365 Days of Blessings

On January 1st of this year I set a goal to recognize a unique blessing every day for a year.  My plan was to document them in this blog. Now that it is New Year's Eve and a new year is about to begin, I can say that I have completed my goal. There is a separate blessing for each day. I made sure if I missed a night to make up for it the following entry and to make each entry different. So on this night, my entry is this blog, a very unique blessing.

It wasn't always easy. Some days I had to think hard about my day to find the blessings, but they were always there. I wanted to recognize that God gives us gifts everyday and to humble myself enough to appreciate them.  I know I still have lots to learn, but I feel like I am recognizing some of those gifts more clear now and appreciating some I didn't before. To complete the blog I had to have an entry even on bad days. Reflecting on those days and finding the good helped me deal with the not so good parts. I also find myself not letting things bother me quite so much. I still lose my temper on occasion but many things roll of my back that would have irritated me before. My assumption is that now I am letting the good outweigh the bad more often because I am opening my eyes to things more easily. Simply put, this experiment of mine has been good for me, better than I expected.

I challenge anyone to try this. You may be surprised at what you learn.  With the new year I won't be posting each day, but I intend to continue to write entries from time to time while working on the next step in this particular journey.  Thanks to all of you that have read and supported This Belle's Blessings, I hope at some point it helped you as much as it has helped me.  Stay tuned!

 

Gravitational constant? Not for us...

Today is another wonderful person's birthday!  I'm blessed to have a unique and interesting friend like Mary.  I can think of no other person I would rather defy the laws of gravity with and float against the current down (or should I say back up) a river!  She even toughed it out and attempted kickball with me. 

 

A little bit extra

Some clients were in the office a few weeks ago and said they had a new computer that had been sitting in the box since June. They didn't know how to switch out the old one and, not being comfortable around computers anyway, the change wasn't something they were looking forward to. My boss suggested that I would help them. I thought it may be a little uncomfortable at first but it actually turned out to be a nice little blessing. It wasn't a hard job at all, only took about two hours. We had nice conversations and even though I said it wasn't necessary, I made a little extra cash. That's going to look good towards paying off a bill I'm trying to make dissapear. There were some yummy baked goods involved too :). 

I really liked this today so I wanted to share. I was watching TV and all the fur babies decided to lay together. All of them resting at the same time together is rare and very sweet!

My coffee

This is my coffee and a large part of my happy place. 

It's a major first world treat but Vanilla Coke is totally a blessing for me. Every once in a while I go on a trip somewhere that doesn't sell it and I realize just how much I really like it. When they didn't make it for a few years it was not fun. Everyone needs a special little treat to enjoy and relax with anyway, and this is for sure mine. ;)

Bowlin'

It's Bowl Season!  As a football girl, I'm blessed to say that BOTH my teams won their bowl games today!!!!  Neither team had a fantastic season so kudos to both of them for pulling off a winning year.  Although it's not just about the winning or losing. The money and the recognition are good for the schools. The more programs and scholarships available, the more people that can get a good education. 

Special games like those usually mean special days at home too.  My mom is good about having special meals or treats for important games.  A good game with a nice win just adds to the experience.  If we're really lucky there will be one of those crazy, history making plays that people talk about for years.  Yup, saw one of those today :) 

Holiday time off

While many people headed back to work today I'm blessed to still have 10 days left of break. Lexi is feeling better, the girls were in great moods today, there are plenty of left overs, and I got to clean a bunch today. My mom only worked a half day and tonight we ate "mess," a fried potato concoction made with left overs. It's actually been a very relaxing day.  As much as I hope to accomplish during these days off, I also intend to enjoy them some too - hopefully this go round all teeth will stay put ;) 

Tidings of Comfort and Joy

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. -Luke 2:11

So many wonderful blessings today to be grateful for.  Of course, the most important of the blessings is the birth of Jesus.  The day God sent his Son to save us.  Let us not forget the true reason for the day.

I love all the calls, texts, posts, visits, and greetings on holidays.  Especially on Christmas.  I really enjoy seeing the pictures of all the fur babies and little ones with their gifts from Santa. The magic of Christmas is still very much alive.  I thought Molly's eyes were going to pop out of her head when she realized she had a squeaky toy in her stocking.  I'm sure all the kids that got new bicycles were happy after several days of rain that we were blessed with some sunshine today. 

Thankfully, Lexi is feeling better today too.  That's a huge blessing.  He has slept most of the day but since he didn't for roughly three days I'm sure he needs it.  Poor kitty cat had a rough week. 

As I type away on my new tablet with my stomach full of yummy food and pumpkin hot chocolate it is important to remember:
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. - Luke 2:14

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

And not a creature is stirring. This day is a blessing. Christmas Eve with family and friends is always so wonderful. Thinking Lexi may be feeling a little more like himself since he's sleeping now. Praying he is all normal for tomorow. I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!!

Christmas break!

I'm very blessed that my Christmas break started after a half day of work today!  Looking forward to a long break. Now if Lexi will just get in better humor and stop trying to escape! 

Understanding

Luckily, the world is still blessed with understanding people. An order that I rushed for a customer that has been a real pleasure to work with arrived with one of the glasses completely shattered. The bubble wrap didn't save that one. He was super understanding and of course I will send a replacement glass to him. I'm so sorry it won't be there in time for Christmas, but it's nice to know there are people out there that get that sometimes things happen (especially with shipping) and are willing to work with someone to correct the problem in a reasonable manner.  

The first day of Winter!

December 21st, 2014, the first day of Winter.  It was for sure dreary and cold.  Luckily I spent the day in my flannel pjs, I was very warm.  :)  I also started dozing incredibly early and fell asleep way before normal, hence the post today instead of yesterday.  I did manage to get all the Christmas presents wrapped though!  Looking around at all the decorations while sitting comfortably in my warm seat I couldn't help but feel good.  I'm blessed to spend the Christmas season at home with family and friends.  I even felt relaxed for a minute as I enjoyed the lights and room.  I had a warm feeling inside and out. 

Fondue party

I'm blessed today to celebrate another birthday with one of the best friends a girl could ask for. After more than ten years of shenanigans and trips, good times and bad, and a whole lot of cheese, I'm still lucky enough to have her around.  The yummy fondue dinner tonight was pretty awesome too!

 Happy Birthday, Kelly!

Annnnd...exhale

I'm blessed to say that it's 7:30 pm, I'm in my plaid flannel pj's and Rudolph fuzzy socks watching basketball and all the orders that needed to be mailed for Christmas delivery are out.  As much as I would like to have more orders, I'm looking forward to a restful night. 

12/17 & 12/18

Still working hard on orders (still yay!!) so short and sweet tonight, for two days. 

Last night I was blessed to get a call from an old friend and her little one. Seems like I haven't seen her in forever. It was a very nice surprise. 

Today I was blessed to get quickly through the post office. Doesn't sound like much but believe me, right now, that's a huge blessing. Yesterday, even the self-service kiosk had a line almost to the door, this morning it wasn't working, so this afternoon I was thrilled to get in, have an awesome worker help, and get four orders shipped!

painted gifts and gifts of the heart.

Over the next few days my posts will probably been at random times during the day.  I have a lot of orders to get out before Christmas (yay!) and am going to post when I get a chance.

This post is going to cover the last two days I missed staying up late painting (again, yay!) and then hopefully I will be back on track.

I'd like to say that these orders are more than just orders at this point.  I set a goal of how much I would like to sell for the Christmas season and I'm blessed to say that I'm incredibly close to reaching that goal!  I think this year will be the shop's best year so far!  There have been some pretty creative requests this year too.  Tartan plaid may be the most challenging yet but I'm looking forward to giving it a shot.

After work Tuesday I was running around town trying to find the glasses I needed to complete the orders I have.  Of course they aren't all at one store, that would be way too easy.  I took the wrong on ramp after leaving one of the stores and had to back track a little and had to get off on a different exit to try and reach the right interstate.  While sitting at a stoplight there was a man with a cardboard sign.  He was right next to my car and I did everything possible to not turn and look at him.  I can't even tell you what the sign said.  He was probably just trying to scam people right?  After what was probably no more than 30 or 40 seconds I noticed him moving out of the corner of my eye, walking down the line of cars behind me.  That's when I looked in my side view mirror. Then I remembered something I heard about being kind and generous to everyone, sometimes it may be an angel in disguise.  And then it hit me, angel or not, who was I to pass judgement and assume he was just out for the scam.  He could actually be in need.  Certainly I am not naive enough to believe that everyone panhandling is doing it with an honest heart, but it's not my place to say who is and who isn't just by looking at them.

At this point I reached in my wallet.  I'm not one to carry cash but I did have a little bit.  I pulled out $2 and watched.  He never did walk back my way before the light changed.  I kept thinking about that.  I'm blessed to not be in that situation.  Even if he wasn't out there with the best of intentions, I'm still blessed to not be in that situation.  Of course I know that I won't be able to give money each and every time, but would it hurt me to roll the window down sometimes? Or even make eye contact?  Isn't generosity one of the best gifts there is to the giver and receiver?  Who knows, maybe he was an angel that was sent there to teach me a lesson.    

3 days worth

So, little bit behind. It's been a busy weekend. Also, apparently my blogged got flagged as SPAM so really hoping that's over now. 

Friday I got to spend the day with my friend's kids. I enjoy kids. They're fun, but I'm usually blessed to learn something from them too. Kids see things differently than adults, way less synical and much more enjoyable. Asking a simple question and listening to their reasoning or trying to look through their eyes can give an entirely different perspective. As adults, it's easy to let worries or logic influence our responses, whereas kids don't always have those affecting variables to bias them. We can learn a lot from children if we just listen. 

Then Saturday, while washing towels of all things, the wash machine decides to retire. Luckily, later that night it started enough to drain the water. Anyway, we needed a new machine. Off to Lowes we went. I was not expecting to have a new machine for several days. I was wrong. We were very blessed, two hours after it stopped a new one was purchased, scheduled to be delivered Sunday morning, and we were back home. 

It did come a little later than planned today but it did get here. The machine itself is a blessing. First of all, it has buttons and sings a little song when turned on or off. Also, when it finishes a load of clothes it has another song that sounds like the ice cream truck. I. Love. Buttons. Plus, it's energy efficient, quiet, reduces the necessary amount of soap, and I think the clothes are coming out better. 

So many toys!!

After lots of planning and work today was the office Holiday Open House. It's a day to celebrate the season with our clients and friends. From 12-7 our doors were open to our guests to come enjoy some snacks and holiday cheer. We even had an 'Ugly Sweater' contest. 

The only thing we asked is that everyone bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. That's one of my favorite charities. Every child should have a toy for Christmas. Plus, it is the season of giving and how wonderful to give to the children. 

I am overwhelmed by the generosity everyone showed today.  This is truly a blessing. (I had the picture here but for some reason Google is giving me an error posting it).

So many kids will smile Christmas morning thanks to all those that contributed. That's the Spirit of Christmas! 

Candles

Tomorrow is our big holiday event at work. I'm very excited. I even got to leave early today to get some last minute stuff done including- wait for it- baking. Yes, I baked something. Well, melted some stuff in the oven but, for me, that is baking. Then the girls were so good today that we took a little walk after dinner. I swear Molly looked at the Christmas lights up on our street. We have some decorations too, we are blessed to have some little candles. I have always wanted to be able to have some outdoor lights and my mom has wanted the little window candles forever. We can finally have them here and they really are pretty. Very simple and very pretty.  Next year we can expand, but for now they are just right. 

Meetings and machines

Yesterday was a busy Monday. A coworker and I ran errands to get groceries for our event on Thursday and then after work I had hoped to go to the post office before our Blondes vs. Brunettes meeting but I didn't have any packing tape. I really thought I had some in my car. Anyway, I digress. Last night was actually a BVB Holiday get together with a shirt meeting beforehand. I have been wanting to be more involved with BVB. I'm on the committee but was hoping to be a commitee chair to try and do a little more. I'm blessed to say I am now the marketing chair. Luckily I will have some good help!

So, after getting packing tape last night, I still had to go to the post office this morning. It was a much slower day though. I got some painting done and a lot of cleaning. Our wash machine has been shaking, vibrating, auditioning for a highly rated television dance competition, or something like that, for a while but last week it got worse. I tried to adjust the leg that I thought was making it short but that wasn't it. We just figured it was time to get another one. I have been putting off laundry but today it was time. I was going to try and put some cardboard down to balance it but it wouldn't fit so I turned the leg on the bottom again to try and shorten it just a little and...well...apparently the first time I tried to adjust it I turned it in the wrong direction...yeah. Basically I made a loose leg worse. Not sure what I was thinking. Anyway, it's fixed now, even better than it was beforeand it's a huge blessing we do not have to get a new machine immediately.

 

Plaid, decorations, and the Spirit of Christmas!

It's been a very pleasant day. Went shopping with my mom, gave her an early Christmas gift, got almost all the remaining decorations up, did a little painting, and am rocking some awesome new plaid flannel pajamas (the VA girl still comes out in me once in a while - I LOVE plaid and flannel). Finding places to put our decorations around the house has been fun. We are blessed to be spending our first Christmas in our new home and I'm definitely feeling the spirit of the season.  I just gave a few more gifts to get for family and our Toys for Tots Holiday Open House at work. Now to get some presents wrapped and under that tree!

Oyster Roast

In my twenties I was all about meeting my friends out somewhere, staying out late partying, and then repeating it the next weekend. I can't say I missed much during my college days. 

Then I got a little older and as much fun as it was, I got bored with it. It was time to do some other things. It was time for the next stage. Meeting friends for dinner or game night, of course tennis became a new kind of fun. Doing things with friends and their families is more exciting now than going to the club every night. It's still fun to go once in a while though ;). 

Every December some friends hold an annual oyster roast at one of their homes. Today was the day and I was blessed to attend. The whole thing is very laid back. Watching the kids play and the adults talk  while shucking oysters was soooo much fun. Everyone had a great time. The weather even held out for us. I'm not sure who had more cupcakes, me or my friend's almost 2 year old!  It was a fantastic way to spend a Saturday evening. Bonus - getting home in time for a good night's sleep means a good day tomorrow! 

Furniture

After months of thinking and looking we were blessed today to find the furniture we both like for the living room.  Funny thing - the furniture store was 17 minutes away the entire time. The price is incredibly reasonable for the good quality. It's a great deal for after the new year too. 

I know this is a 1st world type blessing for sure and I'm appreciative of the fact that I'm lucky enough to have these 1st world blessings (and the blessing of that in and of itself). I think the best part is that it is a locally owned family store. We even saw a kid of one of the workers come in with his dinner. The man that was helping us was incredibly accommodating and easy to work with. He deserves the commission he will get. 

Virtual

A friend asked me to speak to her class about my job today. She teaches at a virtual school and the setup was very impressive. While I'm far from being a good speaker I still feel blessed to have been able to talk with her students and hopefully have helped with some of their questions. 

Registered

Huuuump day!  Yay!  I'm ready for the weekend. Looking forward to church on Sunday too. We have been going to the same church for years but never actually registered. I didn't think it made much difference for a long time but then it started to feel like the right thing to do. Finally, the other day I sent in the paperwork. It was very simple and now we are blessed to be registered members. It won't change the reason or the message but it feels good to be considered a member. Hopefully now we will become more active in various aspects as well!

I saw this today and liked it so I thought I'd share:

The 12 Days For Christmas

The computers worked today! - Well, mostly. There was a little issue this morning but it was fixed before 9 so I'm not counting it. Then I had a very productive and satisfactory meeting during which I found out I had an extra vacation day I didn't know about. As a result I'm blessed with 12 days off for Christmas! Woo hoo! That's an excellent time for a break. 

Cyber Monday...

Cyber Monday had a different meaning today at our office- the computers totally went down. I basically couldn't work for most of the day. I knew I was dependent on the Internet but wow. Our IT guy is a blessing. I can send a crazy help me message, yes, sometimes a little panic-y, and I get a good response, sometimes funny. When I left for the day the system was up and running. It's so nice to have helpful people in the world!