Wednesday Gratitude

live, laugh, love. This is today's motto.

Today I'm grateful for:

sunrises. While I may despise getting up at 5:45 A.M. I LOVE that I get to see the sunrise every morning. This morning’s sunrise was so intensely beautiful it made me cry. God may not have made that sunrise just for me, but he gave me the desire to look up, the ability to appreciate it and the skill to capture it.

Alien Hamsters. Roy had a GREAT morning. He puddled and piled outside in record time, he put on a production of "The Bone fights back" and he guarded me while I showered without falling in. My little dog adds fun, imagination, spirit and puppy love to my life. He makes remembering Misty less painful. This is our first Christmas without her. Lots of memories...

my man. He is here, he is with me, he loves me. Remembering that this is Patties first Christmas without her husband reminds me to be grateful for mine. I pray her peace and comfort while she navigates her way through the holidays. I hope 2010 brings joy & laughter back into her life in abundance. She has been without them far too long.

my in-laws. Every damn one of those crazy freaks. While others complain about theirs, I revel in mine. They love me as one of them and thanks to them, I am no longer an only child.

my boss. She slid me a Christmas card this morning and whispered "don't let anyone see this" It had a $50 bit of green plastic awesomeness in it. The gift card was nice, but when she said "You ARE my superhero. I could not run this place without you" I burst into tears like a big dork and hugged her neck. I'm one lucky superhero.

prayer. It does work. God answers us. Always. If you are a believer an think not, you may a) not know how to listen b) not like the answer c) not waited long enough. I'm still working on C. If you are a non-believer, it works for you too. You may not believe in God but he believes in you. Put it in the "What's it gonna hurt?" category and give it a try.

Kelly 1 being safely in TX and Kelly 2 being safely in Vegas. Thank you Lord for safe travel. Amen.

knowing exactly what I am, who I am, and being OK with it. I mean come on, what's not to love?

Shank telling me I'm down to 190.0 even. I'm down 6 full lbs during CHRISTMAS. Tell me this is not divine intervention. I freakin dare you. *munches more of the Christmas Diet cookies & white chocolate kisses*

Crock-Pot stew. I stuffed the pot last night, I plugged it in this morning. Tonight we have bubbly, warm, beefy stew w/ chunks of warm buttery bread for dinner. Remember those 6 lbs I lost? I bet they're in the stew...

feeling good. Today I AM the well balanced, calm, assertive pack leader. Life rocks.

the Christmas season. Once a year people slow down, take stock, feel, give and love. Instead of "Why can't we do it more?" or "You don't know the TRUE meaning of Christmas!" I choose to be grateful. If you yell at a man for only giving once a year and for the wrong reason, what the chance of him giving again? Or more?

my man smelling so good! I know, he put the aftershave on for his girlfriend but that bitch was not around so I got to sniff him all up. I forgot how good my baby can smell. *drools*

driving. Driver’s seat or passenger, driving is thrilling goodness. NO stomach ache is gonna get in my way this time!

My Wal-Mart angel. She rocks the tree

Wednesday Gratitude aka the Hamster Chronicles

Apparently yesterday's Mystery Date fresh from the Alien Hamster Transporter was *drum roll* Revenge Hamster.

Last evening the Hamster had his vet appointment. Once again he charmed all the ladies in the joint. The vet says he's a ChiPoodle, I say he's a hound. I left with a purse full of free treats for him and an offer of a Newer, smaller hamster cage. Before he could make his escape, I told the vet of Roy's recent booty scooting. He "examined" Roy's, well, yeah, that area and found a couple of swollen glands that needed to be squeezed. The vet handed Roy off to his ASSistant leaving me to wonder what the ASSistant did to piss the vet off and leaving Roy with an "I'll get you for this" look on his face. When assistant returned Roy, she looked much to perky for the job she was just required to do and Roy was subdued to say the least. The assistant stated Roy weighed in at a nice 5.6 lbs. I look at Roy, then back to the assistant, then back at Roy and asked him "You got rocks in your pockets?" and to the assistant "did you weigh the right dog?" I swear this hamster is a 2 lbs or less but the assistant assured me the weight was correct.

Once home Roy seemed to be just fine except he couldn't look me in the eye and hardly touched his dinner.  He managed to make his puddles and piles outside for the most part. Given his recent "exam" I let the small stuff slide for one night. He spent most of the evening sleeping on the couch with the man and I. No amount of petting and coaxing could rouse him......Until....about 2 A.M. When he barked for nearly 3 hours straight. Exacting his revenge for his earlier exam. *yawns*

The good news is he's smart enough to realize *yawns* Mommy is not exactly a morning person and on so little sleep it might behoove him to behave this morning. He dropped a load and marked several blades of grass in less than 5 minutes and played within eye-shot while I rode the stationary beast, though apparently his little blue pillow did something to piss him off. While I was on the bike Roy kept me entertained with his take on the WWF as he pounced on, body checked, head banged and barked at said pillow. There was also no underpant molestation this morning. He sat as usual on the edge of the garden tub making sure I didn't miss a spot while shaving. I will have to let him know that barking while Mommy is shaving may not be the best idea. I nearly sliced an artery. *yawns* He even let me say my prayers this morning. It could be the TREAT I had sitting on the end table. Whatever, I didn't get a hamster tongue up my nose or a run in my pantyhose so it's all good. *yawns*

Where was I? Oh, yeah...

Today I'm grateful for:

No snow in Florida. I remember snow. It looks pretty for the first 2 cups of coffee. Then it just means screwed up traffic, bored kids, wet dogs wet gloves wet hats wet snowsuits wet boots all for 5 minutes of play. Um, I'll pass and head to the beach. Thankyouverymuch

healthy hamsters. Though I think that assistant owes Roy dinner and a movie *yawns*

the Christmas Season. Even in a heat wave it "feels" like Christmas. All the freaks are decked out in their battery powered, flashy lit, spangly best. Oh, and I think 3 of Santa's elves threw up in my office. I dig it. My glass cage looks all festive and Steve is singing me Christmas songs.

*yawns* coffee. It's a hamster life saving device.

my man. He did NOT get up and strangle the hamster...or me

my boss. We are going green and the old timers don't like it. She is sticking to her guns. She rocks. I think I'll give her the superhero cape. She's earned it.

Sally. She purred for me this morning and made me feel awake enough to drive.

God. He blessed me with an extraordinary sky this morning and a small peek at the sun. Amongst my many blessings, these are at the top of my list today. Thanks Lord, I needed that.

Gratitude that's growing. Some read my list, some read my list off of those I've tagged, some make their own lists, some read THEIR list and so, on and so, on and so on. It's an awesome thing.

validation. Sometimes it comes from unexpected sources. That just increases it's magic healing powers.

family vacations. Looks like it's going to be just the 3 of us this year. I'll miss my favorite couple, but it opens up a whole realm of possibilities. Disney? Hawaii? Who knows. Time to go back to the free internets and poke around.

laughing at myself. Sometimes you just gotta

A very bad picture of my glass cage all decked out for Christmas

What can I say. It makes me happy.

Thursday Gratitude

*yawns*

My day started about 3:30 A.M. when Roy the humping hamster decided it was a grand time to play with the man's pants that were hanging off the edge of my hope chest. Oh, joy. Have you ever tried to find a dancing hamster on the floor of a pitch black room? The pathetic "squeak" told me I'd found him. I reach down to pick him up in the dark and he back away. Thus began my day.

In hopes of continuing on my sleep journey, so rare these days, I brought him into bed with me. Have you ever tried sleeping with a dancing hamster? It's all tongue and tail and little sharp teeth making contact with your fingers, lips, nose. *yawns* Eventually, he fell back asleep in such a position that his nose was directly in my breathing path. I spent the remainder of the night breathing in the scent of kibble and his flea shampoo. You know, I've heard tell that hamster tastes like chicken. Well Roy boy is very lucky I didn't glean first hand knowledge of that. I was simply to exhausted.

I swear to you, it was no more than 33 1/2 seconds later, the alarm went off and once again, the hamster began to dance. I dragged my tired, fluffy ass out of bed with one thought on my mind "today I get coffee!". However, I need to get stabbed. To get stabbed, I have to fast *grumbles, groans, shakes off the hamster humping my leg* I will get my coffee but it will have to wait till after my blood work. I am DETERMINED to be in the lab no later than 6:30 A.M. I will NOT go through this again. So, I pry the hamster off my leg....again, and put him down to eat. I've spent a good deal of the night listening to his little tummy grumble so I KNOW he has to be hungry. NOPE, the hamster dashes off to play with the puppy in the dishwasher. For just a second, I hope the puppy in the dishwasher wins. Hey! It was only for a second!

So, with no water and no kibble, I try taking Roy the Boy for a walk. It went something like this *step, step, back out of color, dart for the door, whimper, grab, shove back in color, try again* Mind you, I'm barefoot and it's still dark out. After about the 7th time of chasing him back to the house I lost my cool. I snatched him up a bit too rough, held him at eye level and yelled that I was the boss. Um, yeah, he licked me IN the nose and wagged his tail. I'll ask you, have you ever felt a hamster guilt trip? I wouldn't recommend it. So, I do what any self respecting Roy Mom would do. I cried Uncle and deposited him in the Pixies bed. He's her problem now. Well, at least till she leaves for school. She has strict instructions on hamster handling.

I did manage to get stabbed and make it to work on time. There, the boss already had the coffee brewing. *insert angels singing* All is now right with the world, I am filled with yellow, I am also filled with remorse for yelling at a defenseless hamster. After all, I spent the last 6 months campaigning for him, wishing for him, begging grateful for him in the future. It's day 2 of a very long haul. I'll blame it on the fasting and move on. Today, I'll eat my weight in apples and lettuce and take him for a walk when I get home. I plan on buying a harness. One guaranteed against hamster escape.

Today I'm grateful for:

COFFEE! I grabbed a cup and sucked it down speaking like Gollum. "Ah, my precious! Precious is MINE!" Yes, I know coffee is not considered "raw" Screw it. I'm drinkin coffee. Skinny Granny said I could.

lack of firsthand knowledge. Don't ask me if hamsters taste like chicken. I don't know

fruit. Thus far I have eaten my weight in pineapple, strawberries and oranges. Lunch is a lovely mix of romaine lettuce, mushrooms, tomatoes and for a dressing? Lime juice. After a day of water, this is a feast!

faith that Roy forgives me and I will be greeted with a happy hamster dance when I get home. I can't wait! My life has been lacking since May.

the man's claim to being a "light" sleeper. Um, babe, last night that gave me a giggle. I'm glad you slept well. It makes my nocturnal adventure worth it. Oh, and I got to keep all the Roy kisses for myself. As you know, I don't like to share my toys.

Shank. This morning he told me I now weigh 190. A 2 lb loss from Tuesday when I last weighed in. Not as much as I'd hoped but it's a loss not a gain so I win. Skinny Granny here I come!

not sporking the bio-hazard guy. Dude, you can NOT tell me at 9:15 P.M that the call I sent you on at 11:00 A.M is uninhabitable and ask me what to do with the elderly gentlemen that lives there! This is information I need DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS when I can reach the owner who lives in FRANCE if he wants to cover lodging for said elderly gentlemen. Not, at 9:14 P.M. I suggest you call your wife and tell her you'll be having a slumber party cuz I have no option but to break out my personal credit card and put him up in a hotel. Um, I like being married so I'll pass on that. Tag, your it. (not to worry, Mr. Douraghy found lodging with a kind neighbor. Funny how a "no other option" turns into an "I can manage" when it's no longer someone else’s problem.)

surviving the water fast. I ate NO food from 8 P.M. on Tuesday (and that was only a slice of wheat toast & a bowl of cereal w/ rice milk) till 8 A.M. this morning when I stuffed my face into a bowl of strawberries and pineapple. I did however cheat. I drank 2 cups of coffee and 2 cups of Chi Tea. I made it to 6 P.M. That's a victory in my book. Any diet that considers coffee and tea cheating is lame anyway....Oh don't look at me in that tone of voice. *sulks*

Roy the Boy. Even with his nocturnal adventures I love that sweet little puppy. He is a freak, he is an odd duck, he is a humping hamster and I love him. He has big paws to fill but I know he can.

patience. God has sent Roy to teach me this lesson. Thus far I think it's going well....BWAHAHAHAHA sorry, just couldn't keep a straight face. I am a work in progress. Roy will let you know how I'm doing in a few months.

my list. In the writing of this list I was able to find the humor in my trials and find the positive perspective. My heart is lighter and I am happier. That or I'm on a coffee high. Either way, I'll take it.

Roy the Boy sleeping on the job

Thursday Gratitude

finding comfort in the grey


Day 5 of grey and I'm doing OK. Usually I can manage to maintain the yellow for a few grey days but then Ms. Shankabitch starts gnawing on her duct tape leash. Today however, I'm finding it comfortable. There is a slight chill in the air and I'm able to let my favorite black jacket swallow me and hide all the fluffy bits. I feel calm and kinda sleepy. Not the exhausted, unable to function kind of sleepy, but the rainy day, snuggled in the covers kinda sleepy. It's nice and it's comforting. Like a sustained hug from the Universe. I'll make comfort the theme of the day. It's a much nicer theme than the "It's freaking raining again and I'm not happy about it" theme.

Today I'm grateful for:

Rain. Without it life would be mighty scarce.

Shades of grey. Not just in the weather but in life. When I was young I thought so much was black and white. In my arrogance and ignorance I demanded strict adherence to my rules and ideals. Then came relationships, children, life lessons and the softened focus of age. I get it now. There are very few absolutes but I try not to dwell on them. I think it's a much softer and kinder way to live.

my mom calling me for a dose of sunshine. *ponders* I'm my mom's sunshine...that's awesome dude.

the sound of my mom's voice this morning. She sounded happy. Her voice had that tone, like liquid laughter, I remember as a kid. When mom said good morning to me in the kitchen with that voice, I knew it was going to be a good day. Those were the days we played hooky and went for Mexican. Those were the days I got my ears pierced. Those were the days we stuffed our mouth full of saltines and tried not to giggle. Those were the days I got to help her in the kitchen. Hearing it this morning warmed me more than my favorite black jacket.

the possibilities of puppy love.

day 4 and the new way is holding firm. Mini-goals are being completed, routines are being adhered to, attitudes remain adjusted and I'm walking like a big girl. Feels kinda...spiffy

Shank. I think I scared him, the poor little thing. This morning he just could not make up his mind how much I weighed. First time I weighed in he said I was 192.4. I got so excited I thought I may have read it wrong. After all, that would mean a full pound off since yesterday. So I tried again. This time he said 193.4. *sighs* This is the same weight as yesterday. Before reaching for the sledge hammer I decided to check again. 193.0 WTH? Dude, make up your mind please. I tried again 193.0 OK, I got 193.0 twice in a row. I'm sticking with that. At least that means a .4 oz weight loss. I also think I need to lay off the threats for bit.

My man. He loves me. Not only does he put up with all my crap but he does so with grace, humor and patience. God is the foundation of my life, gratitude are the doors and windows but my man is my home. The fact that he is just so freaking yummy, particularly in his chocolate brown golf shirt is merely a bonus.

Mustang Sally. This morning her pretty blue dash lights, her red crystal heart and her kick ass speakers were all the sunshine I needed on this dreary Thursday morning.

Steve, my little lime green bit of electronic awesomeness. Currently he is singing me "somewhere over the rainbow" Seems appropriate on this grey, comfort themed day. Bet he plays something like Pearl Jam's "Evenflow" next. He's good like that.

the stationary beast. I mounted, I kicked it's ass, I won.

coffee. On morning like this, coffee is life. Coffee is consciousness. Coffee is comfort. Not that fancy dancy crap either. Just a good cup of office brewed Maxwell house. 1 tsp non-dairy creamer, 1 pk Purevia, hot as hell. *sips* Ahhhhhh, Perfect.

That's all for today. Leave me to play with the freaks, wrapped in my favorite black jacket, humming "Oh happy day" along with Steve, while sipping coffee. Thursday is turning out to be my favorite day of the week.

Through the grey peeks the sun. I took this in Pixie Park on a day

we were in a severe storm watch.