First of 300 and some...

Today's blessing doesn't require a story or lead up, it's very simple to explain. We made the first mortgage payment today :). 

One year ago today and a party too!

Today was a fun filled day. So tonight I'm going to talk about two blessings. First, one year ago today we were blessed with the sweetest, best natured, lovingest, King Charles Cavalier Spaniel there is. Charlie came into our lives when we needed her the most and has been a blessing everyday since. I can't imagine not seeing that little tail wiggle waggle all the time or seeing her get so excited over a piece of cheese. She is Molly and Lexi's baby, no doubt, and we love her so much! 

Second, and I've said it before, but it is so nice to be a part of a lovely and supportive group of ladies. My tennis team could not be better. We were blessed to throw a surprise tennis shower type event for one of our teammates getting married in May. I was surprised with some lovely gifts as well!  My dear friend came early to help us set up, one of my oldest friends came early as well, three adorable kids joined the fun, (which of course the fur babies loved) and we all had great company throughout the evening. Not to mention the awesome food from my mom and the girls! Yum! 

Busy bees

Very simple tonight, it's a blessing to know that no matter how far away or how close, how crazy busy we all get, or how from the middle of March to the middle of April makes me want to hide in a Hobbit hole, that there people that love and think about me each day just like I do them. 

Be nice, be safe

Due to the fact that I was wiped out yesterday and didn't blog, tonight I'll double up the blessings. 

I got a text from a friend the other day that her dog was hurt. He showed up at her house one day, made friends with her other dog, and just decided to stay. It seemed like a blessing at the time that they formed this little family but little did they know just how much of a blessing it was for the little dog. Now, before I continue let me say that he is okay. He hurt his little neck and is recovering nicely. However, when they x-rayed him they discovered that he had several pellets in his shoulder area. Some jerk had shot him. He must have gotten away somehow and found a new home, a good home, a blessing. It's amazing how God blesses us with the right people and at the right time.  Now he gets love and care and is a happy dog. 

Second, I was blessed today to avoid a nasty accident on the way home. With wet roads and drivers not paying attention it can be dangerous on the highways. The cars in front and behind me both ran onto the shoulder, no one was hurt, except maybe some nerves, but at least four of us came close to a nasty crash. With the amount of time we travel the roads it really is a blessing to have safe travels. 

Say cheese!

Crazy week day 3. Yay for hump day and tennis and tiny pictures that make me smile!  Today's blessing: pictures. They come in all shapes, sizes, and even by phone. I love getting pictures, especially of friends and family.  I got one today and it was just what I needed. The memories that come with pictures and the history always fascinates me. Probably why I drive everyone insane with my camera.

 

Still cloudy but filled with shine

So those dark clouds are hovering again today but I refuse to not find the silver lining. We had an event tonight and there was a very interesting and eclectic group of people. It was a blessing to be able to meet and talk with them. Actually, I have been blessed to meet a lot of interesting people lately. It's amazing the stories people have if you're just willing to listen. Who knows, there may even be something to learn from them. 

Silver Lining

I need this blog today. It's a good way to remember to appreciate my blessings and find the good in the bad. Most of today I have dwelt on the bad but when I look back to write this I can see there we actually a lot of good parts too.  Strange how one or two bad things can over shadow all the good. Like the nice people at FedEx today that rushed my order (and gave me chocolate), or the great group of people coming together to raise money for Alzheimer's, or that when I come home someone is always happy to see me. I think today's blessing is the silver lining, or linings. Unfortunately, all I could see was the big black cloud when I was in the storm. Now that I'm looking back, I see the silver. 

Howdy neighbor

Got more stuff done around the house today, yay!  We actually can walk through the garage, who knew it was so spacious?!  Even took the time to watch a movie tonight. Today, like yesterday, was productive and relaxing. The dog next door has finally decided to make friends and I swear a few times today she called Molly to come outside. It's so nice to have good neighbors, believe me they are a blessing. After the last next door neighbors I really appreciate the ones in our new neighborhood, especially the fact they are good to the dogs. 

Saturday Production

I love Saturdays. Shopping is fun too. I also got a lot of stuff done around the house which is very, very good. I was blessed to be productive today and at the same time spend time with my family. The house is coming together. Even got a red velvet cupcake as an added bonus!

  

Amazing people do amazing things

People never cease to amaze me. Sometimes in a disappointing way and then other times in a good way. It makes me feel so good when I'm blessed to see this soulful side of people, especially those I have doubted at times. Certainly makes me rethink motives and judgements I may have erroneously made. 

On a related note I am also amazed at how thoughtful people can be.  This:

is a Cherry Squeeze Pop. You may think oh, that's a yucky candy you can get anywhere. Um, no. It is yummy deliciousness that is almost impossible to find. Watermelon and blue raspberry are as common as grass but oh no, not the cherry. Now this is one of those small things that makes me immensely happy. People that know me and this strange fact actually look in other states and random stores for this rare treat that makes me smile. I'm amazed and blessed at their caring thoughtfulness. 

HHD

After being up late last night working and then having nightmares when I did sleep it was kinda tough to get moving and stay focused today which is probably why I forgot my coke for the ride this morning. I need caffeine. The world needs me to have caffeine. There is a month left in tax season so the returns are piling up at the office along with the tension and intense phone calls. Everyone is tired or not feeling well right now. So today I decided it was Happy Hibatchi Day (HHD)!  HHD is a blessing because it is the one thing that seems to consistently make the office happy. It's like the white sauce is spiked or something. This one simple little treat brought a smile to everyone and turned a day that was on shaky ground into a good and productive day. Little things can take away big stress!!

A word to the wise

Wisdom- a true blessing. Don't get me wrong, I don't think I'm wise, but I do think every once in a while I retain a little piece of wisdom. For example, learning to pick my battles (well sometimes) and just because I said I'd never do something doesn't mean I won't do it because things change. Apparently our wise mothers were right about some things :). 

A little paint here, a dab of color there

Almost two years ago a great friend suggested I start a little business. I had no idea what a blessing it would be for me, not just financially but mentally, emotionally, and, at times, even physically. Now, I have a large order and I get to work on it in my new studio!  Check it out, the beginning of the order on top of the table, Molly underneath cutting her eyes at me because it's bedtime!  She's a good helper! :)

Mini vaca

I didn't post over the weekend because I took a mini vacation in Tybee Island, GA. I'll play catch-up tonight though. 

First I would like to start with a woman I am blessed to know even casually. On Friday this woman and her daughter came to sign their taxes at our office, she is 101 years old. She still trades stocks and in sharp as a tack. I only pray I live that long in good mind and good health.  She is wonderful. 

Friday after work it was straight to vaca time. A friend and I headed down to meet 10 other friends and our normal little beach condo place. It was a blessing to be part of such a fun and eclectic group. I talk about how blessed I am to have such good friends but to be able to enjoy their uniqueness and individuality is a true gift as well. 

This is pretty obvious, I mean, how can this not be a blessing;

And finally coming home is a blessing. Whether it be from work or from a trip, being back home is the best. It's always nice to go and to experience new things, but as they say, home is where the heart is. 

Where's the screwdriver?

Today, I built something!  This is good because I'm getting way better at the assembly required items. I'm not mechanically inclined, I'm artsy and geeky, but I did it!  It's a good feeling, a sense of accomplishment, quite a blessing. Inspires confidence and I won't mind trying something a little more difficult next time!

Pot of gold...

Well it is almost St. Patricks day weekend!  Tonight at the crazy weather tennis match that included a brief rain we were blessed with an amazing double rainbow!  So...

Which lead to...

Which then brought up this humorous YouTube sensation. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OQSNhk5ICTI

It's an oldie but goody. So, I guess the wind blew in a beautiful blessing and some humor!  

Spring is (hopefully) coming!

The (what we think) is a Chinese Dogwood is budding!  There are green things sprouting in the yard!  The blessings of nature and signs of spring are starting!  Yay!!  

Star light, star bright

When I was little I could not keep my nose out of the clouds. I was always looking up and I can read a star chart better than any road map. I had a great star watcher for a teacher. Sometime between then and now and the city lights I stopped looking up as much. On occasion at the beach or on random walks from the car I'd glance up but, like I said, city lights mask a lot. The new house is still city but in an area with more of a view for a good night sky. I was blessed tonight to look up and see Jupiter in close proximity to the moon (now is the time to see it with a telescope too btw).  I need to remind myself to slow down, look up, and take in the gifts all around us. 

Kind words of a stranger

My tennis partner and I both needed to reschedule our match today. We don't know the other team and have only corresponded through e-mail.  I tried to e-mail them early this morning hoping to give them a little more time to plan their day. I expected a simple response and a reschedule. I was pleasantly surprised and blessed by the thoughtful and caring response we both received. There are still good people out there. As I told a friend, my faith in humanity is restored. The kindness of strangers still exists. A kind word sure does go a long way. 

Yucky cold

So nose flusher is awesome...for my allergies. Somehow I have a cold so yesterday's blessing was the wonderful blue Tylenol that helped me sleep. Today's is the incredibly strong over the counter decongestant/antihistamine I got when we were in Italy. Little secret- Europeon over the counter is a whole different end of the spectrum from American over the counter. Half of one and I'm like a sponge. Hoping that means tomorrow I will be tennis ready!  

The Flusher

This piece if nasal relief is a HUGE blessing and will probably keep me from having this yuck turn to bronchitis. It's also a blessing I knew what box it was in!

No rain delay today

All day today I thought it's too cold to play our tennis match tonight, we will get rained out, I hope we get rained out, I need to rest. Well, turned out what I needed was to play. We ended up with a nice team that was a good challenge and got some good excercise. It was a blessing the rain cleared after all and now with the fresh air I'll sleep better. It was a perfect example of I don't always know what's best, God does, and I need to just sit back and relax. 

zoom zoom zoom

As I much as I fuss about traffic I really am blessed to have 4 wheels to get me where I need to be safely. The transporter has yet to be invented and I certainly couldn't walk to work on time so I need my car. Gas in lieu of paying for a cab still looks better in my pocket.  I saw a man on the side of the interstate today in the cold, I assume hitch-hiking, as I was driving home. It's a shame it's not safe to help people out like that anymore but it does give me a new appreciation for what I have. 

Saturday-Monday

I'm behind, I know. Let me explain. It certainly wasn't that there weren't blessings the last few days because there were, but they were bittersweet days for sure. 

As I posted Friday a very special person passed away last Thursday. A wonderful woman I've know since I was six. I always said I was lucky to have 3 grandmothers even though she wasn't a blood relative. I played with her grandchildren, spent as much time in their yard as my own, and either ran across the street or later on called her anytime I got something new.  So the weekend was kinda rough. I clean when I get upset (got that honestly from my Mawmaw) so all day Saturday was very productive in unpacking and cleaning.  We also needed to get ready for the round trip to VA on Sunday. This meant getting air in my tires (I'm getting to the blessing I swear).  I wanted to have the air put in and tires checked at an actual tire place, not just me at the gas station with some quarters and an air hose. Being new on this side of town I wasn't 100% sure where to go but knew we needed to go to Target. Well, right in the same parking lot was a tire place. It was busy and I figured it would cost some time and a little money. Nope!  There are still some nice places with nice people. This very nice guy, very busy guy, checked them for free, quickly too, and with a very sincere smile on his face. His kind attitude was truly a blessing that day. 

Despite my attempts to find things to clean and organize into the night in hopes of prolonging Saturday, Sunday came right on time like always. It was a rather easy trip travel wise. Whoever the genius is that decided turning 220 into a 4 lane was a good idea I commend you! We made it a little earlier than expected so we drove around some before heading to the funeral home.  The moment I never thought would actually happen was upon us and it was time to go in. The elegance and dignity of a true lady was still present during the viewing.  Afterwards we met my older cousin and my baby (not so much anymore) cousin for a bite to eat at my favorite restaurant before hitting the road again.  Their smiling faces were a blessing and a breathe of fresh air.  We don't get to see them much so it's important to take advantage of every chance we get.  My little cousin has the best laugh and  I don't know anyone who doesn't feel better after hearing a child laugh. 

During our time out of state yesterday a dear friend whom I later found was sick, came and took care of the babies. They love her and so do we. She is a blessing for us all!  

Now, I know this is a long one but I'm throwing in a 4th blessing anyway. Today was actually a little more emotional for me than yesterday but, I am blessed to know that God is watching over us all and that he brings his children home with Him. I can rest assured that there is peace in Heaven for those that have left this world.