Gratitude A to Z

I am grateful for :

A: America. Our freedoms and opportunities are unlike any others.
B: my three brothers, they drove me crazy growing up but I know I can count on them.
C: my camera, so I can capture the special moments and people in my life
D: my dad, he died too young. I miss him and his unwavering interest in my life.
E: excitement every once in a while, the highs balance out the lows in life .
F: my family, my husband and kids are the very, very best.
G: my dear Grandma Violet
H: the heat in my house in this cold, cold winter.
I: the in-laws. My father in-law, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law. My brothers and sisters have made some very fine choices.
J: my job. It's challenging and secure.
K: for the kindness of others.
L: love and grace. There is nothing I can do to make God love me any more and nothing I can do to make God love me any less. He just loves me.
M: my sweet, generous mom, I love her more the longer I know her.
N: my hoards of nieces and nephews - each one unique and lovable.
O: oatmeal bars with raisins. I eat one most mornings.
P: PD my sweet, playful dog.
Q: quiet moments in my day.
R: relaxing days at the lake in the summer.
S: my three sisters, I can't imagine a happy life without them in it.
T: talks with my family and friends. My favorite times are chatting and laughing for hours.
U: understanding.
V: validation for a job well done.
W: wine, a glass or a couple.
X: x and y coordinates can show me where I am, or where you are.
Y: each new year -- another chance to start again, another day of grace.
Z: zen moments of peace that occasionally manage to find me.

Batman and the Sushi hostess

I love Fridays. Done with work and on to the weekend.

My husband and I went out tonight. First to a local pub for drinks and appetizers and conversation with friends. Then we headed out, just the two of us, for sushi. When we got to the restaurant, there was a short wait so the hostess was going to put us on the waiting list. And here's where it gets interesting.

Hostess: Your name ?

Husband: Batman

Hostess: silence, the look on her face said she wasn't easily amused

Husband: You can put it under Jay

OK... so she doesn't find it even a tiny bit funny when a 40 year old man says his name is Batman.

After our meal (which I enjoyed, even though I always get a little stressed by chopsticks - they make me nervous because they aren't my native utensil) we got up to leave and on our way out something funny happened.

The same hostess who was not amused by my husband on the way in, said to him on the way out "So, did you enjoy your meal. Batman?"

Coffee set for a cause

I'm don't often buy things on the spur of the moment.

But earlier this week, I did just that. When I found these, they made me smile, and then I bought them.

It's a coffee set. I'm not sure when I'll use it. But it makes me want to invite my neighbors over for coffee and a bundt cake.

I just love this little girl.

I found this set at a thrift store that supports Hospice. Hospice is a organization that cares for patients who are in the final stages of terminal illness. They offer many services for patients and their families.

It's impossible to have guilt about this frivolous purchase when I think so highly of the organization the store supports. In fact, writing this post makes me feel bad I didn't buy those pretty, old wine glasses at the store.

Dance Like Nobody's Watching

My husband and I have talked over the years about taking a dance class together. We finally took the step and he signed us up for ballroom dancing classes. They start next Tuesday.

I'm really nervous.

You see, I don't have much of a sense of rhythm. If people around me are clapping to music, I often have to sneak a peak to see if I'm keeping up time. I don't go to many places where hand clapping to music is expected. I'm Lutheran and we don't clap much in church. I'm thankful for that.

I'm afraid since I can't master hand clapping to music, I'm going to have some issues getting my entire body to work together in a dance move. I don't want to be the woman who holds up the entire class because I can't get the simplest move on the first night. I don't want to be the woman who causes eye rolling and sighing by class five.

Still, I'm crazy excited about stepping (even if clumsily) outside my comfort zone and taking this dance class. I'll be sure to update you on my progress. I have no shame.

Craigslist find

I've been looking for a very long time for the perfect buffet for my dining room.


I'm somewhat (OK, a bit more than somewhat) picky.


Size mattered. I wanted something long, but not too wide. Not leggy. I didn't want to wipe out my life savings but I was willing to pay for the right piece. It had to fit the style of my grandparents walnut table that I'd had refinished but not be too matchy- matchy.


I'm also patient. I wasn't going to buy something just to get by, I'd rather have a bare wall than something I didn't really like.


I've looked at furniture stores, antique stores, garage sales, ebay, etc... I've also been checking my local Craigslist. I hit the jackpot this week. I found the perfect buffet for my dining room and it was less than I thought I'd spend.


I'm so excited about redoing my dining room now. I moved the buffet in and it was perfect.


I'll post some before and after pictures of my dining room when I get it done. For now, here's a peek at my Craigslist find.