Thankfulness Week - Day 6

Today I am thankful for all the animals in my live, our beloved and now senior Chester, if it's not Chuckit then it's his star stuffy near by. His hearing is nearly gone but he is the love of our lives and never fails to put a smile on our faces. 

Moses, what can I say about this adorable therapy dog. He is our baby, but knows each and every time one of us is not feeling well or is sad. He really is intuitive. 

And then there's Princess Mushka. Five pounds but all DOG, no piddle pads for her, she insists on going outside with her brothers. She's a fabulous traveling companion and has been to at least a dozen states and Canada. One important fact, she is a Daddy's girl and if he is home I do not exist except for one simple reason. If Paulie is napping or watching TV, she will go into my office to get me to let her know so she doesn't bother Daddy. That's pretty spoiled but we love every little ounce of this adorable Chihuahua.

Animals add so much to our lives that I wanted to make sure to give them their own special Thankful day.

Thankfulness Week - Day 5

Thanksgiving is the epitome of abundance, at least for those who have the means and I am painfully aware that not everyone in this world or this country have the means. My family is always aware of where we came from and that makes us appreciate every morsel we consume and sharing food has been the best way to show love. I love my family and grab any opportunity to show that in my food. Some people might think, why make a full meal for just two people? Well, we ate, tomorrow I will share with my parents and each of the leftovers made this week will be share on my daily vlogs. I already have an idea for Turkey and Wild Rice soup.

Sweet Potato Souffle with Crumble topping 

The 'Bird' about 13 lbs. 

Simple Cranberry and Mushroom stuffing, not from a bag but made with toasted homemade croutons and low sodium Manischewitz Chicken stock 

Beans with Onion Jam and blanched almonds 

And PIE - with the perfect whipped cream to pie ratio.

I hope that each and every one of you have had a chance to enjoy the day and take a moment to be thankful for what you have and maybe just a little less emphasis on what you don't have because that's just a self fulfilling prophecy and is not productive.
I am thankful for:

• Each Morning
• The love of my family - husband, parents, sister and extended loved ones
• My animal friends - Chester, Samantha, Mushka, Moses, Ginger, Henrietta, Lucy, Ethel & Gladys
• For being able to make a meal like this one

Thankfulness Week - Day 2

 
Tonight's Sunset

I am thankful for the perseverance, luck, persistence and good old fashioned hard work that has landed me in the job that I enjoy and affords me the flexibility to help family when they are in need.

Thankfulness Week - Day 1

I am Thankful that even when stumbling blocks appear in life we have the fortitude to move forward without complaining because there is always someone who has more challenges and still faces them with grace. I learn from people like that every day.

What are you Thankful for this year?

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 19

My friend Robyn (injoystampin on YouTube) invited viewers to participate in 30 Days of Thankfulness, so you know I had to get on board.

Day 19: Letting Go - Sometimes there are things said to you that you just can't seem to reconcile, today someone told me that I am mean and that's why I cry.  I realize it was said out of anger so I let it go.  Today I am thankful for the ability to let go and see my own truth.

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 18

My friend Robyn (injoystampin on YouTube) invited viewers to participate in 30 Days of Thankfulness, so you know I had to get on board.

Day 18: Time with Paulie - in a typical week I spend most weekdays alone, working surrounded by pets but without hubby home.  His schedule is unpredictable so there are nights we don't sit down to eat till 9 pm, funny aside - I used to think that the more affluent you are the later you eat dinner, and after dinner he has just enough enthusiasm to drag himself upstairs to go to bed.  On average we spend less than 10 hours together Mon-Fri which makes me appreciate every minute of the weekends we have together.  Vacations are a bastion of togetherness - we do mini road trips, local outings, even errands take on a nicer feel when we don't have to work. Today I am thankful for the time we get to spend together because even the mundane can feel wonderful when it's spent with someone you love and makes you laugh!

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 17

My friend Robyn (injoystampin on YouTube) invited viewers to participate in 30 Days of Thankfulness, so you know I had to get on board.

Day 17:  Music - it plays such an important part in our lives that it's easy to overlook but you can trace your favorite era, decare, year, event to the music that reminds you of it.  Every night I fall asleep to the same music playing - This Mortal Coil's Filigree & Shadow CD.  I will have to be replaced soon because it actually has a skip in it already.  I first heard this band in 1989 when I was living in a studio apartment and for whatever reason it has become the soundtrack to my life.  It calms me and washes me over with serenity.  Today I am thankful for the ability to enjoy music and the immense pleasure it bring me.

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 16

My friend Robyn (injoystampin on YouTube) invited viewers to participate in 30 Days of Thankfulness, so you know I had to get on board.

Day 16: A Good Deal - I popped over to Walgreens tonight because they had Coffee-mate creamer on special 2 for $3 plus I had $1 off a 16 oz bottle coupon (actually two of them) so the 2 creamers cost me $1 or $.50 each.  Now that's a deal!  Today I am thankful for the occasional great deal on things we actually use because if you don't use it, it was not a deal.

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 15

My friend Robyn (injoystampin on YouTube) invited viewers to participate in 30 Days of Thankfulness, so you know I had to get on board.

Day 15: Compliments - I give, as often as I can because I know how nice it is to hear them.  It almost doesn't matter who they come from - strangers, friends, family, viewers.  The giver never really knows but as a receiver of a compliment it's a little boots to morale and always puts a smile on my face.  Today I am thankful for the wonderful kind words from subscribers, viewers, blog followers, Facebook friends - know that each and every one is appreciated and welcomed!

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 14

My friend Robyn (injoystampin on YouTube) invited viewers to participate in 30 Days of Thankfulness, so you know I had to get on board.

Day 14: Vacation - A busy schedule between my husband and I prove that vacations to us are extremely important.  Just a week before UPS enters their peak season, we get an opportunity to relax and prep for the holidays.  Once the craziness ensues, I won't be seeing Paulie before 9 pm weekdays until January.  Today I am thankful for the lazy week we have planned - sleeping in, relaxing evenings of cooking together, day trips to our favorite local places and more time with our four-legged 'kids'.

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 12

My friend Robyn (injoystampin on YouTube) invited viewers to participate in 30 Days of Thankfulness, so you know I had to get on board.

Day 12: Aroma of Cooking - There are few things that warm my heart like the wafting aroma of a home cooked meal throughout the house.  Admittedly, there are times I cook or bake for the scent alone and then give away the meals, I know nuts but true.  I've also make meals just to photograph them...don't worry, nothing ever goes to waste.  Today I am thankful for the ability to cook, bake and feed those I love.  The sense of smell is our strongest memory which explains why I get so much fulfillment from cooking.

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 11

My friend Robyn (injoystampin on YouTube) invited viewers to participate in 30 Days of Thankfulness, so you know I had to get on board.

Day 11:  Freedom - Today being Veterans Day, I am extremely thankful for the sacrifices those who serve and families of those who serve make.  Having grown up in a country where 'freedom' was scarce, I do not take it for granted and appreciate all that affords me.

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 10

My friend Robyn (injoystampin on YouTube) invited viewers to participate in 30 Days of Thankfulness, so you know I had to get on board.

Day 10: Pets - I am immensely thankful for the unconditional love they shower on me, regardless of the topic of conversation they never roll their eyes or only pretend to be listening.  They always seem to know when you are not feeling well or are blue.  Moses in particular is the most sensitive and won't leave my side when I'm in a funk. Today I am thankful for the love they give, never expecting anything in return.

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 9

My friend Robyn (injoystampin on YouTube) invited viewers to participate in 30 Days of Thankfulness, so you know I had to get on board.

Day 9:  Knowing Your Limitations - From the heart of someone who really hates to say no to people, it's a necessary step to identify your own limitations.  Think of is as a protective shield.  Once you have discovered where you draw the virtual line, it will be much easier to stick to it.  In the long run it will save you from the frustration of being put on the spot.  There is nothing wrong with standing your ground and preserving your own well being by balancing the responsibilities of life with down time.  That being said, I recently did not listen to my own advice and am paying the price now.  Today I am thankful, even after a gentle reminder, that knowing your own limitations is a good thing.

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 8

My friend Robyn (injoystampin on YouTube) invited viewers to participate in 30 Days of Thankfulness, so you know I had to get on board.

Day 7:  Alone Time - Enjoying the company of family and friends is wonderful but there are certainly days when a little alone time feels equally pleasant.  I wonder if anyone calculates the actual amount of time we spend with our loved ones?  Between work, errands, meetings, shopping, household chores that doesn't actually leave much for spouses/mates/children/parents/grandparents/friends.  Today I am thankful for the time I have an opportunity to spend alone with my thoughts.

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 6

My friend Robyn (injoystampin on YouTube) invited viewers to participate in 30 Days of Thankfulness, so you know I had to get on board.

Day 6: Flexibility - Being flexible in light of major and even minor changes that are outside your control is not only useful but necessary.  I am thankful today that I see changes, like the ones YouTube threw our way tonight, as a challenge rather than an annoyance.  

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 5

My friend Robyn (injoystampin on YouTube) invited viewers to participate in 30 Days of Thankfulness, so you know I had to get on board.

Day 5: A Serine Bath - it sounds simple but a nice soak in a bath with music is so relaxing and rejuvenating. Although I've yet to find a bathtub that could allow me to really submerge (I'm too tall for the standard tub) maybe a Japanese soaking bath custom built in our next/dream home.  In the meantime, I truly enjoy and am thankful for the relaxing time to destress and recharge my virtual battery. 

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 4

My friend Robyn (injoystampin on YouTube) invited viewers to participate in 30 Days of Thankfulness, so you know I had to get on board.

Day 4: Patience - I am often told that I have too much patience when it comes to some people but I don't see it that way.  I think that the reason it might come across that way is because I always want to believe the best in people.  I just keep hoping that it's only a matter of time until they are the best that they can be, so my patience is tempered by wanting to believe that everyone is inherently good or capable of good.  Today I am thankful that despite pain some cause me I still see the best in them, even if that means from a far.

On a lighthearted note:  I am thankful for SPELL CHECK because I am an atrocious speller in both English and Russian but with technology I hope to not come across as the village idiot. lol

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 3

My friend Robyn (injoystampin on YouTube) invited viewers to participate in 30 Days of Thankfulness, so you know I had to get on board.

Day 3: Warmth on a Cold Day - the fact that there is a roof over my head, heat when needed and a warm feeling of home.  Simple but without it life would be impossibly tough.  Today I am thankful for the physical comforts of our home.

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 2

My friend Robyn (injoystampin on YouTube) invited viewers to participate in 30 Days of Thankfulness, so you know I had to get on board.

Day 2:  Optimism - Although I grew up in a pessimistic household as a child, I have worked my entire adult life on turning that paradigm around to being as positive and optimistic as I possibly can.  Is it a daily struggle - YES, is it worth it - YES!! Today I am thankful that positive change is possible regardless of what we grew up with.