#22 - I am thankful for "free shipping"
I know, I know "no such thing as a free lunch." My husband, the guy driving around in bad weather for 10-11 hours, will not be pleased when he reads this one either, but given the lack of time I am kid less to shop .. this is huge.
#23 - I am thankful for flannel sheets
It has gotten drastically colder here in Romanskiville. There is nothing nicer than climbing into bed and snuggling into those flannel sheets.
#24 - I am thankful for my iPad
First of all, I love technology. My iPad Air ... I often carry it more than my purse. It has my calendar, I can do my banking from it, it stores hours of my favorite music. I can take it to the gym and watch movies while I exercise. I can read a book on it while I wait for an appointment. Life changing.
#25 - I am thankful for good slippers
Seriously, who does not want warm, dry feet. I have the LL Bean, fur lined ones with the rubber soles .. love them .. probably more than you should love slippers.
#26 - I am thankful for "pay at the pump"
Not having to run inside to pay in bad weather or when I have 2 kids in boosters and belts to herd to and fro ... best invention. EVER.
11.21.2014
Movies, Chocolate and Quick Trip to the Grocery Store
#19 - I am thankful for chocolate
Really no additional text needed here .. right?
#20 - I am thankful for grocery pickup
For the last 6 weeks we've been doing grocery pickup. I order online during the week and on Sunday between 11 and 12 Paul pulls up to the front of the local Stop and Shop. The attendant knows him now, she has him sign the paper and carefully loads the bags in the trunk. He climbs back in to the car, drives home and moves onto the rest of Sunday.
Not only does it save us time, it saves us a a bunch of money .. no impulse buys!!!
#21 - I am thankful for Redbox
I wish I was the person that thought to put a video store in a vending machine and then plop those vending machines in convenient locations. We are big fans of the service. We walked into our local Redbox haunt tonight and walked out 5 minutes later with 2 kids movies, for $1.20 plus tax (we had a coupon for a free rental)
11.19.2014
Wanna have dinner at The Elks Club?
#18 - I am thankful for people with generous hearts
Last night I had dinner at the Groton Elks Club .. WOO HOO. I bet you don't hear that every day. I was there with my parents, brother and sister in law to support my cousin Betsy and her son, Jordan.
Betsy is 3 years older than me and we spent a ton of time together growing up. When she was studying to be a hairdresser she practiced on me ... there was only really one time when it was not a good haircut, but I digress.
Betsy is a single mom of one son, Jordan. He'll be 22 in a week and sometime between now and early December will undergo surgery, again, to remove cancer.
We arrived last night shortly after the event started and were met with a fairly large crowd. We passed through a room full of raffle prizes, deposited our tickets, and found seats. The room kept filling, we grabbed dinner and I ran into so many people that I hadn't seen in a long time. It was nice to catch up. A band played while we ate.
Jordan works at Stop & Shop and some employees there were the mastermind for the event last night. They did a phenomenal job. Betsy took the microphone for a few minutes and read off her list of thanks, I could tell that she was really overwhelmed by the sheer volume of people AND LOVE in that room. It is one think thing to "know" that people are on your side, but when you physically SEE a building full of people and their sole purpose is to lift you up .. that makes you feel pretty damn special.
People laughed and cried ... we sang Happy Birthday to Jordan a few days early. The crowd started to thin and I headed home to Paul and the girls. My heart was full. It is so easy to forget about all the good, kind, loving, thoughtful, GENEROUS people out there. It was not hard to remember that last night.
I am thankful, so very, very thankful.
#18 - I am thankful for people with generous hearts
Last night I had dinner at the Groton Elks Club .. WOO HOO. I bet you don't hear that every day. I was there with my parents, brother and sister in law to support my cousin Betsy and her son, Jordan.
Betsy is 3 years older than me and we spent a ton of time together growing up. When she was studying to be a hairdresser she practiced on me ... there was only really one time when it was not a good haircut, but I digress.
Betsy is a single mom of one son, Jordan. He'll be 22 in a week and sometime between now and early December will undergo surgery, again, to remove cancer.
We arrived last night shortly after the event started and were met with a fairly large crowd. We passed through a room full of raffle prizes, deposited our tickets, and found seats. The room kept filling, we grabbed dinner and I ran into so many people that I hadn't seen in a long time. It was nice to catch up. A band played while we ate.
Jordan works at Stop & Shop and some employees there were the mastermind for the event last night. They did a phenomenal job. Betsy took the microphone for a few minutes and read off her list of thanks, I could tell that she was really overwhelmed by the sheer volume of people AND LOVE in that room. It is one think thing to "know" that people are on your side, but when you physically SEE a building full of people and their sole purpose is to lift you up .. that makes you feel pretty damn special.
People laughed and cried ... we sang Happy Birthday to Jordan a few days early. The crowd started to thin and I headed home to Paul and the girls. My heart was full. It is so easy to forget about all the good, kind, loving, thoughtful, GENEROUS people out there. It was not hard to remember that last night.
I am thankful, so very, very thankful.
#18 - I am thankful for people with generous hearts
LIVE from the Living Room
#17 - I am thankful for creativity of my kids
I mentioned the other day that my sister and I were able to sneak away for most of Sunday. My brother in law and nephew were away freezing their behinds off on a boy scout overnight so that meant that Paul had the 3 girls ... Livy started on Heidi first thing "Is it time to leave yet?" every 5 minutes. Paul and I had the "Is it almost time for Olivia to come?" every 5 minutes.
It was requested that I text Auntie Heidi to have Liv bring her Anna Coronation dress.
The kids .. all 4 were characters in Frozen for Halloween. Olaf, Anna, Olaf and Elsa.
When Heidi and I left they were going to change into their dress-up clothes. When we got back early that evening we found this greeting us....
I mentioned the other day that my sister and I were able to sneak away for most of Sunday. My brother in law and nephew were away freezing their behinds off on a boy scout overnight so that meant that Paul had the 3 girls ... Livy started on Heidi first thing "Is it time to leave yet?" every 5 minutes. Paul and I had the "Is it almost time for Olivia to come?" every 5 minutes.
It was requested that I text Auntie Heidi to have Liv bring her Anna Coronation dress.
The kids .. all 4 were characters in Frozen for Halloween. Olaf, Anna, Olaf and Elsa.
When Heidi and I left they were going to change into their dress-up clothes. When we got back early that evening we found this greeting us....
According to the note - Olivia had an "awesome" time and Paul had a private showing of Frozen .. complete with the girls all singing to him with the karaoke microphones. Paul says we missed an outstanding show! I love these kids and their enthusiasm, creativity and imaginations.
#17 - I am thankful for creativity of my kids
11.16.2014
Sisterhood of the Traveling Bags
# 16 - I am thankful for my "little" sister
Today I spent most the day with my sister and we didn't have our kids. It is a big deal because we hardly EVER get to spend time together ... alone. It isn't that we don't get along it is just that we move in different circles. They camp, we don't. They have a boy who is busy .. Scouts and Baseball -- practices, games, Fall Ball ... we don't have those same activities.
That made today even more special. We got to talk, uninterrupted, about a bunch of stuff. We had a 45 min ride to where we were going (Google Maps actually said closer to 55 but Heidi drove) so it was nice.
We had breakfast on the way there and lunch/dinner before we headed home. I got to order an appetizer that came with cheese dip because she would share it with me ... unlike last night when we had to skip the cheese in the salad because Paul was with us.
We were at a meeting for a business that I am working hard to get off the ground, we got a free gift, a new tote bag .... after the meeting .. we strategized some about making some December goals.
Then we headed home and back to our crazy households. The beauty of having a sister .. she's always there!
I see that with my girls already .. how they really enjoy being together ..well most of the time.
# 16 - I am thankful for my "little" sister
Today I spent most the day with my sister and we didn't have our kids. It is a big deal because we hardly EVER get to spend time together ... alone. It isn't that we don't get along it is just that we move in different circles. They camp, we don't. They have a boy who is busy .. Scouts and Baseball -- practices, games, Fall Ball ... we don't have those same activities.
That made today even more special. We got to talk, uninterrupted, about a bunch of stuff. We had a 45 min ride to where we were going (Google Maps actually said closer to 55 but Heidi drove) so it was nice.
We had breakfast on the way there and lunch/dinner before we headed home. I got to order an appetizer that came with cheese dip because she would share it with me ... unlike last night when we had to skip the cheese in the salad because Paul was with us.
We were at a meeting for a business that I am working hard to get off the ground, we got a free gift, a new tote bag .... after the meeting .. we strategized some about making some December goals.
Then we headed home and back to our crazy households. The beauty of having a sister .. she's always there!
I see that with my girls already .. how they really enjoy being together ..well most of the time.
# 16 - I am thankful for my "little" sister
Coffee
# 15 - I am thankful for coffee
Even though I didn't learn to appreciate coffee until I was 30 I have made up for. I like it hot, I like it iced and I especially love to sit on the couch with a book, newspaper or DVR'd TV and just wrap my hands around the mug and quietly enjoy.
# 15 - I am thankful for coffee
11.14.2014
Girls Night
#14 - I am thankful for Girl's Night Out
Every now and then a few of us girls get together on a Friday night. Tonight was one of those nights.
It isn't really that much of a big deal -- a nice restaurant, a glass or 2 of wine, and dessert ... we are not out particularly late and no one is hung over the next day.
For me, it is a HUGE treat. I don't take Brooke and Kris. Therefore, I am only responsible for managing myself. No one to take to the bathroom, no bread to butter for anyone but me, no cutting others main course while mine gets cool, etc.
We get to talk, catch up on what is going on in every one's world and laugh. And LAUGH.
We laugh so much that my face hurts when I get home.
These girls .. they are my people. I am so thankful for them and whenever we get a Girl's Night Out.
#14 - I am thankful for Girl's Night Out
Every now and then a few of us girls get together on a Friday night. Tonight was one of those nights.
It isn't really that much of a big deal -- a nice restaurant, a glass or 2 of wine, and dessert ... we are not out particularly late and no one is hung over the next day.
For me, it is a HUGE treat. I don't take Brooke and Kris. Therefore, I am only responsible for managing myself. No one to take to the bathroom, no bread to butter for anyone but me, no cutting others main course while mine gets cool, etc.
We get to talk, catch up on what is going on in every one's world and laugh. And LAUGH.
We laugh so much that my face hurts when I get home.
These girls .. they are my people. I am so thankful for them and whenever we get a Girl's Night Out.
#14 - I am thankful for Girl's Night Out
11.13.2014
Oh Brother
#13 - I'm thankful for my "little" brother
Today is his birthday and it really does seem like just yesterday when he was born.
Today, he is all grown up and carries a gun. He's a police officer so it is OK that he has the gun and all.
Even though I am older ... a lot older than him ... he has always been my protector.
When he was 3, he ran very excitedly into my bedroom early one Saturday morning saying "I got it, I got it!" I was asleep and when I opened my eyes, there was the mouse trap (complete with said mouse) from the trunk of my car.
When I was getting divorced, he would go with me to my old house to get my mail or be my bodyguard if there were other meetings or hand-offs required.
When I moved, he was always there to muscle boxes.
When we built Romanskiville - Rev 2, he was there .. digging a trench, laying conduit, boring holes through foundation walls.
He is the cool uncle to my girls that takes them out to dinner, lets them stay up too late and eat ice cream when they didn't eat their dinner.
He hangs them upside down and pushes them on the swing. He talks to Brooke about running and plants the seed about running cross country or track.
When he is at our house he always takes Bradley out back and throws the ball with him.
I'm thankful that he and my sister in law live close and we're connected.
#13 - I'm thankful for my "little" brother
Today is his birthday and it really does seem like just yesterday when he was born.
Today, he is all grown up and carries a gun. He's a police officer so it is OK that he has the gun and all.
Even though I am older ... a lot older than him ... he has always been my protector.
When he was 3, he ran very excitedly into my bedroom early one Saturday morning saying "I got it, I got it!" I was asleep and when I opened my eyes, there was the mouse trap (complete with said mouse) from the trunk of my car.
When I was getting divorced, he would go with me to my old house to get my mail or be my bodyguard if there were other meetings or hand-offs required.
When I moved, he was always there to muscle boxes.
When we built Romanskiville - Rev 2, he was there .. digging a trench, laying conduit, boring holes through foundation walls.
He is the cool uncle to my girls that takes them out to dinner, lets them stay up too late and eat ice cream when they didn't eat their dinner.
He hangs them upside down and pushes them on the swing. He talks to Brooke about running and plants the seed about running cross country or track.
When he is at our house he always takes Bradley out back and throws the ball with him.
I'm thankful that he and my sister in law live close and we're connected.
#13 - I'm thankful for my "little" brother
Those People are SAINTS ....
#12 - I am thankful for people who are called to teach
In late October, I started volunteering at the girl's school. That has evolved into some program management and technology integration consulting .. at their school and another in the district.
Before I started this gig, I already had a huge level of respect for teachers. I mean, seriously, take Kindergarten for example, 22 5 year old kids. TWENTY TWO 5 year olds ... I have one and I am not interested in adding any more 5 year old children to my village.
With the introduction of Common Core .. entire curriculum themes have been shifted. The school where the girls attend has become a Magnet School and with that comes more "required" instructional time.
Now that I am in the school almost every day I am learning that there is not one free minute in a school day ..... every minute is assigned to some facet of instructional time.
Some of these kids come to school hungry, some come with no coat, some come routinely late, and some have behavioral issues. Some kids lack the ability to speak and understand English. Some get very little nurturing at home. Some are coming to school for more than education and you know what .. they are getting it.
So proud of the faculty and staff that gets there early and stays late. So thankful or the teacher that sends the extra bag lunch from the field trip home with a kid she knows needs a little extra. For the staff that finds a coat or a sweatshirt for the kid that showed up without one. For the love and support that so many of these kids crave.
I am so grateful for the people who teach my kids.
#12 - I am thankful for people who are called to teach
In late October, I started volunteering at the girl's school. That has evolved into some program management and technology integration consulting .. at their school and another in the district.
Before I started this gig, I already had a huge level of respect for teachers. I mean, seriously, take Kindergarten for example, 22 5 year old kids. TWENTY TWO 5 year olds ... I have one and I am not interested in adding any more 5 year old children to my village.
With the introduction of Common Core .. entire curriculum themes have been shifted. The school where the girls attend has become a Magnet School and with that comes more "required" instructional time.
Now that I am in the school almost every day I am learning that there is not one free minute in a school day ..... every minute is assigned to some facet of instructional time.
Some of these kids come to school hungry, some come with no coat, some come routinely late, and some have behavioral issues. Some kids lack the ability to speak and understand English. Some get very little nurturing at home. Some are coming to school for more than education and you know what .. they are getting it.
So proud of the faculty and staff that gets there early and stays late. So thankful or the teacher that sends the extra bag lunch from the field trip home with a kid she knows needs a little extra. For the staff that finds a coat or a sweatshirt for the kid that showed up without one. For the love and support that so many of these kids crave.
I am so grateful for the people who teach my kids.
#12 - I am thankful for people who are called to teach
11.11.2014
Something about a man in uniform
#11 - I am thankful for all those that serve or have served our country
My dad has told me more than one time that he signed up for the US Coast Guard and a few days later was drafted .... to serve in the Army.
He served during the Vietnam War, thankfully, in Thailand. He was a communications specialist and that was where that team was stationed. I've always loved this picture of my dad ... he seems strong, confident, and SO young!
About a month ago, my dad was reunited with a man that he served with over 45 years ago. Thanks to the internet, Jack was able to locate his buddy Sgt. Doc Holliday. My parents and Jack and his wife met in Branson, MO and got to catch up.
How cool is that?
Something tells me that my Mom and Jack's wife probably didn't do so much talking those few days they were together. I suspect after all these years there were lots of real "war stories" recalled.
Thank you for your service Dad, Jack, and all those who have sacrificed so much for this great country.
My dad has told me more than one time that he signed up for the US Coast Guard and a few days later was drafted .... to serve in the Army.
He served during the Vietnam War, thankfully, in Thailand. He was a communications specialist and that was where that team was stationed. I've always loved this picture of my dad ... he seems strong, confident, and SO young!
About a month ago, my dad was reunited with a man that he served with over 45 years ago. Thanks to the internet, Jack was able to locate his buddy Sgt. Doc Holliday. My parents and Jack and his wife met in Branson, MO and got to catch up.
How cool is that?
Something tells me that my Mom and Jack's wife probably didn't do so much talking those few days they were together. I suspect after all these years there were lots of real "war stories" recalled.
Thank you for your service Dad, Jack, and all those who have sacrificed so much for this great country.
Happy Veteran's Day
#11 - I am thankful for all those that serve or have served our country
11.10.2014
SURPRISE
#10 - I am thankful for unexpected surprises .. good unexpected surprises!
Today, when I got the mail there was a padded envelope from the cookie company, Cheryl's. I am a customer of that particular company, but I didn't remember ordering anything from them recently.
I confirmed it was addressed to me and opened it up. I found this ......
It was a little cardboard box that, when opened, revealed this ....
A sugar cookie with strawberry buttercream frosting.
It took me a few minutes to figure out who the sender was ... Thank You my sweet friend, Jenn. I love knowing you are one of my biggest cheerleaders!!!
#10 - I am thankful for unexpected surprises .. good unexpected surprises!
Today, when I got the mail there was a padded envelope from the cookie company, Cheryl's. I am a customer of that particular company, but I didn't remember ordering anything from them recently.
I confirmed it was addressed to me and opened it up. I found this ......
It was a little cardboard box that, when opened, revealed this ....
A sugar cookie with strawberry buttercream frosting.
It took me a few minutes to figure out who the sender was ... Thank You my sweet friend, Jenn. I love knowing you are one of my biggest cheerleaders!!!
#10 - I am thankful for unexpected surprises .. good unexpected surprises!
11.09.2014
Who You Calling a Writer?
#9 - I am thankful that people read my writing
In 2008 I started writing a blog. If you are reading this now, lucky you, you found it. I was a good student in high school .. an honor student, graduated in the top 10 of my class and was in the National Honor Society. That meant Honors English ... and that meant writing .. papers .. poetry ... OMG .. the most painful Junior English paper on an author that just about killed both Mrs. Panciera AND me. Seriously, over Christmas break I went to her house and worked on the paper with her. Looking back, that woman was a saint, I mean who really wants their 11th grade English students at their house the last week of December. She honestly gave us every opportunity to knock that assignment out of the park. Not sure that I did.
I have long advertised myself as a "math/science" person. For years I've told people that I am not a writer, that I am not creative, that I don't care much for the abstract. When I was in college and grad school I did some tutoring - always in computer and math classes. When my dad asked for some help with a paper when I was home on break one year I offered the disclaimer "you are going to get a B/B+ on this paper if I help you .. that is what I am a B/B+ writer" ...
When I was struggling through papers and poetry it never occurred to me that some day I would look forward to sitting at the computer to create a blog post to share with a wider audience. I started my blog mainly to keep family and friends up to date when the girls were little. It did not ever occur to me that people would look forward to what I had to say. That people would think I was funny and entertaining. It definitely NEVER occurred to me that people would tell me that I had talent, that I was "such a good writer." I laughed out loud the first time someone told me that I should write a book. Funny thing is .. people read my blog, the software tracks how many hits, so I know it just isn't me and my parents.
It has become a bit of an outlet for me - when I am happy, excited, angry or confused .. I write .. sometimes I go too fast and I leave out words or use the wrong to/too/two ... sometimes it is hard for my hands to keep up with my brain.
Even if there is never a book there is this sort of digital chronicle for the girls to read when they are older. I'll keep writing as long as people keep reading.
#9 - I am thankful that people read my writing
In 2008 I started writing a blog. If you are reading this now, lucky you, you found it. I was a good student in high school .. an honor student, graduated in the top 10 of my class and was in the National Honor Society. That meant Honors English ... and that meant writing .. papers .. poetry ... OMG .. the most painful Junior English paper on an author that just about killed both Mrs. Panciera AND me. Seriously, over Christmas break I went to her house and worked on the paper with her. Looking back, that woman was a saint, I mean who really wants their 11th grade English students at their house the last week of December. She honestly gave us every opportunity to knock that assignment out of the park. Not sure that I did.
I have long advertised myself as a "math/science" person. For years I've told people that I am not a writer, that I am not creative, that I don't care much for the abstract. When I was in college and grad school I did some tutoring - always in computer and math classes. When my dad asked for some help with a paper when I was home on break one year I offered the disclaimer "you are going to get a B/B+ on this paper if I help you .. that is what I am a B/B+ writer" ...
When I was struggling through papers and poetry it never occurred to me that some day I would look forward to sitting at the computer to create a blog post to share with a wider audience. I started my blog mainly to keep family and friends up to date when the girls were little. It did not ever occur to me that people would look forward to what I had to say. That people would think I was funny and entertaining. It definitely NEVER occurred to me that people would tell me that I had talent, that I was "such a good writer." I laughed out loud the first time someone told me that I should write a book. Funny thing is .. people read my blog, the software tracks how many hits, so I know it just isn't me and my parents.
It has become a bit of an outlet for me - when I am happy, excited, angry or confused .. I write .. sometimes I go too fast and I leave out words or use the wrong to/too/two ... sometimes it is hard for my hands to keep up with my brain.
Even if there is never a book there is this sort of digital chronicle for the girls to read when they are older. I'll keep writing as long as people keep reading.
#9 - I am thankful that people read my writing
11.08.2014
Dinner Out
#8 - I am thankful for dinner out.. with family and friends
Every November, my church hosts a Turkey dinner. It is a favorite of ours, my mother in law, my sister in law and brother in law, and their friends. We had a table of 10 tonight. The food was delicious and plentiful. I'm still stuffed almost 3 hours later.
We hadn't seen everyone in a while so it was fun to catch up. We ate and laughed and the best part .. no cooking tonight.
#8 - I am thankful for dinner out.. with family and friends
11.07.2014
Sober
I wonder if it would be easier to accept if he had been drunk, loaded up on prescription painkillers or illegal drugs.
Today, almost 3 months after his death the reports are back and it is all over the press .. Robin Williams was sober when he ended his life.
For me, there is a little relief .. not sure that is the right word, but I can't find another one. I think if he had been drunk or high I might have thought "maybe he didn't really want to end his life" or "he wasn't thinking clearly"
I'm not sure why I think him being sober equates to him thinking clearly, but it is where I'm letting my school of thought rest.
I don't really understand depression or the total control it can have over you. I know people who have struggled - some have it under control, some are still doing battle and some have lost the war.
I think when someone takes their own life it is easy to judge. I think it is easy to label the person as selfish and cowardly. The more I reflect and learn about suicide, the more I understand that it isn't a logical and rational thought like I have. I get it now .. that there are battles that go unseen and unspoken.
I loved Robin William's work. I think he was one of the most talented performers ever. When I learned of his passing I was sad that there would be no more Good Morning, Vietnams, no more Dead Poet's Societies, and no more Mrs. Doubtfires.
He wasn't part of my daily life, we weren't friends, and sometimes I forget that he is gone. When you get right down to it - it doesn't matter - drunk, sober ... he is gone and to quote a line from one of my favorite movies where he had a lead
"Oh Captain my captain, your fearful trip is done"
Today, almost 3 months after his death the reports are back and it is all over the press .. Robin Williams was sober when he ended his life.
For me, there is a little relief .. not sure that is the right word, but I can't find another one. I think if he had been drunk or high I might have thought "maybe he didn't really want to end his life" or "he wasn't thinking clearly"
I'm not sure why I think him being sober equates to him thinking clearly, but it is where I'm letting my school of thought rest.
I don't really understand depression or the total control it can have over you. I know people who have struggled - some have it under control, some are still doing battle and some have lost the war.
I think when someone takes their own life it is easy to judge. I think it is easy to label the person as selfish and cowardly. The more I reflect and learn about suicide, the more I understand that it isn't a logical and rational thought like I have. I get it now .. that there are battles that go unseen and unspoken.
I loved Robin William's work. I think he was one of the most talented performers ever. When I learned of his passing I was sad that there would be no more Good Morning, Vietnams, no more Dead Poet's Societies, and no more Mrs. Doubtfires.
He wasn't part of my daily life, we weren't friends, and sometimes I forget that he is gone. When you get right down to it - it doesn't matter - drunk, sober ... he is gone and to quote a line from one of my favorite movies where he had a lead
"Oh Captain my captain, your fearful trip is done"
Not a Creature was Stirring ..
#7 - I am thankful for quiet mornings
I'm still not quite adjusted to the time change .. going to bed "early" like around 10:30 and awake and ready for the day too early (for me) around 5 - 5:30.
This morning I was up and had the dog walked, fed and coffee made before 6. The best part .. everyone else is still in bed. I love to have a few minutes to sit quietly with my coffee and flip through the pages of a catalog or read the paper before anyone else is up.
There never seems to be this little bit of quiet time at night so I really appreciate it when I get a few minutes in the morning.
#7 - I am thankful for quiet mornings
I'm still not quite adjusted to the time change .. going to bed "early" like around 10:30 and awake and ready for the day too early (for me) around 5 - 5:30.
This morning I was up and had the dog walked, fed and coffee made before 6. The best part .. everyone else is still in bed. I love to have a few minutes to sit quietly with my coffee and flip through the pages of a catalog or read the paper before anyone else is up.
There never seems to be this little bit of quiet time at night so I really appreciate it when I get a few minutes in the morning.
#7 - I am thankful for quiet mornings
11.06.2014
Where Everyone Knows Your Name ...
There is this quaint little restaurant in Norwich called The Pantry. I'm not sure how I discovered it but I share it whenever I can. It is different from the usual pizza and grinder shop and it isn't diner like either. It is a little more upscale. Everything is made to order, it is hot and delicious every time I go.
I tend to have lunch there more than breakfast and, occasionally, I try something new but usually I order the French Dip. One of the chefs, Lori, knows my name is Heather. She knows I always order the French Dip. She also knows that Paul orders his French Dip without cheese.
They pay attention.
This morning I had a business meeting and we decided earlier in the week that we would meet over breakfast. I was so excited that I could share "my place" with someone new.
I don't think I've been there since the day the girls went back to school so I was due. We walked to the counter to place our order and Lori came out from the kitchen.
"It's a little early for French Dip Heather" ...
I just love that ... like walking into "Cheers" and being met with a chorus of "NORM"
#6 - I am thankful for people and businesses that recognize customer service and loyalty.
I tend to have lunch there more than breakfast and, occasionally, I try something new but usually I order the French Dip. One of the chefs, Lori, knows my name is Heather. She knows I always order the French Dip. She also knows that Paul orders his French Dip without cheese.
They pay attention.
This morning I had a business meeting and we decided earlier in the week that we would meet over breakfast. I was so excited that I could share "my place" with someone new.
I don't think I've been there since the day the girls went back to school so I was due. We walked to the counter to place our order and Lori came out from the kitchen.
"It's a little early for French Dip Heather" ...
I just love that ... like walking into "Cheers" and being met with a chorus of "NORM"
#6 - I am thankful for people and businesses that recognize customer service and loyalty.
11.05.2014
Never Thought I'd Say That ....
#5 - I am thankful for Unemployment Insurance
Yep ... never saw that coming .. but then, who does?
It has been 6 months since I was "RIF'd" .. that is what they call a layoff at my old company, a "Reduction in Force".
Still no full time work and the vacation payout and severance are just about gone. The only reason that pot of money lasted this long was because there is unemployment insurance.
I'm not sure what today would look like if I didn't have that little bit of money coming in each week.
That's the idea behind insurance - you pay for it hoping it never gets used - but when you need it you are glad it is there. OH, you are glad!
11.04.2014
Day Four
#4 - I am thankful for the right to vote.
I am thankful that I have the right to vote. Some might call me unimaginative because this is my "thankful for" every election day. I feel strongly about the privilege of voting .. actually the responsibility.
I know that there seems to be a lack of qualified candidates in some races but we have the right to participate and I take it seriously.
I am thankful that I have the right to vote. Some might call me unimaginative because this is my "thankful for" every election day. I feel strongly about the privilege of voting .. actually the responsibility.
I know that there seems to be a lack of qualified candidates in some races but we have the right to participate and I take it seriously.
11.03.2014
Day One, Two, and Three
Here we are in the month of November. I like to think that I am the kind of person that really appreciates all I have but I really like the idea of the "Thirty Days of Thanks" that has so many people posting on Facebook.
As usually happens around here .. I'm a few days behind. Here's day one, two and three
#1 - I am thankful for Family Saturdays
Saturday started out like usual, Paul took Kristen to dance and then came home. We headed out for a quick lunch and then ran errands. It was windy and rainy as we drove around back roads but we spotted geese, horses, and one of the farms that is part of The Farmer's Cow. The girls had recently had a taste test of their chocolate milk so they thought that was pretty cool.
We rented a movie from Red Box and headed home. The girls watched the movie, we did puzzles, and had breakfast for dinner. Nothing extraordinary, but a great day just the same.
#2 - I am thankful for Sunday Night Bowling
For years Paul and I have bowled on Sunday nights we joined the league even before we were married. For 3 hours, every Sunday, for 36 weeks we spend time together.... bowling. We catch up on the week, we laugh, and we hang out with 2 of our closest friends. We leave our kids home, have a couple of beers and a little adult conversation. I am convinced that this weekly "date night" is part of the reason that our marriage is so solid.
#3 - I am thankful for perseverance
It has been 6 months since I was laid off. There have been countless applications, phone interviews, a couple of face to face interviews, and rejections. When the alarm goes off each morning, I get up and my plan is just to keep moving forward because there is something better coming and that might be the day that it decides to arrive.
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