Today I am thankful for my bed. As you can see from the picture above, my cats seem to be thankful for my bed as well. I love my bed. The bed is where we often read a book, watch TV, sleep, & have sex. There are many uses for the bed. My favorite being sleep. Who doesn't love an undisturbed nights rest? I got 9 hours of sleep last night. On a scale of A to G, it felt amazing. My bed is decked with my favorite color palette. Its also got a thick layer of memory foam on top of the mattresses. All in all, its pretty comfy.
Enjoy your bed & be thankful you have one. Whatever activities your are doing, be sure to enjoy yourself in your bed! Wallow in that bed, relax & soak in all your lazy glory!
Today I picked up a 6th day of work... if you can call it that. I worked a shift that was 9 hours long & probably did an hour of work, if that. I spent the majority of the day killing time while getting paid for it. I worked out for about half and hour. I went & got lunch. I watch 2 movies on TV & took a nap. I am very thankful for easy days at work, especially when I'm supposed to be off, and getting paid overtime for something so easy!
Our jobs can always get stressful & make us cranky. Don't sweat the small stuff. Don't dwell on things that stress you out for too long. Relish the days at work, if you get them, that things go smoothly & are easy. Work doesn't always happen that way. You're bound to have an easy day at some point. When you do get one... relish it. Wallow in it. Soak it up & enjoy! We all deserve a pampered easy day from time to time!
Today I am thankful for cell phones! There are many reasons I am thankful for these handy devices. My poor little phone has seen better days... however, it still gets the job done. I have been particularly thankful to have it the past few days because I left my camera in my friends car & haven't had any other way of taking my daily photo's except from my phone. Cell phones are so handy. They keep us in contact with all of our friends & loved ones. They provide us with GPS to find our destinations. They can do about anything you can think of, except become a cheese grater. Though, I'm sure that probably exists somewhere.
Cell phones have become such a daily part of our lives that it is hard to imagine what we would all do without them at this day & age of technology. Be thankful that you have one and can afford it. Not everyone can say the same. Utilize your cell phones for good, and always be safe when using it!
This evening I worked in the Magic Kingdom. Its easy to forget the magic of working in a land of fairy tales when you surround yourself with the stress of everyday life & the dramas at the workplace. However, I, in fact, do live & work in a place filled with fairy tales & where dreams come true everyday. I love fairy tales. I have since I was a wee, little boy. I am so thankful to have fairy tales in my life. They let our imaginations soar to new heights & dream of worlds that exist far beyond our own. In fairy tales, the princess always lives happily ever after. Such stories most likely set my standards far too high, but what can I say? Everyone deserves their own fairy tale & to live happily ever after.
Don't let the heaviness of life get you down & keep you from believing in fairy tales. People that can keep faith & hope close to their hearts will always continue to believe in these stories. Sometimes you have to write your own fairy tale... sometimes it writes itself for you. Keep dreaming, keep believing, keep moving forward... and the fairy tale that resides within you will write itself.
This evening I went for a late night swim at the swimming pool in my subdivision. I swam about 15 laps. I often go to the pool late at night for a swim. Its cleansing to go swimming at the end of your day. Also, there are less people there right before closing. Unfortunately, I discovered it was a bug graveyard in the pool tonight, so I didn't stay for too long. Yuck! Anywho... I am thankful for swimming pools. They give us a fun way to exercise. A place to soak up some sun. Somewhere to hang out with friends. Something about being in water feels so great... so enjoy it!
Go one afternoon & soak up some sunshine poolside. Hop in to cool off. Play some water polo with friends, or just go to simply swim some laps. Whatever your reason, going to the swimming pool is always fun! Splash around & enjoy yourself!
Drawing has been one of my favorite hobbies since I was a little boy. I doodled in class all the time throughout school. I had notebooks dedicated to drawings. Now I own a few sketchbooks that I've drawn various things throughout the years. I even have a charcoal sketchbook & have begun to teach myself how to draw & shade with it. I love drawing & am so thankful for it. It gives me serenity & clears my mind when I need to be set free. I love to design & create new things when drawing. Drawing sets you free to let your imagination explore your creativity.
I know some people say they have no drawing skills. However, you should let yourself doodle sometime. Creating things with your mind can make you feel so alive. Being able to see your finished product can give you a real sense of self-satisfaction. Grab a pencil or pen & see where your mind takes you... there is no wrong way or right way to do it. Just set yourself free & draw.
Tonight I went out downtown with my friend, Joe. We had dinner at Hamburger Mary's and of course, it was Mardi Gras themed. I personally haven't ever gone to New Orleans to experience the real Mardi Gras, however, I hope I can some day. I am thankful for Mardi Gras particularly this evening because I gave Joe & I a reason to have a few drinks. I did obtain the beads featured above without having to flash anyone, although I wouldn't mind doing it in good spirit of this fun filled holiday!
If you get a chance to go out on Mardi Gras, do it! Spend the evening with some good friends & party. You deserve it & you only live once!
Tonight before bed I am having a big glass of milk. I recently tried Almond Milk. Its better for you, & it tastes better to me. I have a glass of milk almost every day. Milk has a lot of ingredients that also helps make your bones stronger. I am thankful for milk. I am an active individual. I go for a jog almost everyday & having strong bones is important when running. Milk is good by itself, with cereal, cake... and personally, I think its quite impossible to eat a cookie without having some milk with it.
Be sure to drink your milk! Milk has alot of the nutrients & vitamins we need to maintain a healthy diet.
This morning I lazed about my bedroom. Had my coffee, watched a little TV, played around on the computer, and had a small breakfast. It was nice to relax and sit around in my PJ's for a while. Eventually I did get up & get some things done. Sometimes we need a lazy morning... and staying with that laziness, this will be a short blog.
Have a lazy morning. Do whatever you want & relax. Do it... and don't feel guilty about it. We all deserve it from time to time.
Today mi amiga, whom I refer to as Madre...(mother), made me some Tamales. Her name is Isabel & she is featured in a previous blog. I love this woman & she cooks me food sometimes. When Madre prepares food for me it is cooked with love. When food is prepared with love, it always tastes that much better! I am thankful for food that is cooked with love. It tastes good while eating it... and just always leaves a warm, fuzzy feeling of satisfaction after.
If someone who cares for you makes you something to eat, be sure to appreciate it. Take a momant to think how they took their time to do something to show how much they love you. Perhaps you can do the same for soemone in return. People love food. And if they love you, they are gonna be smitten with food you prepare.
I use my iPod almost everyday. I listen to it while in the shower... which also usually includes quite an interesting sing-a-long. I jam out to it while I am jogging everyday. Sometimes I just play it when I need to take a break & mellow out. I also hook it up to my iPod dock & just jam out in my bedroom... which can sometimes include an even more interesting dance off. I am thankful for my iPod, cause it provides me the music that I need to get motivated. No matter where that motivation comes from, it works.
If you have an iPod, use it for good reasons. Listen to some music & relax. Utilize it to get you motivated to go work out & get healthy. Whatever your use, enjoy yourself, enjoy your music & be happy!
Let's be honest... who doesn't enjoy a nice, warm shower? Personally, it is usually the first thing I do to begin my day. If I have a little extra time, I like to spend a few extra minutes in there... that warm water just feels so good early in the morning! Somwtimes, we shower after a rigourous workout, or in the evening after a long day at work. Not only does the shower clean our bodies, it also seems to have a power to cleanse our soul. Just letting that water soak & run down your body... letting all of your stress & woes just wash away.
Hop in the shower & clean your body; cleanse your soul. Take a few extra minutes sometimes to just breath in the steam & de-stress your mind. Let the everyday dramas wash away with the rest of the dirt & grime. Let yourself go & feel refreshed.
I have been on hiatus for a few days... However, I am back & have continued taking a photo every day, just haven't had the time to post. Anywho, today I am thankful for computers! They provide us sources of knowledge. They help us communicate with loved ones. They keep all of our memories stored through video & pictures. They provide multiple sources of entertainment. It's difficult to imagine a world without computers at this day & age.
If you have a computer, utilize its capabilities. Connect with old friends. Stay in touch with your family. Broaden your horizons & explore your goals.
Today, on this day of love... I am thankful for love. I have experienced so many kinds of love in my life at the mere age of 26. I am loved by my family, friends, pets, and so many more than that I'm sure. I have always idolized that pristine image of love. The love you see in fairy tales, romance films, and love stories. Many people believe such things do not exist. As hard as it may be, after having my heart broken last year... I still choose to believe. Ever since I was a little boy, I've dreamed of my "happily ever after". Not only do I want to experience this epitome of true love... I want every person in this world to be given that joy. I have so much love to share with this world. I want everyone out there to feel loved. So, if you are reading this, please know, you are loved. Love is the greatest & most powerful thing that exists in this glorious world we live in.
Please, PLEASE never hold back on telling someone you care about, that you love them. Love is the greatest gift you can bestow upon someone. Let your family know. Show your friends & pets. If you have someone special in your life, cherish them & do whatever it takes to support them & give them love. Sometimes love can hurt. Sometimes it may seem unjust. If you can find the light in your heart, you will find love again. Never give up on love... because as long as you're alive love will never give up on you.
Today my friend, Joe & I decided to meet up & head downtown to the "scruffy" part of town to find some restaurants. These little "hole in the wall" kind of establishments are usually my favorite kind of places. They serve food with soul. They don't have a company to rely on for financial support. I love finding these hidden gems. The place we found today was called Taqueria El Mexicano. I am thankful for privately owned restaurants because they always have the best food! They may not appear to be all that on the outside... but restaurants like these are perfect examples for the old saying "Don't judge a book by its cover."
Take a day to drive around & find a lil restaurant that isn't some conglomerate chain. Support the privately owned restaurants in your town. The people there are usually full of as much soul as the food & restaurant itself. I guarantee you will walk out of there satisfied.
This evening I made dinner at home. I was lucky enough to spend the evening with a very sweet person. I prepared a baked potato, some fried okra, and cubed steak. I am thankful for home cooked meals because they usually are cheaper, and can last a few days. Also, cooking is always fun... (its just the dishes that aren't fun afterwards!). I especially enjoy cooking for someone who will appreciate a good meal.
Make a point to cook at home sometimes. It'll save you a few bucks, plus you typically get to take some pride in a well prepared meal.
The photo displaying crankiness above is my friend Tommy. We got on the subject of crankiness today & somehow Tommy got on a soapbox about something that made him cranky. I forget the subject matter, but we giggled at it soon after. I am thankful for crankiness (and thankful for Tommy for being my model for crankiness!). As I have said before, there are many emotions we experience in life. They can't always be rainbows, sunshine & lollipop's. Sometimes we do get cranky. Its okay to get cranky. Its a part of life & its bound to happen. Life is all about balance. We will get cranky from time to time... but that will subside & pass eventually.
Its important to understand that its okay to be cranky. Perhaps someone is being rude, you stubbed your toe, or the restaurant is out of your favorite dish. There are many things that make us cranky. However, as long as you move past it and move on, you will be fine. If you wanna get cranky, get cranky!! Cuss. Spit. Punch your pillow. Scream. Do whatever it takes. Just don't harm yourself or anyone else. Breathe.. and move on.
Tonight I had a kitty play date with my friend, Ryan. I brought my lil white muffin, Duchess, over to meet his new kitten, Nakoma. They seemed okay at first, then seemed to get a bit hissy towards one another. I think if they continue to see one another from time to time, they may become friendly... however, it is possible they may never be. I know cat play dates seem a bit unorthodox... but Duchess is a bit unorthodox herself. I am thankful for play dates because they brought Ryan & I together for the evening and all the kitty bitchiness gave us some entertainment.
If you have a pet that is a social kind of animal, take it on a play date sometime. It will be good for their social skills and possibly for their emotions to be around other animals. Plus, it will give you some good memories to share with a good friend!
Tonight on the way home I was craving a sweet tea. I decided to pop on through the drive thru at McDonald's to get one. I am picky about my sweet tea, too. I will say, McDonald's makes a good sweet tea! I was born & raised in the south... I know good sweet tea when I taste it. I ain't talkin' about "sweetened tea". I'm talkin' bout' sugary sweet tea... where half of the glass is filled with sugar. That is a sweet tea. I am so thankful for a cool glass of tea.
If you are someone that enjoys a glass of sweet tea... be sure to enjoy it sometime. A glass of it is best on a warm summer night. Sit out on your patio or porch and enjoy a glass of sweet tea. :)
I don't make it a regular occurrence to eat fast food. However, a salad from the fast food restaurant shouldn't be too bad, right? I mean... its a salad. I don't think there's anything wrong with having a Big Mac from time to time. Indulging in something so high in fat on a regular basis is bad for you. On the other hand, most fast food chains have a salad option on their menu. Tonight I didn't feel like cooking.. so I made a quick stop to get some fast food. I am thankful for the convenience of getting fast food. I had a southwest salad & a green tea. I got fast food & still stuck to my diet.
Many people avoid fast food all together. If you want to treat yourself to a gooey pizza pie from time to time, go ahead! There is nothing wrong with indulging your appetite as long as you can balance it out with good exercise to keep yourself healthy. Its also important to remember that many fast food places offer lighter options these days. If you've had a busy day, or just don't feel like cooking... go ahead and let yourself take a break and pop on through the drive thru!
Tonight I went downtown with a couple of friends to Hamburger Mary's. Its basically a gay restaurant. The crowd there is usually pretty wide, though. There are always as many straight people as there are gay people. Tonight was gay bingo night. These two queens do a sort of comedy act while calling out the numbers. My first impression of drag queen's was men that wanted to be women. However, that is not the case. I'm sure that may be possible sometimes, but most drag queens perform like it is an art. I actually have many friends who perform as drag queens. They are great, talented individuals. The queens that host gay bingo night at this restaurant are more comedy acts. They are fun, quirky, and raunchy! The world would be a boring place if we didn't have individuals that step out of the normality of life & dare to be different.
I am thankful for drag queens because they are always fun or funny! If you like drag queens, be sure to let em know, cause those girls work hard for the money. You don't have to like drag queens. However, there's no reason to be rude or hateful to people because they are different. Dare to step out of your comfort zone... you may end up being surprised!
I did not know the picture I should use to refer clarity. I came up with this. The past few months have been difficult for me for various reasons. Most of it relating to a broken heart. Through it all I have gotten a little closer with God. I have become closer to friends that I care for. I have gotten to some pretty low moments... and found out how much inner strength I retain. I won't go into the sorted details of why I finally feel clarity. I will just let you know I am thankful for it. After months of struggling & soul searching... I have finally found some clarity. I know what I need to do. I know what I want. Both are important & need balance. Clarity is achieved in many ways... mine just happened to sneak up on me.
Bad things happen and set us off course in our life. Its important to realize that the cards we have been dealt in life may not be what we wanted, but it gives us an opportunity to learn & grow from it. If you stay positive & can achieve this... you will find clarity in your life.
Tonight I spent the evening with some good friends watching the Super Bowl. We spent the evening enjoying food, drinks, conversation, and football! (Also, puppies & commercials.) I may have blown through a bottle of wine tonight... I may have a food baby in my stomach at the moment... I may not be pretty in the morning. However, this evening was splendid. I am thankful for Super Bowl Sunday because it brings together friends & family. Though, we were all there for many reasons, its an unofficial holiday that brings together people to have a good time & typically enjoy some good grub! Who doesn't love that!?
If you are lucky enough to have the evening off on Super Bowl Sunday, get together at one of the various parties that evening & kick back & enjoy yourself. Eat some good food (Nom! Nom!) & enjoy time with your friends. Its these little moments that can make lasting memories.
Tonight I went to the movies with my friend, Joe. There were alot of people in the Downtown Disney area this evening. I realize that tourists in any location can be a bit annoying individuals. They take our parking spaces. They make lines longer. They never EVER know where they are going... and will usually risk sudden death by cutting across 5 lanes on the interstate to make an exit. Aside from the poor driving skills.. I realize I should be thankful for them. I work in the tourism industry with the Walt Disney Company. As much as these menial annoyances bother me sometimes, if it weren't for these individuals, I wouldn't have a job. I love my job. Therefor, I am thankful for tourists.
We all have been the "tourist" at some point in our life. Tourism is traveling for pleasure. We all travel at some point in our lives for pleasure. Even if that trip is to our favorite restaurant. Be thankful for the tourists that visit you. They provide the assets to keep our economy running. Its easy to get grumpy and cynical. If you step back, breathe, & look at the whole situation, you'll realize how far a level head & a little compassion can go.
Tonight after coming home from work, I found this message waiting for me on Facebook. My friend, Emily, had written me a message with some wonderful things to say. I met Emily a few years ago when I had first began my job. We had some great times together at work & off work. I am thankful this evening that I got reconnected with an old friend. Emily is one of those amazing people that emits this happy energy wherever she goes. She is a beautiful person, inside & out. Its difficult to not have a good time when this lovely girl is around. It brightened my day..(not that I was having a bad one).. to hear from her. Though we may not see one another anymore, its comforting to know that you made memories with someone & that they cherish them. Hopefully we will see one another someday in the future.
Be gracious of every friend you have. Friends come into our lives for many reasons. They help us along the way, to grow, laugh, love & much, much more. Though they may come in & out of our lives for various reasons, each friend we make along the journey through life was here for a reason... even if it was just to have someone to laugh with. Take time to reconnect with an old friend. Take a stroll down memory lane, relish in times past... and hold those memories dear to your heart. Love you, Emily! <3
I have pretty much finished unpacking at my new place. My bedroom is almost done. The main thing is its clean! I finished organizing it & cleaned it. Having a clean bedroom is so satisfying. I am thankful tonight I had a clean bedroom to come home to. For some people, a messy room works. There is nothing wrong with that. However, I take pride in a clean & organized bedroom.
If your life is feeling a bit cluttered, find serenity in a clean bedroom. If everything else seems messy & unkempt... at least you get to sleep in a room that is put together. Its a project for some people, but when you see the finished goal, you can take pride in a clean dwelling.
I am thankful for the moon in the sky above me. The moon is beautifully eerie. It shines high in the sky above us every evening. From a distance, it never seems to change. However, as we grow older, so does the moon. It remains majestic & beautiful as ever. I often spend evenings outside, whether going for a late night jog, or reading a book on the patio. I always gaze up at the moon as if its a dream that someday I will reach. I have always enjoyed the night sky, filled with the glow of the stars & the moon. So many things surround the moon. Themes of horror all the way to tales of romance. All are fun. All are right.
Be thankful for the little things in life. The moon might not seem like much, but its always there. Let that thought comfort you. Times may be tough, things may get bad, but if you stay strong & keep moving forward... you'll shine bright again. Take a moment to look up sometime, and appreciate the simplicity of life's little wonders.
