01/31/2012 - Toys!

Oh, yes... I am that nerdy. I continued unpacking my furniture & boxes today at my new townhouse. Among those boxes was my toy lightsaber. I may have been playing around with it while the B-52's were playing on my iPod. Random, I know... but fun, none the less! I am thankful for toys... & no I am not referring to "adult" toys. Although, those can certainly be fun, too! I'll save that for another day...lol. Adolescent toys are what I'm referring to. They capture the child in all of us & there is no shame in that! I had alot of fun finding  few toys stowed away in in my boxes today... and you can't go wrong with a Sith lightsaber! Toys are fun for everyone. Whether you're a child, or a child at heart. They have the power to bring smiles to our faces & joy into our lives. They promote creativity & imagination in our life.

If you have some toys stowed away somewhere... bring em' out sometime & let yourself be a kid again. If you have extra that you don't use anymore, perhaps donate to a child who can experience the joy that you got from them? Toys are fun & after time become accolades to our life. The great thing about these accolades is that they don't have to collect dust on a shelf. Toys can be brought out & enjoyed anytime!

01/30/2012 - Cookies!

Tonight while shopping at the grocery store, I picked up some cookies to bake. I have been dieting alot lately, and sticking to it strictly, so I decided to reward myself tonight with some scrumptious chocolate chip cookies! I am thankful for these cookies because they are just pure yummy goodness. I enjoyed a glass of milk with these cookies. They are delightful, however, too many of em' can give ya a lil' Buddha belly! I enjoyed mine tonight & tomorrow its double time on the workout!

Too often we feel remorse after such indulgences... not this time! Its okay to reward yourself sometimes. Its okay to splurge sometimes. Its okay to cram a bunch of cookies in your mouth sometimes! Relish the moment & don't regret it.

01/29/2012 - Dogs!

This is Connor. I adopted him with my ex boyfriend last year. After we broke up, he took Connor, since I already have 2 cats (featured in the blog for 01/03/2012!). It has been taxing on him to take care of Connor own his own, since he keeps busy with classes, rehearsals, & work. Therefor, I assisted him in finding Connor a good home. Luckily... My awesome friend Jessica took him in this evening! He is a great dog & is going to love her til she can't take any more love. I am thankful for dogs, for they are loyal friends. They love us, care for us, protect us, and become our friends & family. I am grateful Jessica has taken Connor so I still get to be a part of his life. Dogs are a blessing and though they sometimes can be a handful, the loyalty & adoration they bestow upon us is all worth it.

If you have a dog, cherish it forever. Treat it well. Love it. For as much love as you give your dog, he will give you that much in return & then some!

01/28/2012 - Picnics!

I had an easy day at work today. I went and picked up a salad down the road at Wendy's. Got back to the parking lot & backed into a good spot in front of a grassy area. Grabbed a bottle of water, a book & decided to have a lil' picnic in the back of my truck. I put on some soft jazz music, rolled up my sleeves & enjoyed the beautiful day. I am thankful to have had this spontaneous little picnic. It was so perfect. I just soaked up the sunshine listening to music & enjoying my delicious crispy salad. I read a couple chapters in my book after I finished eating. What a perfect way to spend lunch on such a glorious day!

Have a picnic one day when its nice out. You can do something quaint & simple like I did, or you could pack a lunch with an iced bottle of wine & have a picnic on the beach. Any way you do it, enjoy yourself! Soak up the sun. Enjoy your drinks & food. Just smile & love life... cause its pretty awesome.

01/27/2012 - Coffee!

I had a lovely day at work today. I began my day with a cup of coffee. I have a cup every morning. I am extremely thankful for coffee in the morning. I have never been a morning person, and this little shot of caffeine, sugary warmth is the kick I need most mornings. I also occasionally will have a cup after dinner, too. Coffee is also great to sip on while gabbing with friends at a local coffee shop.

Personally, I think a cup of coffee a day is good for you. Enjoy a cup in the morning to give you that extra bit of fuel to jump start your day! (Just be sure to brush your teeth so that smile stays bright!)

01/26/2012 - Projects!

I am exhausted! I worked a full day & then went straight to my old apartment to finish moving the last of my boxes & furniture. I am officially moved out as of today! Now I have the fun project of reorganizing my life.. at home, that is. I am thankful I get the chance to have a project like this to keep me busy for a bit. This particular project gives me the chance to rearrange things in my life. Clean. Purchase some new items to freshen up my bedroom. I am very excited to have an opportunity like this to be creative. Projects are great ways for us to work toward a specific goal. When we accomplish goals we feel gratified... and that is something I can be thankful for!

Tackle a project from time to time. They are give us opportunity to be active & creative. Projects give us a goal to accomplish & having goals in life is an important step to bettering ourselves as individuals. Have fun!

01/25/2012 - Helping a friend smile!

Went to my favorite Chinese restaurant this evening. It's a dinky lil' hole in the wall that has an incredibly stereotypical name.. Dragon China. I had dinner there tonight with my friend, Charley. He was a bit crabby this evening...(but that's okay, we all get crabby sometimes!). We chatted & caught up for a bit & I was my usually corny self. I tried my best to make him smile & laugh this evening. I am happy to say I succeeded! I am very thankful to be able to bring a smile to a face of those I care for. He's a good friend & a good person. I'm glad to have Charley in my life & it brings me joy to see him happy.

Be sure to take time to listen to your friends. If they are having a bad day, take a moment to be goofy & make em' smile. They'll appreciate it.  If we cherish the happiness of our friends, family & loved ones, then our happiness will come in return.

01/24/2012 - Birthdays!

This is my friend, Mary. Tonight we celebrated her birthday at The Sloppy Taco Palace! She loves cats like I do. She's funny, witty, & sexy as hell. A few of her close friends got together tonight at the Sloppy Taco to celebrate her birth. We had some good food & good drinks! Birthday's are when we get to celebrate the life of the people who we care for. I am thankful I got to spend the evening with good people to celebrate her birth. Birthday's are fun whether they're spent eating cake & ice cream, or doing a couple shots at a bar. They bring together friends to join in union the life we all cherish. Cheers to you, Mary! Happy Birthday!

Be sure to always celebrate birthdays. It doesn't have to be anything big...(or it can be if you want!). It's just important to celebrate the life we are given. Each day is a gift, and once a year we gather together with friends, family, or loved ones to celebrate that life. Be thankful you have a birthday; be thankful for the life that it represents! Happy birthday to all for 2012!!!

01/23/2012 - My Truck!

Today I did some more moving. I am thankful I have my truck. My baby has gotten me out of alot of jams, & she comes in handy for many situations. Her name is Betsy, and I have had her since high school. She's about 10 years old. She has given me very little trouble over the past decade & for that I am very thankful. She doesn't get great gas mileage, but she's not a guzzler. After 10 years of smooth driving, she has pretty much sold me on having a truck for my next vehicle.

I understand trucks aren't for everyone, but there's no denying they come in handy. Appreciate whatever vehicle you drive, even if its an ugly piece of shit! Always be thankful for what you've got!

01/22/2012 - Sunsets!

My friend, Jessica, and I drove out to Clearwater Beach this afternoon to catch the sunset. It literally set about 5 or 10 minutes once we set foot on the beach. It was such a beautiful & peaceful moment. I am so thankful I get to experience little wonders like the sun setting. We get some gorgeous sunsets here in Florida. They are even better to watch on the beach over on the gulf coast. After the last bit of light melted into the horizon, the people around us started clapping! Its so warming to my heart to see that people still appreciate little wonders in life, like the tranquillity of a sunset.

Go out and watch the sunset in the evening sky one day. Its a free experience that is so heart-warming. Go alone, with a friend, or someone special. Cherishing these the little wonders of life is a pathway to being happy.

01/21/2012 - Pool!

I spent this evening with some great friends. We had dinner at Hooters, then went to shoot pool afterward. We laughed, drank, and played for a couple hours. Its such a delight to get together with friends and play a friendly game of pool. Though, any game will do, honestly. It was nice to splurge a little on myself tonight. Playing a game of pool is an inexpensive way to spend a night out with friends & get some conversation flowing.

Take a night every once in a while to get a group of friends together to play a friendly game of pool. Have some drinks, share some stories, eat some good food. With a combo like that you are guaranteed a good time!

01/20/2012 - The Holiday!

The Holiday is my favorite romantic comedy & second favorite movie of all. Its charming on so many levels. Its beautifully written & directed.. & who could ask for a more captivating score in a movie? Hans Zimmerman is a genius. Every single musical note in the movie fits the scene perfectly. This movie was the first that I purchased the soundtrack solely for the musical score. The movie itself is sad, yet uplifting. It makes me laugh, cry, and hope one day for love. As corny as it may seem, I love love. This movie is all about love. It speaks to my hopelessly romantic heart... and for that, I am so thankful.

This Holiday is about love. Losing love, and being strong enough to open up our hearts again to new love. Its a leap we must take in the game of love. You have to find gumption and take risks. Love is all about taking leaps of faith. Learning from mistake & growing. Idolizing the thought of true love may be corny, but... "I like corny. I'm looking for corny in my life."

01/19/2012 - Moving!

Tonight I finally began to start packing! I have been living somewhere for a few months as a temporary thing. I found a place that makes me happy & will began moving in this week! I am thankful for moving. It gives us a chance to start fresh; to begin a new chapter in our life. Its time for me. Its time to get my life together. Its time to move on. Its time to swallow my pride & admit my faults to myself & learn from my mistakes. The past can hurt, but that's the great thing about moving. You get to patch up the wounds of the past & start new. Moving is revitalizing. The physical part of it is tedious, but the rewards from it are always worth the effort. I pray that this move will prove to be the catalyst for some gumption in my life.

If you are at a stand still in your life, perhaps its time for a move. Moving can mean many things. Whether its to a new dwelling, a new job, or new friendships. Moving can be difficult, but if you can find strength... (and we all can!)... then you let that give you the faith for tomorrow. Its time to move on.

01/18/2012 - Rain!

Today was a rainy day here in Florida. I am thankful for the rain. Rain comes to wash away the bad stuff and bring on a beautiful day after. Rain is where the most romantic kisses happen! There wouldn't a rainbows without a little bit of rain. When it rains we get to put our rainboot's & umbrella's to use. Rain gives our vehicle's free car washes! Without rain, the flowers wouldn't blossom. There are times when it can be a nuisance, but its important to remind ourselves that without rain, we can't experience the beauty that blossoms from it.

Rain is much like a pain we may feel or an illness we experience. its important to remind yourself that without rain we wouldn't get to enjoy the things that result from it. In the same aspect, without a heartbreak, we will appreciate our true love more someday. Without sickness, we wouldn't appreciate our health as much. Rain washes away our woes to bring the sunshine of a happy day once again.

01/17/2012 - Movie Theatres!

Tonight I had dinner with a friend & went to the movie theatre. I love going to the movies! One of my favorite things to do when I have free time. I love the feel of going to the movie theatre. It can be a fun night with friends, a nice time to enjoy to yourself, and also a cute place to go on a date. I am thankful for all of these experiences I get to spend at the movie theatre. Its a delightful to do the whole stereotype movie theatre experience... get your tickets, grab a big tub of popcorn (loaded with butter!), a nice refreshing soda, and perhaps some sugary treat to snack on as well! Settle down in your seat and enjoy a good flick!

When you have some free time one evening, go out & enjoy a movie at the theatre. Pick your favorite genre, bring a friend, grab some snacks, or do whatever it is that makes your movie theatre experience fun! Its a fun & not too expensive way to enjoy and evening out!

01/16/2012 - Mexican Food!

Tonight I went out for Mexican with my amigo, Williams. I am thankful for Mexican food because it brings a different style of food to the world. Tonight I had the house margarita... very potent! We ordered some queso with tortilla chips. I had the burrito mojado & Williams had tacos. He is helping me with practicing my Spanish. We chatted through dinner & enjoyed good conversation & great food!

Venture out and try some Mexican food. Have a margarita, order some salsa, and have a delicious Mexican dish! Spice up your life with some good food!

¡Esto le traerá la gran alegría!

01/15/2012 - Margaritas!

Margaritas are such a fun beverage to have with friends! I am thankful for margaritas, especially since I got to share a few tonight with my friend, Antony. They come in many flavors & are good with salt or sugar on the rim. Personally, I like sugar on the rim, unless its a classic margarita. They are great to sip on while gabbing with friends. We shared stories tonight & had a lovely evening gossiping! Shake up your life with a margarita!

Have a margarita with a friend & swap some juicy gossip. Have one at home while watching some TV. Ain't nothing wrong with kickin' back & just enjoyin' the good times!

01/14/2012 - Ice Cream!

Ben & Jerry's Half Baked Ice Cream! My favorite! Tonight on the way home I picked up a pint of it from Walgreen's. I am thankful for that ice cream. It is delicious yumminess. Ice cream is great on a warm summer day. Its fun to share with friends. I actually like having ice cream on a cold night! Its fun to nibble on while watching TV. Tonight I'm gonna pop open that ice cream & catch up on some television from this week!

Obviously having Ben & Jerry's every night isn't something you wanna do, unless you wanna pack on a few pounds. However, you should treat yourself every once in a while to some of your favorite ice cream. You'll be glad ya did!

01/13/2012 - Best Friends!

Today I am thankful for my best friends. They are the ones who know the most about me & love me for who I am. Best friends are defined in different ways by people. For me, best friends are the ones who love you when you are at your worst & your best. The ones who stand by you when you need a shoulder to cry on, or just an ear to listen. They bring a smile to your face when you need it the most. Best friends are the people you want to see happiest. Their joy brings you joy. Their pain brings you pain. This type of friendship is hard to come by, so be sure to hold onto it & cherish it.

Some people are lucky enough to have a best friend. If you have a best friend, always support them. Cherish them. Love them. Give to them. Listen to them. Best friends will always support you. They will always love you. Be sure to return every act of kindness & honesty they show you with even more than they give you. Do so, & you will find yourself surrounded by happiness & love....forever & always.

01/12/2012 - Pizza & Movie Night!

Tonight my friend Raymar & I picked up some pizza & rented some movies. A cozy night at home with a friend enjoying pizza & a new movie is a perfect night for me! Today I am thankful for this kind of evening! I got to chow down on some good food, watch a new movie, and spend time with a good friend. Its simple things like this evening that people overlook & should really appreciate when they have moments like this to enjoy.

Take time every once and a while to have a cozy night at home. You can do it alone, or with friends. Have some good food & rent a new movie. There's never anything wrong with treating yourself to a pizza & movie night! I dare you to not enjoy yourself!

01/11/2012 - Unconventional Friendships!

This is Isabel. She is one of the most amazing people I know. Though, I don't know her age..(One should never ask a lady her age!).. I know she is old enough to be my mother. She is a Latina woman from Mexico. Somehow, in this beautiful world, we develop friendships that seem unconventional. Today I am thankful for this type of friendship. I am thankful for Isabel. She brings so much joy to my life. I always look forward to seeing her. She cooks for me on occasion. She is an great listener, and gives great advice. I am so lucky to have her in my life.

Friends are an important part of our lives. They come in different shapes, sizes, colors, and ages. Anyone can be your friend & you can be anyone's friend. Love & respect them & you will fill your life filled with love in return. <3

01/10/2012 - Getting Over Being Sick!

Tonight was my first night out since I've had the flu. It was very nice to finally get out of the house and be outdoors for a little bit. I was lucky enough to spend the evening with a dear friend of mine, Jessica. She brought a good point to my perspective. I am most thankful today for getting over being sick. However, if we never got sick, then we wouldn't truly appreciate being healthy & being able to do everything we normally do while being healthy. Tonight we got dinner, then got some hot tea & mini cupcakes from Starbucks! We took it out to this scenic patio and enjoyed the evening. 

Be thankful for your health. Be very thankful to be ill for just a period of time. Some people have to deal with being sick everyday of their life. Things can always be worse. Appreciate your health & your body. Treat it good. Hopefully, it will do the same in return. 

01/09/2012 - The Bible!

The Bible. It is something that has been around for many years. Whether you believe in it or not, it has most likely effected your life in some way. Today I am thankful for it. Many of my friends may not agree with some of the Bible's teachings.. and many of my friends I would agree with. No matter what you believe in this life, it is good to have faith & hope. The bible teaches these things. Its an interesting thought.. but I believe the world would be a much worse place if we didn't have some type of book to base our morals off of. This is certainly a subject that can be discussed for a long time. Hence, I will end with this thought...

It is a great thing to believe in something. To have faith in the world & in God. For nonbelievers, don't chastise religious people. No matter whether you believe in God or a sparkly fairy unicorn named Snoopy.. its good to have faith. Faith gives us hope & that hope is what gets us through our toughest times. Religious folk, don't force you beliefs on someone. There is a big difference in spreading the Lords word, than forcing his name down someones throat. Telling someone their lifestyle is wrong or what they believe is wrong isn't going to help anything. If we can be respectful of one another, no matter what their beliefs... we will live in a much more peaceful world.

01/08/2012 - Star Wars!

Today I am feeling much better from my flu. However, still not enough to return to work. Hence, today I had a Star Wars Marathon! I am so very thankful for Star Wars. It took some great minds to come up with a story this epic. It has something everyone can enjoy. There is action, comedy & romance within this series. As corny as it may sound, there is alot we can learn from Star Wars.

One of my favorite quotes comes from Yoda. "Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering." A wise lil guy that Yoda was... It takes strength to be brave and conquer your fear. Wisdom to distress from anger; Inner peace to avoid hatred. At least this is what I think.. I'll be working on all these things this year. Hope all of you can too. May the Force be with you!

01/07/2012 - Candy!

Candy isn't something I typically have at hand. However, since I've been sick the past few days, I've wanted some comfort food. Hence, today I am thankful for candy! We all have our favorites. Candy is sweet & the sugar in it is yummy goodness. Its something that's easy to share with friends. Whether, you're chewing on some gummies, sucking on a lollipop, or chewing some bubble gum, its hard not to enjoy these little goodies!

Candy is sweet to eat. Don't overdue it, otherwise you might get a stomach ache, or worse, a cavity. Also, don't withhold yourself from goodies from time to time. Just portion properly. Savor some candy from time to time...a little sugar never hurt anyone!

01/06/2012 - Video Games!

Video Games are entertainment that can bring friends together for good times & also have the ability to take us to a fantasy world that exists beyond our own. I am thankful for video games. They have been a part of my life as long as I remember. There are so many different types of video games. There is most likely one that suits any type of person. I enjoy that I can be a plumber that saves a princess, shoot up a bunch of zombies, race in go-karts, or dance my ass off.

If you are someone that enjoys video games, be sure to not over do it and take time to enjoy the real world, too. If you don't think you enjoy video games, branch out sometime and try one if you get a chance.. they can be alot of fun.

01/05/2012 - Friends That Take Care Of You!

Today I found out I have the flu. I will admit it is difficult to find things to be thankful for when you feel like utter shit. My angel today was my friend Renee. She took me to the doctor & fed me lunch & dinner. Made my drinks and played a movie for me. I am so incredibly thankful for friends like her. Friends that take care of you when you are feeling your worst. As awful as I feel while typing this, I find the reassurance that I know I will always have superb friends that will take care of me. Thanks Renee!

Never take your friends for granted. They will always stand by you. Friends are a blessing we are given in this life. Be thankful for them when they are there for you when you need them.

01/04/2012 - Soup on a Cold Night!

Its a cold night here in Florida! I have a strong feeling there will be many food pictures throughout the year...lol! Food is something that brings us alot of happiness. Tonight I am thankful for soups, chili, gumbo & chowders on a cold evening! I had a mexican style gumbo this evening accompanied by a good book & some green tea. Little things like this are something to enjoy! Its always nice to read a good book & enjoy a moment to yourself!

Take a moment with friends or by yourself to enjoy a nice warm bowl of soup! It'll warm your body & your soul!!

01/03/2012 - Pets!

Pets are such an amazing gift we get in life. I am so thankful for mine. The chunky white one is Duchess & the gray tabby is Miss Bianca. I love them both dearly. Our pets are our family & friends. It takes so little from them to bring joy into our lives. Anytime I need someone to talk to, I know I always have them. Pets love us unconditionally & that kind of love is something to cherish.

If you are someone lucky enough to have a pet, cherish them & always show them the love they deserve. I relish the joy my kitties bring to me. They do things to make me laugh & when I am sad they are always here for me. Love your little friends forever & always... for they will always return that love.

01/02/2012 - Music!

Today I am thankful for music. Music is all around us everyday and effects our lives on a costant basis. It can be inspiring & uplifting.. it can also be saddening & depressing. There is no right or wrong with music. I personally listen to music depending on the mood I'm in. Music makes us smile, cry, & laugh. I cannot imagine my life without music. It takes me wherever I need to be. Today I want myself and anyone alse to be thankful for music, for it is the soundtrack to our lives everyday.

Surround yourself with music. Let it envelope your soul. Cry with it. Scream with it. Laugh with it. Smile with it! There is no wrong way. We all have a sountrack.. find yours & let it play loudly through your actions everyday!

01/01/2012 - Fireworks!

Baby, you're a firework! Show em' what you're worth! This year I will show everyone..(especially myself).. what I'm worth. I am thankful for the fireworks I saw tonight. How can you watch such a magnificent display of beauty and not want to smile?!?! I do every single time. Fireworks never get old to me. I'm thankful for the joy they bring into my heart.

We all have negative things happen to us. The negative things will always seem to overpower the good things that happen to us. If we can find our inner strength and open our eyes to the beauty around us, we will smile... on our face & in our hearts. Be a firework. Show your true colors... because we all have worth.