It’s November, y’all.
November means… gearing up for holiday craziness. For me it also means writing term papers and frantically grading all my student’s final essays so I can make it to Christmas break as quickly as possible. This year, it also includes preparing for a trip to Australia and a Christmas wedding.
Even though this
season can feel incredibly stressful at times, I have come to realize that it’s no excuse
to stop being thankful for the MANY ways my life is blessed. Sometimes when I
get too grumpy or negative, my amazing husband, Micah {although I never think
he is amazing right when he calls me out on my negative attitude…} makes me
stop and say ten things I’m thankful for. He honestly won’t let me finish my
task until he has heard ten legitimate “I’m thankful for…” phrases
come out of my mouth. Good man. It has seriously changed my overall attitude
when life doesn’t seem to be going my way. So today, in the midst of the
oh-my-goodness-it’s-November-that-means-it’s-almost-Christmas-all-I-want-to-do-is-sleep
feeling that is in the air, here are TEN things that I am thankful for..
season can feel incredibly stressful at times, I have come to realize that it’s no excuse
to stop being thankful for the MANY ways my life is blessed. Sometimes when I
get too grumpy or negative, my amazing husband, Micah {although I never think
he is amazing right when he calls me out on my negative attitude…} makes me
stop and say ten things I’m thankful for. He honestly won’t let me finish my
task until he has heard ten legitimate “I’m thankful for…” phrases
come out of my mouth. Good man. It has seriously changed my overall attitude
when life doesn’t seem to be going my way. So today, in the midst of the
oh-my-goodness-it’s-November-that-means-it’s-almost-Christmas-all-I-want-to-do-is-sleep
feeling that is in the air, here are TEN things that I am thankful for..
{1} Laundry
Yes, laundry. Even
though I hate when laundry piles up, it reminds me that I have soooo many
clean, warm, and stylish clothes to wear each day. Many do not have this
luxury. And I only let myself watch TV while I’m folding, so it’s a double blessing really. Hello catching up on Parenthood!
though I hate when laundry piles up, it reminds me that I have soooo many
clean, warm, and stylish clothes to wear each day. Many do not have this
luxury. And I only let myself watch TV while I’m folding, so it’s a double blessing really. Hello catching up on Parenthood!
{2} Legs
Even when I don’t feel
like working out because I don’t have the time or I want to quit halfway
through a run because I am tired, I remember that I am not entitled to my
legs. Not everyone has the ability to walk or run. I try not to take my healthy legs and feet for granted.
like working out because I don’t have the time or I want to quit halfway
through a run because I am tired, I remember that I am not entitled to my
legs. Not everyone has the ability to walk or run. I try not to take my healthy legs and feet for granted.
{3} My favorite appliance
I happen to be blessed with an at-home espresso machine. Best wedding gift ever. This machine and I are pretty much best
friends every morning when I make myself a delicious latte. Come over, and I’ll make you a tasty caffeinated beverage!
friends every morning when I make myself a delicious latte. Come over, and I’ll make you a tasty caffeinated beverage!
{4} Books
Even though I usually feel pretty beat up by school at this point every semester {papers to grade and papers
to write is never a good combination}, I am so thankful to be a college
instructor and to be getting my PhD {a lifelong dream} at the same time!
to write is never a good combination}, I am so thankful to be a college
instructor and to be getting my PhD {a lifelong dream} at the same time!
{5} My iPhone
Although smart phones have become widespread, I am not really entitled to an iPhone. But I love mine and it makes my life so much easier. We are about to celebrate our one year anniversary next month. I love Phoebe {that’s her name…}!
{6} Writing
I know I’ve been blessed with the ability to write well, and I don’t ever want to take it for granted. Whether it’s a scholarly paper, a blog post, or a note of encouragement to a friend, I hope I always use my gift for God’s glory.
{7} Online Marketplaces
I know this one is random, but seriously, isn’t it rad that we can buy and sell things online? I sell books on Amazon, furniture on Craigslist, and a variety of things on eBay. I also buy all my books for school online and an assortment of household goods and gifts as well. I buy my jewelry from Etsy and other online shops as I support my crafty-mama-friends who work from home by selling handmade goods. I love the Internet!
Currently selling… Micah’s Dell on eBay. Because who needs a PC from 2004 collecting dust on their desk?
{8} Weekend Getaways
Yes, big vacations are fun, but sometimes the best trips are the three day weekend getaways. I love going to San Diego for the weekend or escaping up to the mountains of Arizona to go camping in Sedona or Payson. There is just something so restful about spending a few days away without having to pack a whole suitcase or deal with airport security.
La Jolla
{9} The Guest Bathroom
I’m not a crazy, creative DIYer by any means, and since we know we will only be living in our current house for another year or so, I must admit it’s not decorated the way I want it. It’s cozy and cute enough, but there are a lot of blank walls and empty spaces. However, I officially completed the guest bathroom the summer, meaning I think it’s cute and well-decorated and don’t imagine adding anything new to it during our time here. Yay for one completed room in the house! {And I’m extra thankful for the free candle holders I got from a friend’s giveaway pile that were the finishing touch I had been looking for!}
{10} This guy
My sweet husband is the
one who taught me to play “ten things” in the first place. He is so
great at encouraging me to live life with a thankful heart!
one who taught me to play “ten things” in the first place. He is so
great at encouraging me to live life with a thankful heart!
Now it’s your turn, friends. What are you
thankful for today?
Happy Thanksgiving week!
thankful for today?
Happy Thanksgiving week!
|Linking up with Rouge and Whimsy / Wild and Precious|
Love this post! So many great things to be thankful for.
such a creative way to write about the things you're thankful for! I loved reading it š
That's a great idea. I think I'm going to bring this up to Scott and suggest he do the same. I tend to be the more positive one, so maybe he can use the ten things to reflect on and be thankful for!
I love this.
I am also thankful for your guest bathroom. I am in the process of updating mine and have been stuck in a bit of a rut when it comes to exactly what I want on my walls. My bathroom doesn't have a hand towel hook/rack. That's exactly what it's missing! Thanks š
I LOVED your list and agree with so many!
of course as I ran this a.m. I was huffing and puffing– but it is pretty incredible that I have strong legs.
Also, your husband sounds a lot like mine– making me say good things that happened in my day. š
weekend getaways are simply the best!
xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode
What a creative hubby you have! š Let's see… this week I am thankful for being able to work from home so I can blog, do my laundry and listen for the phone to ring all at the same time!
clean laundry really brightens my day, especially when it is finally put away! š And nothing beats a weekend getaway!
I love that you name your iphone – I name my sewing machines (ellie and bernie)
Great list, as an Etsy seller, I love that you included online marketplaces. Woot! Happy Thanksgiving, so happy to link up with you!
I love those little vanilla bean scones! Today I'm most thankful for a clean house. Thanks to myself for doing it! š
So funny to say legs. They are so easily overlooked and taken for granted.
Thanks for linking up! :] xo JA
You know you really, truly broke it all down beautifully. So many things to be thankful for.
Aloha Sweet Friend,
I'm stopping by from Casey's little linky list to personally invite you to join me for An Aloha Affair.
It's a sweet gathering of creative souls and a sharing of all the wonderful work we do. I'd love it if you'd join us, you know if you're wanting to take a little shopping break with sweet friends.
xo,
Nicole
localsugarhawaii.com