Christmas

• finally shrugging off a cold
• last minute errands done yesterday
• & the lounge is presentable
• getting my step counts back up

Lots of lovely gifts from husband.  Got to visit family, even my Grandad, the other weekend.  Everyone is well, & happy.

• pens, pencils, crayons, colouring in books galore!
• & the sims4, though I must learn restraint.

All is well, I am happy & perking up :-)  surrounded by people who care.

Fun

I had fun getting drunk with a friend,
chewing the fat as husband would say, saying nothing of consequence but enjoying the blather,

I have a pub within 5 mins walk, the ability to walk, to drink, to pay for my pint,
mates to drink with...

a home to come to, & ice-cream in the fridge!
& heating, & clean bedding, & safe water to drink...
..so many things I take forgranted.

Day 1 - sufficiency

I've started a gratitude challenge with kindspring.
Day 1 "sufficiency - what do I have enough of?"

today I am counting my blessings friends-wise.  In terms of making sure I'm ok, & keeping me entertained.  There is so much I can mention, from having enough bedding to always have a set clean (as long as I keep on top of the washing) to having enough time & space & resources, & enough hobbies to keep me entertained.  I have enough money to pay the bills, & a big enough garden to have bunnies out there.

There are so many things I take forgranted.  I have enough time for all I want to do, as long as I choose my activities wisely.  I have enough brains to get me through another degree.  Enough clothes, enough energy, enough sleep, enough, enough, enough.

I have enough, & I am thankful for all of it :-)

remembering

I am happy to remember this blog.  That I awoke in an amazing mood & it prompted me back here.
Reframing:  snoring as an ancient protection from wild animals.  Even in his sleep husband is keeping me safe ;-)
Smart phone & wifi so I can stay warm & cosy in bed & surf the net & catch up with friends on forums.  The weekends so there is no rush to arise...

Monday

• did some tidying up, always a pick-me-up ;-)
• gave the bunnies sprouts as a treat, they're so funny to watch.  Big one running around with one in her mouth to find somewhere "safe" to eat as, in which time little one was getting well stuck in.  Bedtime treat to put them away in the hutch, & big one's at the far end of the run.  Fail ;-)
• actually thought of something I wanted that my mum can get me for Christmas.  Should start a list for when people ask.
• am safe & warm in my cosy house

Walk

• had a lovely walk with husband
• definitely made my step target for the day!
• stayed mostly dry for us
• found a safe, easy route to work for him
• mum's going to help me with a knitting project I'm out of time for
• started my assignment
• enjoying reading

Trains

• we got there & back safely
• includes having to run for the train - & we just made it
• a welcome upgrade to first class, & cheaper than expected, letting husband stretch his legs
• Christening was lovely,
• everyone is well
• bunnies are happy & well,

hair

• new hair cut is fab, she cut it really well.
• had a really interesting chat with another customer
• remembered my mindfulness course
• still have access & am inspired to do it now
• remembered my knitting, so I had something to do
• knitting / animals = great conversation starter!
• husband had tea ready for me when I got in

Soft & fluffy

still warm & happy
boss is back, is good to see him & he looks well

got the bunnies cleaned out, & they are eating well.  I got the broccoli as a treat for them for tomorrow. They are so lovely and soft, a delight to stroke. 

Transferred money into the current account just in time, & now I can draw it out.  The constant flow of money that is life.  Happy to have a job, & money, & access to both.

Got some lovely bread on offer from the Co-op beetroot & apple, never seen it before.  Was a good buy, yummy.  Even worth full price as a treat.

warm & happy

I have some luverly dressing gowns, I sit here all cosy & warm.  Most of them are presents from husband.  He likes me to be happy & warm :-)
I also have cosy slippers, as I sit here in my cosy warm house.
So thankful to be warm,  & cosy & safe in my house, in front of the pc, with the endless resources of the www at my fingertips.

Dyed my hair, kept the bathroom mostly clean.
Found a totally appropriate funny picture to share on my brothers facebook wall.

Got some study done.  Boss is back tomorrow. 
All is well.

Found an online life coaching course that looks interesting...

Sunday

• a lovely walk & talk with friend
• got my step goal in through it
• steady progress with the study
• a warm comfortable house
• decided my dress for the Christening
• it still fits
• ice-cream & chocolate, always be thankful for ice-cream & chocolate ;-)

Saturday :-)

I love my weekends

• for the quiet of the weekend, for the time to relax and enjoy
• for getting the train tickets collected & safely home
• looking forward to the Christening & seeing family :-)
• have finished sewing up a couple of animals
• had a lovely walk with husband,
• & another walk to look forward to tomorrow with a friend
• the cupboards are full, the heating is on, the lights are on, I want for nothing

Presentable

midweek, I am thankful for the job I have, for the relaxed atmosphere at work.
I am so happy I remembered to remove my little magnetic bar before I threw my samples out.

Hung the washing so my next load is ready to go in.
Got an appointment with the hairdresser & remembered the allergy test for hair dye so I will be well presented for the Christening.

Been a while...

...& all is well.

I upgraded my charge to a charge HR, loving it still.  Now I just need to exercise....  I'm enjoying the fellowship of the forums too, I found an active one full of encouragement, & I encourage too.

Husband is going to start taking walks with me.  A wonderful way to spend time together.  & some thrilling conversation.  Husband is as wise as ever.

Discovered more kindness & happiness.  There's kindspring.org and the action for happiness movement.  Contemplating becoming a course leader.

Astrophysics is fascinating, & hard.  I am learning to be more disciplined.  Some weeks I even hit my 8 hour study target.  Thankfully the course materials arrive early & I started early & created a buffer zone versus the study planner.

The house is cosy.  Husband got me a new dressing gown, I would spend all day in it if I had the chance.  Currently Sundays are my refusing to get dressed days, a relaxing, chilling day...

I rediscovered my love of colouring in :-)  the celtic book has pages thick enough to take the glitter gel pen ink, could be there hours.  Got myself a few different colouring books.  Have also discovered that turning the pc off at 9.30 & reading or colouring is helping me sleep better.

Facebook has some new positive pages too. 

The knitting is going well, reaching the end.  Another pair of animals for the Christening next month, a pair or two for Christmas.  A couple of pairs for birthday next year, & that's the book finished!

new toys

I was decisive, & I have a lovely new phone
It stopped working in the house, & I rectified the situation - phew.
found a lush case & have that ordered - going to keep this one fresh

getting my fitbit replaced, also an easy process

mum & dad were here for the weekend & we had a really good weekend.
Looks like I'll have another pair of animals ready

study

• hitting the books again, thankful for so many things around this
• internet, computer, being able to read, to type,
• electricity power these things
• a job to pay for them
• that I am curious & fascinated
• the time to indulge some hobbies
• plenty of space in the house to store my stuff
• also for husband for all the cooking & support

successful day

• I got home safe in the rain :-)
• husband was in the pub before me so I arrived to company :-)
• & had my drink ready
• enjoyed my food
• had some good games,
• know how to refine my deck a bit
• traffic was light
• nicely timed arrival for someone to let me in
• husband is cooking for the week

friends

wow, it's been a while.
drinks with friends, catching up
exercise, cycled to the post office (& back), even went round a roundabout, & signalled!

Got my steps in, did something nice for husband
bathroom is coming along nicely,

surprise cake!

Everything

wow, it's been a while.
Thankful for my friends, & people to count on.  Showering, and home comforts.  Walks in nature, feeling connected, and socialising, & the exercise.  A fun hobby.
Also for the study, the job I have that pays for my hobbies.
For husband and the house, my cosy life.
For my online friends, those who support and nurture a different me, then those who support and encourage IRL too. 
For all the different people I am to all the different people I know.

For the internet, and books, escapism and education, learning and experience.
For gratitude and kindness, and making the world a better place.

For the rose tinted glasses that brighten up our view.
For all I have, and all I am.
Thank you :-)

timings

• driving in the rain & outside in the sun,
• my clothes on the line outside dried eventually anyway :-)
• for rain on a day when we had indoor activities planned
• for getting to the shops & buying what I needed,
• for it being in stock, & me having enough to share
• figuring out another pattern
• "amending" it, another challenge complete :-)
• the ks community & all we share

arrangements

• met up with my brother & his wife, smooth travelling & meeting :-)
• first class rocks, glad I upgraded us, & we had the experience
• a day of good food, always love finding something I like on the menu
• back to the station in plenty of time
• even with a mega bus ride I managed my 10,000 steps
• Got the back seat on the open top bus, & the weather was kind
• another arrangement got sorted too
• started on the hippo, knitting is fun
• made some progress with the study

happy Grandad

• the Fathers day card arrived with my Grandad, that was quick, I only posted it last night!  In time to catch last post though.  Happy about getting to the post office, about catching the post, about getting to the post office in teabreak today, in my time, the post office being empty.
• Happy to have lunch with a friend & have a chat :-)
• Happy dancing, being whisked round the room with husband, easily made my 10,000 steps today
• exercise tomorrow, with a friend, always the best way - & chat time too
• calm for dance teacher with the dove, I hope it helps
• figured out the people, on course to get them finished in time to post
• seeing my brother on Saturday :-)
• first class train!

New blog direction

got the bits of the crocodile ready, just need to cast off the feet & sew them & the legs up.  Then it's ready to post to Australia with a card for Sarah - just need her address!
Mr & Mrs Noah are well on the way to being complete, hoping to sew them up this week.  Then get them posted off.
Really pleased with my progress :-)

The kindness website is a fascinating source of inspiration & joy.  I am so impressed with some of the stories, & the lifestyles of the people.

Cheered teacher up tonight with a smile gift bag,
found the bookmark that came with my peace doves, how blessed I am with the people in my life!

As well as gratitude I'm expanding this blog to acts of kindness too, they are so uplifting & encouraging.  I pulled the evening around with my little smile gift bag :-)

a life of joy

• been a while, I love that I have to freedom to choose what to do with my time.
• I've had a good natter / catch-up with a friend.
• Won a netrunner game in a one-time combo stroke :-)  all the circumstances aligned for me to top deck a hades, have enough credits while the runner had tags (& insufficient funds to clone chip a clot) & enough tags to psychographics my hades :-)
• the weather seems to be improving for our trip to the beach
• the Noah dolls look great :-)

ordinary is good

the rocky road was really good,
we sat out in the sunshine :-)
remembered my keys (phew)
DVD arrived to keep me entertained
flowers & cards, friends & family & people who care

Cooking & creating

made rocky road!  Had a play with the recipe, let's see how it turns out ;-)

Thankful for all the things that enabled me to make it.  The car, the supermarket, wages, the internet, the kitchen & its contents...

Happy that work is fun & I have good workmates, & neighbours. 
Plenty to do to keep me entertained.
Husband's out to dinner with friends, pleased for him,

Good mood

husband arrived safely at his destination
I've started on Noah, the wool is perfect, & some for Mrs Noah too.
Started sewing up the crocodile & that looks mint as well.
Met my target for tonight by walking to the shop.
In a really good mood, so much kindness & good will from the kind springs.

Perfect timing

In probably once in a never style, the 5-4-3-2-1 of my 30 minutes on the stepper ended with the buzzing of my fitbit for 10,000 steps!  & I was only on the stepper to make up my steps.  Wow moment!
Today's been good, loads of netrunner, I even won some!  Revised my decks so they're a little more sensible now, & got the main of the crocodile done.  Looking good :-)

Found the headstart email, found the card I need for tomorrow, time to settle down with a drink now, passion fruit methinks :-)

happy days, husband's done his washing & it's all hung to dry.

weekend!

• exam went well
• found it ok & in good time, good desk, did ok for time,
• got cash & bus back in a timely fashion
• ideas for my new deck,
• time with friends arranged
• bunnies good
• had a good night out with friends
• all is well :-)

productive days

another sunny day :-)
got some washing done & out drying,
got some clothes ready for charity,
the dishwasher unloaded & reloaded, starting to tidy up!
settled down to a bit of study, learnt a few more last minute things,
started on the other crocodiles, the challenge is to see if these ones work better!
& I'm off to do a bit of exercise.

dancing

took the cha-cha poster to dancing & it made her laugh
we had a good dancing session
got a full 3 hours / past paper done
caught up with a friend for a chat
was home for my parcel arriving (that was quick!)
& the new netrunner datapack arrived :-)

study & exercise

• got up early & did some exercise
• got some study done
• remembered to go shopping & husband got his knife
• cleaned out the bunnies
• weather held for the drive home

Hope

it's the first of the month
time to set new challenges,
30 active minutes a day, 10,000 steps a day, 750 words a day & an act of kindness a day!

& the websites / logs to prove it :-)
I like fresh starts, I am thankful we get them so often.
I'm thankful that the challenges, & the support, are there.
& we started series 3 of continuum today,
a new start for a new start!

Productive

• I've done a past paper, including the essay
• I know enough to attempt all the questions
• I settled down to a good study session
• I've nearly got a pair of sheep ready!
• The garden is weeded & they're ready to feed the chickens.

Sunshine roll

• the weather has been so lush for us!
• spent time in the garden
• sat with the bunnies
• weeded a bit
• caught up with a few people
• got some study done
• think I'm understanding it
• happy to have a sheep nearly finished

More sunshine

the sun came out at lunch so we could sit by the river
had a lovely chat with a friend
she was please with the present

everyone is safe & well
there is a happy course at edx.

Friends & sunshine

I had a lovely evening & day with a mate, the sun came out & we had a rather energetic walk.
158 active minutes!  Most of the walk was intense & we had a really good natter.
We escaped from some hostile cows, phew, & had an adventure exploring paths.

I found it!  I remembered the way, without having to consult the directions. 
Confident I know the way now.

friends & fun

• today I had a really good laugh, tears rolling down the face, side -splitting laughs where you're laughing too hard even for sound to come out.
• We had a really good bonding session at work.

• My friend got a job offer from an interview she's just had.
• another one is feeling positive & happy :-)
• I have tickets booked to visit my brother & his family :-)

study

managed a past paper
got the exam handbook annotated
did my 10,000 steps :-)
got another sheep started
chilled for a bit

Jesmond Dene

a mate told me about a carpark, & I found it & got a space!
& it's free to park there at the weekend.
the weather was good
we had a lovely wander through the Dene
pets corner :-)

sugar cones,
there're loads of lovely places near us that re easy to get to & free.

edinburgh

it was a good tutorial
I'm finally feeling confident about the exam
collected my tickets to see my brother
Chinese & wine for tea
thankful for all I have

Friends

• I had a really good day, we had such a laugh at work, & at lunch.
• fat Friday was fun, full and happy
• I'm getting there with the revision
• virtually ready for the tutorial
• Collected husband from the airport
• husband's home!!
• I am in a fantastic mood :-)
• My "action for happiness" postcards arrived
• Chinese for tea, & we have wine ;-)

Fed

Today I'm thankful that husband left me dinner & that he cooks such yummy food.
I'm also thankful to share my food so other people enjoy it too.

I'm thankful that we have shops nearby & I can easily get to them for basic supplies.
I'm glad to have my marked assignment back & can already see how I've improved.

I'm thankful for all the things I can do, & all the things I enjoy.

excited

• I was in a good mood & had plenty to do & the day passed well.
• I am inspired about my story, & 750 words has given me a good place to make sure I work on it - even if I develop an idea a time.
• Remembered to put the washing on, & to text my friend.
• Earned a new fitbit badge
• Turned the dodgy sheep head into a mouse, comedy value & a guilt free way to redo the head

Friends

I am thankful for my friends, that even after months of quiet we can get back in touch.
I am thankful that I made it out & back in the sunny bits of a rainy day.
I am thankful being inside on rainy day.
I am thankful I remembered to go back to the shop for all my ingredients before I started cooking.
I am thankful I did some study & revision is going well.

I am excited for several friends who are about to embark on adventures!
I am thankful that I can get excited, that I find so many things to get excited about, & it always makes me smile & puts me in a good mood!

Work

I am thankful I have a job, & that I have good workmates.
I am thankful for the fun we have.

I am thankful husband has filled the freezer with dinners for me, & that we have plenty of shopping in.
I am thankful the bunnies are eating & are happy little bunnies.
I am thankful I have holidays & have time to chill.

Sunny

I am thankful that the weather is good, that it was last night for the walk to the club.
Especially for good weather today & the past few days so the field I parked in was solid.
I am thankful we parked in the near field, & that we had a good day.

I am thankful for the sun, that makes the garden grow, that feeds the bunny & keeps them healthy & their teeth wearing.
I am thankful husband remembered to get meat out the steak defrosted & he cooked me yummy dinner as always.

kindness

• I am thankful for all the stories & acts of kindness,
• I am thankful for all the good deeds people do, & all the happiness & thoughtfulness being spread.
• I am thankful for my health, for my body, & energy, & I can and do walk to the shops. 
• I am thankful for being on the bus route so I can get a ride home if I want.
• I am thankful for exercise trackers and loggers, so I can see the progress I am making exercise and healthy diet-wise
• I am thankful for the communities to share and encourage,
• I am thankful for household appliances, like the freezer to store fruit, & the smoothie maker,
• & that husband makes me smoothies for breakfast, it's a sweet loving act & I'm getting my 5 a day.
• I am thankful that the sun is shining, the garden is full of grass to feed the bunnies
• & the bunnies are healthy & happy
• I am thankful for my friends & family, for phones & mobiles & email  facebook, & all the ways we keep in touch

well

I am thankful for my health
I am thankful for an office where we can have drinks, & seats.
I am thankful that I had an easy day, & could continue to recover,
I am happy that we had Chinese as our Friday night treat,
& that I beat husband at netrunner, using his deck so it was a win each really ;-)

silver linings cont.

sick days,
mobile phones
my job & colleagues
the alarm has stopped
silence
drinkable tap water

more silver linings

Netflix, easy watching
my bed, my lovely cosy bed
more lemsips
husband feeding me, cooking for me, smoothies,
dishwasher, washing machine, labour saving devices...

silver linings

lemsips in the cupboard
remembered to cancel lunch plans
husband looks after me
& he looks after the bunnies when I ask
fitbit has a uk food database now
time to chill & look after me

reflexology

going to reflexology class with husband.
I'm thankful he comes with me, his hands are so big & warm, it's lush having a massage from him.  It's fun to have another shared hobby.
The class finished early so we got to come home & eat & chill in front of the tv for a bit
It was very relaxing & I'm sleepy now.
Had belly pork for tea which was a lovely treat

Useful websites

just found this website - action for happiness
http://www.actionforhappiness.org/take-action  some really useful stuff in there
there's another one    http://www.kindspring.org/  a global movement of kindness

& probably plenty more.  Let's make the world a better place...

Friends

I am thankful for my friends & all the different ways there are to interact, the phone (texting, calling) & facebook (for taking an interest without an interaction), & calling in / face to face & email & all the other ways.

I'm thankful for the house, & the room, & possessions & security we have here.
I'm thankful for our neighbours, & for being able to return the favour of taking in packages (& that there was someone in when I went to return it!)

I'm thankful for all the neat places there are around here, that we went to the zoo & got to see the meercat feeding, that the other animals were out to be photographed.

I'm thankful for all the hobbies that I can indulge, that I can read, write, type,  the simple things like being able to lie in bed & read a book, or sit at the pc & all the things that enables me to do.  I'm thankful for all the logs I'm able to keep (like mapmyrun, fitbit, 750 words...)

I'm thankful for all the books I have, that I can pick them up anytime I want.  I'm thankful for all the loft space that lets us store all the stuff we're dithering about where to store. I'm thankful for all the room we have, & all the options there are for when we're ready to part with stuff.

I'm thankful we have a garden, & that I have the bunnies out there.

Study

• I study!  I love learning, & I actually love being tested.  I love the opportunity to prove myself. I'm feeling better because I managed to finish the past papers, I did as many questions as I was supposed to, within the time limit. 
• I have found some notes to go over, & I'm revising my entries in the handbook.  I'm pleased we can have the handbook in the exam, with unlimited annotation.
• I have realised in plenty of time where some holes are, I can fill those gaps.

• I won with my netrunner deck, & know how to improve it.  A couple of cards I want to add in & some I can remove.
• I finally have something to add to my netrunner blog, my chromos project worked against Maxx, & I scorched earth for the first time ever.

Friday!

I did good work :-)
I laid some good foundations & have had them recognised
I have my first pair of animals done
I remembered to take my knitting to the hair dressers to fill the wait
it lead to an interesting conversation with another customer waiting
I found my car keys

beat stress

I've written a workshop for beating stress!! I am pleased with myself, the basic outline is on 750words so I can keep it & work on it.  I designed it in my head in traffic on the commute.  I love feeling productive, I could even design it aloud & then download my thoughts from the camera!

Had a fun lunch with a mate today, & discovered the burger van has sweet chilli sauce, getting that on my bacon butties!  It's great that we have a nature reserve close to work, big open spaces to get back to nature.  The lunchtimes I've spent there, my secret retreat...

& I voted, the walk got me up to my 10,000 steps & I feel really proud of myself!  Even did some research & made an informed choice.  Feel like a proper grown up ;-)

Loads of STEM activities that I can do as well, happy to sign up for some of them & put some work in later in the summer, hopefully after the exam.

& then there's music, I love that I have instruments there if I want to play them, & remembered my dream of having a harp, off I go to see if there are any on amazon or ebay.

Fitbit

• dancing is fun, I love the size of the class, & the others are cool.
• I make my 10,000 steps fairly easily & now it's time to kick up the pace,
• I found a fitbit group for wii / Kinect exercise games so I have some new ideas of games to try, & motivation to start exercising again
• my car is fine
• my dancing shoes fit & are lovely & sparkly
• lovely curry
• plenty of fruit & veg portions today

husband

husband is proper lush, supportive, encouraging, empowering
bunnies figured out bedtime, or they were greedy & went for the treats :-)
became wiser today too, & in a way that left me unharmed.
have goals & aspirations,  things to aim for & projects to complete
& I'm going to enjoy the journey,
it's taking the opportunities,
the skill of job crafting :-)

sunny

I am thankful that the weather's good on a day we planned to be outside, also really pleased that we were inside yesterday when it rained.
Happy that I got my hair dyed, & loving the colour, & the shape is still good.
Happy that we got nice bread for our bacon butties,  & I still have some left!
Also happy husband got the good bacon & cooked me some for lunch :-)
Happy that I found him a smiley present & that he shared it, lush husband xxx

Dinner

has a lush dinner with husband, steak & iron man 3, I love Netflix, & I love his cooking.  I'm thankful he introduced me to steak, & he does it so well.
Also glad the bunnies go to bed easily, safely hutched up for the night.
Glad I got some study done, can see the end of the assignment now, got enough paper to print it off & soon it'll all be done.
Also glad it's a long weekend & I still have tomorrow to finish things.
Almost got that first pig sewn up, doesn't look any smaller than the second one but added some variety.

tutorial

I love the venue, we had drinks beforehand which was a really good idea, got us chatting before the tutorial.
I love the enthusiasm of the tutor, & that he's so familiar with everything he can just answer questions & carry on.
I love getting the train, the easy travel.  the ease of parking & using the station, & the easy drive there.
I'm thankful it stayed dry while I was outside.
I loved the museum, & am thankful I found it when I wanted somewhere different to go.
I love husband, & snuggling up to him with a protective arm around me, sharing his warmth,

Tutorial

I have remembered how to cook & have fed myself :-)
Walked to shop, thankful the shop is nearby, to get supplies.
Remembered to prepare for tomorrow.
Enjoying the wireless broadband so I can download all the ebooks I need onto the tablet.
Love the tablet - means I don't have to carry books around, still have access to what I need.
Am thankful that trains have charging sockets so I can charge the tablet if I use it all day.
I've made some progress with the TMA too, & am feeling more positive about the exam - I can do this!

Family

I am thankful for my brother, he is well, happy & successful at work.  I am happy that he is happy.
I am thankful for the effort he makes to see me.
I am thankful for work mates, they help the day pass & we have a laugh in our breaks.
I am thankful for the time I spent helping at Guides & the experiences I had doing it.
I am thankful for all the opportunities I've had, volunteering & at work.

the usual

I got home safe from work, & my commute is easy
I am thankful the air is safe to breathe, the water is safe to drink & our buildings stand firm.
I am thankful our land is stable, our environment civil.
I am thankful for the oceans and trees, the oxygen and the air.
I am thankful for nature, its beauty and function.

Opinions

we got a survey at work today so I got to give my opinion :-)
the bunnies are eating
I had a nap after tea & I've perked up
husband bought me a present!  I now have storage containers :-)
remembered to hang the washing.

Hand reflexology

I am thankful that husband came with me so I had company, & a partner.  The people there are friendly and fun.  I enjoyed the practical session and like that we have handouts to bring away.

I am thankful for being happy today, the magic this morning and the gratitude exercise put me in a good mood for the day.

I am thankful for the reiki I did the other year & the journey I started on, & the progress I have made.  I have learnt so much & discovered so many fascinating things.  I am thankful for the people I've met along the way, & the stories and experiences they've shared.

I am thankful that I remembered to take water with me so I could drink it during the session.  I am thankful that the give blood letter arrived because it's reminded me to book my appointment (goes off to book appointment).

the Magic

I am thankful I found "the secret", & from there I have found "the magic".  The "magic" is gratitude & I am thankful for it ;-)
Here begins my gratitude for everything! 

I am thankful that I can read, that I have access to books, that I can order things off the internet easily, that the delivery office is just down the road & I can collect my parcels at the weekend.

I am thankful for the mentoring opportunities, & that we have fun out.  That the weather's always been appropriate.  That I can drive, & have a nice car & get safely & comfortably around.

That I get excited about things, I have the magic to loo forward to, starting tomorrow with day 1, though I'm desperate to read it now!  But I am thankful for the opportunity to study, to learn, that I have time for these things.  that I have the house nice cos I tidied up, & I like it that way so I'm thankful I have the motivation to keep it nice.

I am thankful for the reminder to phrase things in the positive too.  That a blog means I can go back & revisit previous thoughts, that the labels (tags) make it easy to do so.

Saturday

I am thankful for being inside in the warm on rainy days.
I am thankful for husband & his cooking, yummy bacon breakfast.
I am thankful that I am capable & brave, I made decent smoothies & coffee.

I am thankful for shops, the internet, click & reserve.  That helplines are open at the weekend when I'm available to call them.  I am thankful for my weekends and having time to do the things I enjoy.

I am thankful my books have arrived, & I'm looking forward to reading them.  That I can read, that I can follow patterns, & that the pig is looking good :-)  have started the sewing up, the bits match (phew) & all is well :-)

Family

I am thankful for my parents, that they are still fit enough to get around, & be independent.  That they are healthy & sound.
I am thankful for my husband, that he is healthy & looks after me so well,
I am thankful for pets, for the entertainment & joy they bring.

Cleaning

I am thankful for my health, that I can look after myself, keep me & the house clean (ish - when I want).  That  I am inspired to study again, have found a way to progress.
I am thankful I have a spare room, somewhere to hide all the mess ;-)
I love my house, especially when it's clean & tidy.

I am thankful for my parents, they are well & mobile & coming to visit.
I am thankful for my friends & neighbours, the people that care & keep an eye on us.
I am thankful for the bunnies, they are so cute, & that I have a garden & plenty of room for them, & grass & dandelions a-plenty to feed them.

Dancing

I am thankful I have a bed, a cosy, comfortable bed.
I am thankful for ballroom dancing, we have a laugh, the people are sound, & we have a shared exercise hobby.  I am thankful there are things husband & I can enjoy together.  I'm thankful that it's muscle memory now & I can relax and enjoy.

I am thankful I have a house, somewhere safe and comfortable for me, husband & our belongings.  I am thankful I have a drive, the access is clear & parking is easy.  I'm thankful I live on a wide road & it's quiet so pulling out is easy.

Husband

Husband made brownies, yummy.  I am thankful that husband is such a good cook, he keeps me well fed, and saved the fudgy ones for me.  Also that we have plenty of room in the fridge and freezer & we can keep it well stocked.

I am thankful that the weather is good and there is plenty of pleasant outdoor space for us at lunchtime, that we're on a quiet road, and that the ice-cream van visits :-)

I am thankful that I have hobbies I enjoy, that I can figure out the pattern, & correct my mistakes.  That I am free to modify the patterns.

Work

I am thankful I have a job I enjoy, with an easy enough commute.
I have a good car with good brakes & acceleration, & I get to work and back safely.

I'm thankful that I get to do fun things in my job, with fun people, & the time passes quickly.
The weather was good & we have grass to sit on at lunch.

Study

I got up & studied.  & then I studied some more.  & then I studied some more :-)
Chapter 12 looks good, like it'll set me up for my revision, & has already confirmed that I know something, & I know where to get the info I need.
Also managed the assignment question on chapter 11 relatively quickly & easily.
I am thankful I have the means, time, space (& finally - the motivation!) to study

Met the baby, he's lovely.
Even did a little bit of tidying up.

Am in the mood to study (thankfully) so best crack on with it.

Got the underbelly of pig done!  That's an achievement, & the rest will be easier now.  Main body & a tail to go & my first pair will be ready :-)

Noticed I dropped a note in time to pick it up - phew.

Meeting

I am thankful that I got up in good time & caught the bus, perfect timing at the bus stop!
I am thankful that the weather was good, I found my way ok & had a nice walk.
I got sat with people I know, there was stuff I liked at lunch
Bus was quiet & I got a body piece knitted.
Husband is cooking me salmon for tea.

Health

I am thankful for my health,
for husband making me smoothies & getting fruit into my diet.  That I have access to clean (safe) water to drink, in plentiful supply.  The same for food.

That I remembered to go to the blood donors session, & that they were full so I did my bit without doing anything ;-)     it's good they're full, replenish those blood stocks.

I am thankful that my bunnies are happy & healthy, they are well trained, & cleaning them out is quick & simple.

I am thankful for the people I know, the social opportunities I have.  The other opportunities I have too, study, work, hobbies.  For the people I meet through those.

I am thankful that my friends & family are well.

Home

I am thankful that I get home safely, to my lovely home.
That I can relax & be comfortable when I arrive here.
That husband sorts out tea.  We have take-aways within walking distance, & enough money to treat ourselves. 
We have internet & Netflix & plenty of entertainment.
That I have a desk, study area & time & space (& quiet) to study.

Friends

I am thankful for the people I know,  that I have fun with, for people that do me favours.
I am thankful for my neighbours, they take in parcels, keep an eye on the place, mind the bunnies when we're away.  I am friends with my neighbours.
I am thankful for the people that help me when I need it, those I know and those I don't.  Drivers who let me pull in / out in front of them.
Those people who smile & say hello, & the people who appreciate me for being me.

Friends

I'm thankful I got to my destination
I'm thankful for my friends, people I have a laugh with & can talk to

I'm doing this on my phone, internet access, being able to contact people, connect with them
Did plenty of steps today
Fishfinger butties!

I have stuffing, pig is almost complete!  I found hobbycraft, I had willpower & only bought what I went for.  Next size up needles increase pig just enough for a larger male.  Was skipping down the street, am happy :-)

books

I love books,
I love that I can read, & that I enjoy reading.

I'm thankful that I was brought up around books & encouraged to read, & to look things up.
That we have libraries, full of books.  These days if I get out library books I really like, I tend to buy them.  I am thankful that I have the resources to do that.  & that I can keep renewing books indefinitely while I get round to reading them.  That libraries have progressed from the world of shhhushhhh to be more active, lively,  the dvd & cd collections, (actually we have Netflix for most of that but still), the study areas, the ones that have pc access, power points for laptops & tablets.  Wikipedia of course, & almost instant access to knowledge.

The world of information is an exciting place & I'm glad to be part of it.

Health

• looks like we can get the tiles
• got all the knitting for the first pig done
• did a good turn today
• I am healthy & well
• I have husband & he is healthy & well
• & so are my family

washing

• rescued a tenner out of my jeans before they hit the wash
• realised the zip was undone & sorted that out before starting the washer
• having a washer, & room to dry clothes
• husband making me smoothies
• an easy way to get some of my 5 a day
• & easy breakfast
•  having plenty of grass to give the bunnies

lazy

I am enjoying having a lazy day, there are no demands on my time.

Things I should do but nothing that I have to do.  I have the luxury of later.

I'm enjoying sorting out my cards.  I love lying on the bed chilling.  Husband made me a smoothie for breakfast, & now he's doing bacon butties for lunch.  I am spoilt.  We have plenty.  We are enjoying it.

The rest of my cards arrived, I now have a full set.  & my tokens arrived too.  Time to start deck building!

husband

• I am once again struck by how lush husband is, & how much effort he puts into things
• he's done a lovely job fitting the kitchen,
• all the work he put into tiling the floor
• I slept well
• I feel refreshed & ready to face the day
• I'm excited about getting the runner cards unpacked
• the bed is cosy & I am warm
• husband's making me smoothie
• we're happy and healthy
• we are educated and can make informed choices
• we have lots of helpful gadgets
• I am thankful for all the things I take forgranted
• as simple as having a phone & being able to contact people.
• having people to contact

Quiet

• the neighbours are quiet for bedtime
• I have good neighbours
• Grandad is well
• He was chatty
• got my corp cards organised
• husband fed the bunnies
• husband & bunnies are well
• bunnies are good eaters & are bold
• bunnies go to bed easily
• safe journey
• good brakes & acceleration in the car

tidy person

• Made a start organising my netrunner cards
• Husband was home to  receive my parcels
• Card arrived from my Grandad
• Found husband a birthday card
• dancing will be back on soon
• easy location
• weekly exercise
• enjoyable hobby with husband

Pig

• got the first part of the pig done
• cast off
• really pleased with myself,
• excited about the rest of the project
• remembered to phone Grandad
• he's well
• got home safely
• tea was lovely
• fingers crossed we made a breakthrough at work

knitting

• I started on the pigs, they're so cute!
• & I learnt a new stitch
• my shoulder's improving
• I went back to the exercise
• woke up & got to work on time
• set the alarm for tomorrow
• social plans

Shoulder

sorted out the spreadsheet for husband,
he won some netrunner games,
lovely lunch
tiger balm & having husband to rub it in for me.
it's getting warm outside
the long weekend has been fun & relaxing
the bunnies are tame, & healthy

LBD

My little black dress still fits, I love that dress :-)
& I got to wear my new boots.

I am happy, the sun is shining, going for a walk to enjoy the sunshine.
Feeling positive and optimistic.

Netrunner tomorrow, going to enjoy arranging my cards & building decks.

Quote of the day comes from husband, "even if I wanted it, I would still have let you have it".  & I believe him.  He puts aside the crunchiest chips, the juiciest grapes etc. for me.  He is fab!

Really lucky with the bunnies today.  Next door noticed the hutch door was open as a cat was creeping towards it.  Bunnies secured, cat ran away.  Big phew!

Gaming

Another lazy morning but I got up in plenty of time for what I wanted to do.

• Convenient parking space
• more netrunner data packs
• excited about my collection
• husband has spare files & pages for me
• got to play x-com with 4 as I wanted to :-)
• got an insight
• enjoyed the games
• we got the better ticket to ride
• healthy eating, the flask worked out well, & I enjoyed the fruit

Lazy & Shopping

Enjoyed my lie-in this morning.  Much as I appreciate having a job (& the lifestyle it allows me) I also love my bed & having a lazy morning. 
So then a tootle off to the shops, I also love being able to jump into the car & go to where I want, & being able to buy things (within reason) without any worries.  So some shopping.  A wrist rest so I can type more comfortably, especially since I aim to be doing a lot of typing this weekend!  Again, linking back to the above, phew for the long weekend & having the time to chill & get some study done.  & talking of study. I got my marked assignment back.  I did well enough :-)

& then to online shopping & the convenience of being to stay in the warm & quiet & browse unhassled.  So I chose some card sleeves!  Got some more netrunner cards on the way, & sleeves enough for both a runner deck & a corp deck.  I have almost got the study to the point where I won't resent the time for building the decks.  Time enough for netrunner, for gaming tomorrow.

I may have found a cleaner.  I also have time enough to clean & tidy a little if the desire takes me.  It is also good that I have the time & means to indulge these little desires.  The hobbies I have.  The neighbours that don't mind / hear the musical instrument assortment I have limited skills with.

First world problems?  From this day forward I intend to appreciate what I have, which means all those first world problems should merely serve as a reminder that I am so far up the hierarchy of needs that first world problems are the most I have.

Fat Friday

• Fat Friday was good, I do love that chicken curry
• had the sense to stop eating when I was full
• got to work on time
• the car goes well
• good people at work
• capable of the job
• interesting variety
• free to wander
• bunnies are happy & healthy
• so am I, so is husband, so are our families

things I take forgranted

• did day 1 of the ab challenge,
• I have some will power!
• started writing out some calculations, love that kind of thing
• being able to remember, to figure them out
• having the luxury of time to do the above
• & contemporaries for technical discussion
• holidays are coming!
• few days off to relax & catch up
• catching up with friends
• all the things I take forgranted,
• shelter,
• warmth
• enough to eat
• clean water
• health
• having the heating on
• clothes
• being able to wash
• friends
• family
• enough money
• being able to read & write
• the internet,
• the vast resources at my disposal
• access to the library, to help, to advice 

These things because I was struggling a bit for the fifth, & really there are hundreds of things I am grateful for every day, all the things I take forgranted.

Ordinary

• I got to work on time
• there were some class songs on the radio
• tea was lush (again / as it quite often is)
• the cross-stitch project I want finished it getting there, had a good run on it at lunch
• teaching husband to drive is going well
• got my assignment back, did well
• did some exercise
• remembering how much I enjoyed martial arts

2nd of the day

• the time zone difference means I have the following morning as a safety buffer if I forget a day
• I got my 750 words down in 15 minutes!  So not much impact on my day
• Met my fitbit targets for the day
• enjoyed the analysis of my 750 days
• lovely stir-fry for tea, thanks husband!

Husband

• husband is amazing, I am so thankful I met him & we're together.
• I love just being in his presence, he's so calm(ing)
• he's so considerate, & the effort he goes to...
• he knows that (e.g. at netrunner) me playing & him watching will work out better than the other way round so he let's me (encourages me) to play.
• he encourages me to do things I like, & things that I might like
• he suggests things
• he's supportive (unless it's something that would be a mistake, & even then he merely advises against it)
• it's 6.30 in the morning (I shouldn't even be up!) & I've already got my 5 things.

New projects

so I entered my first netrunner competition!  I built my own deck, minimal advice from husband.  Even remembered to put click counters into the box!  I was so excited, so pleased with myself.  I get so excited about things.
Turned up without but I got to borrow decks.  Won a few games.  Got some cards, time to start sleeving my collection.  Just need to choose some sleeves, so many options.
Mentoring went really well.  Husband remembered to order things for me (without being asked) so I have milk for breakfast & the bunnies have hay.
I've even settled down to study. 
Got loads of new projects to start on, plenty to get excited about :-)

change camp

• was good
• got to the bus stop at a good time (relief)
• was good stuff for lunch (pakora, bread, cheese), grapes
• easy peel grapes :-) (probably relief again)
• co-presented!  Enthused.  Energised.  Nervous but "feel the fear & do it anyway".  It was a good laugh.  Reminded me about the dog tries to steal own bone video.  & now apparently there are fainting goats!  Gonna have to youtube that.
• really enjoyed the writing
• some useful tips, including link in emotion, challenge
• loads of useful resource links (excited, motivated)

Friday!

• getting excited about things
• busy weekend
• got a present
• had the right sized needles
• got some of the colours of wool
• freedom to take holidays
• remembered the bin
• got the first set of cards ready
• making progress with the printer
• tidied my desk
• got some paperwork in order

car & cards

So I seem to be running with themes

• got the car insurance sorted
• was assertive, always really pleased with myself when I am
• free wi-fi & drinks machine at the garage, happy waiting in future
• got the tyres sorted
• sensible reaction to the warning light & got that sorted too
• started building my netrunner collection
• some well timed ones (net runner packs) going spare
• build a deck for the competition
• getting excited now!
• returned my library books & got some really cool ones out.

Dancing

• the roads were empty, my commute was easy
• husband cooked me bacon just the way I like it (husband is lush)
• dancing was fun
• I hit my fitbit targets for the day (steps & active minutes)
• I love dancing with husband, he's so big & strong, & gentle & delicate
• sexy husband
• we remembered the moves
• Got a project completed at work

Dancing is good, it's exercise & socialising we do together.  I like that there's something active we can enjoy together.  Next week we'll get back onto dance central, burn those calories :-)

Intro

As a challenge for Lent, I wanted to find 5 things a day to be thankful for.  I want to shift to a more positive mindset, & appreciate what I have. I have also been reading "the Secret" (& Netflix has the film), & if you are thankful & happy, the universe responds by providing more for you to be happy and thankful about.  Also to phrase things in the positive.  (Rephrase "I don't want to be late" to "I want to be on time" or "I want to be early").

There are many things I am permanently thankful for, my health, my family, and some things that are more specific to a day or situation.  I got parked right outside where I wanted to be - yay!  There are some days when I can't stop at 5, one thing reminds me of something, & things that worked out well just chain.  I went outside & noticed I'd left the light on inside the car.  Phew I noticed & saved the battery.  That led me to find my melon that I'd left in the car...

• I remembered to go to the post office
• I got there while it was still open
• collected the form I wanted
• I got belly pork cheap
• ate it while it was still hot (car picnic! - happy memories)
• parking space right where I wanted one
• new (sensible) route home
• the road was open

& now it's my bedtime, my cosy warm bed that I love :-)


ETA:  I've decided to edit in colour so I (& you) can see what I've changed.  Plus I like colour :-)