Oprah Made Me Do It.

Today I decided to read through my "O Magazine" that I recently got.  When I say, "recently", I really mean, it arrived early last week and I just decided to pick it up and read it.  My favorite part to start with is the "Things I know for Sure".  Why?  Cause I want to know what Oprah really knows for sure.  I mean... I looooooooooooooooove me some Oprah. God knows I do!

In the article, Oprah talks about how she would keep her gratitude journal and did it consistently for 10 years and then over more time, she because less consistent to the point where she rarely did it.  All due to being busy with life.  So busy with life that she wasn't making time to acknowledge the great things that happen in life.  This brings me back to my list of 5 things that I love about today.

It is important to acknowledge the things in life that make it special.  It took my reading of an article to remember the importance it holds in keeping my life in perspective and helping others do so as well.  So, with that said - I. AM. BACK.

1. Today I did something great. I opened up my second Etsy shop. This shop is specifically for LGBT Pride items and that's something I'm proud of. http://pridefulthings.etsy.com 
2. What a great day for working in the yard. The weather was AMAZING.  
3. I love that I have friends that I share special moments with and I am happy that I can be there for them.
4. The chili I made for dinner was delicious.  It'll continue to be delicious for the next couple of days, too :0)
5. I bought a new jacket at Target for only $6.88.  The jacket has George Mason University's school colors on it.  That's a twofer! Heeeeeeey!

Great Deals and Things of that Nature

Who says you can't get a lot done when you only have 4 hours of sleep?  haha!  I was exhausted when I woke up today but I had plans.  I wanted to get to REI and check out there Attic Sale and I had plans to help a friend look for a bicycle.  He's planning to get fit and I convinced him to do bike with us on the W O D Trail this coming weekend.  I'm excited about that!

1. I had a great time hanging out with my friend from work. Bike shopping and just regular shopping was cool. Always nice to expand my group of friends.
2. We stopped by the bike shop and met the owner.  He was pretty chill and seems on the up and up.  I'm definitely going to take my business to him from now on. 
3. Made a stop at Dick's Sporting Goods and scored a pair of Reebok shoes for $5!  Can you believe that?  I love a good deal! 
4. It was a busy night for phone calls.  I guess it was better than NOT getting phone calls. hahaha So that's something worth loving.
5. One call that I got tonight was from my brother - he's finally sending me that Timbuk2 Messenger Bag! YAY!  I'm excited. These bags are expensive and since I'm getting it for free.. it's a GREAT DEAL!

The Luck o' the Non-Irish

Thank God, it's Friday! It's been one helluva week and I survived.  The last two days were filled with cleaning up a mistake I made. The mistake is all cleaned up and back in order now. Whew!  I'm lucky to have a job that is supportive of its workers in more ways than one.

1. I'm glad I was able to maintain my cool during the last couple of days as I worked to correct the mistakes with the help of others.  I love that our office team are truly team players!
2. My friend Aric text me today to ask what I would be doing for St. Patrick's Day. I replied that I had no clue because you know.. that's just one of those holidays no one really plans for. HAHAHA. At any rate, he mentioned that he and his wife might be planning a road trip to the area.  I love when I get to see my friends - I did see Aric some time this past summer but I haven't seen Holly in well over a year.  It might be a good opportunity to get the college gang back together. The last time we were all together for St. Patrick's Day was when I lived in Savannah, Georgia. Now THAT was a good time!  Savannah knows how to throw a St. Patrick's Day party.
3. I enjoyed going to the "Going Away Party" for a grad student of ours.  After a week of staff development, our staff feels a lot more closer and that made the party feel that much better.
4. I FINALLY sold a photograph on the site today.  That was exciting.  I think I need to post more photos. I've taken some good ones recently. What I loved about the sale is that the customer asked about it and when I listed the item and sent her a message that it was posted, she immediately bought it.  Now that's a great customer!
5. Tonight I ran into Target to pick up a few things.  You do know that anytime you say something like that it really means you're going to pick up more than just a few.  This one item I couldn't help but purchase - a new sporty winter coat for $11! I loooooooooove a good deal!

On that Midnight Train to Mormon

I eased back into work with no complications. It was cery quiet in the office but I'm sure that will change tomorrow. More people will be back and then it will all start to begin again.

Tonight I had a conversation with VG on religion and beliefs. Very nice conversation.  Nice to hear his views and I'm glad I enlightened him on black Latter-Day Saints and one of their most famous members, Gladys Knight.  The sound of silence indicated shock and I found that pretty funny.  By the way, I am not Mormon - just inquisitive.  I can't even say I'm a religious person. That's a whole other discussion for another blog. hahaha At any rate, I'm hear to talk about the five things I loved about today and here it goes!

1. I read this line today from a blog that I loved and thought was perfect, "Implement the No Complaining Rule. Remember that complaining is like vomiting. Afterwards you feel better but everyone around you feels sick." How true is that???  I have said for the last few years that I can't stand when people choose to complain about things. It could be a complaint about the simplest thing like it's raining. Um, it's raining because that's what the planet does - it's own thing and you're not the boss of it!  While we might not like it - it's not worth complaining about because we can't personally change it. Even if we could change things that we complain about, why complain? Just change it and move on. You can read the rest of the tips here.
2. While I was in the grocery store I saw a shorter, older woman who was eying an item on the top shelf. Since I was right there I offered her some help if she needed it.  She said yes and told me what she wanted and I got the two cans down for her.  The look on her face, full of gratitude made me feel really good that I was able to help her (and that my parents raised me with manners and kindness). Now THIS does remind me of the Mormon friends and acquaintances I have. They are some of the most wholesome, nicest people! This gesture of mine was very Mormon-esque hahahaha
3. There was a discussion about The Abominable from the famous holiday stop-action children's program, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer".  I always thought he was ONLY referred to as The Abominable and the other person referred to him as The Bumble. I was like, "The Bumble? He's not called that." She and I were going to figure this out so I headed over to YouTube to find a clip.  We found the clip but ONLY after having seen this one The Abominable. I cracked up laughing.  I loved that!
4. I made a delicious, quick and easy turkey chili tonight.  I was skeptical about the recipe but it really turned out well.  I love ANY meal that takes me about 30 minutes to make.
5. Oooh - Target had a 70% Off Christmas items and I got a travel humidifier and a comfort massage cushion for $5.99 each.  I LOVE A BARGAIN!