12 of 12 March

Posting this month's twelve of twelve is two weeks over due but I promise the pictures were all taken on March 12th. So let's see, what happened that day? To start with I actually ate breakfast! I go through spurts of eating at home, eating at work, not eating at all. This week I was on a "eat at home" spurt.
The sun was shining and the view of Mount Baker from the end of my street was gorgeous. The picture is a bit washed out but you can still see my favourite mountain :)
Thursday again means the Country Club Newsletter and one of Steve's wonderful "words of the day". No one knows what it means but it's worth 200 bonus points!

Mere met me at Mill Lake at lunch and we went for a walk...and yes I took pictures of the ducks and the water instead of us. Sorry LOL

This bush just outside my sliding door doesn't look like much now but wait for a month or two when it explodes with blossoms. Lovely!

Mail! Belated Christmas card exchange along with Dierks bracelets!

I was packing for a retreat (I forgot to take a picture of the bags!) and Mere came over to keep me company. She brought leftover margarita mix from her birthday and some crackers and cheese. Yummy!

I made a mad dash to the dollar store after she left for goodie bag items. Of course they didn't have want I wanted so I improvised with chocolate from Save-on Foods.

In Save-on I also found a new cook book. I started going through it when I got home and I was flagging the recipes I want to try but I gave up because they all look good! I've used one of the salad ones already.

And, the self portrait. Me, after I took a shower and washed my hair :)








Now, who's counting and realizes that there are only 11 pictures? In my multiple edits I accidently deleted one. I don't remember what it was and I'm not going to try and find it. You'll have to just make do with 11 pictures on the 27th but hey, it's done!!! See you next month :)

Happy (very belated) St. Patrick's Day!

There once was a young man from Kew
Who found a dead mouse in his stew.
Said the waiter, “Don't shout
Or wave it about,
Or …

Do you know the rest of the limerick? Apparently I do! I took the afternoon of Friday the 13th off so I could pack up and head out to a retreat. On my way out of town I was scanning radio stations and I picked up on one out of Vancouver. They were running a St. Patrick’s Day, complete the limerick contest. I called in and got through and, long story short, won! My prize? Two tickets to see The Irish Rover’s at a local casino. (Guess Friday the 13th's not so unlucky after all!)

I talked my dad into picking up the tickets (way down in Vancouver) and he and I went to the show together on St. Patrick's Day. It was a lot of fun. Their set wasn’t all that long but we enjoyed every minute of it.

Dad is very familiar with their music having grown up listening to them and watching them on TV. I recognized more than I thought I would. Anything I wasn’t able to sing along to I was able to sit back and just listen to. Their music is infectious and happy. It was a great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!

So, what’s the rest of the limerick? Any guesses?

Thursday Thunks...on a Friday

Lifted from Tosin.

1. You are walking down the road and you look down. There is a bug. Do you step on it?
Yes, depending on my shoes and how squishy the bug is. I don’t bother with ants. Beetles? You bet.

2. What is one fantasy that you want to come true more than any other?
Being debt free. And it really shouldn’t be a fantasy but it sure feels like one some days!

3. Someone knocks on your door. Do you look out the window to see who it is before you open it? Do you open it regardless of who it is?
I live in an apartment so I rarely have anyone randomly knock. If they did, yes, I’d look through the peephole first.

4. Have you ever eaten Play Doh?
Sure. Mom used to make it from scratch. It was salty :)

5. What was your favorite Saturday morning cartoon as a child and why?
I didn’t watch Saturday morning cartoons. My brothers used to watch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles though

6. Are you a "people watcher"?
Absolutely! Cheapest best entertainment EVAH!

7. I have a bowl of fruit. There are apples, oranges & pears. You help yourself to one - which one do you choose?
Depends on what kind of apples. I prefer golden delicious. If that’s not an option I may go for the pear. Oranges are too messy…unless they’re mandarin.

8. What is your biggest pet peeve in the blogging world?
Right now, just not having time to read the blogs I love!!!

9. What is one religion that you could just never see yourself joining?
I’ve always maintained that I could never convert to Judaism because I like pork too much. Same with Hinduism. Me. Love. Beef :D

10. What word do you use far too often?
Really?

11. How long do you spend in the shower?
Depends. Basic morning scrub down? Less than one song, or the news, depends on what’s on.

12. If you were to write a personal ad about yourself, what would it say?
SWF seeking fun, adventurous, driven individual who like to have fun…or something like that…

13. Your favorite flavor of soup is....?
Harvest Gouda Vegetable

14. You are sitting on a bench in the park and a bug walks in front of your feet.... do you squash him?
Again, depends on the type. Ants? Nah. Cool squish bugs? Sure!

Well that was a surprise!

I got an eviction notice yesterday. Total case of mistake identity but it gave me a small heart attack. Apparently someone had told the landlord that they were moving out so he processed the paperwork using my name.

I'm not going anywhere. My rent's up to date (always has been) and it allowed me to have a nice little chat with my landlord. He likes me because I'm an "invisible tenant". There, but not a trouble maker (evidenced by the fact that he got me confused with someone else).

So, everythings good. Scared the cr@p out of me though!

Six weeks in…

And today, for the first time, I answered the phone and said the wrong company name. I’m surprised it didn’t happen sooner! Luckily the caller was understanding :)

So I emailed an ex-coworker and she said that as of last week’s board meeting 1.5 more positions have been cut at my last company…this is after them not replacing me. Sounds like I got out at the right time! As much as I’m still struggling with my current job I am beyond thankful that I chose to take it!!!

Building an Altar to the Garbage Gods

One of the side tasks I was assigned when I started this job has become some what of a pet project for me. We have a shiny new office (they just moved in, in October) but there is very, very little storage here. There is one room that doubles as the server room and the landlord is allowing us to use some unsecured common space for storage. My goal is to clear out the common space. (also known as the “cold room” because it isn’t insulated at all) I’ve spent countless hours on this project and while the server room is looking spiffy, there’s still lots to clean out in the cold room.

I worked with our computer tech yesterday to determine what boxes and equipment could be ditched. Anyone need the software for Windows ’98? LOL We culled about half of what is stored and I just kept adding it to a pile in the corner of the cold room that is destined for recycling or the dump. I’m calling that space my “Altar to the Garbage Gods”. That stuff doesn’t need to be kept in our tight-for-storage-space-office so I’m offering it up! It feels wonderful :)

12 of 12 February

I haven't been blogging at all but I did manage to get enough pictures for the February 12 of 12 so let's see if I can update a bit of what I've been up to. February 12, 2009 is exactly one year before the start of the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. The hype is starting to build!!!

This 12 of 12 is on a Thursday which means it's "Country Club Newsletter Day". Enter the bonus code and get an extra 200 points.
The 13th is one month into my new job. This is my desk...before the mess starts!
And this is my desk at the end of the day. Craziness!

I'm settling in, slowly. The learning curve isn't as steep as the first few weeks but I am still getting used to all the tasks and being challenged daily to stay on top of everything that needs to be done.

It was a *beautiful* day and I couldn't resist taking a short drive to get this picture of Mount Baker. Majestic in it's snow capped glory presiding over the valley like a king on his throne :)
Excitement! Remember how I mentioned that I'm getting started in researching my geneology? Well my family got a call from the History Channel, a show called "Ancestors in the Attic" specifically and they want to do an episode on my great-uncle's, Melville and Cecil! I gave them the information that I know verbally and faxed a bit more. I certainly hope something comes of it. That would be so neat!
At home the dishes await. Thankfully these ones are clean and just waiting to be put away.
I borrowed some movies from my brother Aaron...now to find time to watch them!

Leah and I went out for all-you-can-eat-Sushi and then to Starbucks. It's been a really long time since we've been able to hang out, just the two of us so it was really nice.


Super exciting text from Meredith!!!
And my self portrait. I've been doing some devotions at the kitchen table in the mornings and just before bed.

So, that's my day. See you again next month!

The First Week

I dream a lot, and vividly. most of the time I can remember my dreams in great detail. I rarely put stock in what I dream because I can fairly easily tie the occurances to my daily activities but sometimes, like horoscopes, my dreams really fit. The dream I had the night before I started my new job was a perfect example.

I dreamt that I was going back to high school. My brother Aaron was with me, he was going back as well (and he is, but that's another post altogether). I dreamt that while the school was familiar, most things had moved around because they had undergone renovations since I left. I dreamt that I knew where my locker was but I couldn't find the sticky note that had my combination on it and while I knew I had to go to class, I didn't know which one to start with. Aaron did though so we split up. He headed to class and I went down to the counsellors office. Of course the counesllor was one of my Board Members from my old job LOL

The dream totally fit my first day at work. Everything was vaguely familiar but because they have moved to a different office since I was last working there, it was all moved around. I had a computer assigned to me but no profile (until I was able to get ahold of the computer administrator the next day) and even though I had a computer, I had to get the code (one of many I've located over the past few days).

Some of the staff is the same, but some are new. Of course I'm familiar with the Directors because I used to BE one! Now I'm back to being staff. It's going well. My days are full and I like knowing that I am needed and that I have a role to play.

Day two didn't start out so well. First I set off the alarm because I didn't have the right code. Then the internet wasn't working and eveyrone was looking to me to solve the issue. After spending three quarters of an hour on the phone with a wonderful Telus employee named David, we finally agreed that there was nothing wrong with the systems or connections and I took a leap of faith and rebooted the server. Doing that scares the cr@p out of me but it turned out to be the right action and everyone was happy.

The rest of the week was calmer but no less crazy. I have a looooong to-do-list and I'm slowly working through it. Certain people are only in the office on certain days and often I have to wait to consult with them before finishing a task. It's a bit frustrating but at least I am used to multi-tasking!

We had a Strategic Planning session on Thursday and it went really well. I admit I'm having a bit of difficulty switching back to "staff" thinking but I feel that my time on the board of directors (and my experienc in a different organization) has prepared me for the tasks that I carry out. It was nice to have a planning session to solidify in my mind what needs to be done and the steps to do it.

Bottom line: I like my job (not love yet, there's just too much that I'm pulling the old "fake it till you make it" gig) and I like that it keeps me busy. What I don't like is that I have practically no time to be online!!! I miss all my online friends and blog buddies. Hopefully y'all haven't forgotten about me :)

12 of 12 January

A day late, and not scrapped, but here's my Twelve of Twelve for January. (See here if you're not familiar with this challenge)

January 12, 2009 was my last day at my job. I ironed a shirt in the morning (and then discovered that I was missing a button so I sewed it on while I was wearing the shirt).

Driving to work, in the rain and realizing that this is the last day I'll take this trip as a "commute".

I finished my last set of minutes!!! (for that job). 26 sets in 2006. 52(!) in 2007 and 44 in 2008. *Crazy* I'll be doing minutes at my new job but not nearly this volume.

My leftovers being nuked for lunch (hey, you wanted a slice of life, this is a slice of life LOL)

The next few pictures are ones I've been meaning to take for awhile. I have a "triangle" of errands that I do on a regular basis. Today I ran them backwards but I still did them.

#1 The Bank

#2 The Post Office

#3 The Library

Back to the office...for the last time.

What I was *really* doing when my bossed asked LOL

After work I had my tires rotated.

And I got the new Stampin' Up catalogue!!!

The last thing of the day was my first night back at dance. The 12 of 12 challenge requires that at least one photo be a self portrait. It took me awhile to find a place to set my camera and then to not look like an idiot while looking over my shoulder :P This is my jacket with the name of my square dance club on it.

So there you go. Nothing super exciting but it's done! And it's kind of nice to have a log of a Monday at my job :)

"What does one do...

when one has 1.5 hours left at a job?"

That's the question my boss just asked as I was surfing the internet.

My answer? "Uh...clean out my inbox?" Which is partially true. I have been doing that too but mostly I'm just wasting time. :P

Quiet Time

Last week was very relaxing for me. I had zero commitments in the evenings and I took full advantage of that. Monday dance was cancelled so I stayed home. Tuesday's I don't have anything scheduled anyways, so again, I was at home. Wednesday Meredith came over for dinner and then I went to church. Thursday, I was at home. I admit I was getting a bit restless and I briefly considered going shopping or something but I decided against it because I really don't need to spend the money. By Friday, as much as I had enjoyed having so many quiet evenings in a row, I knew I wouldn't last so I called Mere and we went and saw "Bride Wars". Fun movie. We both really enjoyed it.

Saturday the weather was horrible so I stayed home and scrapbooked until the evening when I met up with Melissa, Jevon and a bunch of others for Jevon's birthday dinner.

Sunday we had a late service so I scrapbooked in the morning and then went and hung out at my parents house for the afternoon.

My scrapbooking focus has been on Veronica's Visit to Vancouver and I'm happy to say that it's nearing completion. It's been a fun project to work on and I love reliving those memories.


Today is my last day at work. Tomorrow I start my new job. Wish me luck!

Proof that History Repeats Itself

December 1, 2005
My boss calls me into the board room for a meeting. He explains that they are opening a second office (which I knew) and that he had conducted interviews for a Program Assistant position. Even though I hadn't applied he asked me to take the job. I thought about it overnight and agreed.

December 16, 2006
Same boss, different board room. The funding is over. The office is closing. 15 minutes later in his office he asks me to come back to the home office. What position I'd take is uncertain. I said no and in March (when the funding actually ended) I started at my current job.

May 27, 2007

I run into my ex-boss at the local Farmers' Market. He asks if I'd be willing to sit on the volunteer Bard of Directors. I agree.

December 15, 2008
Same guy, this time we're at a restaurant. The office is restructuring their staffing and there will be a position opening up. Am I interested? My reaction? "Tell me more".

I feel like Sally Field "They like me. They really, really like me!"

Anyways, getting to the point of this post, I start a new job, at my old company, on Tuesday. My title is "Office Administrator" and my duties are a combination of my current job and my previous job (Program Assistant and Executive Assistant). The actual job description is three pages long because it's really detailed. There's also a few pages of what I'm NOT doing, which is good to know.

It's taken a little while to work out the details and that is partly why I didn't post very much in December. I was waiting for an update on this situation. I'm finally ready to share though and I am MORE than ready to start.

I'm going back to a very different organization from the one I left. Their scope and impact is much larger and my role there is very exciting. It's back in my hometown so my "commute" is shorter (I put commute in quotes because it's only about 10 minutes currently. It's going down to 5. Peanuts!) The best part about the new job is they are taking into account my previous service and giving me four, (FOUR!) weeks of paid vacation. Woohoo!!!

And for the record, the boss in question is actually phasing out his involvement with the company. He's on extended medical leave right now and just working as a consultant. In time he won't be there at all.

So, wish me luck with my new job! And I ask for your forgiveness in advance if I don't post very much for the rest of the month.

Peace

Lots of people are doing or have done the "One Word Challenge" that originated with Ali Edwards. Shirley's blog entry reminded me to post about mine.

Can you identify a single word that sums up what you want for yourself in 2009?

It can be something tangible or intangible. It could be a thought or a
feeling or an emotion. It can be singular or plural. The key is to find something that has personal meaning for you. This is not your mother's word or your spouse's word or your child's word - this is YOUR word.

I'm going to use the same word that I used for 2008. It's one that resonates with me. My word is PEACE

In my last entry I posted the lyrics from Jeremy Camp's song "Slow Down Time". The specific lines that I love are:

My only peace is waiting before You.
My praise to You,
Drowning noise around me

Finding peace. Having peace. Being peaceful.

Everything around me may be chaotic and I easily get caught up in that. My focus this year is to continue to turn to God who is the Author of Peace and make him the center of my being.

Peace to you as well in 2009.

2008, the year that was

Hello poor neglected blog! And happy new year to all my faithful readers. I know I have been horribly MIA for the past few weeks and I do appolgize. I have written countless posts in my head but somehow I never translated them into actual blog entries. I pledge to do better in 2009. I miss blogging!

So, as a catch up, here's a recap of 2008 in general.

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before? I saw fireflies. I know that may not seem like a big deal and I certainly did many other interesting things but that was totally unexpected and surprisingly cool.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? No I didn't really keep my resolutions (whatever they were). Yes I've made more for this year (and I've written them down this time).

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Gosh who didn't? SOOOOO many babies this year!!!

4. Did anyone close to you die? Unfortunately yes :(

5. What countries did you visit? Just the USA. I did visit new states though (Michigan and Wisconsin...well, the airport anyways :))

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? Less debt. That's part of #2

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? May 10 and July 12th were great concerts. March 15, May 17, June 21, August 23 and September 13th were weddings.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Deciding that I am okay with living on my own and adjusting my expenses to allow that to happen

9. What was your biggest failure? Not making progress on my cc debt

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Just colds and allergies

11. What was the best thing you bought? I *got* a panini press. That's been pretty cool.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Aaron, he's growing up. It's great to see.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Politicians and the media

14. Where did most of your money go? Bills, travel, scrapbooking

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? travel, concerts

16. What song will always remind you of 2008? Doc Walker's "Beautiful Life" it was my theme song :)

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Not happier but more optimistic
b) thinner or fatter? Fatter :(
c) richer or poorer? You could say richer because my car is closer to being paid off...

18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Saving

19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Spending

20. How did you spend Christmas? With my parents and two of my brothers playing games and laughing.

21. Did you fall in love in 2008? Not romantic love

22. What was your favorite TV program? I disconnected cable in June and I haven't missed it yet!

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? Not really. That takes way too much energy.

24. What was the best book you read? I recently read "Harry, A History". Required reading for any Harry Potter fan. I stayed in bed all day to finish it. I haven't had a book grip me like that in a long time.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery? Jeremy Camp

26. What did you want and get? A Christmas Tree, again probably not a big deal but we (my parents) haven't had one in a few years so it was a big deal for me

27. What did you want and not get? Ice skates

28. What was your favorite film of this year? Nothing comes to mind...

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? Had dinner and played games with friends. I'm 27.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Self Control

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? Northern Reflections

32. What kept you sane? God and quiet time

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Still Dierks :)

34. What political issue stirred you the most? Not a specific issue, just the incredible AMOUNT of politics. Three elections in two months was crazy.

35. Who did you miss? My brothers

36. Who was the best new person you met? My cousin's now fiance, Lee. Cool guy.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. Life is what you make it

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. My song for 2009 is Jeremy Camp's "Slow Down Time". All of the lyrics are really impacting me right now. He says everything I want to so well.

Staring at this empty canvas,

waiting for the next stroke of my life.

It seems to go by so fast.

Another day I've wasted wondering,

How it all ends up instead of resting,

that it's all in Your hands.

My only peace is waiting before You.

My praise to You,

Drowning noise around me.

[Chorus:]

I wish I could slow down time,

I wish I could wait here at your feet.

'Cause with you is the only place that I wanna be.

I know I should take it all in stride.

I know you are there with every reach.

'Cause with you is the only place that I wanna be.

On my own I always fade out fast,

On the run my every step will last.

I'm resting in your words that never fail.

Your searching every part of me.

I need to stop so I could hear You speak.

I long for you so here I am so thirsty.

My only peace is waiting before You.

My praise to You, Drowning the noise around me.

[Chorus]

It's where I wanna be,

The greatness of your presence always leaving me here speechless.

I've given up on making this life my home.

In the fullness of your glory is beyond my comprehension.

There's no greater joy then being with you my King.

Friday Fill-in #102

1. Friends are truly life's greatest treasure.

2. My health; it's neglected.

3. I'm ready for tonight, but nothing past that.

4. Haiku by Avon is one of my favorite perfumes or aftershaves or smells. Well, it's what I wear at least. I don't have a favourite aftershave. Favourite smells are citrus and raspberry.

5. The oldest ornament I have is my CM jingle bell from 2003. I think I'm going to steal some from Mom when we decorate their tree this year though.

6. Take some egg nog and anything, mix it all together and you have heaven in a cup. Seriusly. I love egg nog, in any form!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to our annual Christmas dance. This marks a full four years that I've been dancing! Tomorrow my plans include shopping in Vancouver with Meredith. Not that I'll buy anything, we just like going out there. Sunday, I want to decorate Mom & Dad's tree! That's the plan anyways. In the evening I'm going to the NR Christmas party. Why not right?

Thankful Thursday

My coworkers are driving me nuts so I'm going to take a moment to breathe and count my blessings. Today I am thankful for some random things:

• Sunshine. It's supposed to snow tomorrow so this has been nice.
• The fact that getting the rock chip in my window repaired only cost $28 total instead of the $30 base that I was expecting.
• Scrabble on Facebook
• The fact that I HAVE a job to complain about
• Quiet time (which is what I'm anticipating for tonight)
• Heat, although I don't know where it all went from the office

And more. Sorry the blog's been kind of sparse this week. It's been quiet on the news front so not much to post.

Wordless Wednesday: Yes, we know

Friday Fill in 12/5

Since I can't seem to bring up Friday Feasts anymore, I'll move to Friday Fill ins!!! (I need SOMETHING mindless to do when I should be working!)

1. Snow is a very real possibility for this weekend. It's been grey all weekend and I'm surprised we haven't gotten any yet. For the past three years we've already had a major-close-the-office-snow-fall at least once by this time.

2. I'm looking forward to the start of all the Christmas parties. I have a few lined up, starting with a cookie exchange tomorrow. I love Christmas parties :)

3. My 4-in-1 pannini press/griddle is the best kitchen appliance ever! Well, maybe not ever, but I'm loving it!

4. One of my favorite old tv shows is Home Improvement. Okay, it's not OLD but I love the re-runs of it!!!

5. I'm done with minority governments. Nuf said.

6. The most enjoyable thing around the holidays seeing people you don't see at other times of the year.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm going to a CM workshop and hoping to find some mojo. Tomorrow is the aforementioned cookie exchange and Sunday, is not much of anything which is my favourite way to be!

Thankful Thursday

So after a month of one blog a day, I've essentially abandoned updates, or at least it feels like it anyways. So, in the spirit of November's "I'm thankful for" posts, this is my update of the past not-quite-a-week.

Friday
I'm thankful that the idiot who did a u-turn in front of us while Mom, Dad and I were going to Costco, didn't hit us. It's only because of Dad's quick swerving and God's grace that I am able to write this post at all. Big SUV, little Jetta, Mom and I could have been creamed. Very scary.

Saturday
I'm thankful that the border guard didn't question our purchases on our way home. Mom and I went down to Bellingham to do some initial Christmas shopping (we only bought one gift each) and so I could mail a bunch of Christmas cards. We had a great time together (even though the weather was *horrible*) and the guard didn't even blink when I gave her our totals for the day. Hallelujah!

Sunday
I'm thankful that it was sunny out and we could go for a walk. I ended up spending most of the weekend with my parents, and, as on November 1st, I'm thankful that I can spend that much time with them and still like them :) Sunday we had lunch together after church and then we went for a walk around the lake before the sun set. It was cool out but so refreshing.

Sunday evening I organized all my scrapbooking memrobilia. It was a big job but I have less than I thought I did and now it's all in one place. That feels great!

Monday
I skipped dance since my partner wasn't there anyways. I am thankful for "found time". I didn't actually do anything particularly productive...I did try to make cookies but they flopped big time. I mostly just puttered around which is suprisingly relaxing.

Tuesday
I attempted to give blood. It didn't really work. I guess I was cold because my blood was flowing very s.l.o.w.l.y. and it ended up clotting before I filled the bag. I have to admit though, as frustrating as it can be to not have a successful donation, I am incredibly thankful that I am the one GIVING the blood instead of receiving it.

Wednesday
On Friday all of the office staff minus our manager and accountant, went to the annual industry luncheon. It's a really nice event held, this year, at a local golf course. The lunch was wonderful. They did a 50/50 draw and a raffle. They had fantastic prizes donated for the raffle and I won a paninni press/4-in-1-grill. I've been coventing a paninni press for awhile and this one is way nicer than anything I'd have bought for myself. I've made dinner on it a few times and it always turns out so yummy. I am thankful for my paninni press!!!

And that brings us to today which is Thursday. I'm going to a cookie exchange on Saturday and I'm hoping to get my cookies made tonight. Also I need to sit down and write a bunch more Christmas cards. I have quite a few complete but I'm nowhere near done. So that's the plan for tonight. Cookies and cards. I love Christmas time :)

Attitude of Gratitude #30

Count your blessings,
name them one by one,
Count your blessings,
see what God has done

Today I am thankful for Sherry. For challenging us to blog daily about our blessings. What we are thankful for and to maintain an "Attitude of Gratitude". It hasn't always been easy but it has ALWAYS been worthwhile.

THANK YOU SHERRY!!!

Attitude of Gratitude #29

I am thankful for travel.

I'm itching to travel right now. I don't have any trips planned until the new year but I'd love to hop on a plane and fly somewhere right now. Preferably somewhere with lots of sun. I love that the world is so small. Hopefully I can do more in the future.

For now, I am thankful that travel is an option.

Attitude of Gratitude #28

I am thankful for board games.

I'm surprised it took me this long to include them in this challenge. They are one of my favourite things. I like nothing more than to sit around with a group of friends and play a board game. Scrabble, Monopoly, Risk, Settlers of Catan or any number of card games. They are so much fun and I love that there are always new ones to try and learn.

I am thankful for board games.

Attitude of Gratitude #27

I am thankful for the internet.

Some days more than others and some days I hate it but mostly I am thankful for it. I've been "online" since about 1998, so ten years. That summer after I got back from Camp I signed up for my first email. It was through the now defunct goplay...I think. Actually, I don't even remember what site it was. All I remember was the day I tried to open an account hotmail wasn't working for me. I'm not sure why. Anyways, a few months later hotmail WAS working and I got my "agent713" handle. I've used that for most online sites since.

Christmas 1998 we got our first computer. I was absolutely convinced that we were the last family in the WORLD to get online. Mom took us shopping on Christmas Eve and Dad stayed home. When we got back the living room was full of boxes and a brand new Pentium ONE(! a big deal back then) computer was all set up on a new desk in the corner of the kitchen.

Initially I used it mostly for school work and to check email. After I graduated and started working I had more time available online and I slowly built my usage. When I took my Administrative Assistant Diploma course I was introduced to the world of chatting. I'd work from 8-4:30 and then head over to the school from 5-8pm. The course was self paced so in between modules everyone would be online chatting. In fact one of the administrators was a moderator for a chatroom on yahoo! I'd talk to all sorts of people and I still think about some of them. Like the snowboard instructor from Washington State, the DJ from Italy, the couple that was "dating" even though they'd never met.

Once I finished school (months after I COULD have finished if I hadn't been chatting so much) I quit visiting the chatrooms.

In January 2003 I was researching the pros and cons of becoming a Creative Memories consultant. I joined some Yahoo groups and through there I was directed to StampinScrappin. My first post was asking for clarification on abbreviations and Donna in MB was the first person to answer.

I met my first ScrapShare members at Showcase in 2004. Since then I have met well over 100 "axe murders" and count many of them as my closest friends. To say that ScrapShare has changed my life, isn't a word of a lie. The friends I have made there are the reason I have travelled to, well, to every state I've travelled to and the reason I was in Diane's wedding this summer. It brought Veronica to Canada and has enriched my life in inumerable ways.

I log on most days although sometimes on the weekends I don't have access, which is fine. It's good to take a break once in awhile :)

My daily sites are:
Hotmail
Gmail
Facebook
RoyalBank
ScrapShare
HSScrappers
Dierks.com
The9513
Country1071
MySpace (once or twice a week)
FVR Library

And more blogs than I can count although I access most of them through "Feedblitz" and I have to confess, this daily challenge with everyone writing every day, has been murder. I am so far behind on reading that it's not even funny!

So, I am thankful for the internet. It has made the world a smaller more accessible place and, for the most part, I am better off because of it.

Attitude of Gratitude #26

I am thankful that my boss is back.


Don't get me wrong, I love it when she's away. The quietness at this end of the office is blissful and I get SO much done (especially after a board meeting) but there just comes a point where I need her. That point came on Monday. She didn't get back until today. I am SO glad she's back. Now we can move forward on a number of issues and get stuff done!

I am also glad that I'm not the boss. Sometimes I think that if I had more schooling or experience then I would change my mind but right now, I love not having the final say or not having to make the final decision on anything. I can defer responsibility and I love that.

I am glad that my boss is back so that she can make the decisions!

Attitude of Gratitude #25

I am thankful for mail.

Real true paper mail that its delivered by a postman. I love email too. I get easily 50 messages a day but nothing beats real mail. I'm writing my Christmas cards right now. I made a ton and now I have to write in them, address them and mail them. It takes forever but I know how great it is to receive mail so I don't mind.

In fact I've already received two cards! There are some speedy people out there :) I can't wait to see how many other ones I get this year. Opening the mail box at the end of the day is so much better when there is something personally addressed in there. I love mail.

I am thankful for mail.

Attitude of Gratitude #24

I think I've mentioned before that November is by far my least favourite month of the year. Winter is my least favourite season and November is just the beginning of it. It's so dark and cold and usually wet. Even with the time change I still pretty much go to work in the dark and get home in the dark. Lately though, there has been one benefit to driving home as the sun is setting, I am treated to some incredible sunsets.
I took the picture on the left last week. The wispy clouds and the orange tinge to the sky was calming. Last night however, the sky was on FIRE. (The impact of this post is going to be lost because Blogger keeps rotating my photos but you get the point).

I took the first photo from my window at work and then I went down by the river and took the second two. The bridge is the one I travel across every day to get to work. The colours just kept intensifying as the sun set. Gorgeous.
So, even though November is a yucky month, I am thankful that there is beauty in every season and that we have been treated to this eye candy these past few days. Somehow it makes the limited light easier to handle :)

Attitude of Gratitude #23

I am thankful for the Library. I currently have 25 items checked out and that's not including the eight that I returned yesterday. Books, magazines, cd's, dvd's there are so many awesome pieces available that it's hard to get around to listening to/viewing/reading them all! I am typically at the library a couple times a week and on their website even more than that. We have a fantastic library system and I use it pretty much to it's fullest.

I am very thankful for the library.

Attitude of Gratitude #22

Doc Walker has a song called "Remember December". They haven't released it formally yet but it's featured on the CMT Christmas special that they recoreded and they performed it at the Basics for Babies Breakfast last year. You can hear it here (righthand side, under videos, scroll down to the Christmas 2006 at XM Radio - Part 1)

Anyways, the lyrics in it, especially the first verse really remind me of my hometown. I don't have pictures of the lamp post decorations that the city puts up (yet, I'll get some) but they are in the shape of candles and stars just like ths song says.

Every year the Downtown Business Association also hosts a Tree Lighting ceremony. They block off a couple of streets, Santa arrives in a vintage fire truck, escorted by the police and the local Air Cadet Band, there is carols and performances on the main stage and then, at the appointed time, the mayor flicks the switch to light the tree.

Mom and I went down on Friday night to join in on the festivities. We bundled up and then walked from my place since "downtown" is only about three blocks away. This year was special because our long (long, long, long) time mayor (second from the left) is (finally) retiring and a new guy (third from the left) is taking over. They made a big show of "teaching" the new guy how to flip the switch :)

So, for this (delayed) Attitude of Gratitude post, I am thankful for my hometown. Yes it has it's foibles and shortcomings, yes I don't agree with everything that they do but it's home and when I remember December (or November in this case) this is what I think of. The lights, the singing and the spirit of community that binds us all together.

Remember December

Hanging those lights on the main street of town
The stars and candles with bulbs burnt out
I swear they use the same ones every year
And in the school parking lot, the snow is piled high
Kids are making forts and having snowball fights
Some of my favourite memories are made right here
In this little town

I remember hearing “Silent Night”
Underneath a blanket of Northern Lights
The sweet smell of gingerbread and pine
With homemade stockings and popcorn strings
You swear you hear those sleigh bells ring
It seems so warm right in the dead of winter
That’s how I remember December

There’s always a smile on everybody’s face
Gathered around the fireplace
Passing out gifts from beneath the tree
Meant so much to me

I remember hearing “Silent Night”
Underneath a blanket of Northern Lights
The sweet smell of gingerbread and pine
With homemade stockings and popcorn strings
You swear you hear those sleigh bells ring
It seems so warm right in the dead of winter
That’s how I remember December

We’re all a little sad when New Year’s rolls around
That’s when they start to take the stars and candles down

I remember hearing “Silent Night”
Underneath a blanket of Northern Lights
The sweet smell of gingerbread and pine
With homemade stockings and popcorn strings
You swear you hear those sleigh bells ring
It seems so warm right in the dead of winter
That’s how I remember December
That’s how I remember December

JFK

Today marks 45 since John F. Kennedy was assasinated. I got burned out with my recaps about my Texas trip and I never got around to posting about the day that Sherilyn and I spent in Dallas learning about JFK, his life and the day he died. Something hiccuped when I was backing up my pictures and I don't seem to have them on a cd. I do have them uploaded to Shutterfly (thankfully) and I saved these shots from there to share with you.

Being at the site where Kennedy was shot was very odd for me. I wasn't born when all this happened yet I would like to think I'm fairly familiar with the timeline and events. I learned more that day then I could ever take in though. Sherilyn was a great tour guide and made sure to point out the important spots like the "Grassy knoll" and the markings on the street where the car was when each of the shots hit him.

The JFK Memorial (seen left) was very underwhelming. Like many people, I just don't get it.

On the other hand, the Sixth Floor Museum was incredible. Sherilyn and I took the audio tour and when I think about it, my mind still reels from the incredible amount of detail they share...and even after all that, no one really has the answers. The museum does a good job, in my opinion, of being objective and covering the conspiracy theories but it definitely leaves you with a lot of questions.

Today people are remembering JFK.

I am remembering what I learned about him and his life. It's all I have.

Attitude of Gratitude #21

Two thirds of the way through this challenge and I still have so many things to be thankful for!

Today I am thankful for scrapbooking. It's not something I do, It's what I am. A scrapbooker. It affects the way I see the world, the way I enjoy events and most definitely how I remember them. There are so many fringe benefits and needs that scrapbooking fills for me. I could write for hours on this topic but I'll keep it short and say - I am a scrapbooker and I am thankful for scrapbooking.

Six Degrees of Dierks

This is related to today's Attitude of Gratitude post but separate. I wrote it a few weeks ago and I keep forgetting to post it.

Jackie has the true "Six Degrees of Separation" thing sewed up because her celebrity obsession IS Kevin Bacon. Well I like playing it too and I'm pretty good. I can relate most things back to Dierks Bentley, as pathetic as that is LOL Anyways, the latest link involves my newest musical obsession. Jeremy Camp. I was initially exposed to Jeremy's music via the radio. I realized that there were a few different songs that all caught my attention and each time I waited to hear who was singing them, it turned out to be him! Once I established that he was an artist I liked, I went in search of his cd's. I have three so far and I want to get the rest. He's got a new one coming out in November that I'm really excited for too.

Anyways, a few weeks ago Dierks hosted his annual "Miles & Music for Kids" celebrity motorcycle ride which raised over $275,000 to benefit the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. There were lots of big names there like Tim McGraw, John Rich of Big & Rich and others. I followed the excitement of the event via the fan club. I read the reviews and I looked at the pictures but it wasn't until I watched the fan club exclusive video from Dierks himself that I realized that JEREMY WAS AT THE RIDE TOO!!! He performed! Along with his wife Adrienne. Crazy!!!

I haven't established the link between them yet or how or why Jeremy got included but how cool is that? Some year I'd love to make it down to Miles & Music. This would have been a great year to be there!!! But who knows, maybe they'll do more together in the future.

Attitude of Gratitude #20

Today is Dierks Bentley's birthday so I think it's fitting that I say I'm "thankful" for him and his music but I don't really know what to say. I've been thinking about it all day and I still haven't come up with words.

To say that I love his music is an understatement. I enjoy absolutely everything he has put out and I can't WAIT for the next 63 days to pass so I can get the new album.

The concerts are the best I've been to, which is why I keep going back. Each one is so different and he's such a great entertainer. February 24th can't come soon enough either.

I love how he relates to his fans and it's been a blast watching him grow as an artist.

Happy Birthday Dierks!

Attitude of Gratitude #19

Today is the 150th Anniversary of British Columbia.

On November 19, 1858, Governor James Douglas read the official proclamation that declared British Columbia a Crown Colony.

I am thankful that I live in BC. Even though I wasn't born here, I was raised here and this is home. I love so much about it. Our slogan is "The Best Place on Earth" and I fully agree with that (even if I am planning on moving LOL). I love the mountains, the rivers, the lakes, the ocean, the vastness of the wilderness areas, the hum of the cities, the diversity and so much more. I am a BC girl and will always be. I love my province. I love BC.

Attitude of Gratitude #18

I have to confess, I'm having a hard time thinking of something to be thankful for today. Dance was great last night but it was long. New dancers were on from 7-8:10 (with the rest of us acting as "angels"), Mainstream was from 8:10-8:30 and Plus (the level I dance at) was from 8:30 to 9:30. By the time coffee and announcements were over and I got home it was well past 10. I didn't fall asleep until close to midnight and then I slept hard and fast and barely made it to work on time. Today my eyes are bothering me from staring at the computer to much, I spent an hour on the phone with our IT guy trying to figure out my scanner (my new computer isn't accepting the new settings). The sun is shining now but I've had to close my blinds because it was reflecting on my computer screen.

I'm scheduled to give blood tonight but I don't think I can honestly answer the "Do you feel well today" question with a "yes" so I'll probably skip. Dad wants to go see the new Bond movie but I think I need to just stay home. My kitchen is a mess from not being home and awake for more than a handful of hours in the past five days and the box of Christmas things that I pulled out last week when I put up my tree is still sitting in the middle of my living room.

So, if you've stayed to read my little pity party, I think I can now write about what I am thankful for.

I am thankful that THESE are my problems. I may not have a lot of money in the bank but all my bills are paid. I have food in the cupboard. I have a roof over my head, heat, a bed to sleep in, a job to go to in the morning, friends that care about me, things to do, happy memories, things to look forward to, peace in my soul.

I'm not wondering where my next meal will come from, where I'll sleep, how I can afford to buy clothes. I'm not fighting addition, or illness or adverse circumstances that are out of my control. I live in a beautiful province in one of the best countries in the world where I am encouraged to share my opinion (even if I do think there are too many elections going on ;)) and it is safe to walk down the street.

I am free to listen to who and what I want, believe what I want, be friends with who I want and pretty much do what I want.

I have a wonderful family that is practically dramaless (when compared with other families) and who I am looking forward to spending Christmas with.

So today, on the 18th day of trying to find something to be grateful for when I'm tired and in a bad mood, I would just like to say,

I am Heidi and I am Blessed!

Attitude of Gratitude #17

I am thankful for solitude.

I live alone. I usually have music on in the background but that is different than having people around. Today I'm at work and I have my end of the office all to myself because my boss and one of my co-workers are travelling.

The board meeting on Thursday and Friday went really well. For me, my busy time is after board meetings. I have a lot of files to update and routine stuff to do. Having a quiet office makes it so much easier to get this stuff done. I have the radio playing but I'm not being interrupted and it's wonderful.

I crave solitude and I always have. As a child I'd go to my room and close the door. Being alone makes me happy. As an adult I often schedule days or evenings where I'm just at home. Doing my thing, whatever that may be, quiet all by myself.

I am thankful for solitude.

Attitude of Gratitude #16

I am thankful for Starbucks.

I am also addicted to Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Twists but I am trying to break that so I won't blog about it. Still, for me, three days in a row is bad.

Anyways, my regular readers will know that a month of Gratitude wouldn't be complete without an ode to my favourite coffee shop. The funny thing is that even though I profess to be horribly addicted, I'm not really. Three days in a row is a BIG deal for me. Starbucks is expensive. I know that. That's why I generally limit myself to that many a MONTH.

I love Starbucks the company though. I like what they stand for. I like how they operate, how they treat their customers and employees. I have many friends that are or were baristas in the past and they speak very highly of the company. In fact a few weeks ago I sat in on a Starbucks training meeting! Most people (including the barista's that were there) think I'm crazy but it was a lot of fun. I enjoyed learning about the new Christmas flavours, what makes them special this year, and the other new product that is coming...well, that is here now.

Starbucks is one of the only places I let myself visit when I am on vacation, that I can get to at home. Usually my rule for eating out while on vacation is "anything I can't get at home is fine". So it can be a chain but if we don't have it in my town, I'll eat there. Starbucks is the exception. I've had Starbucks in PA, MD, VA, TX, WA, BC and AB. Not a ton of places but pretty much everywhere I've been!

Yesterday I went to Starbucks with my parents. They're both Tim Horton's fans but Mom wanted to try the Peppermint Mocha Twist (advertising works!) I'm not sure who's fault it was but I ordered the Peppermint Mocha Twist as well and the barista made an egg nog latte. I ended up taking the latte as well (because she would have just thrown it out otherwise) so I had two drinks!

I am thankful for Starbucks :)

Attitude of Gratitude #15: Voting

This post is a few days late because I didn't have any internet access for over 48 hours. Me! Offline for TWO DAYS and I didn't even go into withdrawl! So, why was I offline? Grab a coffee, pull up a seat and let me tell you :) (and yes I'm phrasing my update as a "Attitude of Gratitude" post. When you're behind, killing two birds with one stone is the way to go :D)

I am thankful for the democratic process.

Hah! I bet you thought all the political posts were over LOL Sorry, but they're not. I saved mine till now. This has been a crazy year for politics and elections. The US Presidential race started with the candidate race way back when and finally culminated in the election on November 4th.

Within that time frame, the Canadian's had a(nother) federal election. From the date the election was called to the actual voting was about five weeks. Nothing changed except that the Conservatives gained more seats. They still have a minority government though.

Saturday was the Civic (municiple) elections across BC. These happen on the third Saturday of November, every three years so it was kind of random that it happened on the same year as the US election and the Canadian Federal Election, oh, and we have a provincial election in May. Insane.

Anyways, I actually voted locally in the advanced polls on Wednesday. I had to wait for about 40 minutes for my turn and even though my choice for mayoral seat wasn't the winner, I'm still glad I got to cast my vote.

On Saturday I was in Vancouver helping my friend Sue with the civic elections there. Sue was the "Presiding Election Official" for the section we served. She did turn her desk over to this little guy for a little while though :)

It was a fun day. The traffic flow was pretty steady. I processed 146 voters. In between we visited, I cross stitched and we ate.

At the end of the day we printed off the results and Sue took them to City Hall where they were added in with the rest of the votes from the city.

I am thankful for the democratic process and the fact that we have the right to have our say. Even more than that I am thankful that elections are over unti May!!!

Attitude of Gratitude #14

This entry is self posting today because I don't have computer access.

I am thankful for my job. I'm at a board (bored?) meeting today. They happen four times a year and while the week leading up to the meetings are always kind of crazy, I am thankful that I have a job that I enjoy.

I know so many people that are either stuck in jobs they don't like, or who are just unemployed and looking for a job. I have been here for about two and a half years now and it's still a great fit for me. Challenging, stimulating and close to home. I can't ask for much more.

So, today (even though I may be cursing it out right now) I am thankful for my job.

Attitude of Gratitude #13

There is so much to be thankful for! I don't know where to start.

Today I am thankful that my car got fixed for free, fast and for some extra benefits.

I dropped my car off on Monday (post #10) and I got it back Wednesday afternoon. No charge to me for any of the repairs (no deductible even) and I got a rental car for the days my car was in the shop.

Because of the type of damage, and the fact that my bumper is made of plastic and foam (isn't that reassuring?) they just replaced the whole piece. One of the benefits of getting a brand new bumper is that any stains or marks that were on it are gone. I went to Saskatchewan in 2004 and since that trip I have had bug guts that I cannot get off. I tried, even with powerful bug remover formula, and then gave up. Now they're GONE!!!

Another benefit of having your car in for service is that they detail the inside. Vacuum it and wipe it down. Now it's all spiffy and clean smelling.

So as annoying as accidents are and having to deal with insurance companies, I am thankful that my car is fixed, for free, the bugs are gone and it's CLEAN! Woohoo :)

Attitude of Gratitude #12

I am thankful for fake Christmas trees.

Well, sort of. I prefer real ones. I grew up with real Christmas trees and having a fake one is hard for me, BUT there are many benefits to having a fake Christmas tree. I think the biggest benefit is that I can put it up on Remembrance Day and leave it up until the new year. You can't do that with a real one!

Yesterday afternoon Meredith came over to make cards (while I scrapbooked). She helped me rearrange the furniture in my living room and then we put up my Christmas tree. That's two years in a row that I've put it up on Remembrance Day. I like that :) We also put lights around the window in my bedroom and put a little tree on the dresser with my little train set.

So, while I don't really like fake Christmas trees, I am thankful that I can put it up early, and that they're allowed in my apartment (we're not supposed to have real ones).

Attitude of Gratitude #11

Today is Remembrance Day and I am thankful for all the soldiers who fought for my freedom. Mom and I went and joined Jean and her family (that's Jean and I on the left) at her father's gravesite. He was an engineer (Sapper) in the Canadian army in Italy during the second world war.

Cecil is my grandfather's older brother. There were two other boys in the family. Harold, who served as part of the forestry division in North Bay, Ontario and Meliville who died on December 24, 1943 in Ortona, Italy.

My grandpa wasn't enlisted. He told me one time that while they were on their way to school one day someone was using a slingshot and shooting rocks. One of them caught him in the eye and he never had proper vision from it. That was enough to allow him to not have to serve.

This was my first time visiting Uncle Cecil's grave. Today was a good day to visit. Jean and her husband, their five sons, and some of their grandchildren were there along with her brother in law and a few family friends. We were quite a group in the soggy graveyard. We had a moment of silence at 11:11 am and then we all placed our poppies by the grave.

Today I am thankful for those who served and those who lost loved ones.

Attitude of Gratitude #10

I am thankful that my car is getting fixed, for free (the guy who hit me accepted responsibility) AND that I get a rental car while mine is in the shop! I took it in this morning. It should be ready in a few days. In the mean time I get to drive a spiffy 2008 Corolla. Like mine, only better, and RED! :)

Mostly I'm just thankful that my car is getting fixed though and that I don't have to pay for it.

Attitude of Gratitude #9

I am thankful for GladWare. This is my freezer right now. Two kinds of soup, chili, strawberries for smoothies, leftovers, all in GladWare. My lunch bag usually has three or four of these containers in it each day. I use them ALL the time and I love them. They have saved me so much money in eating out. They last for a long time...unless you drop them while they're frozen...then they shatter. Other than that they are fantastic though.

I am thankful for GladWare.

Attitude of Gratitude #8: Countdown Shows

I am thankful for Countdown Shows.

Okay, maybe "thankful" is to strong. I mean I could easily live my life without them but I really enjoy them! I primarily listen to Bob Kingsley's Country Top 40 on Saturday mornings. Starting at 10am and running until 2pm he counts down the top 40 country music hits. My local station also plays Jeff Foxworthy's countdown but that's at weird times so I don't always catch it. There's a few others I catch on the American stations I can tune into from my car but I don't listen to them regularly.

I admit after a weekend of listening to the same 40 songs played over and over again, I'm pretty sick of them, but the interviews and tidbits of information that are thrown in are worth it.

I recently discovered that my local Christian station does a countdown on Saturday morning as well. If I'm up early enough, I'll tune in to that one. I used to watch the video countdowns on CMT when I had cable as well.

I am thankful for countdown shows.

Attitude of Gratitude #7

I'm thankful that my cold medication is all expired.

Wait, I know that sounds weird. Hear me out though. I have a minor head cold right now. Stuffy nose and a raw throat from mucus running down it. I went to drink some Neo-Citron and I realized that it had expired in September 2008. (I still drank it). That's a good thing though right? That my Neo-Citron is expired? It means that I haven't had a cold in awhile!!!

I also had some orange "cold and flu" capsules. I think they were Tylenol. I took them too. I feel a lot better today. I doubt it is because of my expired medication but it can't hurt.

So, I am thankful that my cold medication is expired because it means I haven't used it very much!

Texas Landmarks

When you think of Texas landmarks, what comes to mind? The Alamo? NASA? The Stockyards? All of those are popular and well known but there's another lesser known landmark that dozesns of individuals have made the trek to see. It was one that was near the top of my list for my trip. What is this mecca?

Stacy's Porch Swing




This weekend many women are making the trek to Texas. I don't know how many are actually going to stop by at this infamous spot but I had my chance in April 2007 and I treasure every minute I spent there :)

Attitude of Gratitude #6

I am thankful for salvation.

Last night I witnessed my second cousin, a girl I used to babysit, get baptized. That public act never fails to give me goosebumps. I was baptized almost 15 years ago and it is still just as special now as it was then.

I am thankful for salvation.

Attitude of Gratitude #5

I am thankful that I have joined the 21st century.

File this under the "little things that make me happy" or "things that aren't a big deal, but neither is changing them".

A major component of my job is organizing face to face meetings and conference calls for our board of directors. Each time a meeting happens, formal minutes are taken. Minutes that I write. We're talking over 30 sets so far this year. Most of the minutes are confidential and my boss is paranoid about having them stored on the server. My computer doesn't have a cd burner so up to now I've been using 3.5" floppy disks. It works because it's just word documents that I'm storing but they're so LITTLE. 1.3 MB? I fill that up in about three months.

Apparently I'm getting a new computer. Something about my coworker's computer dying, and him inheriting mine which means I get a new one. This new computer will have a cd/dvd burner. As part of the conversation of "what Heidi needs on her new computer" I mentioned that I'm using this archaic system of saving documents. Bingo! In the time it takes to say the Staples slogan "That was easy!" they bought me an 8GB memory stick. Gigabyte! Eight of them! That's like 800 stupid little disks!!!

I don't really care if I get a new computer or not because frankly this one works just fine but I am thankful that I have joined the 21st century when it comes to saving documents.

Attitude of Gratitude #4

I am thankful for my square dance friends. Some people might wonder why I drive 20 minutes each way to dance when I could drive 2 minutes but I started dancing out there and I have so many friends in that club that it's worth the extra time and gas to me.

Last night we had a new dancer class. We started the night with a spaghetti dinner and then danced. We started at the very beginning, learning all the moves from scratch. It's good to rehearse and we had so many new people that it made it a lot of fun.

I am by far the youngest dancer but it doesn't matter. Everyone is always so happy to see me that I just love going there.

I am thankful for my square dance friends.

Meeting Jean

So, speaking of extended family (see #3 in my "attitude of gratitude" post) Sunday night Mom, Dad and I went out to visit my dad's cousin Jean. I don't think I've met her before and my parents haven't seen her since her dad (my grandpa's brother) passed away. She and I have been communicating via email lately and she's the one who sent out copies of the geneology work she's done.

It was so great to actually sit down and review some of this information with her in person. Stats and facts are great but until you can relate them to something it's really hard to digest it all. Jean and her husband David are wonderful, warm, welcoming people who are full of stories. There's a 15 years between Jean and my dad so even though they know and are related to a lot of the same people, the relationships and stories are very different.

For example she was quite close to my great-grandma whereas my dad rarely talks about her. Having a reference point has inspired me to keep going on the work that Jean has already started. I did a little bit of internet searching last night but I need to organize my information before I move on. Little by little it will be accomplished.

Attitude of Gratitude

Sherry has challenged us to do a "Gratitude" post every day for the month of November. Canadian Thanksgiving was last month but this is a good exercise any time...especially since November is generally so crummy weatherwise.

I've done something similar to this in a daily paper journal I used to keep. Everyday I'd write a little re-cap of the day, a verse that meant something to me and something I was thankful for. I'm excited to try it on my blog.

Today is Monday and I'm just learning about the challenge but I'll put some from the weekend too.

I am thankful for #1 - My parents. Some days they drive me a little nuts but I love being with them and talking with them. My dad is an awesome sounding board for big world event conversations and my mom is incredibly insightful when it comes to personal relationships. I am thankful for my parents.

#2 - I am thankful for my maternal Grandma. November 2 would have been her 78th birthday. Unfortunately she only lived to see her 65th. She was taken way too soon but she leaves an incredible legacy of love behind. I have wonderful memories of her and I miss her daily. I am thankful for Grandma B.

#3 - I am thankful for extended family (and I promise these won't all be people, this is just what's on my mind right now). I come from a family (on both sides) that values relationships and history. Life frequently gets in the way and we don't communicate as often as we could but there are no hard feelings or drama and we all get along when we do get together. I am thankful for family.