Attitude of Graitude V2#25 - Help Desks

Never underestimate the power of a great help desk. I have a few that I call frequently, to the point that I know some of the staff. The thing is the people are fantastic, they're knowledgeable about they're product and they're always willing to answer any question you have. Most of the time they'll offer additional valuable information as well. I love my help desk people and today, that's what I'm thankful for.

Attitude of Graitude V2#24 - Footwear

I was debating calling this post "shoes" or "boots" but I realized I wanted to talk about both so "footwear" is more generic and appropriate.

I love shoes. I have lots of shoes. Too many if you ask my dad and brothers. Shoes are great because they always fit (even when you gain weight) and they really can make an outfit.

I have two boxes full of shoes. (Seth liked to point out that he had two pairs) I also have two pairs of boots (black and brown). When I saw the boots pictured here at the store, I fell in love. I debated getting them and tried to talk myself out of it but in the end, the fact that I need new boots (my black ones are easily five years old if not more) and I need them for New York and Ontario, won out. I picked them up on Wednesday and I absolutely love them. The buckles are a little different for me but they're fun. I can wait to wear them in New York.

The benefit of waiting is that I got a new pair of black flats for 40% off too. I've needed a new pair desperately and these ones are really comfy. I love new shoes!

A New Collection

At my last job, I was collecting old copies of bylaws. This morning I compiled a complete collection of Audited Financial Statments at my current office. It was a lot easier because this organization is only 11 years old (as opposed to 94 at the old one) but it still took awhile.

Yes, this is what I get paid to do and yes, it makes me happy :)

Attitude of Gratitude V2#23 - Giving Blood

The fact that I CAN give blood (even though it didn't work tonight). The fact that I can answer "yes" to the "are you feeling well today question" and "no" to all the rest like "have you been under a doctors care" or had all manner of health issues. I'm healthy and able to help others (up to three per donation!) and for that I am thankful...and the cookies are a nice bonus :D

Attitude of Gratitude V2#22 - Flannel Sheets

I haven't kept up with these blog entries but I'm committed to doing all thirty of them, even if takes until Christmas :P

Today I am thankful for flannel sheets. My parents always had flannel sheets but for some reason I always stuck to cotton. Earlier this year my mom got me some flannel sheets and I *love* them. They're so warm and cozy. My bed is pretty wonderful as it is but these sheets just make it awesome.

Please excuse me, I'm going to sleep now :D

Attitude of Gratitude V2#21 - Christmas Shopping

I like Christmas shopping. Yes it's stressful and commercialized but I like having to think of others and determine what they would really like. I went Saturday with my brother Robert and his girl friend Robbie. (yes they have the same name, yes Robbie is her full name, yes my Uncle calls Robert "Robby" all the time, yes it's funny LOL) We just stayed in town and between us we only purchased three gifts but I think I have a pretty good idea of what I'm getting Robert now.

The mall was busy but it wasn't crazy. Granted it is only November so it shouldn't be yet but the hype is building. And I enjoy it. It's more fun to participate than be a grouch and get stressed out about it.

I saw a sign that says "Tis the season to be jolly...so what's you're problem". It sums it up perfectly!

Word of the Day #38: propinquity

We haven't had one of these in a long time.

propinquity
[proh-ping-kwi-tee]

–noun 1. nearness in place; proximity.
2. nearness of relation; kinship.
3. affinity of nature; similarity.
4. nearness in time.

I got this in an email today.

Attitude of Gratitude V2#20 - Sunny Days

I love the rain. I live in BC for a reason. Rain is comforting and it really doesn't bug me. I have a lot of "inside" hobbies and rain allows me to do them without feeling guilty. That said, there's something to be said about sunny days. Today was one of those, after WEEKS of rain (or at least it felt like that). I took advantage of it and made a run down to the recylcing depot. It's like getting a get out of jail free card. I sit at my desk or I'm in meetings alllllll week long so when I can go out and do something physical, and mostly just get a chance of pace, I'm thankful for it. And if it takes a sunny day to do it? Then that's just a bonus.

Attitude of Gratitude V2#19 - Encouraging Words

I had a meeting with my old boss yesterday. He has always told us that he is available on a volunteer basis to provide consulting and today we took him up on that. At the end of the hour and a half meeting between myself, my old boss and my current boss, my old boss said "there are two things I accomplished right before I left that I am really proud of. One was securing the program and the other was hiring Heidi".

Gulp.

I mean I appreaciate the sentiment. He's always been really encouraging and I owe him a lot from a career point of view. He's given me a lot of opportunities that I may not have otherwise had.

That said, I am planning on leaving in nine months and comments like that make it much harder.

But I do appreciate the words. My primary "love language" is Quality Time and Encouraging Words. Especially professionally, encouraging words mean a lot to me and it was nice to hear it from him (and have it confirmed by my current boss).

Attitude of Gratitude V2#18 - High School

High School. It seems like every time I turn around I’m confronted with it.

* I’m re-reading Twilight which is teenage, high school angst at it’s finest.
* You can’t escape Taylor Swift and thankfully, I don’t want to because I like her music but she captures the gut wrenching indecision of high school and brings it all back to the surface.
* I actually had to GO to my highschool to pick up copies of my transcripts for my university application. It wasn't the first time I've been back since graduating but it was the first time in a long time. Not much has changed although the school has a new coat of paint so it looks fresh. And my english teacher is now principal and my math teacher is vice-principal. Crazy.
* I went for massage therapy and it turns out my massuse went to the same school I did, although she graduated 15 years before me. Still, we shared a few teachers and had fun reminiscing about them.

So yeah, high school. You can't avoid it but I am so glad that I'm NOT there anymore!!!