Gratitude Challenge -- Day 17

 

"Every day for 30 days, celebrate what you're grateful for, corresponding to the theme of the day." 

Day #16 -- Something that makes you smile

My old tub of guts, Joey. He's such a good cat. I love when he curls up next to me, presses himself against me on the futon and purrs. He and I are both contented at those moments.

Gratitude Challenge -- Day 16

"Every day for 30 days, celebrate what you're grateful for, corresponding to the theme of the day." 

Day #16 -- Something that makes me laugh

My oldest friend has always, always been able to make me laugh. We laugh over stupid stuff, which is often a relief. She's been keeping me amused for half a century. Next week we're going to Vegas together for my birthday, and I'm very grateful that I have her to celebrate with.

Gratitude Challenge -- Days 14 and 15

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"Every day for 30 days, celebrate what you're grateful for, corresponding to the theme of the day." 

Day #14 -- Color

My favorite color is blue. I love blue. My bedroom walls and carpet are blue.  I love wearing blue with blue, especially dark wash denim and a light blue shirt or sweater. My favorite blue of all is PMS 294, the official blue of my beloved Chicago Cubs. Because nothing makes me as happy as baseball. Nothing, except ...

Day #15 -- Music

Music can change my mood in an instant. Certain songs, like "At Seventeen" by Janis Ian or "Save the Best for Last" by Vanessa Williams, must be avoided at all costs. But many, many more songs lift me up. I'm grateful for how reliable and potent and cheap this mood elevator is. This evening, on the el, I listened to a wonderful old Garth Brooks song I haven't thought about ages -- "Papa Loved Mama" -- and I smiled all the way home.

Gratitude Challenge -- Day 13

"Every day for 30 days, celebrate what you're grateful for, corresponding to the theme of the day." 

Day #13 -- Smells

Cinnamon is my favorite scent. It makes me feel warm and happy. One of the reasons why I like autumn so much is that suddenly, cinnamon is everywhere!

I also like lavender, but I admit it's a distant second.

Gratitude Challenge -- Day 12

"Every day for 30 days, celebrate what you're grateful for, corresponding to the theme of the day." 

Day #12 -- Texture

This is my Goody hairbrush. I love how it makes my hair look. I love how the bristles feel against my scalp. I love how easy it is to find in my handbag. That's why I have four of them (purse, bathroom, bedroom and coffee table).

I am grateful that if I need a fifth, it's still as nearby as my local Walgreen's.

Gratitude Challenge -- Day 11

"Every day for 30 days, celebrate what you're grateful for, corresponding to the theme of the day." 

Day #11 -- Noise

I'm a City Mouse. I like the sounds of traffic and trains and the kids next store playing under my living room window. It makes me feel connected to the rest of the world.

Gratitude Challenge -- Day 10

"Every day for 30 days, celebrate what you're grateful for, corresponding to the theme of the day." 

Day #10 -- Quiet

I require alone time. I know this comes as a surprise to people who know me casually, because when I'm out and about in public among the masses I can be a chatterbox. But I need peace and quiet to recharge, to feel refreshed and sharp and ready to face the world.

That's why I'm grateful I live alone.

Gratitude Challenge -- Days 8 and 9

"Every day for 30 days, celebrate what you're grateful for, corresponding to the theme of the day." 

Day #8 -- Family/Friends

Florida. My Cousin Rose (mother's side of the family and Aunt Jo (my father's kid sister) both live down there, and they have both been among my staunchest supporters, always there when I need them. My friend in the Keys is also very loving. I am grateful that, when life gets me down, I can try to see myself through Floridian eyes.

Day #9 -- Technology

My favorite technological advancement is still electricity. I'm grateful for the boiler in the basement that gives us hot water, and the window fan and a/c that keep me comfortable. Even in this world of wi/fi, we need to charge our devices. Yes, I'm grateful for electricity.

Nothing but good news

What a good day this has been!

It started with a trip to the doctor's office. I've lost 10 lbs since April. Yea! My doctor seems to think everything is fine, except maybe my cholesterol (which we're trying to control) and a touch of acid reflux. Considering my age, this is not out of the ordinary. In all, I seem healthy. The results of my blood work will be back early next week.

I celebrated by taking myself out to breakfast. Then I did some of my weekend errands on Friday, which felt very luxurious.

I came home to a message from the vet. News on my Joey! He, too, had blood work done, his on Thursday. The vet was cautious and frank with me. He was sure it wasn't liver failure, but he couldn't rule out diabetes or cancer, which are common in overweight cats of Joey's advanced years. Turns out the news is not that dire, after all. He has a kidney infection. Not kidney failure, just an infection. His life is not in danger.

My vet enlisted the services of a pharmacist that specializes in veterinary compounding. Thanks to his wizardry, the amoxicillin tastes like beef and was easier to get down Joey. He should be nearly good as new by the time I leave for Vegas in two weeks.

I'm so grateful for all that I've written above that this will serve as my Gratitude Challenge post.

Gratitude Challenge -- Day 5

"Every day for 30 days, celebrate what you're grateful for, corresponding to the theme of the day." 

Day #5 -- Transportation

Every workday I take the CTA Green Line at least once. That's when I find myself in the middle of the biggest melting pot imaginable. It's not unusual to see a woman clutching a Michael Kors bag on her lap seated next to a homeless with his belongings in a grocery bag and a half-smoked cigarette tucked behind his ear. I'm grateful for the el not only because it's convenient, but it helps me stay grounded and connected to my neighborhood.

Gratitude Challege -- Day 4

"Every day for 30 days, celebrate what you're grateful for, corresponding to the theme of the day." 

Day #3 -- Something I Do Every Day

Listen to my shower radio. Singing tunelessly with an oldie I thought I'd forgotten while I wash my hair makes me happy. I'm grateful that something so small can lift my mood. This morning it was Todd Rundgren's "I Saw the Light."

Gratitude Challenge -- Day 3

"Every day for 30 days, celebrate what you're grateful for, corresponding to the theme of the day." 

Day #3 --Something You See Every Day

There's a big old tree outside my livingroom window and it's rather dear to me. I love watching the branches move on windy days, seeing the leaves bud, grow, color and disappear throughout the year, and checking out the squirrels and birds that call it home.

Gratitude Challenge -- Day 2

"Every day for 30 days, celebrate what you're grateful for, corresponding to the theme of the day."

Day #2 -- Nature

Today the sun was out and the sidewalks were clear. I love autumn days like this. I was happy to be out in it, walking across town to Village Hall to early vote.

Nature also makes me think of the cats. When I look at the three of them, I see life. Connie, age 2, is a young adult, lively and spirited. Reynaldo is 10, middle aged, still healthy and (frighteningly) savvy. And Joey is 18, creaky and tired but his purr is still full throated. I am blessed by all three of their tiny, furry souls.

30 Day Gratitude Challenge

"Every day for 30 days, celebrate what you're grateful for, corresponding to the theme of the day."

Day #1 -- Home

I am grateful that my home is affordable. Back in 2001, when I bought this place, I was encouraged to spend more. Banks were very enthusiastic lenders back then. I settled on a 2BR/1BA condo because, well, I'm just one person. When the bottom fell out of the economy, I was very glad I'd been conservative.

I'm also very grateful for its location. I'm minutes away from the movie theater and my church. My work commute is 45 mins. door-to-door.

My home and me, we're a good fit.