It's the Small Things In Life: Weekly Gratitude Update

I have a new idea. Much like John Stewart has his weekend update, I have decided to do a weekly update of all the events, people, activities, books, music, ect, ect ect, that I am particularly grateful for at the end of each week.

I too often find myself getting caught up in everything that could be just a little bit better in life and then have no room to think on all of the positives. If I keep this up, there won't be any more positives floating around me to keep me going. I don't like who I am when I become ultra critical of my surroundings, wishing to have more from everything and everyone. I can't change anything or anyone. All I can do is improve upon myself and set boundaries when I start to become a little more involved than what is truly needed. I always want to put a band-aid on everything to somehow secure the hurt that someone is going through, even if it's just for a little while. Sometimes, I forget that I have days when I need this too. My hope is that this new segment I have promised myself to do on a weekly basis, will help me keep what's important in my mind should I have a difficult day.

So here is my first  weekly update full of things that I am especially grateful during the week of 
7/30/12-8/5/12:

1) Andrew and I got to go out to dinner with my parents to Carabbas on Tuesday. It's so nice to be able to see them more often since we've moved to Asheville.
2) I finished my Jodi Picoult book and it ended better than I thought it would. It took me two months to read because I kept getting so frustrated with what looked like the end result was going to be. She is my hero when it comes to writing and she has inspired me to write more.
3) In the midst of a very stressful, challenging week at work, one of my co-workers and I found the time to laugh until we cried. Perhaps it was part delirium, but sometimes the best cries are via laughter.
4) My husband took me out on a date Friday night.
5) On date night we got to experience the best soft pretzels and homemade mustard either of us had ever had. Mmmmmm. Soft pretzels. I'm seriously drooling. 
6) Lorelai slam dunked a Kleenex into the waste basket one morning when I was getting ready for work. I don't think she's quite ready for the kitty olympics but I refuse to be a stage mom and only want her to continue playing as long as it makes her happy.
7) I downloaded the newest Brandi Carlile c.d. and it. is amazing! Sometimes all it takes is good music to get out of a funk.
8) We got to hang out like old times with Pat and Jenn (my brother and sister-in-law). We ate Mexican food and then went back to their house and talked about t.v shows and movies.
9) My parents took care of our pets while we were out of town. This might seem miniscule to some but it is so nice to know that our critters are in good hands while we are away. I can't say how many times I have had a hard time focusing on having a nice weekend getaway because my brain is stuck on worrying about whether or not the pets are OK.
10) Andrew and I were asked to be a part of our newest niece's Baptism. We got to stand in the back with our brother and sister-in law and then carried the bread and wine up to the priest for communion.
11) After said Baptism and all the pictures were taken, I got to hold her first whereas last time, I had to wait what seemed like an eternity. I love that little girl so much and am so very grateful to be even a small part of her life.
12) We got to see all of Andrew's side of the family and hung out and laughed and joked. I am so blessed to have two such wonderful families in my life.
13) We got home early enough last night to catch up (almost) on dvr'd shows and ordered a pizza.
14) My daddy and his friend fixed the screen on our screened in back porch and it looks awesome! One more thing can be checked off the list of "to-do's" for our house. Next goal: the purple couch.
15) I went to bed happy, even though I knew I would be waking up to Monday morning. In thinking about writing this blog, I was reminded of all of the people in my life who love and support me. Sometimes, it's so easy to make oneself feel so all alone when all you have to do is look around you to notice that you are anything but.

Here's to a new week of positives!