Friday, November 30, 2012

Final Day of Thanks

Well, it is day 30, the last day to the 30 day challenge of being thankful. Today I am thankful for soothing beverages when a cold has me feeling a little on the yucky side.

And it's Friday Fill-In time!!


Joining with Hilary from Feeling Beachie for her Friday blog hop.  Go to her blog to join in the fun!  If you have some great ideas of statements let her know and she will include you as a co host if she uses them!  
This week’s statements:
1. I have always dreamed of ____
2. My ___ is my ____
3. I love to ____ when I ____
4. I will never forget ____ with ____
My answers:
1. I have always dreamed of getting my PhD? Okay, maybe not ALWAYS, but for quite some time that has been my dream.
2. My daughter is my sunshine on a gloomy day.
3. I love to read in bed when I get the chance.
4. I will never forget Hawaii with my huz.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

On the 28th Day of Thanksgiving

I am thankful for appliances that make chores faster and easier, like the dishwasher, washer and dryer.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

30 Days of Thanks: Day 27

I am thankful for a comfy couch. One that is big enough and comfy enough to sleep on when, for various reasons, sleeping in my bed is not working. *yawn*

Monday, November 26, 2012

Thankful version 26

Well, the 30 days of thankfulness are winding down. Some days have been harder than others to feel thankful. But each and everyday there is something (lots of somethings!) to be thankful for. (I realize that was a grammatically incorrect sentence as I ended in a preposition, but alas, I did not change it. Sorry Ma.)

I am thankful for Christmas and all that it means. As a Christian is it a time to celebrate the savior's birth. It is a time for togetherness and celebration with friends and family. The thankfulness of Thanksgiving carrying over into the spirit of Christmas. It is a wonderful time of year.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Thankful 25

I am thankful for my daughter getting to spend time with her cousins and the smiles that resulted. I hope they have as many wonderful childhood memories with each other as I have with my cousins.

And on a different note- I finishing "Mockingjay." I am both satisfied and dissatisfied with the ending to the story. Now back to the stack of 8 books I put on hold when the Hunger Games took over my reading!

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Thankful Day 24

I am thankful that tonight is date night. They are few and far between and I am looking forward to it. A grown up movie actually AT the theater?!



ADHD

Just finished an excellent book on ADHD. "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (in Adults and Children): The Latest Assessment and Treatment Strategies" by C. Keith Conners and Juliet L. Jett.

It's clinical, but lots of good definitions and research. And while it claims to be the "latest" it is from 1999 and I imagine there is a boatload of newer information. However I did find it useful.

Friday, November 23, 2012

Friday Fill-In is back!


Hilary at Feeling Beachie back with her Friday blog hop! 
This week’s statements:
1. I put ___ on a hot dog
2. when it___ I ____
3. If my house____then I would be able to___
4. If I was getting married tomorrow I would _______________ differently so we could ________________differently now.
My answers:
1. I put nothing on a hot dog (or in my case, veggie dog).
2. When it rains I want to curl up and read.
3. If my house was clean then I would be able to start decorating for Christmas.
4. If I was getting married tomorrow I would not change a thing. I was pretty please with my wedding.
And since this is my second post for today, I'll include my latest book completion here even though it has nothing to do with the blog hop. I devoured "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins (the second book in "The Hunger Games" trilogy). I've heard a couple people say this was their favorite (and I've heard the last one that I am currently reading is the least favorite, BUT I will read it for myself and then be the judge!). So far I think I liked the first one slightly better, but I could not tell you why. I did thoroughly enjoy book #2 and immediately purchased book #3. More on that in a couple days when I've finished it!

Thankful Day 23

I am thankful for the rain today. I admit I wish I could stay in bed and read instead of going to work. Rainy days do that to me. But I am thankful for the rain in spite of having to go to work. The rain washes away all the yuck and replenishes and revives the greenness all around.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Thanksgiving Day Edition of Thankfulness

I am thankful for enough.

It may not be in excess or the type or size I would wish, but I have enough.

Enough food.

Enough clothing.

Enough money.

Many people have so much more than I do. But many have so much less. And I am thankful that I have enough.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

21st Day of Thanks

I am thankful for a mid-week day at home with my Punky.

A day for snuggles and smiles. Watching her play and explore makes my whole week.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 20

I should have waited until today to be thankful for Punky! Happy Birthday anyway Mini Muffin!

Today I am thankful for coworkers with a sense of humor.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Thanks 19

I am thankful for random acts of kindness and unexpected compliments. Makes the world a kinder, happier place.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Mice and men

"The best-laid schemes o' mice an' men Gang aft agley..."
-Robert Burns

It's birthday party day. And Mr. Burns (Not the one from The Simpsons! The one who penned the poem with the famous line above) had it right. Punky has a yucky cold, complete with dripping schnoz and hacking cough. She hasn't slept well for several days. So she's a wee bit cranky. Should be perfect when we have a house full of people wanting to love on her.

I bought her a pretty new dress for her party. And to wear for the bazillion pictures that will be taken today whether she is in the mood for it or not. Guess what? She's got a nice new scratch on her nose. Perfect for 1st birthday photos.

Ahh, the best laid plans...

The 30 Days of Thanks: Day 18

I am thankful for the medicine that helps us feel better and function properly. Especially infant acetaminophen, at the moment....

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Thankful Day 17

I am thankful for nice, hot showers. Whether in the morning to help me wake or in the evening to wash the day away, a shower is just right. Especially when I was fortunate enough to grab a long one. Without a kid. And then wrap up in a warm, fuzzy robe...


Friday, November 16, 2012

Thankful version 16

I am thankful for the evil, rotten, spoiled beasts I call pets. My lap is never empty of a fur ball wanting some love. The "he-he" that plays fetch and the "he-he" that climbs into anything he can find provide hours of entertainment for me and for Punky who just grins when you try to get her to say Mama or Dada, but says "he-he" (kitty) whenever she sees one... Sigh!





Thursday, November 15, 2012

Bargain

Before my trip I decided to treat myself. To a new NOOKbook. I know, I know. I currently have eight books in progress and 30+ sitting on my shelf waiting to be read. But I wanted something good. Something non-clinical. Something different. I planned to spend a whole day reading on my mini vacay. So I splurged. I spent $5.00 and purchased the first book in a trilogy I've been meaning to read for months. The first book is already a movie (on DVD!) if that tells you how behind I am in my popular literature reading. I thought about purchasing books two and three for $5.99 apiece. But I didn't. What if I didn't like the book?! Wouldn't you know the very day I downloaded the book onto my NOOK, the huz happens to rent the movie from redbox! Now I have a dilemma- watch the movie before reading the book or tell the huz I refuse to watch what he picked out for us...

Watch it I did. And it only made me want to read the book more! So one day after everyone else on the trip headed out, I curled up with my NOOK and started reading. I read and read all day. Then people returned to the cabin and I put it away, already halfway through- and totally hooked! After returning home, I spent two evenings finishing the book. I just looked into purchasing book two... It now costs $9.99! So perhaps I will be borrowing the second and third...

Not since Harry have I felt so attached to the characters of the book. Even with the predictably obvious outcome, I couldn't get enough. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins receives a six on my arbitrary and completely meaningless rating scale. Check it out if you haven't. And go ahead and buy all three so you don't miss out on the bargain price!

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 15

I am thankful for quiet moments in the midst of the chaos of life.

My Punky is still not 100%. The croup-y cough disappeared, but a regular cough remained. Now that regular cough is sounding worse. Punky's been up at night coughing. She's off her normal nap routine. Her appetite is off....After only taking one nap yesterday, I had a cranky babe on my hands come evening. She did what she rarely does anymore- fell asleep in my arms. Finally resting, I lingered a moment before putting her in her crib. With so much on the to-do list it would have been easy to miss this moment, to rush through bedtime and on to the next thing. But, this time at least, I was able to stop and bask in the incredible miracle that is my daughter. My child who will have her first birthday in five days. The days of her falling asleep in my arms are numbered and will run out before I know it. So when you come to celebrate with us this weekend, the house may not be as clean as it should be. The decorations might not be up. The food might not be ready on time. I was busy enjoying the quiet moments in my chaos.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

14th Day of Thanks

I am ever so thankful for a mini vacation. Winter Wonderland is an annual event for the girls. Sometimes a day of fun, sometimes a long weekend. This year 10 girls from three different states gathered at a cabin in Gatlinburg, TN for a few days of fun. I won't reveal our secrets, but the Christmas season kick-off was a great one this year. But I already included this in my days of thanks, in a way. So today, what I am really thankful for, is coming home. Safe and sound.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Day 13

I am thankful music. Always a tune for the mood I'm in- or to change said mood!

Monday, November 12, 2012

30 Days of Thanks: Day 12

I am thankful for the technology that helps me keep in touch with friends and family though we are spread over many time zones.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Thanks 11

I am thankful for sleep.

I've never been a good sleeper or one of those people who finds nothing better than a good nap. Not me. Naps tend to make me feel worse- more tired, groggy, and just out of it. Plus naps make my nighttime sleep even worse. But ever since having Punky and waking on HER schedule and not mine, I have learned to appreciate sleep more. It is rare that I get to sleep later than 6:15. And now even when Punk "sleeps in" till 6:45, I am awake, in bed listening for her. Or up feeding the cats. Or trying to grab a shower right quick before she wakes. I do look forward to the day when I can lounge in bed until, dare I hope for it, 7:00!

And don't get me started on the time change and what that always does to my sleep pattern...

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Thankful 10

Today I am very thankful for the huz. He is a wonderful life companion. Thoughtful, charming, amusing. Loyal and honest. Hard-working with just the right amount of lazy thrown in (he's teaching me how to relax more and worry less!). And he has graciously agreed to four days alone with Punky so that I can road trip to this year's Winter Wonderland location.

Friday, November 9, 2012

Bubbles

I love this imagery:

"Sit quietly with Me, letting all your fears and worries bubble up to the surface of your consciousness. There, in the Light of My Presence, the bubbles pop and disappear."

From "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young

Thankfulness Day 9

I am thankful for Winter Wonderland. The planners. The participants. CANNOT wait! (More on this later!)

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Thankful Day 8

I am thankful for books. Or perhaps I should say I am thankful for the ability to read.

I love books. The knowledge they possess. The adventure. The mystery. The entertainment. The momentary escape from reality.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Guilty pleasure

So I had nine books that I had started reading in variously places around my house and office. Most I was actively reading. One or two I haven't picked up in a while... But nine is too many. So I decided to finish the one I had started most recently. I hadn't intended to start a ninth book. I really hadn't. I'd packed up Ma's NOOKcolor to return it to her after she graciously loaned it to me to try. But then she told me she'd bought a new NOOK book and that I would likely want to read it before returning said NOOKcolor. And read it I did!

When I was growing up, I remember switching from Sesame Street to a soap opera. I watched it on and off for years with Ma. So of course I had to read the memoirs of one of the soap stars, even though it has been years since I've caught an episode! I read this guilty pleasure book about my long lost guilty pleasure soap opera watching days. And I enjoyed it!

Check out "Not Young, Still Restless" by Jeanne Cooper. Or watch her on "The Young and the Restless."

Thankful 7.0

I am thankful, yes for my family, I've said that already I know. But today I am thankful specifically for my daughter. I realize I might be a little biased, but she is honestly the most precious thing. So sweet and happy and innocent. And determined! You can see it in her adorable little face when she's got a plan to do something. Her personality is really starting to show. I am definitely thankful (even at 4 in the morning when I'm stumbling out of bed for the third night in a row) for Punky doodle dandy.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

30 Days of Thanks: Day 6

Today I am thankful for sunshine.

Heading into the gloomy time of year makes me thankful for the sun- on days it appears and days it doesn't (because then I'm extra grateful then next time it does appear!). So Mr. Sun, come out and stay a while!

Monday, November 5, 2012

Thankfulness Day 5

I am thankful for my job.

I consider myself both lucky and blessed to 1) have a job and 2) have a job I love. It is not an easy job. And it is definitely not a predictable job (in more ways than one!). But I love what I do and cannot imagine what else I would do with my life. But please- if you know people in need of counseling, send them my way. I can always use more clients. (Shameless plug there!)

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Thankful 4

I am thankful for the house that keeps me warm and dry and that will be the place of many memories. (And I am ever so thankful that the process to get it is over! THAT was a stressful time!)

Hard to believe we've been here over a year now. And yet, this feels like it has been our home much longer than that too. We've made some changes and upgrades and, of course, have big plans for future upgrades when time and money (mostly money!) allow.

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Thankfulness Day 3

I am thankful for laughter.

The huz is maddeningly good at making me laugh. Especially when I want to be angry. With him. But it helps. The tension is diffused and we deal with the situation and move on.

There are times, not often enough, that I laugh till I cry- like the time I smacked my forehead on the car window... Or laugh until my stomach hurts (I tend to not breathe effectively when laughing). Sometimes you just need a good laugh.

Punky was cracking herself up the other day. This ball was HIGHLY amusing apparently. I was giggling just listening to her laugh. Even at 11 months old, she appreciates the need to lighten up. We take ourselves too seriously too much of the time (guilty!!) Take a moment to laugh today. And be thankful for the medicine.

Friday, November 2, 2012

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 2

I am thankful for my friends.

The huz and I have wonderful friends. Friends who are more like family than friends. Friends who help us paint our whole house when they would much rather be sleeping. Friends we can count on.

And because it is Friday....



Each week, Hilary at Feeling Beachie  listing four statements with a blank for you to fill in on your own blogs. This week’s co-host is Beckey from really, really, real housewives  - she came up with the last two statements.  Join in the fun and hop over and sign up!
Hilary lives in the area affected by Hurricane Sandy and while she and her husband, Marc, are safe—they have suffered a lot of damage to their home and are without power, internet and phone.  Please keep her and the rest of the victims of this storm in your thoughts and prayers.
This week’s statements:
1. Growing up _____
2. Wouldn’t ____ be wonderful?
3. If I hadn’t _____, then I never would have _____.
4. When I _____, I like to _____.
My answers:
1. Growing up I was a very shy kid.
2. Wouldn't world peace be wonderful?
3. If I hadn't decided NOT to move to California, the I (probably) never would have married the huz.
4. When I clean, I like to blare the music (except when I clean while Punky's sleeping).




Thursday, November 1, 2012

30 days of Thankfulness

I was invited to join this Facebook event and decided it was a good blog topic. I'm trying to be more regular in my postings- I find the writing therapeutic. So there will be a short hiatus (I love that word) in my 30 Day Challenge postings while I am thankful.

I thought November 1 would be the perfect time to start my thanking process, leading up to the BIG DAY and then carrying the thankfulness on into the Christmas season.

So today I am thankful for my family. My big, crazy family. And I mean crazy in the nicest possible way. My family of origin, my extended family, my in-law family. All are very supportive and loving and always willing to lend a hand. Whether it is babysitting the Punkster for a few hours or helping us move for the umpteenth time, they may grumble, but they always show up. I am blessed.