Today, I simply could not be more grateful that the work week is over. That’s all I got.
Month: January 2015
Day 173 / Shelter from the Cold
It’s the coldest it has been so far this winter with today’s high at 36. Being a Filipino Texan, I do not acclimate well to cold weather. I’ll take 101 and humid over this any day. I’m very grateful that I have a warm office to work in and a warm home to live in. My prayers go out to those who do not.
Day 172 / Working Downtown
Sure, many say there are a lot of negatives to working downtown – the commute alone is insufferable, parking is a pain, the construction is never-ending, etc.
However, despite the cons, I enjoy working downtown. There are so many options for lunch within walking distance, the architecture is cool, and the energy is invigorating.
I’m thankful for working downtown.
Day 171 / Birthday Party Plans Finalized
If you’ve ever planned a child’s birthday party, then you know how stressful it can be. There’s searching for locations, getting invitations out, putting together party favors, ordering the cake, balloons, etc.
Ava’s birthday is a little over a month from Christmas. Planning for it gets pushed to the new year (now). So, of course, I’m always scrambling.
Today, however, I secured the location, the first big step. I feel like a small weight has been lifted. I know it’s small, but I’m so thankful that My Little Princess Ava’s party has been booked. We’re having it at one of those indoor trampoline places, and she’s ecstatic! The smile on her precious face when I told her where her party will be was priceless.
Now, on to the rest of the planning….
Day 170 / Answered Prayers
A friend’s mother has been very ill for several months. She is finally turning a corner. Today I’m so thankful for answered prayers.
Day 169 / Lunch with My SLCS Girls
Today I got together with a few of my SLCS Girls to catch up over lunch at Chuy’s.
It had been over three years since this particular group of gals got together. But it was as if no time had passed at all. There’s a shared pain there with three of us having lost our fathers, two of whom in the last year. And two of us are now orphans. Since we all knew each other’s parents growing up, the pain runs especially deep.
Yet, no tears were shed. Instead, there was our time-tested friendship and love. And of course, laughter! I’m so incredibly grateful for these women and their gift of everlasting friendship.
Day 168 / Birthday Lunch with Family
Today we celebrated Donovon and Mom Judy’s birthdays with lunch at Punch Bowl Social. It was a really nice lunch and I enjoyed our families spending time together.
We didn’t get to check out the games because Ava was in a mood but it looked fun. We’ll have to go back again when we can spend more time there, but for now I’m thankful for a nice celebration for Donovon and his Momma.
Day 167 / A New Year
I’m so grateful for a new year. I need some renewal, some rejuvenation, some revival, some rebirth.
I do like making New Year’s resolutions. I’m drawn to the challenge of it. I usually pick one or two small things to improve upon or achieve. One year, instead of the typical crime or spy novels I favor, I read only classic literature all year long. That was a good one, and I should do that again. Last year, I resolved to read and study a Bible verse each day. It has been so enlightening and fulfilling. I intend to keep it up.
This year, however, I’m not going to go pick one or two “doable” things. This year, I’m going to adhere to Nike’s renowned ad campaign – Just Do It. There is so much I want to do that I usually just think about. I’m a planner. I like to plan things out very strategically. I can’t help myself. Sometimes I find myself enjoying planning something more than the actual thing that I’m planning. This I’ve come to realize, is not allowing me to just enjoy life as it happens.
So, instead of carefully planning out how I’m going achieve what I set out to do, I’m going to Just Do It. I may give up along the way, but this way I can at least do something instead of always thinking about doing it. Who knows where this will take me!
A couple things I know I must do:
1) Maintain a healthier lifestyle (i.e. eating better and exercising). I’m not talking about some New Year’s diet to fit into skinny jeans. This is about my health. Daddy’s stroke was a wake up call for me. I already have high blood pressure and I’m only 40. I need to take better care of myself.
2) Stay on track and finish college. After Daddy died, I had thoughts of just quitting. It was so tempting to let my depression take over and give up. But I need to do this. I need to finish. I promised Daddy, and Mommy too for that matter.
Those are the two big things, but mostly I just want to be more present. To take life as it comes. To fully embrace and enjoy every moment.
Here’s to a new year!
Day 166 / Black Eyed Peas
Although I do love the catchy tunes of the American pop group, I’m referring to the black eyed peas of traditional New Year’s Day Southern fare.
Donovon will typically try a new recipe for our good luck staple and this year he has outdone himself. Tonight he made “Black-eyed Pea and Sausage Soup” from his favorite cookbook that I bought him years ago in Louisiana. This soup is insanely good – hearty, flavorful, and full of soul.
I hope it brings the good luck intended by eating it, but I count myself lucky just for the meal in and of itself. I’m so grateful for Donovon’s black eyed pea soup!!
Gratitude Daily 