Gratitude 12.23.2010

Today I am grateful that the shortest day of the year has come and gone. I know winter has just begun, but knowing that the shortest day of the year is behind me makes the remainder of winter more tolerable. It may be bitter for the next few months, but at least there is daylight to counter balance it. I don’t know a whole heck of a lot about myself, but I know for certain that my body, mind and spirit need sunshine to function optimally.

I’m thankful that the Winter Solctice has passed, and my winter blues have been minimal. I’m not sure why, but this year, the short and cold days have not made me wish I were an animal that hibernates. Many things could be playing into this. For one, it did not get cold in Atlanta until after Thanksgiving. Since then, we’ve had more than enough miserably cold, windy and sometimes wet days, but in between these stints there are mild sunny days. Secondly, I’m not working all day long in a windowless world and leaving after the sun has set. Instead, I’m in and out of the house several times a day running errands and sitting in front of my kitchen window that lets in plenty of light. Doing yoga and having time to take care of myself could also be helping my cause. I know that I have a long haul ahead of me, and sooner or later winter will start to wear on me. However, the shortest day of the year has passed by with me barely noticing, and I’m deeply grateful.

Gratitude 11.25.2010

Today, on this Thanksgiving Day, I am grateful for my husband and the life he is building for us. Very grateful. Steve was not able to come to Virginia to celebrate Thanksgiving with us because he had to work. This makes me blue, and I miss him very much. However, it is his hard work that has allowed me to be in Virginia with my friends and family this week.

LuLu Edward Photography

Before we moved to Georgia, we decided that it would be best if I stayed home to take care of our family. The pros of me staying home far out weighed the pros of me working, but we knew that if Steve’s job couldn’t support us, that I would have to return to work. Steve is dedicated to our family dreams, and consistently works hard to keep us on track. It is Steve’s hard work that allows me to stay home with Moanna, spend time with friends and family and pursue my dreams that had to be set aside while I was working. I am eternally grateful for his commitment to our family and the sacrifices he makes.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Gratitude 11.12.2010

Today I am grateful for adventure. It brings energy and excitement to our lives. The anticipation and preparation of adventure fills us with adrenalin. Even remembering past adventures can rejuvenate us. I love adventure in all of its many forms – travel, challenges, learning, doing new things, new friends, exploring. Outside of family, friends and faith adventures make me feel the most alive.

We are on the brink of a lot of new adventures in our lives. Yesterday morning we were making plans for the holiday season and anticipating all of the fun we would be having with our families. And, just last night, Steve and I were beginning to plan our trip to Costa Rica (a payoff trip from Steve’s company). I was researching hotels to stay at near the Arenal Volcano and how we would get to the volcano from the airport. You guys, I literally could not sleep last night because I was so excited. We are also planning a trip to Haiti within the next year and in about 15 months we will be going to Hawaii (finally taking our honeymoon!). On top of the travel, we are also on the brink of big adventures with this site and Steve’s job. Of course, we cannot forget the adventure of raising Moanna or the adventure of moving to Atlanta.

I am so thankful that I live a life full of adventure. I am thankful for the antsy-in-your-pantsy feeling that adventure brings to our lives. Adventures push us forward in life, and for that I am truly grateful.