Thanksgiving...

I am lucky enough to have married into a large, loving, amazing family.
Having come from a very small family myself (my parents are from England and what little is left of our family is still over there), I have always been envious of my friends with large families who get to experience the holidays with so many loved ones.

This year, for Thanksgiving, we went to my husband's parents' house yet again. His family is so welcoming, and I love being there with all the branches and generations. We brought his almost-18-year-old cousin home with us for the weekend, and at some point it hit me that this kid is my family now.

I love my husband, and I love this new family that has welcomed me with open arms.

"To be happy, it first takes being comfortable being in your own shoes. The rest can work up from there..."

Today, kids, I am totally comfortable in my own shoes.
Meaning that I have managed so far to make it to lunch wearing my "commuting shoes" and not having to change into my "work shoes." Not that I don't love my work shoes -- today's shoes are a pair of orange peep toes, which also just so happen to be my wedding shoes. However, flats, especially tennies, are always more comfortable than heels. And today's tennies are my new green chucks. They pop against that otherwise black and white of today's outfit (other than the orange necklace I wore to go with said work shoes) and since green is my favorite color, these shoes always make me smile!

I am going to aim for dressing like this all week, since it is supposed to rain every day. Rain makes me tired and blah, so I will make an extra effort to dress warm, cozy, and happy!

I Have, I Will, I Do...

On October 23, 2010, I married my best friend and one true love.
I was blessed to reconnect with this person after 8 years of separation, and after 4 years of togetherness, we finally took the plunge and made it official.

This song was our first dance, and I knew it was meant to be ours the very first time I heard it.

"I Have, I Will"
by Rachel Garlin

You want to know if I knew when we had just begun
You want to know if I'll hold you as my beloved and my only one
You want to know if I smile when I think of all the mornings, I'll get to wake up next to you
I have, I will, I do

You want to know if I've cried over how much I care
You want to know if I'll carry this laughter to the rocking chair
You want to know if I dream in the bitterness of winter,
of dancing by the fire with you
I have, I will, I do

And I don't imagine our days will arrive drenched in pure sunshine
But the darkest days that come along, we'll bathe in candlelight

You want to know if I can bend like a daffodil
You want to know if I will hold you steady, without holding you still
You want to know if I see this love as a promise,
and every day a chance to renew
I have, I will, I do
I have, I will, I do


After all these years, I still luboo bebe.
I Have, I Will, I Do.

George...

Today I saw a bunny hopping happily along by the bushes as I walking to the bus stop on my way in to work. I have seen a few bunnies in the neighborhood since the weather has gotten nice, and I wonder if they are all the same one, or if they may be from the same family.
I made a point to stay on the opposite side of the street so I wouldn't scare him -- though part of me definitely wanted to SQUEEEEEEEEEEE my way all the way across the street and scoop him up and hug him and love him and call him george.

The bunny put a smile on my face and a warm fuzzy in my heart.
Not a bad way to start a monday.

I See Trees of Green, Clouds of White...

This morning when I was walking from the Metro into my office, I saw a woman with a little tote bag picking up random pieces of garbage and putting them in her bag. My first thought was that she may have been homeless or a little off her rocker, but she was clean and nicely dressed, and clearly heading to work for the day.
It took me a moment, but I realized she was simply taking a few moments to clean up her environment, and to make the world around her a more beautiful place for everyone.

This really struck me.
I mean, how often do I see garbage lying somewhere and turn my nose up in disgust? But how often do I actually pick up that garbage? You can guess how often -- never.
How often do we see things we don't like in the world -- but how often do we actually take the initiative to make those things better?

Obviously not everything is within our power, but oftentimes we do have the ability to change something for the better and we just choose not to.

It's still not likely that I will be picking up garbage with my bare hands, but this morning was a little reminder to do what little I can to make the world a better place. If we all pitch in, just a little bit, how much better do you think things can get?

Early Bird...

This morning I managed to get myself out of the house 10 minutes early -- something I have been wanting to do for a while now, because I have been wanting to try out the little coffee shop that sits nearby where I wait for the shuttle to the Metro station. I got there this morning with plenty of time to spare. Asked the girl which tea she would recommend -- I thought she had said "gray" so I got it, but it turned out to be green tea. No worries, I like green tea; I just don't think of it as a first-thing-in-the-morning tea. Nonetheless, having a nice cup of tea was a fun start to my morning!

I'm wearing a new dress in my favorite color, and I'm loving it.

The weather is gorgeous, and I had brief conversations with 2-3 different people this morning about just how lovely it is outside! When the weather is nice, I'm a happier gal. I had lunch outside yesterday, and I have been getting off the train a stop earlier -- I only do this when it's nice outside!

Also, last night I attended the first of a series of 4 classes (of which I will miss the last one due to vacation) on how to make invitations and cards. It's really more of a class on stamps, or so I learned last night. Nonetheless, I had a lot of fun and really enjoyed the company of the other ladies in the class -- one of them even gave me a hug on the way out!

It's been a great few days, and I have been in high spirits!
And I'm supposed to meet up tomorrow with a friend I haven't seen in a while, and we are going to "play makeup" (as I like to say) and maybe work on a potential wedding look!

TGIF!

It's Just That Kinda Day...

We have all had those kinda days...
grumpy days, fat days, days where we just wanna go back to bed and have a do-over.

Today, I'm having a cute day!
I'm not a very cocky person, but I've gotta say, I look *darn* cute today!

Hey, if you've got it, flaunt it -- and today, you know I've got it!

Status of Love...

This is the status message on my fiance's gchat account:

"short hair, freckles, glasses, pale skin...man I got a great life...:)"

In case you didn't add it up, that's ME he's describing!
For the last few weeks, he has been truly amazing about using his words to make me feel special (which is something we both learned about me during our pre-wedding counseling). I'm a truly lucky gal, ladies!

Inspiration...

Last night, I was reading the newest issue of a magazine that I never subscribed to, but seem to be receiving just the same -- Shape. I am terrible about working out and eating right, but there is a lot I could learn from this magazine, if only I would put it to use.
Flipping through the pages, this little ditty stuck out to me.

Mantra of the Month
It's perfectly natural to desire more -- more clothes, more friends, more money; it's only human. But obsessing over the things you're lacking can make you feel dissatisfied. This month, take a moment to acknowledge what you do have -- anything from your healthy body, which can carry you through a six-mile run, to your best friend, who's really more like a sister. Remember that, while life can always get better, it's fulfilling to appreciate where you are.

This is very reminiscent of something the lovely Sal does on a frequent basis, and really, that is the entire point of this blog. Sure, life could be better, but it's pretty darned good already, and I'm going to be aware and be grateful for what I have. I'm a lucky gal. Positively Fortunate.

A Sample of Willpower...

So far this week, I have been able to politely decline a free Krispy Kreme donut, amazing cupcakes, and yummy fries.
I am pretty proud of myself for the willpower I have mustered up.

One of my coworkers got a cupcake and allowed me a half-a-bite, so I was able to sample it (since I hadn't tried that flavor before).
And despite ordering no fries with my lunch today, the grill-master put 3 little ones on my plate -- and they were GOOD!

So while I am still proud of the willpower I have displayed, I'm also extra-happy because I've still been able to have a taste of the goodness without indulging!

101 Small Pleasures...

101 small pleasures you can enjoy every day

1. coloring (yes, grown-ups can do it, too)
2. crisp cotton sheets
3. soft skin
4. old family recipes
5. the first daffodils of spring
6. sleeping in
7. an exercise endorphin high
8. window boxes
9. a perfect cup of coffee
10. a genuine compliment (giving or receiving)
11. the way babies smell
12. a handwritten letter
13. waking up in a good mood...for no real reason
14. singing in the shower
15. finding a couple forgotten dollars in your pocket
16. doing something nice for your neighbor
17. a home cooked meal
18. laughing
19. movie theater popcorn
20. playing hookey
21. a bubble bath
22. swimming
23. an afternoon nap
24. street musicians
25. your favorite song
26. saying thank you
27. helping someone in need
28. old fashioned photo booths
29. fresh whipped cream
30. inspiring blogs
31. a glass of wine
32. rainy afternoons
33. the funny things kids say
34. a novel you can get lost in
35. finding the perfect piece of clothing...on sale
36. clean laundry
37. the wind in your hair
38. treating the person behind you at the drive-thru
39. sharing an umbrella
40. the smell of lavender
41. a long walk that clears your head
42. a bear hug
43. The Beatles
44. smiling at a stranger
45. eating with chopsticks (Chinese food optional)
46. butterflies
47. staying in your pj's all day
48. singing along to the radio and knowing all the words
49. fresh herbs
50. ordering in pizza
51. happy endings...even if they're fictional
52. flying a kite
53. puppies
54. root beer floats
55. holding open the door...
56. ...or having someone hold the door for you
57. fountain soda
58. white, fluffy towels
59. sunshine
60. spending an afternoon at a museum
61. really great advice
62. green lights all the way home
63. the sound of rain hitting the windows
64. sitting in a booth
65. holding hands
66. a great hair day with no effort
67. building a fort with your kids
68. when someone falls asleep with their head on your shoulder
69. fireflies
70. the perfect taco
71. geraniums on a windowsill
72. slow dancing
73. the smell of fresh-baked bread
74. cheesy, uplifting musicals
75. great stories
76. the smell of gasoline
77. the cold side of the pillow
78. love letters
79. old friends...
80. ...new friends
81. a pull-through parking space
82. a baguette -- crisp on the outside, airy on the inside
83. when a dog licks your hand
84. sitting at the counter at an old-fashioned diner
85. using your favorite dishes
86. reading your child a bedtime story
87. Girl Scout Cookies
88. flossing
89. kissing someone you love
90. the smell of onions and garlic cooking
91. hot chocolate
92. jumping in puddles
93. old photographs
94. birds hopping on the sidewalk
95. Ella Fitzgerald
96. a spoonful of peanut butter straight from the jar
97. your softest t-shirt
98. a new magazine in the mail
99. fireplaces
100. having exact change
101. bacon and pancakes cooking on Saturday morning

Ending the Drama...

Since our move, things have understandably been a little stressful and dramatic. Getting bills sorted out is never fun, and unpacking is just tiresome after a while. I have been busy with my dance team and haven't been home much -- and when I *AM* home, I really just want to relax, not unpack.

It is because of this that I am super thankful for my awesome fiance. He has been picking up my slack with the unpacking, the cooking, the cleaning... and despite his being fairly busy at work, he has take the initiative to sort out all the issues with our bills. (How the electric company suddenly decided we were a corporation and was threatening to shut off our power since we hadn't filled out some form is totally beyond me!)

I am thankful that the dance season is just about over after this weekend. While I was thankful to start dancing again (and really, I still am) it was taking up lots of my outside-of-work time. Once it is over, I will again have time for wedding planning and chores/errands.

Yesterday, on the way to practice, I was almost sideswiped on a *major* highway by a woman who wasn't paying attention. I am amazingly thankful both that she missed and that the car behind me hadn't already crept up into my spot, since I had to swerve back into it with no notice. Besides my heart leaping up into my throat, there was no harm done. All's well that ends well!

Finally, I think we are getting some things sorted out with the wedding! I'm 99% sure we have found our photographer, and the price she is giving us is SUCH an amazing deal that it is going to allow us to be able to afford the band we want! (The band that a week ago I was bummed that we weren't going to be able to afford.) Plus, my friend/bridesmaid found a class in the area for making your own invitations, which is something I was contemplating doing... it just seems like things are falling into place! As Hannibal says on the A-Team, "I love it when a plan comes together!"

The Little Things in Life...

today i am thankful for interacting with happy people, maple syrup, and a colorful wardrobe.

i love when im walking down the hall at work and i pass certain people who just always have a smile on their face and are really truly enjoying life. i might be tired or stressed or feel down about something, but instead of the fake smile and nod i give to most people i pass, these people inspire a REAL smile out of me and it really brightens my day. moods and attitudes can be highly contagious, so i would gladly be infected by these people.

i had to scarf down breakfast at my desk this morning before my meeting. all i had time to eat were scrambled eggs + has brown potatoes. the eggs from our caf are usually fairly bland and dry, so i always put a little ketchup on them (which i only ever do here) but this morning, in addition to my ketchup, i decided to add a little maple syrup. (if you havent had maple syrup on scrambled eggs, youre really missing out!) the extra sweetness was just what i needed on a really sleepy morning.

when im tired and its cold out, the easiest thing in the world for me is to gravitate toward wearing all black, brown, and gray -- its simple and requires little thought to throw on. but you know the problem with that? you end up FEELING black, brown, and gray all day -- NEUTRAL.
i have been making a conscious effort to inject more excitement and color into my winter wardrobe, and while i may fail and look a little clownish at times, i really love feeling brighter throughout the day. it may not give me the same energy boost as a sugary soda or a candy bar, but when i unexpectedly catch a glimpse of my green tights and teal heels surrounded by everyone elses standard black business uniform, it makes me happy.

and hopefully, the colors and my lifted spirit will infect someone else!

The Scent of Things to Come...

I am extremely grateful today for my sense of smell.

Of the senses, I think it is the one we probably think we could live without, if ever forced to part with one. Sight and Hearing rank highest on the totem pole. Then I think Touch and Taste are next, though I could go back and forth as to which order to put them in. But Smell, poor Smell, is usually overlooked. Sure, we notice when something smells bad, but how often do we really take the time to notice when something smells good? In thinking of this, I automatically start thinking of food, which leads me again back to Taste, leaving poor Smell in the dust.

Last night, when I came home from work, there was a very pungent odor in the air -- the kind of scent that hits your nose and you instantly know something isn't right.
We had a gas leak. In the house we just moved into 2 days prior.
We were able to get the gas company out and have everything fixed before any catastrophes occurred -- after all, a gas leak and a spark could mean devastation.

So thank you, little nose.
Thank you, sense of Smell.
Where my eyes and ears, tongue and fingers all failed, you saved us.

The Little Things...

Sometimes it's the little things in life that make you happy and make you realize just how lucky you are. Silly little things. Like having a bottle of root beer explode all over you at lunchtime, soaking your tan pants, yet not leaving a stain. How positively fortunate!

One Ringy Dingy...Two Ringy Dingy...

Today I got to spend a whole hour on the phone with my mom just catching up on everything going on in my life. My parents have been out of town for several weeks, so I haven't gotten to talk to them as often as I usually do. I'm not the type to talk to them every single day, but it is unusual for my mom and I to go more than a few days without a phone call or email.
Life is a little hectic lately (not bad, just busy!) so it was nice to catch her up on everything and get her support. I know my parents will always be there for me, no matter what, but it's always nice to have someone tell you that you are making good choices and doing the things you need to do.

I love my parents so much, and I really appreciate that they are always there for me!

For the Work Others Do...

I am so thankful for the work others do to make people's lives easier.

My dear fiance spent his entire lunchbreak (and then some!) running around getting paperwork filled out for us to get the rental that we want. He had to hit the store, get cashier's checks/money orders and just get a million different things lined up perfectly to make it happen. He is still working on this today.
I am so grateful that he works near enough to where we live that he can do all of this. I am also grateful that his office is lenient enough to let him take a long lunch to take of personal things. Most of all, I am thankful that he works this hard for us -- both at his job and outside the office.

I am also very fortunate to have someone within my office who is just an angel.
Our manager's last day was 2 weeks ago; she moved to another contract. In the interim, one of the other ladies in our office stepped up to oversee our team -- a position that we would love for her to hold permanently. She is smart, funny, and really just super sweet. She knows the job, she knows us, and she really knows how to interact with people in a way that gets the job done, but people still want to bend over backwards to help her.
She keeps apologizing to us since she is still in a "learning period" but I keep telling her she is doing great and to let us know if she needs any help with anything. Our last manager really got burned out from doing everything herself, and I really don't want that to happen to this woman.

Overall, I am just so grateful to have people in my life who are willing to work hard to make my life easier. At a time when life is really stressful, it is so very much appreciated.

Movin on Up...

after a very busy weekend, I am super-excited that we are *thisclose* to having a new place to live!

it is a little farther out than we initially hoped and not as big as we really wanted, BUT the rent is even less than we are paying now; the community is beautiful, safe, convenient; the amenities provided are outstanding. living here will make it much easier for the fiance and i to put away money to save up for a downpayment on our own home. in the long run, that is way more important to me than having everything i want right now in a rental. but, that said, this rental is pretty darned amazing!

i feel much-relaxed knowing that this is taken care of.

Help from Others...

I have been blessed the last few days to receive some help from another blogger in figuring out how to make collages, post photos, etc. I'll refrain from naming any names, but I am extremely grateful. I am the type of person who never likes to ask for help -- not because I think I should be able to figure everything out by myself, but more because I don't like to take up other people's time and burden them. I really hate being a burden on others. But sometimes you just have to ask for help, and it's always so wonderful when you receive the help you ask for and the person helping you is so gracious about giving it.
So Thank You, blog faerie!

This morning I was able to drag myself out of bed the first time my alarm sounded, which afforded me the time to put on a touch of makeup. Most days I don't bother with makeup, but lately I have been feeling a bit bedraggled and run-down, and my face has been showing it.
Today only called for a little cover-up, some brightening powder, and some mascara, but I feel like a whole new woman!

That Man of Mine...

My fiance is currently over at the fireplace building us what will be a roaring fire for the rest of the evening. This is after he already cooked us dinner -- whilst I was out and about shopping. I was able to hit Goodwill and TJ Maxx and score a few items for myself, in addition to running a few errands.

I have myself a GREAT guy, and I am super-lucky to have him and to be marrying him later this year!

Happy Birthday Elvis...

Today I was reminded that if he were still alive, today would be Elvis's 75th birthday.

I have had this song running through my mind all day, and it makes me smile and dance down the hallway at work:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_IltuSEdFY

"Elvis is Everywhere" by Mojo Nixon

*dances off on the distance*

In the beginning...

The purpose of this blog is to help myself on my quest of positive thinking.

So often in life, for me at least, it is so easy to notice the things I don't like -- about myself, about others, about anything and everything. Things I don't like just jump out. It takes more effort to find things I do like. Things that make me happy. Things that are truly beautiful. They are there, but my mind is so accustomed to negativity that it takes actual effort for me to notice the good in the world.

I am hoping to change that about myself.
I want to make a concerted effort to be a more positive person, and this blog is where I will be making those baby steps. Taking the time and making the effort to write down the things I see and hear that make me smile will hopefully encourage me to actively LOOK for the good things in life, and hopefully I will stop absentmindedly thinking or commenting negatively.

I'm sure many posts will be silly and superficial, and I expect that many, if not most of them, will be very self-centered. After all, I am hardest on myself, so I will probably look to myself for things to comment on. But my hope is that as positivity grows more natural for me I will begin to notice it everywhere and be able to find it in anything.

If others happen across this blog and want to join me in my quest, great.
But really, this blog is here for myself, to better myself.
I have no reason to be so down in my view of the world.
After all, I am Positively Fortunate.