through this little blog we have created, i have come to find it difficult to make a short list of things i am grateful for. i often see something and think "this has got to go on the blog!", but before i know it, i have completely forgot about it. i suppose the ultimate goal is to remind oneself of the wonderful things in life and to be consciously aware of them all at the same time.

 i discovered something interesting last night from a book i am reading and it made me think about the choices i make each and every day. the book said that our bookstores are often filled with "self-help" books on how to improve our attitudes, images, skills or thoughts, yet do we find the same amount of literature on finding the beauty in life or how to help others? we frequently make excuses or find we are too tired (i'm the worst at doing this!) to do something beautiful for others. why is it that we soul search and work to better ourselves (mentally, physically, whatever), yet something so simple as doing good, volunteering or making a conscientious effort to find the beauty in life can be the ultimate "cure" to our problems? i am in no way saying i have this mastered or am the perfect "do-gooder". far from it people, far from it. it's just food for thought. so perhaps during the upcoming holiday season where we tend to give more and think of others in need, we can intentionally work to better ourselves through helping others or by finding the magic each day brings and make it last longer than usual. because my friends, it is truly a wonderful world we live in full of incredible, incredible things.

 like any other skill, be it throwing a ball, playing the piano or learning a language, we learn from practice. and because of this practice i feel that my gratitude list has become as simple as riding a bike. easy, thrilling and carefree.

so on this beautiful, but chilly fall thursday, i offer up my little piece of gratitude (don't get too jumpy...they aren't that exciting...)

* candles burning
* upcoming trips
* doing laundry without having to pay for it
* a full fridge to choose from
* new songs - lovin' "we found love" by rihana
* talking to brothers
* jeans friday!
* being able to vote - aren't we blessed?!
* a clean bathroom, shower and all (i know you hate cleaning showers like i do...)
* the smell of hot coffee - i'm fairly certain i said that last time, but it's just too good!
* boots
* christmas commercials/movie previews (i know i shouldn't be excited yet, it's not even halloween yet!)
* my husband: his drive, motivation and hard work to be able to provide for his family


have a lovely weekend and enjoy the hunt to find something to be grateful for...

peace,
b

Grateful on Tuesday

Happy belated birthday to our beautiful friend K! I have known K nearly all my life - our moms were best friends and we soon followed in their footsteps. K has been there from day one and she has never left my side, she is the definition of a true friend. One of my favorite things about our girl is her laugh, it is truly infectious. She has a way about her that makes the people around her feel loved and cared for. K is our organizer, always finding an excuse to get together and celebrate our friendships, never allowing us to forget how important we are to each other. She is not only the most incredible friend, she is an amazing wife, sister, and daughter. I cannot imagine what my life would be without this loving friend! K, I wish you the happiest of birthdays and look forward to celebrating many, many more with you. Happy Birthday dear friend!

Love,
B

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In an effort to make up for a couple (ahem) lost weeks in posts, here is post #2 for this rainy Tuesday...


As my alarm went off for the third, yes, third time this morning, I couldn't help but loath the thought of waking up at what felt like the wee hours of the day. The morning started out a bit chaotic. Although I had thought ahead the night before and packed my lunch, laid out my clothes (I even ironed!) and packed my bag for the gym, I was still slightly frazzled. Among the rushing about to get out of the house in time to greet my students, I could only feel gratitude for the many blessings I have been given...

- a phone call from my husband
- a hot pot of coffee to greet me as I went downstairs
- a parking spot in the garage
- a car letting me in
- a colleague pulling onto the freeway next to me
- a hot bowl of tomato soup....grilled cheese next to it of course
- apples, don't you just love fall?!
- skyping with loved ones
- an upcoming visit from the little brother
- a weekend visit from the big brother and sister-in-law
- pulling off a surprise
- being done at the gym...can't beat that feeling!
- slumber parties with cousins
- birthdays

Cheers to a week full of gratitude,
B