Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Day 145: Thankful Today for a Cleared Desk


I left work yesterday with a huge stack of work that I would need to tackle first thing this the morning. Cup of coffee in hand and all my emails answered I then dove in. It took several hours through the morning and into over half of the afternoon. But by day's end my desk was cleared. Tomorrow I handle the next pressing task on my list.

Monday, February 27, 2012

Day 144: Thankful Today the Project is On Track


I have been worried about the progress of our group project. It is always a challenge when you have to depend on others to accomplish a task. But after our update meeting tonight it looks like we are all on the same page, and so far on track. If we can keep up the pace we will finish on time.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Day 143: Thankful Today the Weatherman Wasn't Wayyyyyy Off


I went to bed expecting to awake to only the dusting to an inch of snow the weatherman predicted. I awoke early at about 3am and the scene outside the window was a surprise. The snow was coming down heavily and I feared the prediction was definitely off. I went back to bed with visions of an earlier storm playing in my head. It was about 2 years ago at this time of year. It was my first major snowstorm in this area and we received almost 2 ft. of snow. I so hoped I wouldn't awake the second time to that scene.

When the alarm went off at 6am a second peek filled me with a mix of relief and irritation. I had hoped for just a dusting to an inch. Instead I would be delayed cleaning about 4 inches of snow off my car. But thankfully even though the weatherman was off. He wasn't wayyyyy off. It was under a foot of snow and the delay was short. By the time I was ready for work the rising temperatures had melted much of it off the roads and cars.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Day 142: Thankful Today for My Favorite Vegan Restaurant


When it first appeared we went out of curiosity. The food was only okay but it was something different. So we continued to visit on occasion. In time, we noticed the menu evolve from just meatless choices of the lunchtime sandwich to a more creative cuisine. It quickly became a favorite as we began to enjoy the cook’s experimentation with new, original menu items. The restaurant staff was friendly. They also remembered their customers' names and sometimes, habitual food choices. I liked being greeted with a smile and satisfied with a tasty meal.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Day 141: Thankful Today for a Warm Winter Walk Downtown


We are still enjoying a warmer than normal winter and today was beautiful. This time of the year the appearance of the sun is usually rare. But today it shone bright and was accompanied by a cool wind. It was the perfect weather for a mid afternoon walk. I hadn’t been downtown since we moved are offices, so a trip to my old stomping ground was over due. I had errands to run and used the opportunity to soak in a little vitamin D, feel the wind blow my hair in disorder and be amused by the sights and sounds of lunchtime downtown crowds. I so miss those walks. They are a break from the chaos of the workday.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Day 140: Thankful Today for The Start of My First Art Project of the Year


Since starting school art projects have been on the back burner. I have been so totally focused on school and the new things I am learning. But the artist in me still calls out for the need for expression. And that call was answered yesterday. I used to create little mini pieces of art called Artist Trading Cards. Yesterday, I took a couple hours to begin to plan out a few and I prepared the bases for painting them. It felt good to pull out the brushes and paint and mix the colors for each surface. As I stroked and sponged on the colors I began to envision what each card would look like.

I put the bases aside to dry. Hopefully I'll get back to them later in the week to start bringing each vision to life. I am glad I finally had a chance to jump in and start.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Day 139: Thankful Today for Those Who Serve As President


On this President's Day holiday I reflect on the office of the President. I can't imagine the amount of sacrifice a President and his family endures. It takes a unique individual to accept such an amount of responsibility. Yes there are perks with the office but there is a also an extremely high cost to it. And it is seen as each President that leaves looks many more years older than they did on the day of their arrival. The weight of the world literally rests on his shoulders. And a private life is no longer his, even long after the term ends.

Imagine being in a job that every decision you make affects thousands maybe even millions. And you will never be able to make everyone happy. Some will love you, some will not. But you have the unique opportunity to make a great impact on history. Your only hope is that you will serve well and the impact will be remembered favorably, and you will do little harm and much good. I am thankful that there are those willing to take on such a task.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Day 138: Thankful Today for That Perfect Pair of Jeans


I went shopping the other day for a pair of jeans. I found some that fit okay. But nothing feels like that perfect pair of jeans. There is one pair I have that no matter how my weight fluctuates they still seem to fit. Even if they are a little tight that first wear after a wash, by the middle of the day they are broken in and comfortable. I wish I had bought multiple pairs of that style and cut because I haven't been able to find them since. I am thankful for that perfect pair of jeans and hope to one day stumble upon another one just like them.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Day 137: Thankful Today for A Clean House


There is nothing like the feeling of a freshly cleaned house. The vibrant smell of lemon scented cleaners fill the air. The calm of order from chaos fills my view. I sink into my easy chair and relax with the feeling of accomplishment. All is well in the world today.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Monday, February 13, 2012

Day 135: Thankful Today for Classmates I Met Online


I was a little nervous at first when I started school online. But over time my fears diminished as it became habit to check into the discussion boards, download assignments, upload projects, etc. And then when the group projects started my fears arose again. How will I work successfully with other students across the country on different time zones, different schedules and varying priorities. I discovered some group situations worked better than others. But overall I have found my experience positive. I became acquainted with people I wouldn't have normally crossed paths with. They have sharpened my collaboration skills and introduced me to alternative ways of thinking.

And also I've just met some really great people. I am thankful for the new relationships I have made and the ones I'll make in the future as I work through my degree program.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Day 134: Thankful Today for Her Voice


Yesterday we heard of the passing of an awesome talent in the music industry. A talent whose life ended too soon. But she is not the first to experience an early passing and unfortunately will probably not be the last. Her life was troubled like so many gifted artists. So her early passing was probably not a surprise to some. But it was something we hoped would not happen.

Today I listen to her music and am thankful for the mark she and others like her have left on the industry and her fans. I am thankful that I got to be moved by her music. It brings me joy, tears, memories, inspiration, so many emotions. She will be remembered.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Day 133: Thankful Today for the Starbuck's Gesture from a Friend


I spent the day limping through the pain from a recent treatment to my injured ankles. While sitting at my desk at work during lunch I had the desire for a Starbucks to soothe it. I revealed it to a friend and we made plans to make the trip. Or should I say she offered to make the trip for us both. Despite my initial insistence to instead go along for the ride, I eventually accepted her offer. One step on both feet reminded me of the pain I would experience during the walk to the car.

So I gave her the cash and my coffee order. She walked away with the quickly written note asking for a White Chocolate Mocha with Soy, but left the cash. I insisted she take it but she kept walking. She later returned with my coffee and told me they had given it to her for FREE.

No, she had given it to me for FREE. It briefly made a day of pain feel better and she knew that would be the result.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Day 132: Thankful Today for Time to Cook a Meal


Since I started grad school I have had very little time for not much else but work and homework. So I treasure those moments when I can fit in other activities. One of my favorites is taking time to make a home-cooked meal. Today I savored the flavor of baked lemon chicken breast over spinach with sun-dried tomatoes. Mmmmmm tasty!

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Day 131: Thankful Today That I'm Not In the Boat Alone


I once heard a pastor say that being a Christian does not mean you won't sail through storms. But it does mean that you won't go through the storms alone. The disciples had nothing to fear from the storm they faced. Jesus was in the boat with them. He is also with us.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Day 130: Thankful Today for Game Stop Gift Cards


I used to struggle with what to get my nephew for birthdays or Christmas. One day, with not a clue of what to give him I took the easy way out and purchased a gift card from Game Stop. I later discovered that what I had perceived was the easy way out, was just the gift he wanted. He loves games and with the card can choose his favorites. So this gift card is definitely not one of those that gets lost or forgotten in a drawer somewhere. He joyfully uses it and has come to expect it each year. I wonder how long that will continue until he outgrows it. Or do boys ever outgrow their digital toys.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Day 129: Thankful Today for the End of the Work Day


It was one of those workdays where the only thing I could find to be thankful for was… that it was over. I was home, could put my feet up and totally let go of everything. I could fill my brain with mindless entertainment or an interesting book that would bring me delight and take my mind of work. I am thankful I have some time away to recharge and face tomorrow with a new outlook.