Learn everything you can, anytime you can, from anyone you can-there will always come a time when you will be grateful you did.

My son started middle school today.  For some reason I felt so sad.  Perhaps it is because he is growing older (which means I am growing older, too!).  It could be because my baby is not really a baby anymore.  Who knows?  What I do know is my son is a good kid and is not ashamed of who he is.  He really marches to a beat of a different drummer.  For that, I am grateful.  He does not try to be like others.  He is his own person.  For that, I am also grateful.

I’m also grateful for the Letter O… :0)

Olive Oil.  Yum.  I don’t cook alot, but I always use olive oil when I do.  Plus, it keeps my noodles from sticking together.

Oreos.  The new kind.  Vanilla with vanilla center.  I don’t buy cookies but my mom sure does.  When I visit her on Sunday, she always has Oreos.  Another reason I am grateful for her!  She buys cookies!

Opinions.  I’m opinionated and that’s okay.  Opinions are like…well you know.  Everyone has one.

October.  Month of the invented holiday that provides me with unlimited amounts of candy (Halloween).  Also, Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. 

Office.  As in THE OFFICE.  I love Michael Scott!

Open Door Policy.  A good manager (like me) always follows this rule.  My employees are happy employees.  For this, I am grateful.

Originality.  Like my son, I am also my own person.  For the most part, I do not care what people think of me (but I do care what they think…).

Organic.  I always try to buy organic when I can.  It tastes better and is better for me.  I just stocked up on organic ketchup!  Okay, real veggies too…\

Office supplies.  Am I the only one addicted to office supplies?  I can spend hours looking in Staples.  I always buy the coolest desk accessories and newest pens.  Gosh…another addiction.

Organization.  My office is complete chaos right now, but I love it when it is neat and organized.  That is rare, but I love it.  Something to be grateful for when it happens.

See ya tomorrow.

Okay, so I missed a day.  I have a really good excuse.  I had an accident on my bike.  No, not some massive Harley…but my Schwinn.  I was in so much pain, and my pride was hurt so bad, I didn’t think it was a very good idea to post anything on my gratitude list!  Now, my wounds still hurt but my pride is all better (sort of).  So here is another double dose of gratitude.  M & N.

Gratitude Letter M

Moms. Everyone has one.  Mine is just one of the greatest.  It took me a long time to figure that out.  Better late than never.

Mastercard. How would I ever afford my expensive taste without it.  A $300 bag is much easier to swallow in payments!  hehe

Manners.  My son actually uses his manners.  I worked hard to teach him this.  This makes me proud and grateful.

Mayonnaise.  Yes, some may hate it.  Me, I love it.  Too much fat though…so only for special occasions.

Matinees. Movies are so much cheaper before 5:00.  Guess when I go to the movies?

Mt. Dew.  The diet one.  “Nuf said.

MacBook Pro. This is my new love.  I can’t live without him.  We are inseparable.  I would marry this machine!  Really…

Make-up. One day I will get up the nerve to post a picture without makeup.  For now, I will stick to wearing it.  I don’t want to scare anyone away!

Macaroni Grill. If you want to take me somewhere for a special occasion, this is where I want to go.  They have the best salmon in town.  I have a secondary list of favorite places to eat, but Romano’s Macaroni Grill is my fave!

Gratitude Letter N

Nursery Rhymes. I still love these.  Even at 35.  My son has outgrown them.  Luckily I have a niece that is the perfect age.

Nike. My nike running shoes are the most comfortable shoes ever.  I, of course, don’t use them for running.

Nectarines. Just like a peach…only without the fuzz.

Napoleon Dynamite. Okay, a cheesy movie.  I still love it.  I can quote the entire movie.  I’ll try to refrain…

New York. I love shopping in New York.  I’ve only been there twice but would love to go back.  What a neat place to visit.

Nuts.  Almonds are my fave, but I love ‘em all.

Necklace.  I have the nicest necklace from an old friend.  She and I never talk anymore but I think of her every time I wear that necklace.  I miss her!

New Car Smell. My car will be paid off in a few months.  I miss the new car smell.  Should I go out and get a new car, just for the smell?  Maybe.  I’ll let you know.

NBC. Home of my favorite tv shows.  I love The Office and Law and Order!

North Carolina. My home state.  I can’t imagine ever leaving this beautiful place.  I live in the mountains, but can drive to the coast within a few hours.  Such a great place to live.

Sorry…I can’t help myself…Quote from Napoleon Dynamite-

“I see you’re drinking 1%. Is that ’cause you think you’re fat? ‘Cause you’re not. You could be drinking whole if you wanted to.”

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.

I went on a long walk with my son today.  It is amazing the things I learn from him.  He is only 11 but wise beyond his years.  He starts middle school in just a few days.  Where does the time go?  I am grateful to have him in my life and for the time I share with him.  He is a good kid with manners.  Yeah, I know, can you believe it? 

I’m on another diet.  I’ve lost two pounds but I’m starving to death.  I’m eating every two hours so I think it is all mind hunger, not real hunger.  Regardless, I can’t stop thinking about food.  Every stupid commercial that comes on tv is a stinking food advertisement.  UGHHH…I’m not happy about that.  But grateful I do have food to eat (how’s that for a cover-up?)

Gratitude Letter L

Love.  I love being in love.  It is the best feeling.

Laughter.  The sound of laughter is contagious.

Life.  It is great to be alive. 

Lime jello.  I use this to make diet key lime pie.  YUM!

Lip Balm.  addicted to it!  Really.

Letters.  I love to get real letters (not bills). It is special to recieve a handwritten letter.

Lyrics.  I should go on that show.  I know the words to millions of songs…well maybe thousands…

Low Cal.  Gotta love it…

Lightning bugs.  I had to most fun as a child.  Some of my best memories as a child are catching lightning bugs.

Liposuction.  Not that I can afford it, but I am thankful for the technology for when I can… )

See ya tomorrow…

Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy — because we will always want to have something else or something more.

I am thankful for the life I have, especially after observing people around me today.  Sure, I complain about things.  I’m only human.  But some people are so selfish.  I was leaving lunch today with an old friend (HI JON).  I over heard someone say “If he does not buy it for me, he’s out.”  Hmmm…I’m not sure what she was talking about but it sure sounds selfish to me!  I’m not that way.  I guess I have my mother to thank for that.  I would never demand something from someone.  Never.  I’m grateful to be me!

Yesterday there was a horrible storm.  Hail, lightning, thunder…you get the picture.  I was actually scared the storm was so bad.  I felt vulnerable.  Especially when the power went out!  My goodness.  I never knew how much we depend on electricity.  Thank goodness for my Blackberry and my laptop with a full charged battery.  I sure was grateful for that.  Then I realized and my son stood whining, that we need to make a change.  Why do we depend on electronics and gadgets so much.  Who needs the TV on 24 hours a day.  We are making changes at my house.  We are going to have a family night-NO TV.  We have decided to bust out the board games and brush off the dust.  FRIDAY is FAMILY FUN NIGHT starting tonight.  NO TV, NO VIDEO GAMES, NO BLACKBERRY, NO LAPTOPS, NO IPODS…I’ll let you all know how this goes.  But for now…

Gratitude Letter K

Kids. I only have one, but I love those rugrats around me.  I wished SOMETIMES I could have more…

KATE SPADE.  Next to my Coach obsession, I have quickly developed a love for Kate Spade.  Remember that at Christmas time!  hehe

Ketchup. Would you like fries with your ketchup.  Yes, it is that bad.  Ketchup in eggs…Check.  Ketchup in turkey, check…Ketchup on anything (almost)

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Today is a great day to be alive.  I arrived at work early, missing all of the rush hour traffic.  I’ve had a virtually stress free day.  My lunch was delicious and I started a diet and I’m not even hungry.  WOW.  That’s a first.

I talked to my son this morning about the gratitude list.  Every morning he asked me what I am grateful for.  But today, he asked me another question.  “Are you grateful for my dad?”  Hmmm….truth be known, I despise his father.  We split up when my son was one month old.  I knew I had to handle this situation gracefully.  So I clearly stated, “If it wasn’t for your dad, I wouldn’t have you.”  Then I started thinking.  I guess I am sort of grateful for him (even though I think he is a big loser).  On some level, the gratitude list has made me see through my hatred for him and shown me that I can be grateful, even to him.  Surprising…

Letter J was a breeze.  Here we go…

Jelly Bellys. My favorite flavor is Buttered Popcorn.  I hate popcorn.  I love these jelly beans.

Jeans. There is something about an old pair of jeans and a white t-shirt that I love.  So simple. So comfy.

Jewelry. Pandora is an obsession.  David Yurman, diamonds, etc.  LOVE IT!

Job. Of course I’m grateful for my job.  I work with great people.  I enjoy my work.  I don’t mind showing up for work everyday.  I’m blessed in this area.

Journal. This is like a journal, right?

Jade.  She is my assistant.  I’m not sure I could manage without her.  If you are reading this, thank you for all of your hard work!

Jelly with Peanut Butter. Yes, I love PB&J.  I’m 35, but it tastes just as good now as when I was 5.  Really.

Jumbo Shrimp. This is what I plan on having for dinner tonight.  I love jumbo shrimp, especially when on a diet.  Low fat, ya know…

Jalapeno and Cheddar soy chips. I’m in love with soy chips.  Jalapeno and Cheddar is one of my faves.  Joanna?  Josie?  What do you think?

Japanese food.  There is a great restaurant in my hometown.  YUMMY.  They have the best food and fantastic service.

Okay, maybe I’m hungrier than I thought.  Half my list is FOOD!  Gee, I must find carrot sticks!