and Jackie my brother's fiance
K - Kids laughter, kayak
L - Listening to the rain on a tin roof
M - Michael, my brother, mountains, MASH
N - Never ending conversations
O - Opportunities
P - Paul, my dad who drinks coffee with me
Q - Quiche, Questions that make me think
R - Riding a bike
S - Stephanie, my amazing sister, spring days
T - Traveling with family and friends
U - Unconditional love
V - Voting, it was a long hard battle for women to be able to vote
W - Watermelon, waterfalls and wine
X - x-tra time on the phone with my family
Y - Yogi, my cuddly dog who always makes me smile
Z - Zany friends and family who make me laugh
B - Books that take me to new worlds, baseball, blankets
C - Coffee because it makes me smile, camping on a sandbar
D - Dancing under the stars
E - Eating seafood
F - Family and friends who remind me what love truly is, fishing
G - God
H - Hope, Hard work that leaves me exhausted and feeling like I accomplished something
I - Ice Cream
J - Janice, my mom who is always available to listen and talk and Jackie my brother's fiance
K - Kids laughter, kayak
L - Listening to the rain on a tin roof
M - Michael, my brother, mountains, MASH
N - Never ending conversations
O - Opportunities
P - Paul, my dad who drinks coffee with me
Q - Quiche, Questions that make me think
R - Riding a bike
S - Stephanie, my amazing sister, spring days
T - Traveling with family and friends
U - Unconditional love
V - Voting, it was a long hard battle for women to be able to vote
W - Watermelon, waterfalls and wine
X - x-tra time on the phone with my family
Y - Yogi, my cuddly dog who always makes me smile
Z - Zany friends and family who make me laugh
Jump in with both feet!
With a hopeful outlook, I,Lori Sops, promise to fulfill the terms
of The Gratitude Challenge. Over the next 21 days, I pledge to complete the
activities on my gratitude calendar, including writing journal entries, taking
photos and connecting with friends. I promise to take note of life’s little blessings
and to give thanks for the relationships, experiences and opportunities that make
my life unique. From this day forward, I commit to living on the brighter side of life.
Signature: Lori Sops Date: February 22nd, 2010
Jennifer, thanks for taking the lead on this inspiring idea!
Here are my ABC's of things I'm grateful for! (this is a wonderful idea/ way to kick start the blog)
A - adversity in my life, that has taught me a lot about myself and made me appreciate what I have
B - Bachelor, The (Cause it's really important!)
C - coffee (I love it so!)
D - dancing
E - EIS and the job/opportunities it has provided me with
F - friends and family around the world
G - guitar, a fun new project in my life
H - hope
I - ice cubes
J - Janis, mi hermana
K - karma
L - Lucy, my sister's pug that makes me giggle!
M - Mom, the greatest one there ever was
N - new house (new start)
O - Oscar's (a favourite place to hang out with friends in Honduras)
P - patience
Q - (the)quirky qualities all my students have
R - roller blades and a good run
S - singing and stars in the sky
T - travel opportunities
U - unopened mail and the anticipation that goes along with it
V - Val, my friend/roomie who puts up with me
W - weather channels/websites (I love to know what is supposed to be coming!)
X - x-tra sleep in time on the weekends
Y - yawns and the laughs that come when they are contagious
Z - zebras (I just think they are cool)
of The Gratitude Challenge. Over the next 21 days, I pledge to complete the
activities on my gratitude calendar, including writing journal entries, taking
photos and connecting with friends. I promise to take note of life’s little blessings
and to give thanks for the relationships, experiences and opportunities that make
my life unique. From this day forward, I commit to living on the brighter side of life.
Signature: Lori Sops Date: February 22nd, 2010
Jennifer, thanks for taking the lead on this inspiring idea!
Here are my ABC's of things I'm grateful for! (this is a wonderful idea/ way to kick start the blog)
A - adversity in my life, that has taught me a lot about myself and made me appreciate what I have
B - Bachelor, The (Cause it's really important!)
C - coffee (I love it so!)
D - dancing
E - EIS and the job/opportunities it has provided me with
F - friends and family around the world
G - guitar, a fun new project in my life
H - hope
I - ice cubes
J - Janis, mi hermana
K - karma
L - Lucy, my sister's pug that makes me giggle!
M - Mom, the greatest one there ever was
N - new house (new start)
O - Oscar's (a favourite place to hang out with friends in Honduras)
P - patience
Q - (the)quirky qualities all my students have
R - roller blades and a good run
S - singing and stars in the sky
T - travel opportunities
U - unopened mail and the anticipation that goes along with it
V - Val, my friend/roomie who puts up with me
W - weather channels/websites (I love to know what is supposed to be coming!)
X - x-tra sleep in time on the weekends
Y - yawns and the laughs that come when they are contagious
Z - zebras (I just think they are cool)
Courtney's ABC's of Gratitude
With a hopeful outlook, I, Courtney Cullum, promise to fulfill the terms
of The Gratitude Challenge. Over the next 21 days, I pledge to complete the
activities on my gratitude calendar, including writing journal entries, taking
photos and connecting with friends. I promise to take note of life’s little blessings
and to give thanks for the relationships, experiences and opportunities that make
my life unique. From this day forward, I commit to living on the brighter side of life.
Signature: Courtney Cullum Date: February 22, 2010
Alli and the impact she had on my life
Baby Raelyn and how she has made my family come together
Celebrations
Dad
Everyone who supports me in my overseas journey
Fish Camp Friends
God's grace
Honduras and my life here
International Christian Fellowship Church
Jokes to lighten my mood
Kelly, a wonderful roommate!
Love: It makes the world go round
My Mama
Nailpolish- I love having my nails done and being girly!
One Tree Hill (it is my favorite show)
Parks and pools
Quiet afternoons with a book or a movie
Reading (news, books, funny stuff... just being able to read)
Skype
Taylor
Understanding friends. They get me and all my quirks and still love me inspite of them.
Vacations and the ability to travel cheaply here
Weekends. Everybody is working for the weekend!
XXIV- 24 years of healthy life
Youthful energy
Z-packs for when I get my annual sinus infections
of The Gratitude Challenge. Over the next 21 days, I pledge to complete the
activities on my gratitude calendar, including writing journal entries, taking
photos and connecting with friends. I promise to take note of life’s little blessings
and to give thanks for the relationships, experiences and opportunities that make
my life unique. From this day forward, I commit to living on the brighter side of life.
Signature: Courtney Cullum Date: February 22, 2010
Alli and the impact she had on my life
Baby Raelyn and how she has made my family come together
Celebrations
Dad
Everyone who supports me in my overseas journey
Fish Camp Friends
God's grace
Honduras and my life here
International Christian Fellowship Church
Jokes to lighten my mood
Kelly, a wonderful roommate!
Love: It makes the world go round
My Mama
Nailpolish- I love having my nails done and being girly!
One Tree Hill (it is my favorite show)
Parks and pools
Quiet afternoons with a book or a movie
Reading (news, books, funny stuff... just being able to read)
Skype
Taylor
Understanding friends. They get me and all my quirks and still love me inspite of them.
Vacations and the ability to travel cheaply here
Weekends. Everybody is working for the weekend!
XXIV- 24 years of healthy life
Youthful energy
Z-packs for when I get my annual sinus infections
Alphabet soup :-)
From Tara:
Okay, so this is my alphabet things I am grateful for, some of which need a little explaining. It might seem weird to some people, but I have gotten very used to being called "weird" over the years. So here we go....
Applesauce (it always calms my stomach when it's upset)
Brandon
Crayons (I'm just a big kid, after all)
Dogs
Eric
Friends
Good parents (and I don't just mean mine. I'm grateful for ALL good parents)
Heros (not the food or the TV show...just the people)
Ice cream
Just because flowers (I love getting flowers for no reason, so Brandon and I call them "Just because" flowers)
Katie
Love
Moms
Nose touching (When something is funny, I automatically touch my nose and cover my mouth! I don't know why, but I'm grateful for all the laughs this involuntary reaction has caused throught the years!)
old stories
Philip
Quiet time
Reading
Spring
Traveling
Unquestionable faith
Very hot chocolate
Walking Bruno
X-box (for keeping the hubby out of my hair and watching instant movies from Netflix)
Yams from my grandmother (Okay, during the Y2K scare back in 1999, my grandmother, Grana, was so concerned that I wasn't stockpiling food for the possible breakdown of society that she forced me to take this gigantic can of yams from her so I would at least have some little thing to eat until I could get back to her. It was so sweet and funny that I kept the yams until 2007.)
Zorro (I just finished reading Isabelle Allende's book Zorro. It's a great read and I highly reccomend it.)
Okay, so this is my alphabet things I am grateful for, some of which need a little explaining. It might seem weird to some people, but I have gotten very used to being called "weird" over the years. So here we go....
Applesauce (it always calms my stomach when it's upset)
Brandon
Crayons (I'm just a big kid, after all)
Dogs
Eric
Friends
Good parents (and I don't just mean mine. I'm grateful for ALL good parents)
Heros (not the food or the TV show...just the people)
Ice cream
Just because flowers (I love getting flowers for no reason, so Brandon and I call them "Just because" flowers)
Katie
Love
Moms
Nose touching (When something is funny, I automatically touch my nose and cover my mouth! I don't know why, but I'm grateful for all the laughs this involuntary reaction has caused throught the years!)
old stories
Philip
Quiet time
Reading
Spring
Traveling
Unquestionable faith
Very hot chocolate
Walking Bruno
X-box (for keeping the hubby out of my hair and watching instant movies from Netflix)
Yams from my grandmother (Okay, during the Y2K scare back in 1999, my grandmother, Grana, was so concerned that I wasn't stockpiling food for the possible breakdown of society that she forced me to take this gigantic can of yams from her so I would at least have some little thing to eat until I could get back to her. It was so sweet and funny that I kept the yams until 2007.)
Zorro (I just finished reading Isabelle Allende's book Zorro. It's a great read and I highly reccomend it.)
Sunday, February 21, 2010
I, Dianne Michelle Ford...
THE GRATITUDE PLEDGE
With a hopeful outlook, I, DIANNE MICHELLE FORD, promise to fulfill the terms
of The Gratitude Challenge. Over the next 21 days, I pledge to complete the
activities on my gratitude calendar, including writing journal entries, taking
photos and connecting with friends. I promise to take note of life’s little blessings
and to give thanks for the relationships, experiences and opportunities that make
my life unique. From this day forward, I commit to living on the brighter side of life.
Signature: Dianne M. Ford Date: Feburary 21, 2010
I will also be using the pledge as topics for discussion on my blog: www.keepingupwithdianne.blogspot.com.
Thanks for including me!
From Tara
THE GRATITUDE PLEDGE
With a hopeful outlook, I, ____Tara Kelley Landry______, promise to fulfill the terms
of The Gratitude Challenge. Over the next 21 days, I pledge to complete the
activities on my gratitude calendar, including writing journal entries, taking
photos and connecting with friends. I promise to take note of life’s little blessings
and to give thanks for the relationships, experiences and opportunities that make
my life unique. From this day forward, I commit to living on the brighter side of life.
Signature: ______Tara Landry_____________ Date: _____2/21/2010_____
As an added note, I'm also looking forward to reading everyone elses postings. And right off the bat, I want to express my gratitude to Jennifer for asking me to do this with her! Thanks Jen!
With a hopeful outlook, I, ____Tara Kelley Landry______, promise to fulfill the terms
of The Gratitude Challenge. Over the next 21 days, I pledge to complete the
activities on my gratitude calendar, including writing journal entries, taking
photos and connecting with friends. I promise to take note of life’s little blessings
and to give thanks for the relationships, experiences and opportunities that make
my life unique. From this day forward, I commit to living on the brighter side of life.
Signature: ______Tara Landry_____________ Date: _____2/21/2010_____
As an added note, I'm also looking forward to reading everyone elses postings. And right off the bat, I want to express my gratitude to Jennifer for asking me to do this with her! Thanks Jen!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Students, Olympics, Mom
Today, I am going to celebrate talking to my mom, having wonderful students and the USA winning another gold. I missed work yesterday. When I returned today, my students wanted to make sure I would still be their teacher (one of their other teachers is changing). I asked if they wanted me to stay their teacher and there was an overwhelming yes. It made me feel glad about being a teacher. Sometimes it can be stressful or tiring, but today was a day of smiles.
I am currently watching athletes from all over the world compete, cheer and congratulate each other. Even if they don't speak the same language, they speak a common language of victory and disappointment. It is a reminder that even though governments are at war, the citizens are necessarily at war. We can still support and treat each other as human beings.
Tonight just like every other night, I talked with my mom. Over the years, my mom and I have had our ups and downs just like every mother/daughter relationship. The best thing about now is that we worked through the downs, and she became my best friend. She is always there for me and knows me better than I know myself. A few years ago, I wouldn't have dreamed of this close relationship.
My gratitude for today consists of the small blessings God gave me today that put a huge smile on my face.
I am currently watching athletes from all over the world compete, cheer and congratulate each other. Even if they don't speak the same language, they speak a common language of victory and disappointment. It is a reminder that even though governments are at war, the citizens are necessarily at war. We can still support and treat each other as human beings.
Tonight just like every other night, I talked with my mom. Over the years, my mom and I have had our ups and downs just like every mother/daughter relationship. The best thing about now is that we worked through the downs, and she became my best friend. She is always there for me and knows me better than I know myself. A few years ago, I wouldn't have dreamed of this close relationship.
My gratitude for today consists of the small blessings God gave me today that put a huge smile on my face.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Olympics and Mom
I am currently trying my hand at setting up this blog so that others can post on the page. A blogger I have never been, so this is a new adventure. While traveling through this adventure, I am sitting in Honduras, watching the Olympics and trying to help Mom set up her username so that she can post. In the past, this would have frustrated my selfish self. Now, I thank God that He has given me another day to talk with my mom and have been given the opportunity to help her. I look forward to this amazing journey of gratitude and a new appreciation of those around me. Let the journey begin!
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