Every time I'm blue I make a gratitude list. I write down everything I am grateful for. Believe me, this is not so easy to do when you're so busy focusing on your first world problems. But I did it.
I am grateful that I have friends who do stuff. If I need my car fixed, I have someone to call. If I need a picture of underwear driving a car (actual request I got yesterday from someone at work after I made a joke about our underwear drive) I have someone to email and request that. If I need a painting of any sort, it's mine. If I need someone to make girl reading a book mud flaps for my Honda, I have someone who could.
I am grateful that I have neighbors who are helpful. One of the fellas just got back in the country after returning home to Jalisco, and almost every night when I come home he asks, "Do you need anything done around the house?" So far they've cleaned my gutters, and trimmed up a bush in front of my house. I told them I can't pay them but I can make them food whenever they want. Having a sense of neighborhood is really important to me, so I'm glad there is one where I live.
I am grateful for awesome ladies at work. I was moping around this morning dismayed 'cause I don't have any fresh flower money in my budget this month. Voila! My friend Kymberley just walked up and handed me two bunches of flowers. Hiya miracle. I see what you did just then.
I am grateful that I have a family to spend Easter with, even if some of them aren't the greatest company. Some people have no family.
I am grateful that I have a really cool building built in the '20s near my work that I can sit on the grass and look at when I have the blues, and appreciate how awesome architecture can be.
I am grateful that people plant random flowers on the streets here.
I am grateful that I didn't drink or do anything last night that would in any way compromise how far I've come in the past few years.
I am grateful that a lovely lady named Kathy took the initiative to hide easter eggs around the office this morning, so I got to have chocolate with my breakfast.
I am grateful that I have a house that feels like a home, and two borrowed kitties to snuggle up to.
I am grateful for so much more, but I don't want to spend all day doing this. :)
Happy picture of the day: a restaurant I went to Wednesday had a really cute housemade peep dessert. I loathe peeps, but got it anyways (I can't stand the texture of marshmallows, blech). It came with a 50/50 pot de creme and a lemon lime bar. Thanks Mulvaney's for always having such whimsical menu items.
I love your list and know that when you're in the crapper (mentally, not physically) it can be hard to drag out the positive vibes, but it's always worth it, if only to serve as a kick in the ass.
ReplyDeleteYour workplace sounds pretty great, to be honest. I know you have your moments, but it sounds very welcoming and comfortable. No job is perfect of course, but you seem to appreciate all that you have--not just with work either, of course.
Also, I have a little measure cup thing that looks JUST like the little pot that Peep is in! I keep it on a shelf by my sink and have never used it, but it's really freaking cute.
Anyway, have so much fun with your family this weekend. You deserve it, my friend.
It is pretty great. Besides narrowly avoiding having to kill my boss at least once a week when she does something rash, it's not too shabby.
ReplyDeleteI really want these measuring cups. I have a problem with kitchen gadgets: http://www.amazon.com/Fred-Cup-Measuring-Matroyshkas-Cups/dp/B002L162FS
Thanks lady. Hope you have a lovely weekend as well. I plan on eating too much and not exercising once!
That's a great list and so many things to grateful for is...great...
ReplyDeleteOkay lame comment but I hope you get my sentiment. It's good that we can take a step back and remember what we do have going for us even when we've got crap floating all around.
I find that Scott and I do this a lot. Things like: okay we had to cancel our travel plans for spring break because of a lack of money BUT we have a zoo membership and there's a new exhibit.
Anyway. Add one more grateful thing to your list: You've got a bunch of random internet buddies who are totally in your corner and will lend an ear (or an eye 'cause we have to read- never mind).
I agree Heather. Whenever something bad happens it's important to balance it with good.
ReplyDeleteBecause of my rapid cycle bi-polar I get so down so fast, it's difficult to remember how truly blessed I am. So I try and remind myself as often as possible. I still forget sometimes.
I think I like you and this Scott fella of which you speak. If you lived close I'd be your number one baby sitter. :)
Way to stay positive! Whatever it was that got you down must have been a doozie because that architecture item seemed like a bit of a stretch, but I'm not here to judge... all the time.
ReplyDeleteEat an extra slice of pizza for me!!
And also, just an aside, since I was sick all week I waited until the last minute to go Easter shopping and seriously Target was out of Peeps (the girls love them to bits) but they had about 20 gajillion bags of Cadbury Mini Eggs...so it was a win? Not sure on that one!
ReplyDeleteAnd also: Thanks!
@Lil,
ReplyDeleteArchitecture is one of my favorite art forms.
@Heather,
I LOVE the Cadbury Cream Eggs. I eat one every year. I found a recipe so I think I'm going to make some soon.
You REALLY do have a lot to be thankful for. That's so awesome that you gave each thing a shout out.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Do people really plant random flowers??? I'm a little jealous of that...
P.P.S. Have an AWESOME Easter. xo
People plant flowers in the city planters, and on random corners. It's awesome.
ReplyDeleteAlso, someone just copied that street artist who puts knitting on stuff. One of our bike racks in midtown has knitting on it. It looks like it's wearing a cozy.
Thanks! I'm gonna go see a matinee of Jiro Dreams of Sushi then head to my mom's. You have a great Easter too!