This evening I went on a date. I had a lovely evening. While going for a walk on my date... we ran across this graffiti on the sidewalk. Now, I am not jumping the gun saying this "love" was meant for the person I was with, nor am I arguing it. I think the universe was just reminding me I have love all around me. Sometimes there are signs all around us telling us what path to take. Sometimes they can be very obvious, but sometimes we must open our eyes a bit more to really see where our path is leading. I am thankful for signs. They remind us to be hopeful. They send us in the direction of our next journey in life. You must keep your eyes open for the signs the universe is sending you.
Our lives can get very busy & we will get too preoccupied to see the signs that the universe is sending us. Keep your eyes open... but you must keep your heart open as well. If you look & listen, think clearly & open up your heart, then you will see signs all around you.
Today I enjoyed listening to my favorite movie score. No, this score is not referring to any type of sporting event. I am talking about the musical score you find in movies or plays. This one in particular is from one of my favorite romantic comedies, The Holiday. The music depicts human emotion so perfectly through the orchestrated music in the movie. I am thankful for scores. The make a movie so much more than what it actually is. Imagine Jaws without that "Bah-Dum" or when Jack & Rose make love in Titanic without that passionate music playing.
I believe we all have a score. Go out & figure out what your score would sound like if you had one. Also, next time you are watching your favorite movie, listen closely to the music & appreciate the beautiful score that was created for that film.
I had a long day of work today. I also jogged for about 5 & a half miles, then lifted weights. Needless to say, I was worn out. I was having trouble sleeping, so I ended up going for another jog to clear my head. After I got back home, I made a hot bath to soak in for a bit before bed. After drawing the bath, I layed in there & just enjoyed the warm water & placed a hot washcloth over my face. I am thankful for a hot bath. Most adults tend to take showers, but a bath can be nice every once in a while when you are not in any hurry. They are relaxing & seem to soothe the soul.
Enjoy yourself a nice hot bath one evening. Have a glass of wine & put some candles out, too, if you wanna add a little more pizazz to the experience. A hot bath may be just what you need to relax your stressful day & get a good nights rest!
Today we had a cookout at work. We grilled chicken, ribs, burgers & hot-dogs. Other people brought in snacks, sides & desserts for everyone to enjoy. I am thankful for cookouts. They seem to bring people together as a group; whether that being families, friends or coworkers. People share good conversation over some delicious grilled food & it often just brings moral up to have a gathering with any type of food involved.
Get together with some people & have a cookout sometime. Share some good grub & let the conversations flow. Everyone loves to eat. Cookouts are a perfect way to spend a nice summer day with people you care about!
Today I went to Blizzard Beach with Joe. It was a bit nippy for an April afternoon. However this made it great for wait times for all the slides... we pretty much walked right onto every one of them. In between we were sprinting for sunshine in the shady parts of the walkways. I am thankful for water parks. They provide the excitement of a thrill ride combined with water! On a warm summer day, water parks are a blast. The great thing about most of them is, if you get worn out, you can always find a sunny or shady place to lay down & rest. Joe & I ended our afternoon at the water park by drying off laying in the sun.
If you have an opportunity to go to a water park, take it! I know most people don't have the convenience of living in an area full of water & theme parks... but if you get a chance to visit one, enjoy yourself a day splashing around!
Tonight while grocery shopping I decided to pick up a pie. It was on sale... and its hard to turn down Publix baked goods as it is. The pie was a chocolate fudge cream pie... Yum! Growing up in the south, pie's are a common thing for any occasion. The most popular being pecan pie. I didn't like pecan's when I was little, so I would sneak into the kitchen while the pie was cooling off & pinch the crust off. My favorite pie is peanut butter pie. I usually top it with a chocolate drizzle. I am thankful for pie's... they are sweet & are a perfect dessert to serve for a party.
There are many different type's & flavors' of pie. Many of which can be found at your local grocery store or bakery. Look up a recipe & find one that sounds good. Whip a pie together yourself & enjoy a slice! We all deserve a lil' treat sometime & pie is the perfect piece of heaven to sustain a good mood!
Who can say they don't have a favorite pair of jeans? Jeans are always a great choice for casual fun. They pair well with almost any other article of clothing. I know I have my favorite pair of jeans that no matter what my mood that day, they always make me feel good about how I look. Jeans come in many different fits & washes to suit any style or mood. I am thankful for jeans... I can wear them casually to hang out with friends one evening, or dress them up a bit with more formal attire.
Jeans are like comfort food. For many people, they are just comfy & effectively make the person wearing them feel that way. Go ahead & throw on your favorite pair of jeans, dance around & be thankful for your "comfort clothing".
Tonight I had some Buffalo Chicken Dip that I whipped up together myself. Its such an easy thing to throw together & is always a crowd pleaser. If you ever need to just sustain the munchies or need something to nibble on chips & dips are a great way to do so! If there is a party or get-together this is a cheap & easy way to please everyone. There are so many dips & salsas to choose from that can suit any palate. I actually make a very tasty summer salsa with fruit, too! I am thankful for this quaint lil' munchable treat!
I find my favorite times to munch on chips & dip is when watching TV or a movie at home. Though, this can also be a dangerous thing, because its so yummy, you loose track of how much you ate while watching! Go ahead & treat your munchies to some good chips & dip sometime!
I live in Florida. Owning flip-flop's is a must. Even better... flip-flop's can go with about anything. They can be paired up with shorts, jeans, or a swimsuit or bikini. When the thermostat is reaching the 90's & above... I am most thankful for flip-flop's! Summertime in Florida, most resident's become near nudists. There are many summer days where the heat index reaches highs over 100. Days like that you will find a good majority of Floridians in flip-flops. Flip-flops are fun, they can be stylish & keep your pups cool in the heat!
Take out those flip-flop's and slip em' on for the upcoming summer heat! Pair them up with whatever outfit you are wearing. Flip & flop wherever you are going & enjoy your cute footwear!
I love anytime I get to walk around barefoot. When I'm at home, I am always barefoot. Walking on the beach is probably the best feeling when barefoot. I am thankful for any opportunity I have to be barefoot. Growing up in Alabama, I spent alot of time running around barefoot. Playing on the weekends was always fun. I suppose being barefoot also is just very liberating. It gives you a sense freedom.
Some people don't like going around barefoot. By no means am I saying to do it all the time. God knows there are some people with some jacked up toes. That aside, spend an evening at home barefoot. Or go for a walk barefoot as well. You may find it to be fun!
Today I decided to get a little creative in the kitchen when making a sandwich for lunch. I began with some whole wheat toast. Then I spread some peanut butter on the bread. Next, I drizzled some honey across the sandwich. Lastly, I sprinkled a bit of powdered sugar. No idea where this idea came from... none the less, the sandwich was actually pretty good! I am thankful for sandwiches. There are many kinds of sandwiches out there to try. I am most thankful for them for the value & convenience they can be when preparing a lunch for work.
Next time you are making yourself a sandwich, just remember how blessed you are. A sandwich may seem like nothing, but even something as meager as it, is a feast to others. There's no reason you shouldn't enjoy it, just be gracious you have it! Also, sandwiches can be fun, so go get creative in the kitchen one day & see if you can come up with a fun sandwich of your own!
Today I went grocery shopping & bought some cheese. I don't know many people in life that do not like cheese... it just so damn good. I am so thankful for cheese. It can go on about anything. I mean, can you imagine a world without cheese? Pizza, pasta, burgers... they would never be the same. Cheese is good just by itself. Its great for snacking & luckily it is included in your daily diet to eat a little bit of cheese. Cheese, like many other foods, should be eaten with restraint.. too much can have you either bloated, or worse having the dreaded "cottage cheese" ass.
Enjoy an evening at home with some wine & cheese. Order your favorite pizza with a little extra cheese on top. Try new cheeses, too. There are many different kinds to enjoy!
Tonight I went to see "Blue Like Jazz" with Joe at the cinema. The movie was a very thought-provoking film. I appreciate movies or books that challenge me to think. This film wasn't anything spectacular, but it certainly opens your eyes up a bit & help you to get the gears going in your brain. Personally, I always like to believe I think outside of the box & try my best to think of things from all perspectives. I am thankful for anything that can challenge me to think more... to open up my mind to new ideas & knowledge. Its very easy to fall into line & do as every one else does, but if you can push harder & challenge yourself, you should be content with the outcome.
Don't ever be afraid of a challenge to think further than what your eyes can see. Spend an evening with friends & have a heated debate about some of the current topics. Stay at home one evening & open up your mind to new ideas & broaden your horizon. Always remember with knowledge comes power & with that power comes responsibility.
Tonight after work I went to get some dinner & 2 for 1 drinks with Joe at Chili's! I had the strawberry margarita's & Joe had the Sam Adams summer ale. We often are given an opportunity to buy one, get one free or "Bogo" as some people refer. I am thankful for the opportunity to bogo in any setting... However, when it comes to margarita's, I am quite satisfied!
You can find a bogo deal when shopping for clothing or shoes, or when you are shopping for you r groceries for the week. You can even find bogo deals on alcohol! When you find an opportunity to take advantage of a bogo deal, don't pass it up. Life is too short to second guess yourself!
Living here in Florida we sometimes overlook the fact that there are palm tree's everywhere. I remember the feeling that I used to get as a child when driving to Florida & as we reached the state line seeing that first palm tree. It was a symbol of many things... vacation, relaxation, fun, and warm sunny beaches! I am thankful for palm tree's. They bring a sense of happiness within me.
If your in a place where you see palm tree's often, be sure to take a look sometime & realize what they mean to you. Be thankful for the beautiful scenery they provide or the cool shade they can give on the beach. When you visit somewhere with palm tree's, remember the nostalgia they bring for the next time you see one.
Today I woke up at 7 a.m. to get ready for work. I clocked in at 8 a.m. to begin my day of work. I had my regular Thursday shift as usual, however, I picked up some overtime, extending my day until 10:45 p.m. Needless to say, I made some good overtime today. I am thankful for the opportunity to have overtime at all! Some people are struggling just to find a job in this economy, so no matter how tedious or exhausting a day of overtime may seem, I remind myself I am very blessed.
Overtime is great when you need a few extra bucks to pay for something, or to plan ahead for the future, adding to the piggy bank. When you have an opportunity to make some, grab it sometime. You don't have to always do it... you should enjoy some rest as well. However, nothing is free in life, so we must work hard for what we want!
Today I enjoyed a day of work. I am lucky enough to be a part of a few of the shows here on Walt Disney World property. I didn't grow up seeing many stage shows in rural Alabama. However, I have broadened my horizons & have found a love for the theatre. I get goosebumps almost every time the music starts & that red curtain goes up before a show. Seeing a show is an experience that every person should have. There is something truly magical about the emotions expressed through the acting, dance, & song on a stage. I am thankful for the amazing presence a show can bring into life. Shows can take you away for a moment from the monotony of everyday to experience something magical.
Take an evening to go out & see a show at the theatre. Plan a trip to New York even... go see a show on Broadway! You can even support your local schools & see one of the shows or productions they have. Whatever show you go see, relax & enjoy yourself. Let yourself be enveloped with the performance before you!
Today I had a safety meeting at work. I have become very adamant over the past few years about safety at work. Safety is important anywhere you go. There are traffic lights & stop signs to maintain our safety on the highways. There are helmets to protect our head from being injured while riding a bike. Even condoms are there to keep sex safe, to prevent the transmission of STD's. I am thankful for safety... it keeps us protected from harm in many ways. Sometimes safety may seem pointless or lame... However, when you get a pricey hospital bill for a broken arm & you are unable to work for a month, you may see otherwise.
Be sure to do your best to maintain a safe lifestyle. Its fun to be extreme sometimes, and by no means should you live inside a bubble. Just be safe & aware of your actions & how they effect you & others. Think first, then act.
Oh, child... you know I love some fried chicken! This stuff is awful for you... but it tastes so good. I might as well just staple this chicken breast to my ass...lol. Having fried chicken too often will lead to some poor health conditions. However, you should allow yourself some comfort food every now & then. Fried chicken reminds me of home... which would be sweet home Alabama. I am thankful for fried chicken, it tastes fantastic & makes me feel all warm & happy inside.
Go ahead, make a stop at the colonel & get some fried chicken. Ain't nothing wrong with letting yourself have a little splurge from a diet every so often. Just be sure not to make a habit of it!
I have been an avid Marvel fan as long as I can recall. I adore many of the superheroes they have created over the years. Needless to say, I am quite ecstatic about this summers upcoming blockbuster, The Avengers! Superheroes are generally pictured as a people who fight for the good of humanity. A superhero may soar through the sky, have incredible strength, be able to command the forces of nature, or even become invisible. We look up to superheroes & idolize them. They are amazing individuals with the power to make a difference in the world for those who need help. A superhero doesn't have to have a power, however. There are many who just hone their abilities to enforce justice just as well! I am thankful for superheroes. They inspire us to be better human beings & to make a difference in this world!
Whenever you're watching your favorite superhero movie, look at the things you idolize about that hero. Take in the traits & qualities they carry & see if you can apply it to your own life. Challenge yourself to be your own superhero by making a difference in this world!
Today I woke up early to get some cleaning done around the house. I didn't have t work til later in the afternoon. After I got some work done, I decided to take a nap with Duchess. My lil' girl loves napping. I am thankful for a good nap. When the stress of your day becomes overwhelming, you can always take a nap. Having an afternoon nap can feel so great. For me, it feels even better on a day off. Waking up & having a good breakfast then going for a jog. Getting my errands & chores done. Then having a nice lunch followed by a relaxing nap! That nap can be just the recharge you need to tackle the rest of the day.
I'm aware that taking a nap isn't always the most convenient thing. Sometimes the busy day doesn't even allow us for a single moment of free time. That's why you should relish those afternoons when you get a nice, relaxing nap!
This morning I had some homemade whole grain bread. I topped it off with some creamy, honey-whip butter. I love bread. It can become fattening if you eat too much of it, since it has alot of carbs. However, bread is an important part of our daily diet. There are so many delicious kinds of bread to enjoy. You can have a muffin or cupcake to nibble on. Having toast is always a nice way to compliment your breakfast. Hot dogs & hamburgers wouldn't be the same if we didn't have a yummy bun to put them on. The list could go on & on... I am thankful for bread. It fits in any setting, and can be good for just nibbling.
Enjoy some buttery biscuits for breakfast one morning. Compliment your dinner with a good baguette. Whatever your fancy may be, enjoy some bread... and by enjoy, I mean, eat it & don't think about the carbs or anything. Just enjoy yourself!
It is extremely busy right now here during spring break in Florida. Needless to say, anywhere you go, parking is a bit of a hassle. Today I came into work expecting to spend alot of time having to search for a parking spot, not just a good one. Luckily, I found one right near the front of the lot! I often say that its the little things in life that bring me joy... with that said, today I am thankful for a good parking spot! If I begin my day at work with a good parking spot, I already know that things are shaping up well for the day.
Don't ever take the little things in life that bring you joy for granted. If you are out for dinner, going to the mall, shopping for groceries, or just going to work... be gracious for a good parking spot! It may not seem like much, but if you let yourself feel joy from the little things, imagine how great everything else will seem!
Each & every day this year I am taking picture's of things that I am thankful for. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I would have to agree with that. Pictures are memories that we capture & keep with us for the rest of time. Its hard to imagine how we would remember many things without having the visual aids provided to us from pictures. Pictures can fill us with so many emotions. Looking at that picture of a former pet can bring on sadness, or a picture of childhood can bring on some grand nostalgia. I am thankful for pictures... they keep my loved ones close when they cannot be nearby & remind me of the great moments I've lived in my life.
Be sure to always have a camera handy for life's important moments. Take pictures whenever you have the chance. On the other hand, don't take too many pictures to the point where you aren't able to enjoy the moments you're taking pictures of. Cherish the captured memories you've shared with all the special people in your life.
Tonight I watched "Madea Goes To Jail" with a friend. Who doesn't enjoy a good laugh? I always have enjoyed Tyler Perry's films, especially the ones that feature Madea. I had a fun evening filled with laughs while watching this film. Comedy is everywhere around us. You can watch it in movies & TV. You could go see your favorite comedian. Comedy is any moment in life where someone or something makes you laugh. I am thankful for comedy & the laughter it brings.
You should never take life too seriously. Enjoy some laughs with your friends. Watch a funny movie or tell some funny jokes. Don't be too serious about life, for you might find yourself missing all the comedy around you everyday. I guarantee if you open up your eyes and just watch the world, you'll find yourself laughing at the comedy it can bring.
Today I was downtown, so I decided to drop by & say hello to my favorite pup in the whole wide world! I went out for a walk with Connor again. It was quite a hot day. We played around for a bit. I sat down after some wrestling around in the grass with this guy. We found our favorite bench that was thankfully covered in shade from the tree behind it. I am thankful for shade, especially on a hot day! I sat for a bit & read my book while Connor rested by my feet.
If its in the dead of summer & the thermometer is near that "cartoon-like" explosion... shade is your best friend. It won't turn down the temperature, but it will provide some much needed comfort away from the sun. Take a day to find a cozy spot to sit in the shade & enjoy the outdoors!
Today I went for a jog at Coronado Springs Resort. It was my first time jogging there. Its one of my favorite Disney resorts. So there was no question that I would enjoy my jog there. I love the architecture & scenery themed here. While out for my jog, I really took in the scenery all around me. The sandy beaches, the vibrant green grass, palm tree's swaying in the breeze. The pool has a giant Aztec themed temple with water cascading down it. There are dozens of flowers delicately detailed throughout the walkways. I am thankful for such uplifting scenery. We all get busy with our everyday lives & can sometimes forget to take in the scenery.
When you are out living your daily life, be sure to never get too busy to appreciate & be thankful for the scenery around you. Sometimes the scenery isn't as pretty, but be thankful for even the crappy scenery! That crappy stuff will make you appreciate the beauty around you even more!
Tonight I spent the evening in the Magic Kingdom. I love evenings in general, but they are even more magical at the "happiest place on earth". Ever since I was little, I've always found myself looking to the stars & heavens above. Nighttime can have a cool eeriness or the twinkle of romance. I am thankful for the night. It brings us many beautiful things to experience. Without it, we wouldn't see the flitter of fireflies, the radiant burst of fireworks, or even the glow of the moon. Don't ever take these little things for granted.
Be sure to take a moment to appreciate the little things, like nightfall. They may seem mundane... but with out the night, we wouldn't have so many great things. Take an evening to really bask in the joy that nighttime can bring! You will find yourself with a new appreciation for the night!
Tonight I ordered some pizza! I found a movie to watch on Netflix & enjoyed my cheesy pizza! Let's be honest, who doesn't love being catered to? I got to stay in my pregnancy pants without leaving the comfort of my own home! Hazzah! I am thankful for delivery. It provides us with some convenience when we are either too busy or too lazy. Today was more of being too lazy on my part.
Go ahead & order that Chinese food. Call in a large pepperoni pizza. We all deserve to be catered to every so often. Put on your PJ's, pop in a movie, and enjoy your delivery!
Who doesn't love a good deal? Today I got the good ole' "Buy 1, Get 1 Free" deal at Chik-Fil-A. Sometimes we must search around for good deals when we are trying to save on funds. I bought a chicken sandwich combo. I had one for dinner & the other became lunch for the following day. I am thankful for good deals where I can find them. I always keep a sharp eye out when I'm shopping at the grocery store for my food for the week. You can find good deals on almost anything, not just food. You just have to be aware of them when they're around.
Be sure not to pass up a good deal when you see one. If you can do a decent job at saving your money by finding some good deals, you can splurge on yourself on a later date!
