Blessings on a Cold, Windy Day

My friend Amy (her blog is linked in the left-hand column) created a post tonight that included 15 blessings or bright spots in her day. I often find myself focusing on what I perceive to be problems in my life, searching for solutions and trying to become an overall better person. I don't often sit down and consciously ponder all of the good things I have, although I usually do offer a quick mental note of thanks when they happen. I'm taking her lead and posting my own list of 15 blessings for today:

1. First and foremost, I woke up feeling alive and well. After almost a month of coughing, fevers, headaches and not feeling well in general, this is something I do not take for granted.

2. Mike gave me good news this morning -- both of the pups went to the bathroom for him before he left for work. This means my morning trip outside with them consisted of a brisk walk around the block and some play time, instead of anxiously trying to get Molly to do her #2.

3. The new country station played some great songs on my way to work. Despite the long drive and traffic nightmares, I would classify it as a good commute.

4. My co-worker Kyla agreed to swap me desks for the day. This is a big deal for two reasons -- my "office" is located in an area that is notorious for being a bit noisy and my computer monitor leaves much to be desired. She didn't have to switch, but because I'm working on a few grant proposals that are due next week I'm very grateful she did. I had the peace and quiet I needed to concentrate and a computer monitor that didn't leave my eyes feeling strained and buggy and my head pounding. Thank you, Kyla!

5. Speaking of grants. Another co-worker has been helping me piece together a few sections I still needed to write. Without a boss, I've been made responsible for completing all of our major grants this winter along with my normal day-to-day duties. She's a great writer and her help has been greatly appreciated. Because of this, I didn't have to worry about writing at home tonight.

6. The owner I enjoy talking to was working when I stopped by Subway to grab a sub for lunch today. At least I assume he's the owner. He always makes me laugh when he tries to get me to add on chips, a drink or at least the fresh out of the oven cookies! And he always says "Of course not" with a smile when I politely decline.

7. I received a surprising phone call from Mike on my lunch break. He normally doesn't get a chance to call during the day, so it was great to chat with him for a few minutes while I browsed birthday cards at Hallmark.

8. I found a great thinking of you card to send home to Grandpa today. He's always on my mind, and it's nice to let him know it. Most of the time I think card chop cards are pretty cheesy and I opt for a handwritten note. These days, my notes are much to detailed on topics that make him worry. This card will make him smile. A blessing for me and a blessing for him. In fact, being able to send him a card in the first place in one of my biggest blessings of all.

9. When I headed home from work today, the traffic sign said there was an accident blocking the two right lanes on eastbound 64 at the Indian River Road exit. This is right in the middle of my commute, where traffic is usually very heavy anyhow because it's the first exit after 264 dumps onto 64. I anticipated a very congested and long delay, but to my dismay there was some of the typical stop and go traffic but nothing worse. I made it home in an hour (my normal time).

10. I was able to find the perfect size bags for some recent baby shower gifts Mike and I purchased, in a classic Winnie the Pooh theme. Mike's sister is having a baby and we can't make it home for the shower, so we decided to buy a few gifts and send them home. Her theme for the nursery is classic Winnie the Pooh, so I was delighted to find Hallmark carried these bags as well. I'm a "theme gift giver" so it was very important that certain gifts get packaged together.

11. When I arrived home from work and my stop by Hallmark, Fozzie and Molly were at the door with wagging tails. For years, I wanted a dog that ran to greet me. Now I have two. Fozzie gives me licks and Molly gives me a big hug and climbs into my lap. It is seriously the happiest moment in my day. I look forward to it as soon as I pull into my spot every night.

12. After that greeting, I realized I had a bowl of warm and hearty chicken noodle soup waiting for me on the dinner table. It it the spot on this cold, windy day.

13. The FedEx workers were able to help Mike and I fit two small boxes and two small bags into one large shipping box, seal it up and send it on it's way to Ohio for a reasonable price. The soon-to-be parents will be getting their baby gifts between Tuesday and Friday of next week. Definitely beat us trying to seal and stuff the box here at home!

14. On this cold and windy night, I'm fortunate to have comfortable pajamas and warm blankets. It may seem weird to some that I mention that, but so many don't have this. In a similar sense, I also have a nice house that keeps that wind out of my face and prevents me from catching a cold. These are things I often take for granted, but I'm definitely thankful for right now!

15. Inches away from me, my husband and Molly are sleeping peacefully. And Fozzie is king of his chair in the living room. Our life is comfortable. We may not have everything we want, but we certainly have everything we need. We have food, water, a home, good health, each other. And that's not a guarantee in this life.

On that note, I'm cuddling up with them and calling it a night.... after I add one more blessing to this list.

16. My friend Amy. Thank you for all of the insight you've given me. On work. On life. On God. Your list inspired me to write my own and as a result I think I'll get the best night's rest I've had in weeks (if not months.) Thank you, in advance!

Good night.