1. My amazing friends. You know who you are (all of you). Words of encouragement. Hugs near and afar. My support network. If I didn't have you, I don't know that I'd survive all my ups and downs!
2. Financial planning/goals. It's actually kind of exciting to see what we can do with our money even with paying of debts. (And I feel so grown-up by saying that!) There are so many options, and we are very blessed to have such a good friend who also happens to be our financial adviser. And luckily, it's not awkward either. It's just exciting, a happy time for us.
3. Our kitties. They bring me so much joy and laughter, even when I'm feeling the most sad and depressed and fat and frumpy.
Showing posts with label Year of Gratitude. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Year of Gratitude. Show all posts
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
Year of Gratitude #28
I am frustrated with my life right now, and rather than complain and whine about my difficulties, I am going to try to just focus on the positive so I can pull through and move on.
1. Our amazing house. I still can't believe we own a freaking HOUSE. Perhaps it's because nothing has broken yet, because it's not a fixer-upper, we just need to put all of our stuff away. It's such a beautiful home. And that's the key word. Home. For so long we have lived in temporary housing, wondering where we will be living next. Now, that's no longer the case. We can do whatever, whenever we want. I find there is an amazing sense of freedom in owning a home.
2. Carpooling. I am so grateful that Matt and I get to carpool every day together. Not only does it save gas and headaches, but we get time together every morning and every evening. It makes the drive so much easier. And there is a certain amount of glee in bypassing all those drivers stuck in the "regular" lane driving by themselves. (Sidenote - sometimes it doesn't matter if you're in the carpool lane or not. Yesterday it took us 45 minutes to simply merge onto 405 from 520!)
3. Having a job. These days, with so many people out of work, I am continually grateful that I am employed. Not only that, but I find myself enjoying working at the family business (It's good to see my dad every day and he's so tickled that I'm here) and that I can include "manager" on my title now. I am also releived that Matt has a job where he feels good about himself. Can we say "hooray" for dual income?
1. Our amazing house. I still can't believe we own a freaking HOUSE. Perhaps it's because nothing has broken yet, because it's not a fixer-upper, we just need to put all of our stuff away. It's such a beautiful home. And that's the key word. Home. For so long we have lived in temporary housing, wondering where we will be living next. Now, that's no longer the case. We can do whatever, whenever we want. I find there is an amazing sense of freedom in owning a home.
2. Carpooling. I am so grateful that Matt and I get to carpool every day together. Not only does it save gas and headaches, but we get time together every morning and every evening. It makes the drive so much easier. And there is a certain amount of glee in bypassing all those drivers stuck in the "regular" lane driving by themselves. (Sidenote - sometimes it doesn't matter if you're in the carpool lane or not. Yesterday it took us 45 minutes to simply merge onto 405 from 520!)
3. Having a job. These days, with so many people out of work, I am continually grateful that I am employed. Not only that, but I find myself enjoying working at the family business (It's good to see my dad every day and he's so tickled that I'm here) and that I can include "manager" on my title now. I am also releived that Matt has a job where he feels good about himself. Can we say "hooray" for dual income?
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Year of Gratitude #27
1. I am so very thankful for friends who are willing to tote me around while Matt is at work this week and I am sans car. Whether it's to go shopping or just get out of the house (or a little of both), I am very appreciative of my dear friends!
2. Money in the bank. Yeah, I know, it won't last long, but for setting up home and the lack of food (meaning we've gone out to dinner every night this week), it's been a relief knowing I won't look at our checking account balance and burst into tears.
3. My hard-workin' hubby. I am so proud of him, and so grateful that he found work, and that he loves where he's at and what he's doing.
2. Money in the bank. Yeah, I know, it won't last long, but for setting up home and the lack of food (meaning we've gone out to dinner every night this week), it's been a relief knowing I won't look at our checking account balance and burst into tears.
3. My hard-workin' hubby. I am so proud of him, and so grateful that he found work, and that he loves where he's at and what he's doing.
Friday, March 05, 2010
Gratitude #26
1. Sleep. I've said it before, but I'll say it again. Sleep is heavenly. I am still beating this cold into submission (it's been almost two weeks) and love that my laugh sounds like I've been a smoker since I was 5. But I digress, it's just knocked the wind out of me. The weather is changing too, so my body is just naturally tired. I haven't worked out in two weeks, surprisingly I'm not going insane, but I know that once I become more active, I'll be a little less sleepy.
2. Friends who listen. I'm surrounded with an awesome group of friends (and family) who have listened to me gripe/groan/cry/laugh over many things these last few weeks, especially since I got back from Seattle. And I'm glad to be there for them too, in all kinds of ways, whether over the phone or over IM. I love my friends. You guys really are the best.
3. Kleenex. Without it, last week I would have been a disgusting mess. It's really for the best that Matt is away, filming and having fun. He doesn't have to see me all gross and nas-tastic.
2. Friends who listen. I'm surrounded with an awesome group of friends (and family) who have listened to me gripe/groan/cry/laugh over many things these last few weeks, especially since I got back from Seattle. And I'm glad to be there for them too, in all kinds of ways, whether over the phone or over IM. I love my friends. You guys really are the best.
3. Kleenex. Without it, last week I would have been a disgusting mess. It's really for the best that Matt is away, filming and having fun. He doesn't have to see me all gross and nas-tastic.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Gratitude #25
1. A good night's sleep.
Oh my goodness, how much this helps. I haven't slept well since we got back from the holidays in Seattle. You see, I sleep with earplugs in here in good ol' Glendale because our bedroom faces a very busy street. Couple that with crazy, nutty cats running around in the middle of the night...well, white noise from a fan just doesn't cut it. So after a month of trying to sleep, trying to adjust to the noises...I couldn't take it anymore. And my friends, the last 3 nights have been blissful. I am waking up ready to go and refreshed, it's so awesome.
2. My cookbooks.
We had to wipe my computer a few weeks ago, and with that all of my recipes that I had saved in my MasterCook program disappeared! So, it's back to the basics, of searching through my recipe books for easy yet healthy and tasty recipes. I am so glad I have such a variety. I'll never get bored, that's for sure. Remember how I used to collect stationary? Well, now it's cookbooks. Matt is fine with it, as long as I make a recipe from each one at some point, whether it's today or 20 years from now. I think I can hold up my end of that deal.
3. Capacity to step-up and be an adult.
Remember when we were little and being grown-up seemed so incredible? We could do anything we wanted at any time, carefree and able to drive to boot! Well, now I know it's not that simple, most of the time I still feel like that 15 year old girl who's unsure about everything. But yesterday, I set her aside. You see, I heard through the grapevine that an old college roommate's spouse had a rare stroke (and they have three little girls). She and I didn't get along so well, for reasons now that I've forgotten and must be unimportant. I messaged her through facebook, saying how sorry I was to hear about her husband's health, that I wished him well soon, and that I hoped she was alright. She quickly responded updating me on his condition and how sweet I was to contact her. I felt all warm and fuzzy inside, knowing that stepping up and getting over myself was the right thing to do.
Oh my goodness, how much this helps. I haven't slept well since we got back from the holidays in Seattle. You see, I sleep with earplugs in here in good ol' Glendale because our bedroom faces a very busy street. Couple that with crazy, nutty cats running around in the middle of the night...well, white noise from a fan just doesn't cut it. So after a month of trying to sleep, trying to adjust to the noises...I couldn't take it anymore. And my friends, the last 3 nights have been blissful. I am waking up ready to go and refreshed, it's so awesome.
2. My cookbooks.
We had to wipe my computer a few weeks ago, and with that all of my recipes that I had saved in my MasterCook program disappeared! So, it's back to the basics, of searching through my recipe books for easy yet healthy and tasty recipes. I am so glad I have such a variety. I'll never get bored, that's for sure. Remember how I used to collect stationary? Well, now it's cookbooks. Matt is fine with it, as long as I make a recipe from each one at some point, whether it's today or 20 years from now. I think I can hold up my end of that deal.
3. Capacity to step-up and be an adult.
Remember when we were little and being grown-up seemed so incredible? We could do anything we wanted at any time, carefree and able to drive to boot! Well, now I know it's not that simple, most of the time I still feel like that 15 year old girl who's unsure about everything. But yesterday, I set her aside. You see, I heard through the grapevine that an old college roommate's spouse had a rare stroke (and they have three little girls). She and I didn't get along so well, for reasons now that I've forgotten and must be unimportant. I messaged her through facebook, saying how sorry I was to hear about her husband's health, that I wished him well soon, and that I hoped she was alright. She quickly responded updating me on his condition and how sweet I was to contact her. I felt all warm and fuzzy inside, knowing that stepping up and getting over myself was the right thing to do.
Friday, February 05, 2010
Gratitude #24
1. Savvy Computer Techs. I'll be talking to one soon about getting my computer hooked up to NWAG's server and inventory system. Fingers crossed that all will work out smoothly. At least he responds to my emails in a timely manner, and I'm grateful for that.
2. Reconnecting with old friends.
3. Deodorant.
2. Reconnecting with old friends.
3. Deodorant.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Gratitude #22 and #23
1. Chocolate
2. Wine
3. Homemade Soup
4. Sunlight
5. Smiles
6. Spreadsheets
Yeah, it's been that kind of day....
2. Wine
3. Homemade Soup
4. Sunlight
5. Smiles
6. Spreadsheets
Yeah, it's been that kind of day....
Friday, January 29, 2010
Gratitude #20 and #21
The Hollywood Sign from the Griffith Park Observatory. Beautiful!It's been a busy few days! Lots to be grateful for. :)
1. Being a tour guide. Sam and Phil came to visit us for a few days, and yesterday I got to play in L.A. with them. So much fun!
2. Rain. Being a tour guide, you hope your city shows itself off well, and L.A. shined yesterday, my friends, it shined. Because of all the rain, the views were so clear and L.A. was beautiful and impressive. I was proud!
3. Barney's Beanery in Santa Monica. They serve Kona Longboard beer (draft!) and at happy hour it's just $2.75. Two, please!
The pendulum at the observatory. I had fun watching it swinging back and forth, telling time. 4. Griffith Park Observatory. So amazingly cool! I can't wait to go into the planetarium.
5. The Getty Center. Amazing architecture and a serene garden, with stunning views of West L.A.
6. Time with the hubby. With the looming pre-production/filming trip sneaking up on us, every moment with him is precious and fun. We're laughing a lot these days!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Gratitude #19
1. My hubby. He makes everything better by taking care of me. Especially by going to get dinner when I've had an awful day.
2. My girlfriends. Near and far. They are the best. Just wish I got to see them more often.
3. Sleep. My friend with benefits.
2. My girlfriends. Near and far. They are the best. Just wish I got to see them more often.
3. Sleep. My friend with benefits.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Gratitude #18
1. Having the flexibility to leave work early. This means I can come home and take a nap. Must be the clouds, I'm exhausted.
2. Guests coming to visit. Not only do I get to catch up with friends, but it motivates me to clean up our apartment!
3. Earplugs. Makes the busy street outside a little quieter. Only a little.
2. Guests coming to visit. Not only do I get to catch up with friends, but it motivates me to clean up our apartment!
3. Earplugs. Makes the busy street outside a little quieter. Only a little.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Gratitude #17
1. A savings account.
2. Rain which makes the colors in L.A. simply pop. It's beautiful today.
3. Sleep. Sleep is wonderful.
2. Rain which makes the colors in L.A. simply pop. It's beautiful today.
3. Sleep. Sleep is wonderful.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Gratitude #16
Don't be fooled by the cuteness...1. This pet-stain/smell remover. We have tried a host of products, which make our place smell clean for awhile. Now it's possible that we've just adjusted to the whiff of kitty pee on the carpet (even with pee pads he can miss), but I swear this stuff works. The true test will be when Sam and Phil visit us next week!
2. My own perseverance. I got my weigh-in results from bootcamp. I gained a pound but lost 2.5 inches and 2.29 pounds of fat! Go me!
3. Advil. Nothing like it to relieve a bad sinus pressure headache in the middle of the night.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Gratitude #14
1. LOTR Trilogy. A lovely way to spend time with hubby on a cold, windy, rainy day.
2. Rain coats. This one I inherited from my mom's closet and I love how cozy it feels when the rain tries to pummel it's way through cloth.
3. Smoked Salmon. How yummy it tastes in a salad. I can't wait to move back to the PNW where we can eat fresh fish on a more regular basis. Farm-raised and colored fish just doesn't cut it.
2. Rain coats. This one I inherited from my mom's closet and I love how cozy it feels when the rain tries to pummel it's way through cloth.
3. Smoked Salmon. How yummy it tastes in a salad. I can't wait to move back to the PNW where we can eat fresh fish on a more regular basis. Farm-raised and colored fish just doesn't cut it.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Gratitude #13
1. Fitness Bootcamp. When facing another battle with depression, which happens a couple times a year for me, exercise is the key to "feeling normal" even when all I want to do is curl up in bed and have another good cry.
2. Free lunch at work today from The Chicken Lady. I've never been to her place, but I hear it's divine. Today is a fried chicken sandwich and mac/cheese kind of day.
3. The rain in SoCal makes for crazy and entertaining weather, that's for sure. It could be worse, folks!
2. Free lunch at work today from The Chicken Lady. I've never been to her place, but I hear it's divine. Today is a fried chicken sandwich and mac/cheese kind of day.
3. The rain in SoCal makes for crazy and entertaining weather, that's for sure. It could be worse, folks!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Gratitude #12
1. Friends who listen. I am very lucky to have them in my life.
2. Dr. Heidi, my amazing chiropractor who helps me get back on track.
3. I'm not looking forward to Matt being gone for 6 weeks, but it does give us an excuse to go away for a few days next month so we can have some time to ourselves. I can't really complain about that.
2. Dr. Heidi, my amazing chiropractor who helps me get back on track.
3. I'm not looking forward to Matt being gone for 6 weeks, but it does give us an excuse to go away for a few days next month so we can have some time to ourselves. I can't really complain about that.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Gratitude - #11
1. The rain. I don't mean to sound hokey or anything, but it helps me cleanse my spirits a little. Trips to Seattle are always fun, and always a little hard. So many memories. It's hard sometimes to always be cheerful when I come back, and the rain...well, it kind of re-centers me.
2. Matt at Dude Night means I get to watch hours of uninterrupted Grey's Anatomy on DVD.
3. MIL's recipe for Hamburger Soup. It's one of the ultimate comfort food recipes.
2. Matt at Dude Night means I get to watch hours of uninterrupted Grey's Anatomy on DVD.
3. MIL's recipe for Hamburger Soup. It's one of the ultimate comfort food recipes.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Grateful #10
1. My dad took on our oldest cat, Rudy, when we moved to L.A. five years ago. Five years later, Rudy is alive and kicking, with a few little health problems. My dad may complain about having pets, but I'm grateful that he loves Rudy so much, and that Rudy equally loves him right back. They are quite a pair.
2. Patience is not my strongest virtue, but 2 and a half years of therapy really helped me out in that department. Really proud of myself for not totally losing it tonight.
3. My wonderful hubby keeps me centered and grounded. He is the awesome.
2. Patience is not my strongest virtue, but 2 and a half years of therapy really helped me out in that department. Really proud of myself for not totally losing it tonight.
3. My wonderful hubby keeps me centered and grounded. He is the awesome.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Gratitude #8 and #9
Being out of town without internet access can interrupt the Gratitude listings, so here I go, making up for lost time!
1. Dinner at McCormick and Schmicks. Best. Crab and Artichoke Dip. Ever. French Silk Pie? Heaven.
2. The rain. Love and miss the rain. Keeps everything green and the air fresh. Remind me of this when I move up here and start complaining, ok? :)
3. My dad cracks me up. Parents drive us crazy, yes, it's true, but he is such a character. If you've ever wondered why I'm an actor at heart, all you need to do is meet him. I call him my acting coach for a reason.
4. Our realtor, Jamie, is awesome-possum. So savvy and smart. Knows exactly what we're looking for and is on top of her game.
5. The gas furnace in dad's den. Keeps me oh-so-warm during these freezing cold PNW nights.
6. The Majestic Bay Theater in Ballard. Heading there tonight to see Sherlock Holmes. It's been beautifully remodeled and every time I go back I feel as though I've stepped into a time warp. It's the most beautiful movie theater I've ever seen.
1. Dinner at McCormick and Schmicks. Best. Crab and Artichoke Dip. Ever. French Silk Pie? Heaven.
2. The rain. Love and miss the rain. Keeps everything green and the air fresh. Remind me of this when I move up here and start complaining, ok? :)
3. My dad cracks me up. Parents drive us crazy, yes, it's true, but he is such a character. If you've ever wondered why I'm an actor at heart, all you need to do is meet him. I call him my acting coach for a reason.
4. Our realtor, Jamie, is awesome-possum. So savvy and smart. Knows exactly what we're looking for and is on top of her game.
5. The gas furnace in dad's den. Keeps me oh-so-warm during these freezing cold PNW nights.
6. The Majestic Bay Theater in Ballard. Heading there tonight to see Sherlock Holmes. It's been beautifully remodeled and every time I go back I feel as though I've stepped into a time warp. It's the most beautiful movie theater I've ever seen.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Gratitude #7
1. My dear dear friend Brie being not only on time to pick me up at the airport but waiting for me as I left the gate area! What a nice surprise!
2. My dad may be a basic cook, but there is nothing better than this old fashioned meal - steak, potatoes, and broccolini. With a cinnamon roll for dessert. Yum!
3. I am grateful that Cafe Apassionato is a short drive away for said friend to drop me off at when I get locked out of said dad's house.
2. My dad may be a basic cook, but there is nothing better than this old fashioned meal - steak, potatoes, and broccolini. With a cinnamon roll for dessert. Yum!
3. I am grateful that Cafe Apassionato is a short drive away for said friend to drop me off at when I get locked out of said dad's house.
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