4-2-2012 That Excited Feeling Getting Ready for a Trip

We were just going to be gone overnight, taking a little road trip across Florida, the boys and I.  Grabbed a suitcase, packed some snacks, planned the route and updated some music to listen to.

If something bad is about to happen, then the waiting for it can be horrible.

However, the same thing in the opposite way is true of good things, like taking a fun trip.  Enjoy that feeling, it's almost like starting the vacation early!!

I'm grateful for that excited feeling getting ready for a trip.

4-1-2012 Paint

I painted a section of fence today that really needed it.  I also was able to get my son to help me.  The section of fence looked pretty bad.  I could see it each morning while looking out the kitchen window and while sitting on the back porch. Eventually I thought enough is enough, time to paint.

I had to pull some weeds and clean off some mold, as well as nail some loose boards back on before painting.  So, between the prep work for the painting and the actually paint, the little corner of the backyard went from eyesore to white, bright, and new looking.

Painting really made a big difference.  I think about all the times I've painted something and how much I've learned the value of paint.

I am grateful for paint.

3-31-2012 Helpful Retail Staff

I went into a big home improvement store to buy a light bulb for the kitchen.  I wanted to try a new LED bulb and had some questions. The guy at the store was so helpful and seemed to know everything there was to know about light bulbs.

But, the most important thing was that he didn't make me feel stupid, he seemed to enjoy his job and I walked away knowing a little bit more about what I had asked.

I used to work in a store a long time ago, selling plants, fertilizer, bird seed, dog food, and lots of other things.  People had questions, other people that worked at the store had answers, and there were books to consult and we had some training.  I learned a lot while working there and enjoyed helping people walk away with what they needed.

I try not to bother people too much when I shop, but when I need to ask something and someone really takes the time to help me out and treat me like a person, I am truly grateful.

3-30-2012 Board Games

The game "Battle Ship" came up in conversation and it made me think about how great board games are, and how they even survive today in a world of smartphones, gaming consoles, PC's and everything imaginable.

I thought of the lessons that they teach kids (and adults) about how to follow rules, interact with each other and enjoy playtime.  I hope they never go away, the board games or the lessons.

I am grateful for board games.

3-29-2012 Second Winds

This morning when I ran, I felt sluggish starting out.  But, after a while I caught my second wind and felt fresh.

What a concept, second winds.  You get them when least expecting them and when you need them most.  All of the sudden, you just feel newer and fresher or more awake. 

You can't really force a second wind, they just sort of happen.

But, it's good to remember this lesson the next time you feel worn down, maybe there will be a second wind.

I am grateful for this.

3-28-2012 Second Times

I went to a spin class again this morning.  The first time I went I felt very awkward and it was extremely hard for me, but I gave it another try.

And, it was a lot better.

Sometimes, when you try something and it's hard,  you might want to not do it again.  But, once you go through the unknowns and finding out how much you don't know, you might find the second time around is much better.

I'm grateful for second times, especially when they work out.  Something to remember the next time you try something for the first time and you think, no way, never again.  Maybe the second time will be much better.

3-27-2012 Mistake averted

This morning I was grateful for just barely missing a mistake.  I had confused Tuesday and Thursday and thought that I was going into work early on Tuesday and Jenny was going to take Thomas to school.  After my run, I quickly and efficiently got ready to leave and was going to drop Andy off at the bus stop.  As we were heading outside I yelled "goodbye" to Jenny as I was heading out the door.  "Wait!!" she said.  "You are supposed to take Thomas to school today".  Oh, yeah, looks like I got mixed up.

What a pain it would have been if I had made it out the door before it was too late.

For this one, and all the other close call mistakes that have been averted, I am grateful.