Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Gratitudes 12/17/14

Today I am grate*full...

1. for my Everybody Can Play Supporters.
2. for my students.
3. for their parents.
4. for the gifts I received last night.
5. for a special intention.

Love~
Elizabeth

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

The only failure is the failure to begin again

"Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone." ~ Gladys Browyn Stern

I have been really out of touch with my gratitude practice yesterday. So I am taking my own advice, and making September 23, 2014 my personal January 1 and starting my 365 days of gratitude over again.

Today, September 23, 2014, I am grate*full...

1. for a husband that cooks, cleans, and does laundry.
2. for the opportunity to be home and watch Rachael grow, to have early morning and post-school snuggles with Marc, and to help Melanie with her homework.
3. for the expanding opportunities I'm able to offer in my nonprofit.
4. for 24hoursofhappy.com (thank you so much Andrea for turning me on to it!)
5. for my friend JoAnn Thomasson who continues to post her blessings to our Facebook group.

Love~
Elizabeth

Monday, September 1, 2014

Gratitudes 9/1/14

“Gratitude is nutrition for a living relationship.” ~ Steve Maraboli

Today I am grate*full...
1. for a new month and the ability to buy food.
2. for the people who donated at Muddy Fingers so people like me can have low-income shares.
3. for FlyLady.
4. for Adobe Acrobat Pro PDF Creator.
5. for Everybody Can Play.

Love~
Elizabeth

Sunday, August 31, 2014

Gratitudes for August 31, 2014

“Most days I live awed by the world we have still, rather than mourning the worlds we have lost." ~ Paul Bogard

Today I am grate*full...

1. for naps.
2. for the beautiful baby who gave me the pulled muscle I have in my arm.
3. for new friends.
4. for how awesome the people at St. Mary's Southside are.
5. that we got to be part of Danielle and Adam's special day yesterday. Their wedding was absolutely beautiful :)

Love~
Elizabeth

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Gratitudes for August 26-30

“Life is a whirlwind of many opportunities. Choose to embrace all of them in deepest gratitude. Learn to forgive yourself and honour the heart that beats within you, as well as the head that rests on your shoulders. Learn how to believe in people again and not be judging or cynical to various beliefs.

"We are all of one light on this one Earth, and loving humanity makes all the difference.” ~ Michelle Cruz-Rosado

“Today I will find something beautiful.
Delicate pink blossoms on a cherry tree.
The dove resting near the lemon buds.
Sunbeams smiling from sky to earth.
Smiling on me.
"Creating" in BREATHE IN” ~ Eileen Granfors

“Appreciating what I have is my medicine.” ~ Betty Jamie Chung

“To live a life of gratitude is to open our eyes to the countless ways in which we are supported by the world around us.” ~ Gregg Krech

Today I am grate*full...

1. for this blog post from Momastery.
2. for Nutella and jelly sandwiches.
3. for Everybody Can Play.
3. for FlyLady.
4. that Melanie is getting close to being able to tie her shoes.
5. for warm weather. I love shorts weather, and the days that it will be warm enough to wear shorts around here are dwindling.
6. that we have enough food to eat.
7. that we have clean water to drink. I cannot emphasize this enough.
8. for a bed big enough to fit four of us since we seem to end up with Melanie and/or Marc in the bed every night.
9. for enough sippy cups that Marc and Rachael can fight over them.
10. that Marc liked his school.
11. that we had enough money left over after paying the rent to get some much needed snack food.
12. for fans.
13. that we're going to Danielle and Adam's wedding today!
14. for my friend Kelly buying ten raffle tickets for the Collective :)
15. that I can be a typing frog (Marc just took one of Melanie's toy magic wands and turned me into a frog.)
16. for how pretty Melanie and Rachael look in their dresses.
17. that Rachael is such a good napper.
18. for the power of routines. (Every day, sometime between 11 and noon, we put Rachael down for a nap, and usually, she recognizes it's naptime and goes right to sleep.)
19. for the cutie patootie outfits that our friend Ellen gave Rachael for her birthday!
20. for our little house. I really love our little house.

Love~
Elizabeth

Monday, August 25, 2014

Catching up the Gratitude 8/14 - 8/25

“I know what it is to have nothing and plenty. Always count your blessing and be grateful.” ~ Lailah Gifty Akita

“When the Altitude of Gratitude grows in Multitude with Certitude the World will perceive Beatitude” ~ Musab Faiyazuddin

“Be thankful for what you have. Your life, no matter how bad you think it is, is someone else's fairy tale.” ~ Wale Ayeni

“[I] never talk about gratitude and joy separately, for this reason. In 12 years, I've never interviewed a single person who would describe their lives as joyful, who would describe themselves as joyous, who was not actively practicing gratitude.” ~ Brene Brown

“A sincere attitude of gratitude is a beatitude for secured altitudes. Appreciate what you have been given and you will be promoted higher.” ~ Israelmore Ayivor

“Let us never be afraid of innocent joy; God is good and what he does is well done; resign yourself to everything, even happiness; ask for the spirit of sacrifice, of detachment, of renunciation, and above all, for the spirit of joy and gratitude.” ~ Henri-Frederic Amiel

“It is not what happens to you or for you that makes you grateful. It's how you respond to what is happening, that shows your belief about gratitude.” ~ Sumner Davenport

“When we maintain a conscious connection with Gratitude, our presence will naturally radiate a certain beauty and undisturbed, inner tranquillity. Such individuals glow. All such individuals look beautiful and seem irresistible to those who value goodness. They have an attractor field of loveliness which, likewise, tends to bring out the beauty in other people.” ~ Donna Goddard

“Take note and give thanks for all the good things present in your life.” ~ Amey Hegde

“Only unconditional grace can transform a hardened heart into a grateful heart. Only a free gift can demolish any notion of quid pro quo. Only an utterly merciful act of love can fashion a new creation capable of love. As theologian Karl Barth puts it, 'As the beloved of God, we have no alternative but to love him in return.” ~ Mark Galli

“Gratitude bestows reverence.....changing forever how we experience life and the world.” ~ John Milton

“I may not be where I want to be but I'm thankful for not being where I used to be.” ~ Habeeb Akande

“You were formed inside a borrowed womb—a nourishing safe haven for months—then delivered through painful effort and sacrifice by a woman willing to give you the precious gift of life. That truth alone deserves your gratitude and respect.” ~ Richelle E. Goodrich

“Embracing an attitude of gratitude is nourishing to the soul. When we allow ourselves to be engulfed in gratitude, this abundant soul nourishment overflows to your relationships, careers, and day to day lives. Act in gratitude today… If you are grateful to those you love, show them. If you are grateful to those who have helped you, show them. If you are grateful to your creator, to your family, to your friends, and you want it to be known, let it be shown!” ~ Steve Maraboli



Today I am grate*full...

1. for plenty of food to eat.
2. for clean, safe water to drink.
3. that my children are all with me and safe.
4. that my husband is alive and with me.
5. that I was able to sleep using just Valerian root last night. (I was good and tired. Giving the kids their baths definitely wears me out.)
6. The ability to sleep in while I'm unemployed.
7. The work I'm doing with the Collective. It feels like my true calling.
8. That it looks like we're going to be able to make rent this month. Yes, we should definitely make rent this month
9. for my pampering routine.
10. for my idea (inspired by FlyLady) to break my tub/shower into 5 zones for cleaning.
11. for the amazing tossed salad we had the other night with the fresh vegetables we'd gotten.
12. for the yummy sweet corn we got on Friday night.
13. that Mame is OK after the earthquake.
14. for my ability to write.
15. that John William Shook the Younger is doing laundry today.
16. that the tape on my laptop cord seems to be holding for now.
17. for the outing we had yesterday at Eldridge Park with the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Athens-Sheshequin.
18. that the house is cool this morning (it's going to be HOT later).
19. for the extra two hours of sleep I got this morning.
20. for Friends (aka Joey Show) on DVD.
21. for the Today show.
22. that my three-year-old told me about the mess in his pants before it got too gross.
23. that it's supposed to be dry for the next couple of days.
24. for smart kids who amaze me and make me laugh every day.
25. for the life of my sister, Linda, who celebrates her birthday today.
26. for how she inspires me.
27. that I saw my friend Kevin for the first time in MONTHS today...maybe even over a year.
28. for the pleasant surprise I got today when I opened up my NYSEG bill! (Those are HIGHLY unusual LOL.)
29. that I took Melanie to the doctor to get to the bottom of her knee pain.
30. that I got a promotion at one of my oDesk jobs!
31. for my precious baby Rachael Evalyn Courtney Shook, on her first birthday, which was last Thursday, August 21.
32. for the roof over my head.
33. for our electricity.
34. for the idea for the First Wednesday Potluck.
35. for coffee.
36. for the song "Good Morning" by Mandisa.
37. for the song "Happy" by Pharrell Williams and its many and varied covers.
38. for the song "I Believe in You" by Amanda Marshall.
39. that I had a job interview last Thursday.
40. that I got the Everybody Can Play applications mailed out yesterday.
41. that we're going to get this company incorporated by the end of September.
42. for Steve Seaberg, who inspired the First Wednesday Potluck
43. for the Wellness Self-Management Personal Workbook.
44. for fans.
45. for warm showers.
46. for cortisone.
47. that I have now gotten both my cortisone shots and I'm good until December (or for a couple of weeks, who can tell? But I'm good for now, and my knees feel decent and I'm not in ridiculous pain).
48. for the job interview I had last Monday.
49. that by the end of this week (I hope), we'll have enough money for the rent (this one bears repeating).
50. those moments when I get so lost in the music I turn into a transdimensional space goat.
51. for my friend Toe who posts this wacky shit like transdimensional space goats.
52. that I'm getting my cortisone shot tomorrow (this one was from August 17).
53. that I already have an appointment to get the other knee done (also from August 17).
54. for my oDesk jobs.
55. for Google searches for prayers.
56. for my printer.
57. for Valerian root.
58. that I got to work for Alameda yesterday (this was from August 14).
59. that Savannah's baby is here!
60. that we got all three kids to bed by 9:00 last night (also for August 14).
61. for my ladybug toes.

Love~
Elizabeth




Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Gratitudes 8/8-8/13/14

“It's Wednesday. I am alive. I am breathing. God has given me another today. I am thankful. I am blessed. God is Good. Just for today ... I will look for joy in all things. I will enjoy what is beautiful. I will listen. I will learn. I will believe.” ~ Lori Homeyer

“Give and receive with gratitude. Do the former, without expectation of, the latter.” ~ Jaeda DeWalt

“Perhaps gratitude and love are one and the same.” ~ Erica Goros

“People are complaining of having rags and not riches, but I find it a blessing just to have rags, to wipe away the dirt and dust that may come in the course of life.” ~ Anthony Liccione

“Saying thanks to the world, and acknowledging your own accomplishments, is a great way to feel good and stay positive.” ~ Rachel Robins

“Today I am so grateful that God knows my heart.
Others may misunderstand my good intentions,
judge my words or deeds, find fault,
or blame what they truly do not understand.
But God knows my heart.
He knows I am learning, trying, endeavoring,
to be all He created me to be.” ~ Lori Nawyn

Today, and for the past several days, I am/have been grate*full...

1. for an automatic deposit from oDesk.
2. that my unemployment payment has been released.
3. that even though I've been out of work for over a month, I'm only on my fourth week of unemployment because of working the oDesk jobs.
4. that John shut off the second alarm (usually, if I get up after the first alarm, I'm the one who has to go back and shut off the second alarm, because John either doesn't hear it or chooses to ignore it).
5. for coffee.
6. for the drive through pharmacy at Rite Aid.
7. that I got to see Kristina yesterday.
8. for getting stuff for the students of the Everybody Can Play Music Collective.
9. for a good night's sleep.
10. for Joey Show on DVD (that's Friends).
11. that this sinus business seems to have passed.
12. that it was nice out Monday to clean my comforters.
13. for the ability to be flexible with plans.
14. for Nutella and jelly sandwiches (or Nujelly and sammich as Marc calls it).
15. for coffee (two different days, it counts LOL).
16. for "breathe in gratitude, breathe out negativity."
17. that Rachael Evalyn Courtney Shook takes her medicine so well.
18. that she seems to be doing so much better.
19. for the ability to begin again.
20. that I found a highlighter last night to work on my Arts Management reading.
21. for my to-do list.
22. for my husband - that he does laundry, cooks, and cleans.
23. for 750 words.
24. for hot showers.
25. for the roof over my head.
26. for my oDesk jobs.
27. for the interview I have this week.
28. for my iTunes gift card.
29. for my printer.
30. for clean, safe water to drink.
31. and to John Shook, Jr., for fixing my glasses so they don't fall off my face every time I bend or nod.

Love~
Elizabeth

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Gratitudes August 4-August 7, 2014

“Today you will envy the blessings of another, or you will bask in the wonder of the amazing grace you have been given.” ~ Paul David Tripp

“To express gratitude is to put into words a beautiful sense of wholeness. Recognizing the people, the experiences, and the extraordinary gifts of life which feed our souls.” ~ Anna

“Gratitude shouldn't be an occasional incident but a continuous attitude.” ~ Anthony Nyuiemedy-Adiase

“Living in love, gratitude and forgiveness, is peaceful and spiritually rejuvenating. Living under the emotional constraints of anger and resentment is draining and toxic to heart and soul. It can be difficult to let go of past hurts, but it can also be freeing and uplifting. More and more, i choose to live in love, gratitude and forgiveness.” ~ Jaeda DeWalt

Today I am grate*full...

1. that I got the interview with the school district!
2. that Rachael Evalyn Courtney Shook is feeling better!
3. that John William Shook the Younger made breakfast for the kids.
4. that John William Shook the Elder's colonoscopy was uneventful.
5. that I found an article that I thought was lost!
6. that Monica did an awesome job on my nails.
7. that Lethia helped us take care of the kids on Sunday so that I could work.
8. for coffee.
9. that I had a job interview Monday morning.
10. for Mary-Ann's messages.
11. that the 599 program is able to re-send me the paperwork that needs to be filled out by my school.
12. that my request for an advance of my excess financial aid got where it needed to go.
13. for Kathy at the pediatrician's office for being so awesome with Rachael yesterday.
14. for Dr. Odife reassuring me on the phone last night.
15. for goodreads.com, which is where I am getting the majority of my gratitude quotes lately.
16. for the Bright Red Bookshelves all over town.
17. for Nutella and jelly sandwiches.
18. that Marc calls Nutella and jelly sandwiches "Nujelly and sammich."
19. that I can get another copy of Marc's birth certificate.
20. for my address labels.

Love~
Elizabeth

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Gratitudes from 7/31-8/3/14

“Petronius was surely right in saying Fear made the gods. In primitive times fear of the unknown was normal; gratitude to an unknown was impossible.” ~ JM Robertson

“An ancient cornerstone of prayer is that our desire to thank God is itself God's gift. Be grateful." ~ Richard Leonard

“Gratitude is a vaccine, an antitoxin, and an antiseptic.” ~ John Henry Jowett

“In life, as in knitting, don't leave loose ends. Take the time to thank the people who matter in your life.” ~ Reba Liker

Today I am grate*full...
1. that the Mets won last night.
2. that Jacob DeGrom is an awesome pitcher.
3. that the Giants play tonight. FOOTBALL NIGHT IN AMERICA.
4. for warm drinks.
5. for my Keurig.
6. for Brandy Malone.
7. for my amazingly awesome new pixie cut.
8. that I got to give Melanie a piano lesson yesterday.
9. for mantras such as "Breathe and Pray." and "I am a magnet for miracles."
10. for the seven years I have spent married to my amazing husband.
11. that I'm getting ladybug toes today!
12. that I have my two oDesk jobs (for the moment.)
13. that my time in the red tent will soon be completed for another month.
14. that we got to spend an amazing day with friends yesterday.
15. that I got to hold an 8 month old identical twin baby yesterday.
16. for Rachie snuggles.
17. for amazing marriage examples like those of John's parents, my parents, my mom's bff, my godmother, and many, many friends.
18. for the constant reminder that I have to set good examples for my kids.
19. for how funny Marc is.
20. for Rachael's sweet baby open-mouth kisses.

Love~
Elizabeth

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Gratitude from 7/25/14 forward

“Gratitude makes you a better, stronger, wiser person. Ingratitude makes you a negative, angry, miserable person. Which person do you choose to be?” ~ Comic Strip Mama

“Find gratitude in the little things and your well of gratitude will never run dry.” ~ Antonia Montoya

“We have so much for what to be grateful and if we thank for it, we will have even much more.” ~ Victoria Vorel

"Keep a gratitude list." ~ Steve Maraboli

“Of course gratitude should be expressed...But that does not mean to kill your self-esteem.” ~ Deepika Muthusamy

“Gratitude is born in hearts that take time to count up past mercies.” ~ Charles W. Jefferson

Friday/Saturday I was grate*full...

1. that the Mets won last night (Friday).
2. that John cut Marc's hair and it looks so handsome!
3. for open-mouthed super-slobbery Rachael Evalyn Courtney Shook kisses.
4. that the Skype interview went well yesterday.
5. for how cute Rachael looks in her little swimsuit.
6. for the anticipation of a fun day spent with good friends.
7. that the weather seems to be cooperating.
8. for the people that kept me updated on the game via Twitter.
9. that we were able to brush Melanie's hair this morning with very few tears.
10. how handsome John in his An Evening of Song t-shirt.


Today I am grate*full (and I owe twenty...how have I gotten so far behind?!)...
1. for Rachie snuggles.
2. for not having a job to go to so I can take time to recover from being sick.
3. for the interview I have on Monday.
4. for Monica and Lethia helping me with the kids in the store tonight.
5. for them coming over tomorrow to watch them while I work.
6. that the Mets won 11-2 today over the Phillies.
7. that I'm starting to feel better.
8. that I was able to get my Prilosec
9. and I was able to get gas for my car.
10. for ice cream.
11. for clean water to drink.
12. for a life free from religious persecution.
13. for the services offered at Workforce NY.
14. for Edna, who knows why.
15. for a solution to a problem that we came up with yesterday.
16. for finding a lost article.
17. for FlyLady.
18. for Maria, the secretary at my daughter's school.
19. for my to-do list.
20. for my husband, to whom I do not give nearly enough credit.

Love~
Elizabeth

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Gratitudes for 7/24/14

“Those who really can receive bread from a stranger and smile in gratitude, can feed many without even realizing it. Those who can sit in silence with their fellow man not knowing what to say but knowing that they should be there, can bring new life in a dying heart. Those who are not afraid to hold a hand in gratitude, to shed tears in grief, and to let a sigh of distress arise straight from the heart, can break through paralyzing boundaries and witness the birth of a new fellowship, the fellowship of the broken.” ~ Henri Nouwen


Today I am grate*full...
1. for cooler weather. Cooler weather means cooler heads and cooler heads prevail.
2. for Rachael smiles.
3. for amazing Rachael snuggles last night.
4. for the date night-ish dinner that John and I got to have last night with our loganberry wine from Knapp Vineyards.
5. that the Mets won yesterday.

Love~
Elizabeth

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Gratitudes for 7/23/14

“Gratitude begins in our hearts and then dovetails into behavior. It almost always makes you willing to be of service, which is where the joy resides. It means that you are willing to stop being such a jerk. When you are aware of all that has been given to you, in your lifetime and the past few days, it is hard not to be humbled, and pleased to give back.” ~ Anne LaMott

Today I am grate*full...

1. For great feedback from my oDesk job.
2. That I got a canvas for a Secretary I position in Chemung County.
3. That Melanie got a good report at the dentist.
4. That the hygienist said that she "was a pleasure to work with."
5. That we got Marc a dental appointment.

Love~
Elizabeth

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Gratitudes 7/21-7/22/14

“To receive, you must be active. Keep in mind your purpose. You will receive in direct proportion to your clarity of vision, your definiteness of purpose, the steadiness of your faith, and the depth of your gratitude.” ~ John-Roger

“Grace begins with gratitude, and the thankful heart flows abundantly while the spirit soars.” ~ Rita Said

Today I am grate*full...

1. that I'm getting to go to my knitting group again.
2. that I don't have to be pregnant again.
3. for the hilarity that ensued last night.
4. for fans. It's sooooooo hot today.
5. for Marc kisses.
6. for Dwayne Johnson. OMG that dude is hot.
7. for Valerian root.
8. for the TV in our bedroom.
9. that my work for Corning-Painted Post is now complete. Officially.
10. for my oDesk job.

Love~
Elizabeth

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Gratitudes 7/20/14

"Everyday gratitude sweetens what appears flavorless and brightens all that appears dim." ~ Amy Leigh Mercree

Today I am grate*full...

1. for the ability to type with my fingers crossed as I watch the Mets play a close game.
2. for naps.
3. for the $20 donation that Everybody Can Play got today.
4. for a husband that lets me nap after a stressful morning.
5. for the progress I'm making on my homework.

Love~
Elizabeth

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Gratitudes 7/17, 7/18, and 7/19/14

"Gratitude makes blessings permanent." ~ Raheel Farooq

“When we saw a destitute-looking man trying to sell worn flip-flops, I vowed never to complain about a job again. When I considered the steady paycheck and quality of life it provided, my past gripes - primarily boring meetings, back-biting office politics and pantyhose - were just whining.” ~ Kristine K. Stevens

"Gratitude is the experience of our true self." ~ Gina Lakes

Today I am grate*full...
1. for the music at the Farmers' Market Thursday.
2. that I got to see many friends, including Casey and Jordan, Juan, Judy, Susan, and Xavier, and Danielle and Ady.
3. that my vacation accrual check was more take-home than I thought it would be, enabling us to pay our cable bill (which includes internet, which I need to do my oDesk job), and get Marc his big-boy underpants.
4. that the raffle tickets are all cut apart and ready for distribution.
5. that I got to go to my knitting group yesterday.
6. for Marc quotes of the day.
7. that, for today, my family and I are together and safe.
8. that John helped me cut apart raffle tickets last night.
9. that I was able to get my cotton yarn out with relatively little problems.
10. that I have a pattern where I don't need a bunch of extra yarn to make dishcloths.
11. for the couple that gave their waitress $20 toward our bill at Pietro's last night, because our kids were "so well behaved".
12. for the man that took their place at that table and was super nice to the kids and us.
13. that we got to see Lethia.
14. that Monica is over here today.
15. for an additional day to work the oDesk job.
16. for the Bible quote my friend Jackie shared on Facebook this morning.

Love~
Elizabeth

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Gratitudes 7/16/14

“As we learn to give thanks for all of life and death, for all of this given world of ours, we find a deep joy. It is the joy of trust, the joy of faith in the faithfulness at the heart of all things. It is the joy of gratefulness in touch with the fullness of life.” ~ David Steindl-Rast

Today I am grate*full....
1. that we were able to get Marc some of the milk he needs (he's lactose intolerant and needs Lactaid).
2. that we got farmer's market coupons at WIC today.
3. for watching Harry Potter with my girl.
4. for the extended playdate the kids got with Ezra and dinner with Jen.
5. for positive feedback from my freelance job.

Love~
Elizabeth

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Gratitudes 7/15/14

“You simply will not be the same person two months from now after consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance that exists in your life.” ~ Sarah Ban Breathnach

Today I am grate*full...
1. for my oDesk job.
2. for my unemployment payment.
3. for the stinkface. (for those who haven't read before, the stinkface is a funny face that Rachael makes)
4. for my little house.
5. for my electric and natural gas.
6. for my cable and internet.
7. that Marc is getting so good at peeing on the potty. We need to check him and see how he does with pants today.
8. for my friends who have birthdays today, but mostly for my friend Brandy, who has been my friend since kindergarten! I still remember her calling our teacher and saying, "Mr. Marks!" (even though she was a Mrs.)

Love~
Elizabeth

Monday, July 14, 2014

Gratitudes for 7/14/14

Happy Bastille day friends!

"My prayer is an attitude of pure gratitude for having the opportunity to experience life on this earth with all its pain, heartache, worry, and turmoil; coupled with this gratitude is the thankfulness for just having the opportunity to have lived. That is fairly easy on good days but difficult when life puts rocks and boulders in the road.” ~ David W. Earle

Today I am grate*full...
1. That I was able to help my father-in-law with some stuff he needed help with.
2. That Marc is peeing on the potty!
3. That the Pregnancy Resource Center has some Pull-Ups for us.
4. that I found the other Juicy Living Card.
5. for the roof overhead.

Love~
Elizabeth

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Gratitudes for 7/13/14

"Gratitude is the heart's first language." ~ Joey Garcia

Today I am grate*full...

1. that we seemed to have turned a corner with my son's potty training. He went pee on the potty three times today, two of them without being prompted.

2. for this face Rachael makes that we call the "stinkyface." She scrunches up her nose and huffs a few times. It's hilarious.

3. that my FIL bought food for our dinner.

4. for an unexpected visit from our step-granddaughter Kristina.

5. for the Potterhead Weekend on ABC Family.

6. that the Mets won another game!

Love~
Elizabeth

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Gratitudes 7/12/14

“Sometimes, we wait on God for special things to happen extraordinarily in our lives before we understand that "God is working". Meanwhile, there are "super-special" things that fill our life barrels in minute drops, but they go unappreciated!” ~Israelmore Ayivor

Today I am grate*full...

1. for the amazing moment I had with my son after I had to put him in time-out. He had been messing with a lamp and I had asked him twice to stop. I put him in time-out (a chair facing the corner) for three minutes, and then when he got up before the time-out was over, I added another minute. When his time-out was up, he came to me completely apologetic for what he had done. He cried and told me, "Mommy, I so sorry I touch that lamp." It turned into an incredibly tender moment between us with lots of hugging and snuggling, and me telling him I loved him very much, and felt like a huge parenting win. I don't get many of those, so I'm so grate*full for it.

2. that we got to watch my friend Niki's kids, Hannah and Lily, today.

3. for the donation we got to the Everybody Can Play Music Collective today from my friend Rebecca. Three composition notebooks and $21 to purchase lesson books for three students!

4. that the Mets pulled out a dramatic come-from-behind victory against the Marlins, tying the game twice and going ahead for the first - and last - time in the bottom of the 8th. Beautiful game!

5. For the amazing response of my friends to a post yesterday that I put up on Facebook.

Love~
Elizabeth

Friday, July 11, 2014

Gratitudes for 7/11/14

“Amazement + Gratitude + Openness + Appreciation = an irresistible field of energy” ~ Frederick Dodson

Today I am grate*full...
1. that I saw my friend Jacob, aka Frito, at Wegman's last night.
2. for the drive-through pharmacy at Rite-Aid.
3. that the Samaritan Center had size six diapers.
4. for my potential oDesk job.
5. for the nice people at the Samaritan Center this morning that gave the kids Twinkies and candy when we went there for food.

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Gratitudes for 7/9/14 and 7/10/14

“Those who really can receive bread from a stranger and smile in gratitude, can feed many without even realizing it. Those who can sit in silence with their fellow man not knowing what to say but knowing that they should be there, can bring new life in a dying heart. Those who are not afraid to hold a hand in gratitude, to shed tears in grief, and to let a sigh of distress arise straight from the heart, can break through paralyzing boundaries and witness the birth of a new fellowship, the fellowship of the broken.” ~ Henri Nouwen

“Work filled with inspiration is worship.
A heart filled with courage is unbreakable.
A life filled with gratitude is fulfilled.” ~ GG Renee Hill

Today I am grate*full...(and I need 10)
1. for Nutella and jelly sandwiches. We ran out of bread yesterday and I didn't get to have any.
2. for coffee. A second cup is warranted this morning, but after I get a shower.
3. for the ability to begin again.
4. to have known my father's best friend Al Topping and to have exchanged Christmas cards with him the past few years. I found out yesterday that he passed away on July 3.
5. for OTC meds that deal with some of the symptoms I have.
6. for clean water to drink.
7. for a printer at home.
8. for plenty of printer paper.
9. for my dear and loving husband who runs to the store for me for milk and bread, and who makes me Nutella and jelly sandwiches when he would rather be doing something else.
10. for the game of peek-a-boo Rachael played with me this morning.

Love~
Elizabeth

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Gratitude 7/8/14

“Receiving, gratitude, and generosity all grow together.” ~ Mark V. Ewert

Today I am grate*full...
1. for Marc. He makes me laugh every day.
2. for extra time to spend with the kids.
3. for a productive board meeting last night. Just when I think I don't know what to do with this nonprofit, something happens that spurs action.
4. for fans.
5. for silver linings.

Love~
Elizabeth

Monday, July 7, 2014

Gratitudes for 7/6 and 7/7/14

Sorry, guys, I wrote gratitudes for yesterday but didn't end up posting them. Dropped the ball in so many ways yesterday. Trying to pick them back up and start juggling again.

"An attitude of gratitude increases abundance and diminishes fear." ~ Jeffrey Fry.

"I started a Thank You club. You're welcome." ~ Jarod Kintz

Today I am grate*full...

1. for our home. I do love our little house.
2. for the sound of my son Marc singing the Alphabet Song and getting it allllllllll wrong. It was so sweet and cute and funny.
3. for this face that my daughter Rachael makes.
4. for the active imagination of my daughter Melanie.
5. for my dear and loving husband John who takes his elderly father to appointments, cooks, cleans, does the laundry, and takes out the trash around here. He's super-dad!
6. for the very thoughtful response I got to an online job application.
7. for a funny thing that literally just happened. John sat down with a drink of water in his hand. Marc comes up and says, "Can I have a sip?" (This is the only way we can get this child to drink water so we usually indulge him.) John says, "There's only about a swallow left. I was going to drink it myself." I said, "You?! Drink your own drink?! That's MADNESS!" Marc starts laughing hysterically, comes and gives me a high five and says, "That was awesome, Mommy!" (He's three.)
8. that my friend Katie's daughter Lola is one year old today! Happy birthday Lolabean!
9. that our first board meeting for Everybody Can Play is tonight.
10. for my gratitude practice. This whole being unemployed thing could drive me right into bed for days, but for this practice, my journaling, and my praying.

Love~
Elizabeth

Saturday, July 5, 2014

Gratitudes for 7/5/14

"Gratitude is a way of creativity." ~ Nadia Bandura

Today I am grate*full...
1. for clarity.
2. for collaboration.
3. that Rachael Evalyn Courtney Shook got a bath.
4. that everyone got breakfast in a timely manner.
5. and for the love of God, for coffee. I may need a second cup this morning, I haven't decided yet.

Love~
Elizabeth

Friday, July 4, 2014

Gratitudes 7/4/2014

Happy happy birthday America!!!!!!!!!!!

“Having unceasingly grateful life requires demonstrating gratitude daily whether our daily life treats us kindly or not.” ~ Assegid Habtewold

Today I am grate*full...
1. that I live where I do. I really do love being an American.
2. for this ability to be home with the kids for a while. I love seeing them play together.
3. that my unemployment has enabled us to help my father-in-law get to these infusion appointments.
4. that my husband turns on my Joey Show DVDs for me at night.
5. for coffee with my father-in-law this morning.

Love~
Elizabeth

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Gratitudes for 7/3/14

“I try hard to hold fast to the truth that a full and thankful heart cannot entertain great conceits. When brimming with gratitude, one’s heartbeat must surely result in outgoing love, the finest emotion we can ever know.” ~ Bill W., the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Today I am grate*full...

1. for flexibility.
2. that the by-laws for the nonprofit are finished, except for a few tweaks.
3. for the SBA website for its help in writing business plans.
4. for fans. I'm sitting between two of them right now and the air feels glorious.
5. for Rachie smiles.

Love~
Elizabeth

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Gratitudes for 7/2/14

“Being in the habit of saying "Thank you," of making sure that people receive attention so they know you value them, of not presuming that people will always be there--this is a good habit, regardless...make sure to give virtual and actual high-fives to those who rock and rock hard.” ~ Sarah Wendell

Today I am grate*full...
1. for fans.
2. for a vehicle with AC that works.
3. for how the kids make me laugh.
4. for the e-mail I got from Margaret.
5. for my probiotic supplements. I have a ginormous canker sore on my tongue and those really help.

Love~
Elizabeth

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Gratitudes for 7/1/14

“How would your life be different if...you began each day by thanking someone who has helped you? Let today be the day...You make it a point to show your gratitude to others. Send a letter or card, make a call, send a text or email, tell them in person...do whatever you have to do to let them know you appreciate them.” ~ Steve Maraboli

Today I am grate*full...
1. that my job interview went well.
2. that Marc Everett Thomas Shook kept calling the chicken "chicken brains" and it was funny.
3. for our SNAP benefits.
4. that I got my prescriptions and my appointment with Barb rescheduled.
5. that Melanie Jane Shook is such a good helper. Oftentimes, we don't give her enough credit for all the help she gives us, and she can be a queen of complaining and whining, but she does give us a lot of help and I'm grate*full for that.

Love~
Elizabeth

Monday, June 30, 2014

Gratitudes 6/30/14

“A grateful mindset can set you free from the prison of disempowerment and the shackles of misery.” ~ Steve Maraboli

Today I am grate*full...

1. for this chapter in my life. I have met plenty of people who have changed my life for the better.
2. for hugs from the kids.
3. for shampoo and deodorant. I'm almost out of both and not sure how I'm going to replace either.
4. for the awesome dinner that John made last night...that the kids actually ate LOL.
5. for coffee. Boy, did I need it this morning.

Love~
Elizabeth

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Gratitudes for 6/29/14

“When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.” ~ GK Chesterton

Today I am grate*full...
1. for an awesome time with the family last night.
2. for barbecue potato chips.
3. for the money I found in my wallet that I forgot I had.
4. for the way Rachael pulls her blanket over her head when we put her down to go to sleep.
5. that the Mets won yesterday!

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Gratitudes 6/27/14 and 6/28/14

"The kind of experience of humility and happiness that comes with gratitude tends to crowd out whatever is coarse, or ugly, or mean." ~ Kevin DeYoung

“I have learned that in every circumstance that comes my way, I can choose to respond in one of two ways: I can whine or I can worship! And I can't worship without giving thanks. It just isn't possible. When we choose the pathway of worship and giving thanks, especially in the midst of difficult circumstances, there is a fragrance, a radiance, that issues forth out of our lives to bless the Lord and others.” ~ Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Today I owe ten gratitudes and I am grate*full...

1. for my oldest daughter's imagination.
2. that John helped me get splinters out of Marc's foot this morning.
3. for sleeping in.
4. for coffee.
5. for Nutella and jelly sandwiches.
6. for the donation I got yesterday to the GoFundMe campaign. It has enabled me to purchase method books for one of our three potential students.
7. for the three new students we might have as a result of the story on the news!
8. that a friend is going to give me an acoustic piano!
9. that I got to hang out with so many CFA people yesterday, many for the last time. I am grate*full for their presence in my lives over the past year.
10. that my credit score went up 10 points in the past month!

Love~
Elizabeth

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Gratitudes 6/26/14

"What I've learned is there's a scientifically proven phenomenon that's attached to gratitude, and that if you consciously take note of what is good in your life, quantifiable benefits happen." ~ Deborah Norville

Today I am grate*full...
1. that Dad is getting the help he needs
2. that WETM is doing a story on the Collective. (I think!)
3. that it wasn't raining when I left this morning.
4. for Dunkin coffee.
5. that Melanie didn't have a fever when I went to wake her up this morning.

Love~
Elizabeth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Gratitudes 6/25/14

"When service members are discharged, we should express our gratitude for their profound personal sacrifice, not hand them a bill for their hospital food." ~ Barbara Boxer

I chose the quote above because my father-in-law, a World War II Navy veteran, is currently in the hospital, and he's freaking out about a medical bill that he has due July 5.

Today I am grate*full...

1. for the insurance I have through my job.
2. that my father-in-law said we could borrow his car while he's in the hospital (silver linings y'all...)
3. for coffee.
4. for a great boss who was totally cool when I sent him a text that I might be late this morning.
5. that the attorney's office was very nice on the phone.

Love~
Elizabeth

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Gratitudes 6/20-6/24/14

"A smart manager will establish a culture of gratitude. Expand the appreciative attitude to suppliers, vendors, delivery people, and of course, customers." ~ Harvey Mackay

"Often people ask how I manage to be happy despite having no arms and no legs. The quick answer is that I have a choice. I can be angry about not having limbs, or I can be thankful that I have a purpose. I chose gratitude." ~ Nick Vujicic

"At the age of 18, I made up my mind to never have another bad day in my life. I dove into a endless sea of gratitude from which I've never emerged." ~ Patch Adams

"I believe in prayer. I believe in gratitude and serving people." ~ Kiran Bedi

"Social scientists have found that the fastest way to feel happiness is to practice gratitude." ~ Chip Conley



Gratitudes for 6/20/14
For four work-related things about which I can't post details

And that I got my yearbook :)

Gratitudes for 6/21/14

1. That I got paid yesterday.
2. That we're going to Savannah and Logan's birthday party later.
3. for a massage from Melanie this morning.
4. that my husband still loves me after seven years of marriage.
5. for Nutella and jelly.

Gratitudes for 6/22/14

1. for good times spent with good friends.
2. for Nutella and jelly sandwiches.
3. for coffee.
4. for sleeping in.
5. for God's presence in my life.

And 10 gratitudes for 6/24/14 because I didn't write any yesterday

1. for people at work making me laugh.
2. for Debbie Gibson and INXS music on my Pandora.
3. for my pampering regimen.
4. for FlyLady.
5. for Jan, my predecessor at my job, for teaching me everything I know.
6. for BrainyQuote, the source for most of my quotes. Some of today's are just mind-blowing. OMG.
7. for my journal. I verbally vomit so much crap into that thing and I'm so grateful it's there for me, so I don't verbally vomit elsewhere.
8. for the Creative Dream Circle.
9. for the cookout we had at school today. It was fun.
10. that the 8th grade awards went smoothly.

Love~
Elizabeth

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Gratitudes 6/19/14

"As with all commandments, gratitude is a description of a successful mode of living. The thankful heart opens our eyes to a multitude of blessings that continually surround us." ~ James E. Faust

Today I am grate*full...

1. for some message board posts I read that were very encouraging.
2. that I'm getting paid tomorrow.
3. that summer is coming and I get to go swimming on Saturday.
4. that I got the gas can out of my car! OMG I got in my car yesterday and thought it was going to explode.
5. for coffee.

Love~
Elizabeth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Gratitudes 6/13/14 to present

OMG how have I gotten so behind?

"I have had friends who have acted kindly towards me, and it has been my good fortune to have it in my power to give them substantial proofs of my gratitude." ~ Giacomo Casanova

"Happiness is itself a kind of gratitude." ~ Joseph Wood Krutch

"God is always coming to you in the Sacrament of the Present Moment. Meet and receive Him there with gratitude in that sacrament." ~ Evelyn Underhill

"Gratitude to gratitude always gives birth." ~ Sophocles

"One can never pay in gratitude; one can only pay 'in kind' somewhere else in life." ~ Anne Morrow Lindbergh

"I've always had that gratitude that I had the opportunity to pursue my potential. So I think my story says that, when women are given the chance and the opportunity, that we can achieve a lot. We deliver. We can make the world a better place, one butt at a time." ~ Sara Blakely

Today I am grate*full...

1. for my house.
2. for my vehicle.
3. for my children.
4. for music.
5. for the people I work with (well, most of them).
6. for air conditioning in my office and my car.
7. for the hole punch in our office.
8. for having Monica, Lethia, and Chris over on Saturday when we were running the yard sale.
9. that we met our goal with our yard sale.
10. that I had warm clothes to wear when the weather was not what we expected.
11. for my new leopard print Snuggie.
12. for my well-insulated house.
13. that my big girl (who is still my baby girl) has the dollhouse I never had growing up.
14. That Jake bought me and Laurie lunch last Thursday, because I had leftovers to eat on Friday, and the lunch I brought to work last Thursday to eat on Monday.
15. that it was Friday last Friday. Two snaps for Friday y'all!
16. for Zantac and Tums. Woke up with horrific acid reflux last night.
17. that Amazon Prime is now offering streaming music in addition to streaming video! 18. for my oDesk job, which I was having fun with. Looking for more!
19. for Pandora. When I typed my prayers into my journal, my Pandora started reacting with songs I love and I don't think that's a coincidence.
20. that my Gmail inbox is cleared out.
21. for cold water.
22. for clean water to drink.
23. for my daughter Rachael's laugh.
24. that we're going to get to host my friend Ashley's kids on July 4th.
25. for free soda! Because the building where I work is closing and being converted into apartments, Pepsi came to get the soda machine yesterday but we had all these sodas left that they had paid for so they're free in the staff lounge. I got enough to cover my lunches for the rest of my time here.
26. for the ability to find prayers online.
27. for leftover pizza.
28. for Mobic. Some days my knee pain (I have bone-on-bone degenerative joint disease in both my knees) is through-the-roof excruciating. The Mobic brings it from 10+ down to about 6 most days.)
29. for Finale Notepad.
30. that I live in a country where we elect representatives and can contact them to make our voices heard.

Love~
Elizabeth

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Gratitudes 6/12/14

"Thanks are justly due for boons unbought." ~Ovid

Today I am grate*full

1. that we're raising awareness of the Collective.
2. that our toilet is hopefully getting fixed.
3. that I have new Kitsy Lane customers.
4. that my boss is buying me and my officemate lunch.
5. that I got a coffee pot to add to the yard sale!

Love~
Elizabeth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Gratitudes for 6/7, 6/8, 6/9, 6/10, and 6/11/14

“Whatever you appreciate and give thanks for will increase in your life.” ~ Sanaya Roman

“Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving." ~ W.T. Purkiser

“He who does not reflect his life back to God in gratitude does not know himself.” ~ Albert Schweitzer

"We should honor Mother Earth with gratitude; otherwise our spirituality may become hypocritical." ~ Radhanath Swami

"Giving is an expression of gratitude for our blessings." ~ Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen


6/7/14
I was grate*full...
1. for good friends.
2. for good weather.
3. for beautiful babies.
4. for Sailor, my private piano student.
5. for Barbara Sher.

6/8/14
I was grate*full...
1. that I found my Empowerment Cards.
2. for Marc singing "Movin' Out" by Billy Joel at the top of his lungs, into a fan. Seriously. You haven't lived until you've heard a three-year-old sing "TRADIN' IN CHEVY CADILLAC-ACK-ACK-ACK" at the top of his lungs, into a fan. It's bloody hilarious.
3. for the life of my cousin Jack, who turned 50.
4. for the life of my friend Melanie, with whom I've been friends since I was in third grade and she was in sixth, who also celebrated a birthday.
5. for the Sunday Mass on the internet.

6/9/14
I was grate*full...
1. for warm weather.
2. for air conditioning in my car.
3. for LinkedIn.
4. for oDesk.
5. for our babysitters, Monica and Lethia.

6/10/14
I was grate*full...
1. for good weather.
2. for Melanie responding well to her new chore chart.
3. for a good dinner cooked by my handsome husband.
4. that the Mets were leading when I went to bed.
5. for cheesy poofs.

6/11/14
I am grate*full...
1. for Goodreads.
2. for LinkedIn.
3. for this phone call I got yesterday about the nonprofit I'm trying to start. The woman was unable to help me but is interested in having her daughter be involved, and told me what a great thing it was that I was doing.
4. that Paul McCartney still sings songs in their original key.
5. for Pandora.

Love~
Elizabeth

Friday, June 6, 2014

Gratitudes for 6/6/14

“The highest tribute to the dead is not grief but gratitude.” ~ Thornton Wilder

Today I am grate*full...

1. for the fragrance of daisies on my desk.
2. for the music of the Beatles.
3. for my husband, who gave me some extra attention this morning, and made my sandwiches for lunch.
4. for yummy yummy cucumbers.
5. for the people who really came through for me during a difficult situation I had to deal with at work. This school has the best staff and I am going to miss them terribly when I leave my position at the end of this month.

Love~
Elizabeth

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Gratitudes for 6/3, 6/4, and 6/5

"If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans." ~ James Herriot

“Those who have the ability to be grateful are the ones who have the ability to achieve greatness.” ~ Steve Maraboli

“Got no checkbooks, got no banks. Still I'd like to express my thanks - I've got the sun in the mornin' and the moon at night.” ~ Irving Berlin

Today I am grate*full...
1. for my handicapped parking tag.
2. for my crutches. They really help get the pressure off my knees. I've been walking almost exclusively on them for two days and they feel a lot better.
3. that a student helped me carry my lunch to the breakroom.
4. that Ms. Barb helped me with my Coke yesterday (I had to carry the can in my teeth because I couldn't maneuver my crutches with it my hand LOL).
5. that my friend Gina carried some flowers up to my office from the staff room yesterday. They're daisies, which were my mother-in-law's favorite. Roses are my favorite, but they didn't have any roses, and pansies were my mom's, but they didn't have any pansies either, so I took some daisies.
6. that I got to see Jan, my predecessor, today.
7. for super yummy cucumbers.
8. for hope.
9. for Pandora.
10. for the song "The Middle" by Jimmy Eat World (which came along at the absolute opportune moment)
11. for the Corning Free Academy bracelets I found in a drawer at work.
12. for sunny weather.
13. that I get to have lunch with my husband and kids today at work.
14. for our babysitters.
15. for my Corning Free Academy bracelet.
16. for real Nutella.

Love~
Elizabeth

Monday, June 2, 2014

Gratitudes for 5/31, 6/1, and 6/2/14

"Does not the gratitude of the dog put to shame any man who is ungrateful to his benefactors?" ~ Saint Basil

"Gratitude is a duty which ought to be paid, but which none have a right to expect." ~ Jean-Jacques Rousseau

"Silent gratitude isn't very much to anyone." ~ Gertrude Stein


Gratitudes for May 31:

1. that the Corning Free Academy closing ceremony was really wonder*full last night. Lauren Frazer and Amy Smaldone have so much to be proud of.
2. for something work related about which I can't post details.
3. that I got to see my friend Bernie Baldini.
4. for a long snuggle with the Rachmonster this morning.
5. for the idea about the VA jobs. If I can take one or two of those, work them for a period of so many weeks or whatever, and make some money, I can pay our bills and get us out of the hole, and then save up for my training, hotel, and meals for training.

Gratitudes for June 1:

1. for beautiful weather.
2. for Twitter.
3. for my Chronic Pain Support group on Facebook.
4. for coffee.
5. that my hazelnut spread and my coffee creamer made it through the month of May.

Today I am grate*full...
1. for air conditioning in the office and faculty room.
2. for clean water to drink.
3. for beautiful, warm weather. (We really need a hose.)
4. for my beautiful children.
5. for my dear and loving husband.

Love~
Elizabeth

Friday, May 30, 2014

Gratitudes for 5/29 and 5/30/14

"Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for." ~ Zig Ziglar

"Feeling gratitude isn't born in us - it's something we are taught, and in turn, we teach our children." ~ the late, great, Dr. Joyce Brothers


Today I am grate*full...
1. for my late night conversations with Marc.
2. that Sriram Hathwar won the spelling bee! (Well, he was declared a co-champion with this kid from Texas.) It was a really exciting final round.
3. for beautiful weather.
4. for our new TV/DVD combo that we got from our friend Jen Spicer. I'm so grateful not to have to tax my laptop playing DVDs anymore.
5. for good party songs playing on my Pandora.
6. for realizing that chair dancing is good for my anxiety.
7. for Clorox wipes.
8. for chocolate.
9. for good friends. Got to hang with both my sixth and seventh period crews today.
10. that my husband told me I look hot this morning.

Love~
Elizabeth

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Gratitudes for 5/27 and 5/28/14

"Gratitude is the most exquisite form of courtesy." ~ Jacques Maritain

"Of all the characteristics needed for both a happy and morally decent life, none surpasses gratitude. Grateful people are happier, and grateful people are more morally decent." ~ Dennis Prager

Today I am grate*full...

1. that the more I express my gratitude, the more opportunities the universe provides me with to express gratitude.

2. for the beautiful landscape where I live. On my drive to work this morning, I was struck by the beauty of two hills, the valley between them, and another hill behind them.

3. that spring is gently turning to summer.

4. that my beautiful daughter (who is 6) still wants to sleep in Mommy's bed at night. She is growing so fast, but moments like these remind me that she is still my little girl and I love that.

5. that I found a lost article.

6. for something work-related about which I can't post details, but for which I'm grateful.

7. for flip-flops. I love them.

8. for FlyLady.

9. that they have located the girls being held prisoner by Boko Haram in Nigeria.

10. for amazing and loyal friends.

Love~
Elizabeth

Monday, May 26, 2014

Gratitudes for 5/25/14 and 5/26/14

"Gratitude changes the pangs of memory into a tranquil joy." ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"The discipline of gratitude is the explicit effort to acknowledge that all I am and have is given to me as a gift of love, a gift to be celebrated with joy." ~ Henri Nouwen

Today I am grate*full...

1. The origins of Memorial Day may have become somewhat muddled, but I'm grate*full to whoever created this day of rest and celebration to honor those who have gone before us and those who have bravely served our nation. I am especially grate*full for the service of my father and father-in-law.

2. that it's 11:48 AM and I'm still in my pajamas.

3. that the weather is absolutely gorgeous.

4. that my husband finished mowing the lawn.

5. for good times spent with good friends. Our babysitters Monica and Lethia came over yesterday and we played Monopoly and we couldn't stop laughing. It was so much fun.

6. for hugs and snuggles from my Marc.

7. for hugs and snuggles from my Rachael.

8. for hugs and snuggles from my Melanie.

9. for a warm bed to sleep in.

10. for hot showers.

Love~
Elizabeth

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Gratitudes for 5/24/14

"America's fighting men and women sacrifice much to ensure that our great nation stays free. We owe a debt of gratitude to the soldiers that have paid the ultimate price for this cause, as well as for those who are blessed enough to return from the battlefield unscathed." ~ Allen Boyd

Today I am grate*full....

1. that Rachael is adapting well to eating solids. We ran low on formula this month so we're trying to increase the time in between bottles. Last night for dinner she ate a whole jar of baby sweet potatoes.

2. for absolutely gorgeous weather.

3. for the sacrifices of our veterans, especially my father and father-in-law.

4. that we have friends who are comfortable calling us in their time of need.

5. that thanks to our friend Jen, we now have a TV for our bedroom that has a built-in DVD player. I now do not have to play my Joey Show DVDs on my laptop anymore. :) :) :)

Love~
Elizabeth


Friday, May 23, 2014

Gratitudes 5/23/14

"Reflect upon your present blessings -- of which every man has many -- not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some." ~ Charles Dickens

Today I am grate*full...

1. for our amazing babysitters, Monica and Lethia.

2. for enough food to eat. Our cupboards are rapidly getting bare, but compared to the truly hungry in the world, we are richly blessed, and I would be wise to remember that.

3. for clean water to drink. I try so hard not to take this for granted.

4. for the love and support of my immediate family and good friends.

5. for the safe arrival of my new great niece, Livia Ruth McDuffee, eight days ago! I can't believe I didn't post about that! She is definitely her mother's daughter! I have seen pictures so far where she looks just like my brother (so there are some Brown genes in there), and just like my brother-in-law, her grandfather (so there are some Phillips genes in there too!). Big sister Lainie is the spitting image of her dad, except for one thing: like Harry Potter, she may look like her father, but she has her mother's eyes. I love all six of my great nieces...Sara, Emma, Ally, Ashlee, Lainie, and Livia :)

Love~
Elizabeth

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Gratitudes for 5/20, 5/21. and 5/22

"The struggle ends when the gratitude begins." ~Neale Donald Walsch

"Gratitude is an opener of locked-up blessings." ~Marianne Williamson

"Do not take anything for granted — not one smile or one person or one rainbow or one breath, or one night in your cozy bed." ~Terri Guillemets

I've had a rough couple of days. I'll admit it. I thought I was going to end up coloring again, but I'm OK.

So today, May 22, 2014, I am grate*full...

1. that we're not doing any more fire drills today. Being on crutches and in so much pain makes them very difficult.

2. that my dear and loving husband made me lunch.

3. that the kids are going to get to play with their friends Hyland and Trynatie today.

4. that I subscribed to Menu-Mailer and am getting some good tips that I think we can use.

5. for early morning snuggles with the Roodle.

6. for getting to see her play with her big sissy this morning.

7. for Enya on my Pandora.

8. for the black t-shirt I'm wearing. I really love it.

9. for Bruno Mars.

10. for chocolate.

11. for chocolate-covered espresso beans.

12. for clean water to drink.

13. for something work-related about which I can't post details.

14. that Whitney Houston lived and sang. She had some problems, but dang, that girl could sing!

15. that I go by my kids' former doctor's office on the way home from work and that I don't have to fax the release of records form that I have. Long story.

Love~
Elizabeth

Monday, May 19, 2014

Gratitude from 5/17/14 forward

"God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say 'thank you?'" ~ William A. Ward

"The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving." ~ H.U. Westermayer

So I owe 15 gratitudes today. When my past trauma is triggered, which it has been a lot lately, and was in the extremely recent past (like in the past 15 minutes), it is so difficult to get out of that head space where I think the only appropriate response is to mutilate myself, and into one of gratitude, so I am extremely challenging myself right now. But we have to challenge ourselves to live in active gratitude. It's vital to our happiness as humans. Of this I am certain.

So today, 5/19/14, I am grate*full...

1. for the life of my beautiful firstborn daughter, Melanie Jane. Today is her sixth birthday. At 1:30 in the morning on Monday, May 19, 2008, my midwife told me that I had labored long enough without progress, and it was time to call the OB in for a c-section. Our precious girl was born at 3:12 AM.

2. to have known some amazing priests in my day. When I found out that I would be having major abdominal surgery, I begged for a priest. The one who showed up was Fr. Dennis, one I had gotten to know the previous year, and who lived at Brossart House, which was right up the street from my apartment at the time. I was so grate*full it was him. Some priests, who don't speak for the majority, have done some unspeakable and terrible things. And the Catholic Church, overall, hasn't done the best job of handling the perpetrators of those vile acts. But I have had the good fortune to know some who are truly great...

3. for Fr. Dan Noll, who kept me Catholic when I was ready to jump ship as a high school senior. He was the pastor at the UK Newman Center, and he taught me so much about WHY we do the things we do. I grew up in an environment of, "Don't ask questions, just do what you're supposed to." And half the time the other kids in CCD didn't even know what we were talking about in religious ed classes because their parents didn't even bring them to church, so every year, it was going over the order of Mass...AGAIN. But that's a story for another day.

4. for Fr. Tom Farrell, who took the Newman Center over when Fr. Dan was reassigned. (In the Lexington diocese, there's a "term limit" of sorts...the longest a priest is allowed to stay at one particular parish is 12 years.) I found out when I got back from spring break my fourth year that Father Dan was leaving the Newman Center, but we got to have a say in who the new priest would be. The staff all really wanted Fr. Tom. I had met him on a twilight retreat a few years earlier, and I wholeheartedly agreed. Fr. Tom was the perfect choice for our progressive community. He got me through a lot of hard times, not the least of which was the death of my mother in 1999.

5. for Fr. Chris Linsler at St. Mary our Mother church in Horseheads. When our son, Marc, was four weeks old, in June of 2011, he had to have abdominal surgery. I was almost as scared then as I was that first night alone in the house after my mom (who was my only surviving parent) died. Marc was in the hospital for four days, and we saw Fr. Chris no less than three times. He was an amazing source of strength and support for us during that horrible week.

6. for Fr. Robert McNamara, aka Fr. Mac, or, as my kids like to call him, "Father Macaroni," and "Father Mac and Cheese," respectively. He was the first priest we met when we started attending St. Mary's Southside when we moved. We ADORE him. He is so sweet and nice and so good with the kids. My children adore him.

7. and, finally, for Fr. John DeSocio, who is the pastor at St. Mary's Southside. He, Fr. Mac, and the rest of the staff, including Deacons Paul and George, have made us feel so welcome, and it's part of the reason we keep going back. We love it there!

8. for the roof over our heads. We have some friends who are in a situation almost identical to the one we were in six months ago, and we're so lucky that a) my father-in-law didn't kick us out immediately if not sooner, and b) that we have a beautiful home.

9. for this beautiful pink pair of flip-flops that I have. I bought them in Canada nine years ago (I can't believe it's been nine years since my epic trip to Canada, where I saw more of Minnesota and Manitoba than I even bargained for). They are a reminder of that amazing trip, where I met some friends in person for the first time, and saw others that I hadn't seen in over a year (yes, this means you, Viccah, Christina, Tan, Chriss, Melissa, Jackie, Wendy, and Andres!) and haven't seen since! Anyway, I thought I had lost one of them (actually, I thought MELANIE had lost one of them LOL) and when we moved we discovered we had both of them! I was so happy!

10. for SARK and her amazing magical message boards that brought me and so many friends together over the years.

11. for the swingset in my back yard.

12. for my dear and loving husband and friends Chris and Matt who helped him get the swingset set up quickly.

13. for my two older children's amazing friends (and our amazing friends) who made their birthday like Christmas they got so many toys, books, and clothes.

14. for my jobs.

15. for job interviews tomorrow and Wednesday.

Love~
Elizabeth

Friday, May 16, 2014

Gratitudes 5/15 and 5/16/14

"There is no joy without gratitude." ~ Brene Brown

"I try to be grateful for the abundance of the blessings that I have, for the journey that I'm on, and to relish each day as a gift." ~ James McGreevey

Yesterday, 5/15/14, I was grate*full...

1. that my surgery got scheduled. This means that, hopefully, there's an end-date in sight for this medical nonsense that I have going on inside of me.

2. for cuddles and snuggles with the Roodle.

3. for how observant Marc is getting. One of my thumbnails split a couple of days ago and the one side of it is really sore. So I keep a bandaid wrapped around it to minimize the pain that goes with touching, well, anything. He looks at my finger yesterday and says, "You have boo-boo, Mommy?" "Yes, honey, Mommy has a boo-boo. My fingernail split." "Does it hurt?" It was so cute and sweet!

4. for Joey Show on DVD. I think I'm grateful for that every day.

5. for clean water to drink. So many people in the world don't have it, and I try hard not to take it for granted. I got really dizzy yesterday and I think between dehydration and my tendency to be anemic rearing its ugly head, I was making myself pretty sick. I've tried to drink more today.

Today, 5/16/14, I am grate*full...

1. for something work-related about which I can't post details.

2. that, when I created a Richard Marx Pandora station, the first song it played, "Endless Summer Nights," was my favorite Richard Marx song!

3. THAT I JUST GOT AN E-MAIL FOR A JOB INTERVIEW!

4. for Andrea Schroeder and the Creative Dream Circle. If you have any kind of creative dream you're pursuing, you MUST visit this page.

5. that doing my "big three" always gets me feeling better, even if it takes me a long time to get there.

Love~
Elizabeth

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Gratitudes 5/14/14

“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.” ~ Maya Angelou

Today I am grate*full:

1. For something work-related about which I can't post details.
2. That I found a lost article.
3. For shirt-sleeve and flip-flop weather.
4. For coffee and other caffeinated beverages.
5. For an awesome comment Lethia made on Facebook yesterday.

Love~
Elizabeth

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Catching up Gratitudes

"When a person doesn't have gratitude, something is missing in his or her humanity." ~ Elie Wiesel

I am a few days behind this time, so today I am grate*full...

1. for an objective that makes my heart sing.
2. that I found a folder I needed for work.
3. that I found a budget template that I can work with.
4. for my Lifetouch School Year Calendar :)
5. for the ice cream that's waiting for me in my fridge. I mean freezer.
6. for Rachael's impishness and mischievousness (I probably won't always be grate*full for this).
7. for work blessings.
8. for Pandora.
9. for the roof over my head.
10. for cable.
11. for internet.
12. for electricity.
13. for natural gas.
14. for trash removal.
15. for clean water to drink.
16. for my dear and loving husband.
17. for chocolate.
18. for the Indigo Girls.
19. for Joey Show on DVD.
20. for naps.
21. for Barbara Sher.
22. for Wishcraft.
23. for Andrea Schroeder.
24. for Becky Natale (on her birthday).
25. for Avril Lavigne and Alanis Morissette.

On Friday, May 9, I was grate*full...
1. For being paid.
2. For BEAUTIFUL weather.
3. For good coffee.
4. For diaper coupons from Tops.
5. That we're all wearing our recital t-shirts and look awesome.
6. That I got to snuggle my Rachie Roodle at work this morning.

Love~
Elizabeth

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Gratitudes 5/8/14

"Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind." ~ Lionel Hampton

When I am struggling, it is important to make sure I do the "Big Three" every day: journal, pray, and express my gratitude. I have been struggling lately. So I cannot just do gratitude half-heartedly. I must do it with my whole heart. That means even if I do write it in my journal, it is important that I am accountable, here, and on the Facebook group.

Therefore...

Today I am grate*full...
1. for the roof over my head.
2. for enough food to eat in my home.
3. that my children are all safe in their beds.
4. for the donations I've received for the raffle and the GoFundMe campaign.
5. for rain that washes away pollen in the atmosphere and makes flowers and food grow.

Love~
Elizabeth

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Gratitudes 5/7/14

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”
~ William Arthur Ward

I'm going to be brutally honest. I'm having a hard time. I'm losing my job at the end of next month. Finding things to be grateful for is very difficult for me right now, but I am plodding through, because expressing my gratitude is one of the "big three" things I do to tolerate distress. I journal, I pray, and I express my gratitude. And when those three don't work, I color and blow bubbles and basically declare mutiny on adulthood for fifteen minutes or an hour or however long it takes until the distress passes.

So today, May 7, 2014, I am grate*full...

1. for the lives of my friend Ryan and my step-granddaughter Kristina, who both have birthdays today. Also my friend Carolyn.
2. for dbtselfhelp.com
3. for the support of family and friends.
4. for being able to talk to my bestie on gtalk during work.
5. that my desk is slowly but surely getting cleaned off.
6. that I made serious progress on the programs yesterday.

Love~
Elizabeth

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Catching up POSTING of the gratitude

"Take full account of the excellencies which you possess, and in gratitude remember how you would hanker after them, if you had them not." ~~ Marcus Aurelius

Today, Tuesday, May 6:

I am grate*full...
1. that my friend Meg saved my behind today. Literally. She has no idea.
2. for my "Relaxation" station on Pandora.
3. that so far, the tears have held off. I'm having a really rough day today.
4. for a picture I found of Melanie and Rachael taken shortly after Rachael was born.
5. for the ability to begin again.

Monday, May 5:

I am grate*full...
1. That my fridge is so full that I had trouble getting my creamer out this morning.
2. That we have so much bottled water that I had to move it to get at the scale to weigh myself.
3. For our fan in the living room. After I doled out carrots for the week I was burning up.
4. That I woke up early enough to do my journal before school, plus pack lunch.
5. For the picture I got of Marc sleeping last night. It was so sweet. (I often call Marc "Marcus Aurelius" so that's why I chose this quote.)

Sunday, May 4:

I am grate*full:
1. for naps. Got a good, long holy nap of obligation today. It felt wonderful.
2. for a good Mass at St. Mary's and how nice the people are there.
3. for groceries and an awesome dinner that John made.
4. for snuggles with the kids.
5. for clean water to drink.

Saturday, May 3:

I am grate*full...

1. that Monica got Rachael a onesie that says "Little Sister."
2. for Rachael laughs.
3. for comfy pajamas.
4. for my Keurig and for K cups.
5. for our SNAP benefits.

Love~
Elizabeth

Friday, May 2, 2014

Gratitudes 5/2/14

"Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse." ~ Henry Van Dyke

Today I am grate*full...
1. For the candy money, so I could put gas in my car.
2. For seeing the sun.
3. That it wasn't raining (much) on the way to work.
4. That it was shirt sleeve weather.
5. For a good rehearsal last night with Nolan DeSanto.

Love~
Elizabeth

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Catching up the Gratitude

“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” ~ Thornton Wilder

So I've been pretty good at keeping gratitudes on the journal (750words.com; it changes lives!) but not so hot at posting them here. So I am caught up through today. I have to write today's.

Today, May 1, 2014, I am grate*full...

1. for my early morning snuggles with Rachael.
2. that Marc is MATCHING PITCH when we sing together.
3. for my e-mails from the Positivity blog.
4. for Paul Simon's music.
5. that we got new SNAP benefits.

On Wednesday, April 30, I was grate*full...
1. I'm grateful that it wasn't raining too hard when I was driving to school :)
2. I'm grateful that Melanie didn't whine at me too much when I went to get her up for school.
3. I'm grateful that I have chocolate.
4. I'm grateful for my task scheduler on my Outlook.
5. And I'm grateful that this semester is almost over.

On Tuesday, April 29, I was grate*full...

1. That I have a job interview tomorrow.
2. For Courtney's support. I love my BFF! My bestie.
3. For enough food to eat.
4. For the roof over our head, that we can now pay for for another month.
5. That my t-shirts are paid for.

On Monday, April 28, I had three days to catch up, and I was grate*full...
1. for a colleague making me laugh.
2. for another colleague making me smile.
3. that my flowers still seem to be thriving.
4. that John got a job doing a new back porch for our friend Niki. We desperately needed the money for rent.
5. for something else work related and colleague related about which I can't post details.
6. for Monica for babysitting today and Lethia for coming over later.
7. for George Michael music on my Pandora.
8. That my friend (and Marc's godmother) JoAnn keeps posting her gratitudes day after day.
9. That I'm making progress on my Consumer Behavior project.
10. That I do my curriculum pull-out payroll in pencil. (I made a mistake.)
11. That we have a place to have OA meetings.
12. That I found some jewelry I wanted to wear.
13. That I found some jewelry to raffle.
14. That I only have two board meetings left until I'm off the board.
15. That I may soon have an end to a health problem I've been having. It's going to require a surgical procedure, but it's a short one, and a minor one, and will hopefully get me a LOT of relief.

On Friday, April 25, I was grate*full...
1. for sunny skies.
2. for early morning snuggles with my baby girl.
3. for payday Fridays.
4. for the supporters of the "Everyone Can Play" Music Collective.
5. that I don't need the typist classification to apply for the attendance secretary for summer school job.

On Thursday, April 24, I was grate*full...
1. That the potholes on South Walnut Street in Elmira have been patched.
2. That my father-in-law didn't have to go to the hospital after his FALL.
3. For something work related.
4. For my office mate Laurie.
5. For another colleague.
6. That Tim Bonomo, my former advisor from CCC and owner of the Palace Theatre in Corning, is going to donate a gift basket to the raffle for my recital!!!!!!!!

On Wednesday, April 23, I was grate*full...
1. That I got flowers from Jake and Michele for Administrative Professionals' Day.
2. For something work-related
3. That a work task didn't take me as long as it usually does.
4. For my sparkly white shirt.
5. That we're cleaning out and I keep getting school supplies. I love school and office supplies.

On Tuesday, April 22, I had 20 gratitudes to make up, and here they are:

1. For long talks and snuggles with Melanie.
2. For Pandora and my new Alanis Morissette station.
3. For my meeting with Jenica last night.
4. For going back to OA and seeing friends and meeting new people.
5. That I got to see some of my favorite Labor and Delivery nurses.
6. For Monica and Lethia.
7. That I found a bunch of tickets for the Friday show.
8. For Diane.
9. For my friend Allyson.
10. For Laurie, for helping me keep things in perspective.
11. That I got my therapy appointment rescheduled.
12. For the Beatles.
13. For having the opportunity to make up some of the time that I had to take unpaid. 14. For the House Fairy.
15. For clean water to drink.
16. For the roof over my head.
17. For my job.
18. For my rosary.
19. That I didn't have to wear tights today.
20. For coffee.

Love~
Elizabeth

Friday, April 18, 2014

Three Days of Gratitude

From April 16, 2014:

Today I am grate*full...
1. that the roads weren't slippery.
2. for my garage because I probably would have had to scrape my car without it this morning.
3. for $.20 off per gallon at Tops this morning.
4. for early morning snuggles and loves with the kids.
5. that Laurie is working the next two days! It will be decidedly less lonely. (It was.)

From April 18, 2014 (10 gratitudes because I didn't write any yesterday) I am grate*full:

1. That I get to watch the Mets on TV.
2. That Melanie's tee ball skills are getting better.
3. For our amazing babysitters.
4. That my daughter is such a good reader.
5. For new GoFundMe donations this week.
6. For new raffle donations.
7. For the time I've spent with my current piano student.
8. For the swingset we're getting (for FREE!) from friends.
9. For being able to kvetch to my BFF.
10. For long conversations with my two-year-old

Love~
Elizabeth

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Gratitudes April 15, 2014

"Saying thank you is more than good manners. It is good spirituality." ~Alfred Painter

Today I am grate*full...

1. That I'm getting my handicapped tag. He's put me down for a temporary one, so I'm going to have to renew it every six months, but it will be OK. I know from renewing it when I was pregnant that it's not that hard. The hard part is getting to the Southport Town Hall from Corning before they close LOL. And in six months, that won't be an issue. And Ortho God is still Ortho God :)
2. That I'm getting relief in both knees after the cortisone shot to the right knee. I need to go back and have both knees done in August and have them done much closer to one another. A month in between is too much. So I'm going to call and make the appointment today.
3. That my t-shirt design is done and I'm getting my t-shirts!!! I'm so excited!
4. That WE GOT OUR FEDERAL TAX REFUND FROM 2012. On Saturday we got a notice stating that they couldn't process previous years' tax returns via direct deposit so we would be getting a paper check in 3-4 weeks. Yesterday WE GOT IT! Like two days later.
5. That our babysitter was totally chill about not babysitting for pay for a while. Our original agreement was that she would sit through the cold season for an hour a day while John went to get Melanie from the bus stop so he didn't have to drag the littles out in the cold. Now it's warming up and we don't really need her every day because as long as it's nice outside John can take the littles with him in the wagon. (He even built a shelf for the car seat that attaches to the back of the wagon...he is so handy.) So I told her we have several events coming up that we'll need her for...the recital, the Past Commander's dinner at the American Legion, and the CFA Farewell, as well as corralling Marc during Melanie's tee ball practices. And to be on call for texts on rainy days or days that the weathermen said it might rain/pour. But the cash reserves I was paying her out of are dried up. And I still have one more short paycheck coming because I had to take some unpaid time off when I had strep :(. I was grate*full to get the tax refund so I could pay some bills...cable, phone, and trash. So I'm grate*full that she was so cool about it. She is an amazing babysitter and she says she still wants to come over just to hang out with the kids even if she's not getting paid every time. So we agreed that I would keep a calendar with what dates she's getting paid for and provide her with a copy.

By the way, I am NOT grate*full for allergies.

Have a lovely day, gentle readers!

Love~
Elizabeth

Monday, April 14, 2014

Gratitudes 4/13 and 4/14/14

Yesterday I was grate*full...
1. for warm, loving, imaginative, crazy smart children. Who are beautiful too.
2. for a dear, hard working, handsome, amazing, brilliant husband.
3. for beautiful weather.
4. for medication that helps me get through the day.
5. for coffee.

And today I am grate*full...

1. for quiet in the office.
2. for leftover pizza.
3. that I am still somehow pulling a B+ in my online course. (Let's not talk about the independent study one.)
4. for my friend Chris who made an amazing tee shirt design for my recital.
5. for the people at Steuben ARC who are going to make my tee shirts!

Elizabeth

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Gratitudes 4/12/14

Today, 4/12/14, I am grate*full...

1. for the beautiful weather.
2. for naps.
3. for Monica and Lethia, our amazing babysitters.
4. for a friend being willing to handle something on my terms.
5. for time to practice and time to study.

Love~
Elizabeth

Gratitudes 4/11/14

On 4/11/14, I was grate*full...
1. That I don't have school.
2. For early morning snuggles with the kids.
3. That I cleared the air with a friend.
4. For Gertrude Hawk mini dark chocolate mint cookies. OMG they're delicious.
5. For Drake's cakes.

Love~
Elizabeth

Catching up Gratitudes 4/10/14

I had 35 gratitudes to make up for this day. So on 4/10/14, I was grate*full...

1. That spring seems to indeed have sprung.
2. For clean water to drink.
3. That my father-in-law gave us money for gas for John going up to fix his toilet seat last night.
4. That I got my chocolate I ordered from the PTA fundraiser.
5. For Laurie Ann Palmer Virkus, seriously the most awesome office mate.
6. For people who help me with my stuff and with doors while I'm on my crutches.
7. and 8. For a couple of work-related things about which I can't post details.
9. For FlyLady's "I'm So Proud of You" pencils.
10. For my Madonna station on Pandora.
11. For a park/playground so close to our house.
12. For something work-related about which I can't post details, but is different from numbers 8-9.
13. That I don't have school tomorrow.
14. That I can go knit with my friends in Big Flats tomorrow.
15. For crutches.
16. For Ortho God.
17. That I got my duplicate pay stub in time to get it into my SNAP worker for my periodic report.
18. That I did turn out to be eligible for a fee waiver for my Schuyler County civil service application.
19. That Melanie's tee ball coaches are nice.
20. That in spite of several children hogging the big slide at the playground last night, Marc was able to go down it several times.
21. For other people's dogs, particularly the Bassett hound and pit bull I got to pet last night.
22. That my brother got his cast off and is back to work.
23. For 80s music.
24. For chocolate-covered espresso beans. OH YES for chocolate-covered espresso beans. These are the most amazing chocolate covered espresso beans.
25. For my friend Gloria.
26. That I HAVE A JOB INTERVIEW tomorrow at Express Employment Professionals. Whoo-hoo! We are on the ROAD people.
27. For food from the Woodhouse.
28. For the beautiful weather we appear to be having today.
29. For third bus runs.
30. That my congestion in my nose finally appears to be clearing up.
31. For these mini dark chocolate mint cookies. OMG.
32. For something work-related about which I can't post details.
33. For the awesome stuff from Joss and Main. I can't afford most of it, but it's fun to look at.
34. and 35. For two work-related things about which I can't post details, but about which I'm pretty happy.

Love~
Elizabeth

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Gratitudes 4/3/14

Today I am grate*full...

1. That a light jacket was enough.
2. That the t-shirt quote was very reasonable.
3. For Jamoca Almond Fudge iced coffee from Dunkin Donuts.
4. For enough gas in my car to last until I get paid (I hope).
5. That I took Melanie to the doctor yesterday!

Love~
Elizabeth

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Six Days of Gratitude

So, friends, today, I owe you 30 gratitudes...I have been horribly sick, we couldn't figure out what was wrong. I was still coming to work because I was out of paid time off...no sick time, no personal time...no nothing. Finally, on Friday, I decided I had had enough of it, and went back to the walk-in clinic and found out what I could have told them two weeks before...I had strep throat, just like my kids did.

So today, April 2, 2014, I am grate*full...

1. That my boss was amazing through this whole process of finding out what was wrong, having to stay home, agonizing over whether or not to come in...
2. For my doctors, who did the best they could with the information they had.
3. That my aunt is a cell biologist and has been warning me about superbugs for 20 years. If she hadn't, I would have been more angry that they hadn't thrown an antibiotic at this sooner.
4. For my amazing office mate who held down the fort when I had to be out sick.
5. That my over-precocious five-year-old can read, and, while I was suffering thinking I had viral laryngitis, I was able to communicate with her by writing down what I wanted to say.
6. For Pandora.
7. For Dark chocolate M&Ms.
8. That we're getting a giveback snowday on April 11 and I actually don't have to come in that day (I thought I did). (For the love of God, I'm going to knit that day.)
9. For the song "Breathe (2 AM)" by Anna Nalick.
10. For Sucrets.
11. That now that I have the right diagnosis and am on proper medication, I am starting to feel better.
12. For Kleenex tissues.
13. For hand sanitizer.
14. For Lysol wipes.
15. For my husband, who does our dishes and washed my coffee mugs.
16. For the beautiful braided hats that my friend Brenda makes, that look so cute on my baby daughter, and will hopefully fetch a pretty penny at my tricky trays raffle next month.
17. For Rachael's smiles.
18. For Melanie's quick wit.
19. For Marc's imagination.
20. For Tylenol.
21. For clean water to drink.
22. For the roof over our heads.
23. For my job.
24. For Friends (aka Joey Show) on DVD.
25. That my candy sales are going well.
26. That my energy is coming back.
27. That the weather is sunny today.
28. That spring seems to finally have sprung.
29. For a decent parking spot this morning even though I was running late.
30. That the pile in my folder of things to file is getting smaller.

Love~
Elizabeth

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Eight Days of Gratitude

So I'm catching up my gratitudes today. I've been horribly ill over the past week or so and, by the time I got home, have barely been able to help take care of the kids and crawl into bed.

1. For Pandora.
2. For clean water to drink.
3. For hot tea.
4. For a colleague for going to get me soup from Wegman's.
5. For a local eatery that delivers because I'm freaking starving.
6. For Chloraseptic.
7. For Sucrets.
8. For quiet in the office.
9. For the Indigo Girls.
10. For Everybody Loves Raymond on TV Land.
11. For naps.
12. For Eggs Benedict.
13. For the Woodhouse Stadium Grill.
14. That my name badge for work was in my purse.
15. That Rick Springfield used the word "moot" in "Jessie's Girl."
16. That the lump in my throat finally feels like a small marble!
17. That we seem to have someone interested in our copy of Windows 7.
18. That I figured out a way to get my to-do list even though I forgot my flash drive.
19. That I'm getting my steroid shot in my right knee on Monday.
20. That Marc now has enough pants that fit.
21. For my letter opener.
22. That the people from tech services were able to troubleshoot my monitor-upside-down problem the other day. Good Lord, that is freaky.
23. For my SARK's Journal and Play! book.
24. That I still have time left in the semester.
25. That we still had a credit on the NYSEG bill.
26. That it's supposed to be warmer outside today.
27. That even though I was late, I got a parking spot across the street.
28. That I didn't have strep.
29. For something work-related about which I can't post details.
30. That the sun is trying to come out.
31. For a colleague's pink sweater.
32. For the Goo Goo Dolls.
33. That my candy sales have been enough to recoup the cost of one full case of candy.
34. For a friend who doesn't want to publicly be mentioned by name. But I love her smile. It brings me joy.
35. That candy sales were really good last night.
36. For pay day!
37. For something work-related about which I can't post details.
38. For rainbows.
39. For my Melanie.
40. For my Marc
41. For my Rachael.
42. For my John.

Love~
Elizabeth

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Gratitudes 3/19/14

“Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind.” ~ Lionel Hampton

Today I am grate*full...
1. that Melanie felt better enough to go back to school today.
2. that, as of right now, neither Marc nor I have strep, although we both have sore throats and fevers.
3. for one of our students who made me smile today, on a day when it was very much needed.
4. for my friend Stacy. She's one of a kind.
5. that I didn't get killed when someone came the wrong way down a one-way street this morning on my way to work. OMG.

OK so those are backdoor gratitudes today. But I still came up with five, and I'm feeling like crap. Focusing on things you're grateful for makes the universe take notice and provide you with more opportunities to be grateful.

Love~
Elizabeth

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

15 gratitudes (3/16, 3/17 and 3/18/14

“Gratitude is one of the sweet shortcuts to finding peace of mind and happiness inside. No matter what is going on outside of us, there’s always something we could be grateful for.” ~ Barry Neil Kaufman

OK so today I am grate*full...
1. That my precious Melanie Jane, who has strep, is getting better.
2. For smiles from my Rachie Roodle, and that she is starting to really enjoy music and moves to it.
3. For Pandora.
4. For my officemate Laurie. (I'm grateful for her every day; she keeps me off the ledge a lot)
5. For my study group with Becca.
6. For something work-related about which I can't post details.
7. For tissues.
8. For hand sanitizer.
9. For new pants.
(funny story - slightly less grate*full for hand sanitizer as I just opened mine and SPLATTED A BIG BLOB OF IT ON MY NEW PANTS LOL!)
10. For lists.
11. For yesterday's mail.
12. For pink raffle tickets.
13. For the Creative Dream Circle.
14. For Satin Lips Lip Balm.
15. For the band Barenaked Ladies. Love me some BNL! (And I believe it might have been JoAnn Duffy Thomasson who introduced me to them?!)

Love~
Elizabeth

Saturday, March 15, 2014

15 gratitudes (3/13, 3/14, and 3/15/14)

“Some people grumble that roses have thorns; I am grateful that thorns have roses.” ~ Alphonse Karr

So I'm behind (again, don't have a heart attack and die from that surprise) and posting 15 gratitudes today :)

Today I am grate*full...

1. for a morning spent just me and the kids.
2. that the Cats won today.
3. for naps. Ever since I found out how bad the arthritis in my knees is, I've had a lot of fatigue. That and planning a recital takes a lot out of you too. Ideas running in your head tire you out like running a marathon.
4. that my godmother and I found each other on Facebook. (OK so she didn't actually stand up for me at baptism but the people who did abandoned me when I was three and they and my parents had a falling out; Diane stood up for me at confirmation and has been more of a godmother to me than they ever were godparents.)
5. that my husband is a quick-thinking handyman who doesn't panic!
6. that the New York Mets are on the air.
7. that my Melanie, seeing that we were watching the Mets, quickly shed her pajama top in favor of her David Wright t-shirt! Clearly I have been doing something right.
8. for sunny weather today.
9. that nothing major appeared to be wrong at my next-door neighbor Wayne's house as the fire department and gas company showed up this morning!
10. for Melanie's creativity. She took some of the scraps that we made while making her leprechaun trap for school and made a paper doll out of them.
11. for fresh perspectives.
12. for late night time with Melanie.
13. for Rachael "singing" (she says "la la la") and dancing. We had the Pandora on and Rachael and Melanie were rocking out.
14. for the internet. I've been trolling for the past hour looking for a good oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe :)
15. for the new stand mixer that's going to enable me to make said oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.

Love~
Elizabeth

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

25 Gratitudes (3/8/14 - 3/12/14)

"Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse." ~ Henry Van Dyke

OK today I am grate*full...
1. That neither Melanie nor I have school.
2. For our babysitter Monica.
3. That the school district was prudent in their decision. It was a good idea to close rather than get everybody to school (which they probably could have done safely) and have the trip home be scarily dangerous.
4. For clean laundry.
5. For the ability to begin again.
6. For crutches.
7. For steroids that can be injected into arthritic joints for pain relief.
8. For coffee.
9. For Prilosec.
10. For the people who have agreed to donate stuff to the Chinese Raffle.
11. For Nolan.
12. That I don't have to drive to Corning today...better for the gas tank.
13. For my Keurig. No more crappy ass instant coffee.
14. That I can lie on my left side with minimal pain.
15. For study group last night. The wifi was down at Dunkin Donuts and I actually got more done than I planned.
16. For Band-Aids. I gave myself the worst paper cut ever yesterday on the pad of my left middle finger and it hurts to do EVERYTHING including type unless I have a Band-Aid on.
17. For shorts.
18. For zulily.
19. For Vera Bradley handbags.
20. For my Divine Office App.
21. For being able to share this experience with Marc and Fr. Tom.
22. That people are still fighting to keep Monterey Shock open. And that Tom O'Mara and Phil Palmesano seem to be on board.
23. For Facebook and its ability to bring people together.
24. For the gift of time to practice today.
25. For good friends.

Love~
Elizabeth