Happy & grateful thread

[colleency]

I'm having some hard times in my life right now. I can't even open the threads asking for help, because I can't take more emotionally.

What better time for a happy and grateful thread?

I am grateful that I am at a point in my life where a flat tire doesn't cause me anxiety over how to pay for it. Just buy two new tires and move on.

I am incredibly grateful for my DH. I don't know what I would do without him, messy as he is. :D

I'm happy that there's a puppy store near the food court where I sometimes buy lunch. Seeing the baby dogs makes me feel happy.

I'm grateful for yoga, which helps me excercise, find calm, and manage my asthma.

I'm happy that I live in CA, because my friend has been bringing me sweet strawberries from a stand near his house.

[Robyn1007]

(((Colleen))) I'm sorry you're having a rough time right now. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

I'm grateful for a fantastic job with bosses I love.

For the kiddos I get to coach on the weekends and provide me so much amusement.

For having the weekend off from coaching so I can catch up on my sleep. ;) :p

For my family including my parents, aunts and uncles and cousins. They all are a huge part of my life and I don't think I'd manage without them.

And in the spirit of my dr appointment this afternoon I am thankful that I have a very thorough and kind doctor that I trust to listen to me and take my thoughts and fears into consideration.

And of course, I am grateful to have this BB. :D

[Laura]

I too am having a fair amount of upheaval in my life, but need to focus on the good.

I am greatful that my DD is doing well in France, understanding the language quite well and speaking it better than she had hoped all while making good choices about the amount of partying that goes on there with the HS kids.

I am greatful that DS is starting to do better in school and got his braces off today which stops the payments.

My father is continuing to do well living on his own at 94.

[LakeMartinGal]

I'm grateful for a DH who loves me, and puts up with my foibles (as I do with his, although sometimes with less grace).

I'm grateful for 1 DD who is independent, standing on her own, and even paying back some of the $$$ we've loaned her over the years!

I'm grateful that I live at the lake!

I'm grateful for one of the friendliest/most supportive churches there could ever be!

I'm also grateful for the BB, the fount of all wisdom for cooking and life!;) :D

[LaraW]

I'm happy that the snow that's falling here today doesn't seem to be accumulating :p

[leebee]

I am thankful that my DH is home after being away for six days. I'm also thankful that my kids genuinely miss him and are beyond excited to see Daddy tonight!

I am so very grateful that after years of working hard and meeting disappointment, my DH may be on the verge of a career-making change that will make him happy, fulfilled and challenged in a good way.

I am thankful for finding out that I have a half-sister four years older than me while I still have time to know her - she is a fabulous, funny, wonderful person!

I am so happy that my kids are happy and healthy, that they are loving and secure and that they are just darn fun to hang out with.

Finally, I'm thankful to find out that I'm actually very healthy and while a tad overweight, that's the only thing that I really need to work on right now. Yay!

[Robyn1007]

I'm happy that the snow that's falling here today doesn't seem to be accumulating :p

As long as it's accumulating in the mountains I wholeheartedly agree! :p :D

Leebee - That's so cool about the half-sister. Well, not that you didn't know before but that you've met and enjoy each other.

[jmarie]

As Laura said:I too am having a fair amount of upheaval in my life, but need to focus on the good

I am thankful for my job....the little Valentines that I have been receiving all week have been such a boost to my spirit.

I am thankful for finally getting the courage to approach a trainer where I go to work out and sign up for fitness lessons, but more over, being able to pay the money it is going to cost.

I am thankful that God gave me the courage to step out of my vehicle, when I got hung up in wreck traffic yesterday. I met the nicest trucker in front of me. I approached him to see what he had learned on his CB. We talked for over 20 minutes. Something I would not have dared do even a month ago. Not that I am going to stop every trucker coming and going, but I was bored silly and just wanted to step out of my comfort zone. He remarked that it was nice hearing such a friendly voice, that his ride could be boring as well.

Backbone......backbone is what I am striving for.

And for my dear, dear friends......my dear DEAR friends. And for all of you who responded or didn't respond and just thought good thoughts or prayed a prayer. Some of us have had our ups and downs but for all of you to rally to my aide. Was just such a blessing.

There are silver linings to EVERY cloud. We must never forget that.

Warmest regards,
Joyce

[springsgourmet9]

Sometimes it feels good to think about the good things in our lives and not dwell on the bad, thanks for bringing up a great thread.

I'm thankful for a wonderful husband of 27 years who still tells me he loves me every day.

I'm thankful for two terrific boys almost through college and one who received five job offers out of six interviews.

I'm thankful that my oldest will be moving to Boston, a city he loves, but I will miss him terribly. I raised them to be very independent and it worked.

I'm thankful for a large family, three sisters who are my best friends and two brothers.

I'm thankful for good fortune and happiness in my life.

[kwormann]

Coleen and Laura, sorry things arent oging well!

I am greatful to have a DH who loves me after 13 years :)

I am greatful that even tho DH travels every week, we have wonderful weekends together!

I am greatful for the most FABULOUS job and WONDERFUL co-workers.

I am glad to live in a state that has 4 seasons and that winter and summer are pretty mild.

I am greatful for all my new friends in my new state, while keeping in touch with the friends from the past one.

I am greatful for beer, mexican food and pizza :D:D:D

[DmOrtega]

- My df and all of the years of love and support he has shown to me and my family. I miss him everyday.
- My dm, who has shown so much courage and kindness.
- My dh, for without him I would not have the life and family that I always wanted.
- My kids, for bringing fun and purpose into my life.
- For my boss, who hangs in there with me through the tough years.
- For Miss L., who showed me how to live a decent life so I can be here today sharing the things that I am grateful for.

[Deechef]

Sorry to hear some of you are going through trying times right now. Fortunately things are going pretty smoothly for me right now.

I am greatful for my Church family and my faith

I am greatful for my job and a great boss

I am greatful for my 2 children and my 4 mo granddaughter

I am greatful for my 30 year marriage. Even though it ended in divorce we had so many wonderful years together and lots of memories.

I am greatful for my friends. They keep me sane.

I am greatful for my boyfriend. He so so good to me and so good for me. Never even imagined I'd have another relationship.

I am greatful for my electric weed whacker cause I just can't get those dam* gas powered ones started.

[Lauren]

I am so greatful that my son Alex, who had brain surgery last March, is doing fabulously!!!!! Hard to believe what it was like pre-surgery and that it's been almost a year.

I am so thankful for my DH Matt. We've gone through tough times together during our 18 years of marriage, but are stronger for it. He's a great guy!

And at the risk of sounding small minded, I'm thankful for my new house, the food on our table and the love in our house.

[southjerseymom]

I am grateful that my sister and I have become closer over the last year.

I am grateful for my aunt who is strong and understands the dysfunction in the family. She has done so much to help. It's nice to be able to talk to someone who can relate. We can commiserate together!

I am grateful for a DH who loves me unconditionally and still thinks I'm sexy after almost 15 yrs of marriage.

I am grateful that my 2 DDs are healthy, happy, intelligent, confident, well adjusted children.

I am grateful for my faith.

I am grateful to be able to walk, talk, see, hear, and take care of myself.

I am grateful that my medical problem hasn't affected the quality of my life yet.

I am grateful to be alive in this era and not another ( no running water, electricity, and modern day conveniences would definitely have been a hardship!;)

I am also grateful to be an American .

On a lighter note, I'm grateful for fine wine, good chocolate, and Thursday night tv!:)

[badunnin]

Another one feeling the weight of the world lately.

I'm grateful to the colleagues I'm fortunate enough to call friends - they make going to work so much more pleasant.

I'm grateful that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and that next week I get a few days off of work.

I'm grateful for the snow and the frigid temps - I truly love this weather, and don't get to experience it, in all its bitterness, very often.

I'm grateful for my students who recognize that Frau is under stress and support my decisions, even when it means cancelling a concert they were looking forward to, because there was a lack of outside participation. I'm also grateful for them for being properly outraged when "their Frau" was sent a rather nasty email earlier this week (they actually wanted the name of the sender - I wouldn't give it to them. There's no telling what they might do!)

I'm grateful to my friend Ruth, who will be leaving balmy London behind to spend 10 days with me in cold, wintery Detroit.

I'm grateful to all my friends who have listened to me whine over the past few weeks, when I was taking so much from them emotionally and not giving back.

I'm grateful to my body, who is putting up with the abuse that I give it when I run, and hope that it will stick with me as I strive towards my future (quite lofty) athletic goals.

[mbrogier]

There are silver linings to EVERY cloud. We must never forget that.


Amen to that.

I am so grateful for my longsuffering, fabulous family doctor. He's available to his patients 24/7, and he's done everything he can to help me get well. I'm in a lot of pain, and he's arranging for me to be hospitalized to deal with the pain and find the source once and for all. He found a surgeon that would think about operating on me to remove my ovary, but the surgeon isn't sure that is the best course of action... which is frustrating. I'm just so glad that my family doctor is my advocate and is willing to do so much to make me well. I go into the hospital tomorrow and hopefully will have the hysterectomy by the end of the week. The surgeon just wanted some old records from another surgery that showed that I had endometriosis before.

I am also grateful for my dear, sweet husband. He has to work such long hours to pay for our lifestyle and insurance. He is also in pain from nerve damage after his hernia surgery and hemorrhage, but he is more concerned about how *I'm* feeling. I don't deserve such a wonderful man, but he loves *me* more than ever imagined a man could. I adore him and let him know that, but I could never pay him back even if I tried for a thousand years.

I am grateful for my family. I am truly blessed to have such a good support system. My mom and my MIL are both coming at separate time to help Rob and me during our recuperations. My step mom would come this week, but my dad is gone on a business trip, and she can't leave the horse farm unattended. They call to check on us all the time.

I also have a best friend that I am grateful for. My aunt introduced us, and we share the same autoimmune disease. It has been such a blessing to be able to commiserate with someone who gets what I'm going through. We also have so much in common.

I am also grateful for my 3 cats. They make me happy and keep me from being lonely when Rob is working. They each have a different personality and keep us in stitches with their antics.

This board is also very special to me. I appreciate the support that I've been shown. I can also be assured of getting a laugh from someone as well. Hamsters, anyone? :p :D

[honeygirl1971]

Colleen, Laura, Bethany, and anyone else, sorry to read things are a bit rough right now. ((hugs))

When I feel stressed or worried, I try to focus on the fact that

I am SO happy and grateful for our wonderful, healthy baby

and

I am so grateful for my wonderful DH who works SO hard

and

I am happy that our parents, siblings, his nieces and nephews, and my grandparents are all doing well too!

:) :) :)

[testkitchen45]

I'm having some hard times in my life right now. I can't even open the threads asking for help, because I can't take more emotionally.

What better time for a happy and grateful thread?

I'm thankful for . . .

. . . colleency for having the grace and wisdom to start this thread as a way to handle difficult times in her own life.

. . . a wonderful DH whom I love more with each year of marriage, and who makes every day (not just V-Day) special.

. . . the sweetest, smartest, wittiest kids, with strong character and values paired with a great sense of fun.

. . . the outstanding country and wonderful neighborhood in which I live: great environments in which to make free choices, follow my moral values, and raise a family.

. . . this BB, with members' caring, wisdom, and experience in matters foodie and non-foodie :) .

[LakeMartinGal]

I'm grateful to my body, who is putting up with the abuse that I give it when I run, and hope that it will stick with me as I strive towards my future (quite lofty) athletic goals.Bethany, are you and MK Squared still going to try out for the Olympics? I forget what sport... was it 2-man bobsled?

[Krysia1031]

What a great thread!

I am thankful for my loving & caring DH who tells me all the time how beautiful I look even though I am cranky & putting on weight because I am pregnant.

I am thankful for my wonderful family who support me and encourage me to follow my dreams.

I am thankful for my dog Roxy who can brighten my day with her cute face and her licks of love. :)

[pointerhaven]

DH who after 34 years, still sends me flowers for valentines day.

DD who is sweet and loving and my pride and joy

My Pointer Boys, who make me laugh and love to give me kisses

My Rescue work, which makes me feel like I'm contributing for the good

My Sisters' who always need Big Sister, no matter what age they are

My Friends on several boards

My health

My beautiful home, for which I am very proud

My father, for teaching me to love the out doors and planting

My Greenhouse, for being there in the winter, so I can step inside to see an beautiful flower growing in the dead of winter.

Again my DH, who is a wonderful cook and cooks almost every night, just to please me!!!

[clairea]

I'm so lucky that when I start thinking of things to list on threads like this I always feel like I have too many things to put down, but most of all today, I am grateful for:

good news at my post-op appointment this morning that my surgery looks to have been a complete success and that my biopsy results were negative:)

[barbara-cook]

When I read books of historical events (read recently books about WWI, the Dust Bowl in the 30's and one about the stock market crash in 1929 coupled with strikes at the mills in New England), I can't believe how much MORE we have and how much we take it all for granted. Houses, cars, clothing, food, phones, television etc. It's just unbelievable how much we have, and yet there are folks out there looking for work, unable to feed or clothe their children. Mainly, we, as a nation, are blessed.

Personally, I have a wonderful family. My husband has a good job, and I have my own seasonal business. Our 3 kids are healthy and happy, participating in sports, doing well in school. 3 of our 4 parents are still alive and thriving.

I am so thankful for it all - even though I tend it take it all for granted, and know I shouldn't!

It's cold and snowy out today, but we have a warm home and good hot food for dinner tonight. We are blessed.

[applecrisp]

Claire,

Fantastic news.... now that is a reason to be happy and celebrate!

[jellyben]

good news at my post-op appointment this morning that my surgery looks to have been a complete success and that my biopsy results were negative:)


Wonderful news!!

I am grateful that we will soon be getting the big hole in our house fixed that a giant tree left. I am also still grateful that said tree did not hurt my kids! And I am very grateful that we will soon be moving back east, closer to family.

[colleency]

Gosh, Thank you everyone! ((((you all))))

You can't know how much this thread has helped me. I spent a lot of yesterday checking back in on it, and it just really made me feel good.

Thank you again!

[Robyn1007]

I'm so lucky that when I start thinking of things to list on threads like this I always feel like I have too many things to put down, but most of all today, I am grateful for:

good news at my post-op appointment this morning that my surgery looks to have been a complete success and that my biopsy results were negative:)

:D :D :D :D :D That's so wonderful Claire! I'm so happy for you. Now, go take a deep breath and enjoy your family. ;)

[Peweh]

Gosh, Thank you everyone! ((((you all))))

You can't know how much this thread has helped me. I spent a lot of yesterday checking back in on it, and it just really made me feel good.

Thank you again!

Colleen, glad to hear you are feeling up again. I have been meaning to PM you, I came across a little book about period costumes and it reminded me of you. I want to pass it along if you are interested - I just keep forgetting to bring it home from the shop to describe what's in it!! So I am just posting this in hopes that tomorrow when I'm there, I'll probably have email re other responses and it will remind me to dig it out and PM you!

To everyone else who shared what they're thankful for, Thanks! And I hope things start looking better for anyone who's in a slump.

[stefania4]

What a great idea...

I'm grateful for:
A job that I'm proud of

My fabulous, fabulous intern. She works hard, she takes direction, she's friendly to everyone. Best of all, she has agreed to go full-time this summer!

My dogs are healthy.

My amazing husband.

My nephew is out of the hospital, fully recovered from his respiratory infection (very scary when it's a 3-month-old).

My niece continues to thrive despite her family upheaval.

My Spanish class continues to be five fun-filled hours every week (no sarcasm, it's true).

[lindrusso]

Colleen,

Funny you should start this thread. I've been having "issues" myself and have found that one of my problems is not feeling grateful enough for what is going right, but instead being absolutely consumed with what's going wrong.

Interestingly enough (in light of your tire comment) it's the money issue that is driving a lot of this. My attitude has gotten bad enough that jealousy - for what others have - is becoming an issue. :( That is so NOT the person I want to be! Like you, there were certain threads that I couldn't open or that INFURIATED me because of what I've been feeling.

Anyway, thanks for starting this.......it's something I've been wanting to address in myself for quite some time.

I am grateful that as tight as finances have been, we have enough to cover the bills each month.

I am grateful that I was called to sub the last 5 out of 5 days - every little bit helps! :)

I am grateful for continued good health with DH and everyone else.

I am grateful for having a house in such a pretty neighborhood with pretty views.

I am grateful for two fantastic boys that I love dearly. They are not just kids that I HAVE to be around because I'm their mother, they are the kind of kids that I would CHOOSE to be around.

I'm grateful for a silly mutt who makes me laugh.

I am grateful for wonderful parents who always help when things get rough. (Which reminds me, I MUST send them a note telling them so.)

I am grateful for things/people that make me laugh - without laughter, I'd be certifiable!

Oh, there is much more, but that's a start. I need to feel let go of the negative energy and focus on the positive energy..............

Thanks, Colleen. :)

[foodfiend]

Alysha -- I've been there with the money issue. It's a tough one. It's like being on a strict diet when everyone else can eat all they want. Like you, I kept reminding myself of the good things that were happening in my life and clarified what was really important to me. I also stayed away from activities that would cause me to envy like watching home decorating shows and going into shops I couldn't afford. I'm glad I did that. Now that the hard times are over (knock on wood), I retained that sense of what's important to me.

As for the grateful thread, here are some of my ideas on a Sunday morning:

I'm grateful for DVD's. I not only get to watch movies, I also get to hear commentaries from the people who made it. It really opens up what the movies is about, like talking to the author of a book.

I'm grateful for the company who makes the tasty chocolate orange herbal tea I had the other day. I have to avoid caffeine, so this made my day.

I'm grateful for books. Always have been, always will be.

I'm grateful for a good public transportation system. No joke. Toronto has an efficient transit system, so that I can get anywhere in the city without a car. I grew up believing this was my birthright, and it was when I visited "car cities" like Vancouver that I appreciated how lucky I was.

I'm grateful for the BB, where I can turn to for interesting discussion, good advice and a few laughs. I feel I can generally post whatever is on my mind, and I'll get open-minded supportive responses. I'm grateful in particular for the Healthy Living thread where Les ministers to us faithfully.

I'm grateful for friends who are decent, caring, smart and funny. They've stuck it out with me in hard times, and I really value their loyalty.

I"m grateful for my recovering health.

[TKay]

I am grateful that after ten years of marriage, dh still makes me laugh and I still make him laugh.

I'm grateful my kids are old enough to let me sleep in past six on a weekend.
:D

[Kay Henderson]

Colleen, as I reflect on your wonderful thread, I realize how incredibly fortunate I am.

In the here and now --

I finished the massive clean-up after kitchen upgrades THIS MORNING, and it has never looked better as long as we have lived here.

After 370 hours and counting, I am getting toward the end of settling my mother's estate. I learned a great deal and my sibs were cooperative and supportive. I am now on the verge of having more freedom than I have ever had in my life.

Overall --

Discovering that one could have a whole community of online friends on this BB has been one of the most delightful discoveries of my life.

My DH and I have have been married for 39 years. It must have happened while we were asleep because we haven't had enough days for so many years to have gone by!

We have always been surrounded by warm and supportive extended families.

After thinking that parenthood was going to be an experience which had passed us by, we adopted one of my husband's students, and have had a lovely daughter for five years now.

Settling in our new community has turned out very well. We live in the middle of a beautiful, ever-changing painting and have made good friends.

Kay

[shuggie]

I'm grateful for yoga, which helps me excercise, find calm, and manage my asthma.

I have asthma too and would love to get off of all of this medicine! Does yoga ease the symptoms ? How long did it take you to feel relief? Thanks for the info!

[colleency]

Shugie, my asthma seems to get a lot worse when I have anxiety. And the yoga helps me with the anxiety. It also helps you learn how to control your breathing, which helps, too.

I have a once a day asthma pill and twice a day allergy nasal spray that I still take, so I'm not sure it will get you off medication. Sorry.

[colleency]

(((hugs again to everyone))) Thank you for sharing your joys!

[lindrusso]

Woohoo - I'm grateful that after all this snow and cold weather, the forecast for the next week calls for temps of 39-43 degrees! :D