There is always something to be grateful for. - Google it. I can't remember who said it.
Let me tell you this has been the week of weeks! Too much malarkey this week. Sorry for the lack of author for the quote. I am doing this from my phone so please bare with me (more than you already do).
Even though this has been the week from purgatory (it honestly wasn't too bad), I am still going to try to be thankful for things in my life because I'm alive and well. And you know, that's good enough for me.
Reliable Cab Drivers - These last five days have been insanely hectic and I currently find myself stressed to a point I haven't been in years. When you're stressed you're scattered. I would like to thank the universe for sending me cab drivers who didn't give me a hard time in getting me to where I needed to be. It is pretty typical but this week I left my American phone in a cab as I was leaving a job interview and on my way to see what was going on with my apartment. I don't know how I did it. I was texting my mom and the my phone rang, I Looked at the number and put it back in my phone... Or so I thought. It wasn't until hours after that I noticed I didn't have my phone. At this point I was so stressed out because the place that I was going to move into was a no go so I was ready to throw my hands up in the air and quit (but you know I don't quit) by the time my phone went M.I.A.
So after searching my purse for it 24 times over, I called the taxi company and left a message. I didn't think I'd hear anything but to my surprise it was their phone call that woke me up this morning. He found my phone and dropped it off at the police station... In freaking Bootle. But I am grateful for the return of my phone anyway.
Landlords Who Are Responsible - As I mentioned earlier I need to find a new place to live. The building that I was supposed to live in held about 200 people. One person signed up to live there. Who? Autumn Rose Chmil. The landlord can't run a whole building for one person, which I can't argue that. But the good part is that, because I signed a contract, the man is willing to pay the difference for a place for me. Where I was staying was supposed to be £60 a week. Since it's so late in the game, he thinks that I won't find something for less than £90. Once we find a spot (he's helping me) he will write me a check for the differences in rent for the whole time of the contract. So I can end up living in a better place, which is cool, and he is urging me just to get a flat on my own if he is going to spend the money. And if the place where I rented it from won't give me my money back that I've paid in deposits etc (probably about £500) he will cut me a check for it. All of this and his mother just died. I feel like a jerk even bothering him with my problems. But I am thankful for his help anyway.
So in case you didn't notice, I lost my home and my contact with my mother, my bank and my doctors in the timespan of four hours. Sweet!
Dann's Housemates - So last year Dann and I were always at each other's flats. Honestly every second we can spend together, we do spend together. But now that I have no place to go, so we sort have to spend every second together. The hospitality of Dann's housemates is more than I deserve. After all, I'm not their problem. They are not bothered by my quiet existence in their man house. So this week, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for "the boys" and their roof.
Morgan Freeman - If you really want to know something, see if Morgan Freeman has anything to say about it. He's going to speak bluntly and I dig it. In a time where everyone is beating around the bush to be politically correct, this guy just says what he wants to say in the simplest ways He helped save Batman's life many times and he helped the penguins out. And now I finally have an idea what God looks like (see Bruce Almighty). So, yeah, I dig him.
That I Finally Got AIM Working - You may laugh that I still use AOL Instant Messenger but that's the only way I am able to talk with Katie. Since she is the person I speak with the most I was bumming that AIM wasn't working. Then today, out of the blue, it just decided to work. Yay! For being able to talk to Brenizzle again! It's funny because when I finally turned my US phone on, there was a text from her (no one else). Obviously she found my lack of communication utterly unacceptable.
There are six things today!
Insomnia - Most of the time, I am not a fan of insomnia. No one likes to be up all night while trying to sleep. But tonight I am quite okay with it. Dann and I have been so busy trying to get settled in Liverpool that I haven't really had time to register the fact that we are together again. Well, he's been sleeping for quite some time now and it's given me time to finally appreciate the fact that we aren't sleeping with a Skype screen in between us! Mr. Insomnia has helped me get to the bottom of things and see that despite that fact I'm homeless in a country 3,500 miles away from my mama (who I miss so very much), I am also in the midst of getting exactly what I've wanted all summer (maybe all my life!)... to be with Dann.
What are you thankful for?
My bad use of the English language?
I thought so.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Friday, August 24, 2012
Thankful Thursday
“Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough.” Oprah
Well tonight is my last night in Scranton. It just happens to be a Thursday. What are the chances. This last week has a been an interesting one to say the least. But I have tried my best to focus on the good things.
This week I am thankful for...
Surprise Appearances - Although I hate surprises, I really do love when people show up unexpectedly. It happened twice in the last five days. It's great to see people that you haven't seen in a very long time but it is even way better when it happens and you have little or no clue that they are on their way. This week one person said they weren't coming and then there he was and the other said he was coming (but never shows) and then he did show up! A splendid time indeed.
Christa Got Her Job Back - My sister was having a hard time at work because of the restrictions that her doctor advised for the rest of her pregnancy. By hard time I mean pretty much making her quit. But she got the phone call today that she is "allowed" to go back to work tomorrow. We are all very excited about this.
Mark David Chapman was Denied Parole - MCD is the man that murdered John Lennon. He goes up for parole every two years and every two years he gets denied. Good. He shouldn't be out in the streets. It's not like Mr. Lennon gets to have a chance to come back to life every two years. The only issue I can't help but ignore is that if this case wasn't as "famous" as it was/is, MCD might have been let off on parole for good behavior. I am having such a hard time with it because no one should get out on good behavior after they killed someone. It is no one's right to take another life so my issue isn't with MCD (even thought I have many issues with him) it's that there are people that do get away with murder. But I am happy this yonko is still locked up. He'd probably just end up getting hurt by some other crazy Lennon fan.
Ice Cream Cake - I am not that big on desserts. However, I dig ice cream and I dig those chocolate bits of goodness that are in between the chocolate and vanilla of ice cream cake. Just delicious and I am glad that I know that they exist in the world.
Amanda Metro - It occurred to me last week that the one person that should have made in this blog in its beginning was not even on it almost a year to its anniversary. Amanda is who I got this idea from. Not only that, she is a very honest friend who is patient and listens, even if it is something she has heard me say countless times.Since she has been hearing me gripe about the same thing for like six years, she gets a medal for that. She is excellent at getting something through my head in a way that other people cannot, although I cannot pinpoint how. And her children are freaking adorable.
What are you thankful for??
Well tonight is my last night in Scranton. It just happens to be a Thursday. What are the chances. This last week has a been an interesting one to say the least. But I have tried my best to focus on the good things.
This week I am thankful for...
Surprise Appearances - Although I hate surprises, I really do love when people show up unexpectedly. It happened twice in the last five days. It's great to see people that you haven't seen in a very long time but it is even way better when it happens and you have little or no clue that they are on their way. This week one person said they weren't coming and then there he was and the other said he was coming (but never shows) and then he did show up! A splendid time indeed.
Christa Got Her Job Back - My sister was having a hard time at work because of the restrictions that her doctor advised for the rest of her pregnancy. By hard time I mean pretty much making her quit. But she got the phone call today that she is "allowed" to go back to work tomorrow. We are all very excited about this.
Mark David Chapman was Denied Parole - MCD is the man that murdered John Lennon. He goes up for parole every two years and every two years he gets denied. Good. He shouldn't be out in the streets. It's not like Mr. Lennon gets to have a chance to come back to life every two years. The only issue I can't help but ignore is that if this case wasn't as "famous" as it was/is, MCD might have been let off on parole for good behavior. I am having such a hard time with it because no one should get out on good behavior after they killed someone. It is no one's right to take another life so my issue isn't with MCD (even thought I have many issues with him) it's that there are people that do get away with murder. But I am happy this yonko is still locked up. He'd probably just end up getting hurt by some other crazy Lennon fan.
Ice Cream Cake - I am not that big on desserts. However, I dig ice cream and I dig those chocolate bits of goodness that are in between the chocolate and vanilla of ice cream cake. Just delicious and I am glad that I know that they exist in the world.
Amanda Metro - It occurred to me last week that the one person that should have made in this blog in its beginning was not even on it almost a year to its anniversary. Amanda is who I got this idea from. Not only that, she is a very honest friend who is patient and listens, even if it is something she has heard me say countless times.Since she has been hearing me gripe about the same thing for like six years, she gets a medal for that. She is excellent at getting something through my head in a way that other people cannot, although I cannot pinpoint how. And her children are freaking adorable.
What are you thankful for??
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Thankful Thursday!
It is necessary, then, to cultivate the habit of being grateful
for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks
continuously. And because all things have contributed to your
advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude. Wallace D. Wattles
So this is my last full week in the States until Christmas (or March) and I've spent a bit of time thinking about how much has changed in a year. It's sort of overwhelming. It's true you never notice the changes as they are happening as they are small (but steady) then, all of those small changes, they make an entirely different life. Some of them I wish didn't happen and for most of them, I am so happy that they did. All of them, I am grateful for because where I am right now is exactly where I need and want to be!
So the gratitude continues...
Exclamation Points - I mean those little characters are just happy people! I hardly ever use them when I am yelling. In fact, I bet most people are more alarmed when they see "Stop." than "Stop!" in a text from me. I am an !!! junkie. I've tried to cut down on using them but they just make me smile!
That My Boss is Such a Great Meteorologist - Jason was able to tell me what the weather is going to be like in Rome in February. I mean, aside from comical, he could be right. According to Jason, Rome at Valentine's Day will be like Delaware. This will be helpful when Dann and I go to Rome so I am grateful for that. P.S. I spelled "meteorologist right the first time. P.P.S. I didn't spell meteorologist right the second time! P.P.P.S. I am also thankful that Jason is a good boss... even if he does fire us every other day. P.P.P.P.S. This Thankful Thursday just turned into a "buy five get a sixth one free" deal!
For My Friends' Time - As I am reflecting on this summer visit, I cannot help but be grateful for the friends that have taken time out of their schedules, changed things around in order to hangout with lil' old me. I am almost surprised at the amount of time I have spent with some people over others. (And of course Krissy getting the special shout outs for running to the airport with me to weigh my suitcase!) It made coming home worth it. So thank you to those who have made time for me! You've given me enough umph to make it through until Christmas.
The Critical Thinking Skills Learned at Marywood University - I often chuckled when I read or heard that part of Marywood's ploy to get students to enroll. But suddenly, I started to thank Marywood for teaching me those skills. I mean it is hardly ever in difficult situations, I don't know if that makes it better or worse, but I some times you just want to yell "DUH!" :) So a thank you to all of those Nuns, Drs, and professors who "got my gears going" for life.
The 20% Part of My Eating Plan - Now, don't get carried away here. I am not on a diet. I am trying the 80/20 non-diet for the mere fact that I want to start feeling better and, hopefully, eating better will help that. The 80/20 plan is really ideal for me. It doesn't involve counting calories, cutting foods out, or even starving yourself (which is good). It does involve eating whole foods and organic foods 80% of the time. That other 20% is whatever you want. The hardest time I am having with it is the schedule, which is waking up a the buttcrack of dawn and going to bed at 10:30 (IN THE MIDDLE OF BRIDEZILLAS!) and also no snacking between meals in order for your body to get itself working properly. I think I would better adjust to the schedule in England, when Dann and I are in the same time zone to speak and sleep, so I am really not 100% in this yet. That doesn't mean I am not trying and that doesn't mean that I don't love me some chips and dip in that 20%! I used to be just concerned about the 99%, now I am in a class of my own!
What are you thankful for?
So this is my last full week in the States until Christmas (or March) and I've spent a bit of time thinking about how much has changed in a year. It's sort of overwhelming. It's true you never notice the changes as they are happening as they are small (but steady) then, all of those small changes, they make an entirely different life. Some of them I wish didn't happen and for most of them, I am so happy that they did. All of them, I am grateful for because where I am right now is exactly where I need and want to be!
So the gratitude continues...
Exclamation Points - I mean those little characters are just happy people! I hardly ever use them when I am yelling. In fact, I bet most people are more alarmed when they see "Stop." than "Stop!" in a text from me. I am an !!! junkie. I've tried to cut down on using them but they just make me smile!
That My Boss is Such a Great Meteorologist - Jason was able to tell me what the weather is going to be like in Rome in February. I mean, aside from comical, he could be right. According to Jason, Rome at Valentine's Day will be like Delaware. This will be helpful when Dann and I go to Rome so I am grateful for that. P.S. I spelled "meteorologist right the first time. P.P.S. I didn't spell meteorologist right the second time! P.P.P.S. I am also thankful that Jason is a good boss... even if he does fire us every other day. P.P.P.P.S. This Thankful Thursday just turned into a "buy five get a sixth one free" deal!
For My Friends' Time - As I am reflecting on this summer visit, I cannot help but be grateful for the friends that have taken time out of their schedules, changed things around in order to hangout with lil' old me. I am almost surprised at the amount of time I have spent with some people over others. (And of course Krissy getting the special shout outs for running to the airport with me to weigh my suitcase!) It made coming home worth it. So thank you to those who have made time for me! You've given me enough umph to make it through until Christmas.
The Critical Thinking Skills Learned at Marywood University - I often chuckled when I read or heard that part of Marywood's ploy to get students to enroll. But suddenly, I started to thank Marywood for teaching me those skills. I mean it is hardly ever in difficult situations, I don't know if that makes it better or worse, but I some times you just want to yell "DUH!" :) So a thank you to all of those Nuns, Drs, and professors who "got my gears going" for life.
The 20% Part of My Eating Plan - Now, don't get carried away here. I am not on a diet. I am trying the 80/20 non-diet for the mere fact that I want to start feeling better and, hopefully, eating better will help that. The 80/20 plan is really ideal for me. It doesn't involve counting calories, cutting foods out, or even starving yourself (which is good). It does involve eating whole foods and organic foods 80% of the time. That other 20% is whatever you want. The hardest time I am having with it is the schedule, which is waking up a the buttcrack of dawn and going to bed at 10:30 (IN THE MIDDLE OF BRIDEZILLAS!) and also no snacking between meals in order for your body to get itself working properly. I think I would better adjust to the schedule in England, when Dann and I are in the same time zone to speak and sleep, so I am really not 100% in this yet. That doesn't mean I am not trying and that doesn't mean that I don't love me some chips and dip in that 20%! I used to be just concerned about the 99%, now I am in a class of my own!
What are you thankful for?
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Thankful Thursday!
“When asked if my cup is half-full or half-empty my only response is that I am thankful I have a cup.” ~ Sam Lefkowitz
This is a late post. It had to happen eventually. Things are hectic right now as I leave for Liverpool in two weeks and I feel like I have so much to do it's absurd. I would love to have a personal assistant (for free) for two weeks. I don't know what they'd be able to help me with though honestly.
Nevertheless, I have found things to be grateful for. Sometimes I think I'm going to run out but things always show up either new or in different forms.
Farmers - This one just occurred as I was looking for a quote to put at the top. I saw a Chinese proverb about remembering the man that planted the bamboo that one would be eating. You know, I thought to myself, I eat so much fruit and veggies in my life that it is rude for me not to be thankful for all of the farmers working hard all the time to make sure I have my cantaloupe and watermelon! I could never do that kind of stuff. I don't do bugs!
Lolly - I know that I have said over and over again that I am thankful for my mom but I feel like I should express it again. She's a great lady. She's been helping me on my lightweight suitcase hunt for the last two weeks. She picks and drops me off at the airport when I need her to. She makes my lunches for work. When she doesn't make them, she drops them off. She tolerates me when I am unbearable. She's my best friend. I'm going to miss her when I go back to the UK. I can't express how thankful I am to have a mother like Lolly, even though she lives in her own time zone.
Luggage Scales - I finally broke down and bought one off of eBay about a week ago. Although the measurement is completely accurate (it was off my almost a pound) it weighs things in heavier than they are. I still like having an idea of how much my luggage weighs. It will probably save me some money along my next traveling ways. I hope so at least. I paid about five dollars for it. If it is sufficient enough just one time I have gotten my money's worth times a billion.
SongPop - is a game on Facebook which I am sure many of you have been harassed about by now. I am thankful for this for a few reasons. First, I am good with music. It is nice to see that it is finally being put to use. Second, I think that it is a great way to practice test taking as you can easily train yourself to be patient and eliminate the wrong answers but still be accountable for time. Just listen carefully and do not jump to conclusions. Third, it is a good way to kill time. Fourth, all these years I've never understood why bad music had to exist. Now I know it was just to have another genre category for SongPop. Well played, Fate. Well played.
Scheduled Super Sweet, Snory, Sleepy Skype Setups - Daniel and I are having a terrible time without each other and an even more difficult time trying to sleep with the other half on the other side of the world. Although we said we would never get this cheesy (even though we really already were) and although our sleep schedules are insanely messed up because of it, we find ourselves sleeping on Skype. It actually happened quite accidentally the first time. He was snoring one night and I found it rather comforting and fell asleep to it. He woke me up to say good morning and good night (although it was not near good morning time for me) and I fell back to sleep but woke up a bit happier when it was time to get up for real. I believe in the saying "do what you can with what you have" and I think this is sort of helping us get through the last two weeks of lonely bear-ness.
What are you thankful for?
This is a late post. It had to happen eventually. Things are hectic right now as I leave for Liverpool in two weeks and I feel like I have so much to do it's absurd. I would love to have a personal assistant (for free) for two weeks. I don't know what they'd be able to help me with though honestly.
Nevertheless, I have found things to be grateful for. Sometimes I think I'm going to run out but things always show up either new or in different forms.
Farmers - This one just occurred as I was looking for a quote to put at the top. I saw a Chinese proverb about remembering the man that planted the bamboo that one would be eating. You know, I thought to myself, I eat so much fruit and veggies in my life that it is rude for me not to be thankful for all of the farmers working hard all the time to make sure I have my cantaloupe and watermelon! I could never do that kind of stuff. I don't do bugs!
Lolly - I know that I have said over and over again that I am thankful for my mom but I feel like I should express it again. She's a great lady. She's been helping me on my lightweight suitcase hunt for the last two weeks. She picks and drops me off at the airport when I need her to. She makes my lunches for work. When she doesn't make them, she drops them off. She tolerates me when I am unbearable. She's my best friend. I'm going to miss her when I go back to the UK. I can't express how thankful I am to have a mother like Lolly, even though she lives in her own time zone.
Luggage Scales - I finally broke down and bought one off of eBay about a week ago. Although the measurement is completely accurate (it was off my almost a pound) it weighs things in heavier than they are. I still like having an idea of how much my luggage weighs. It will probably save me some money along my next traveling ways. I hope so at least. I paid about five dollars for it. If it is sufficient enough just one time I have gotten my money's worth times a billion.
SongPop - is a game on Facebook which I am sure many of you have been harassed about by now. I am thankful for this for a few reasons. First, I am good with music. It is nice to see that it is finally being put to use. Second, I think that it is a great way to practice test taking as you can easily train yourself to be patient and eliminate the wrong answers but still be accountable for time. Just listen carefully and do not jump to conclusions. Third, it is a good way to kill time. Fourth, all these years I've never understood why bad music had to exist. Now I know it was just to have another genre category for SongPop. Well played, Fate. Well played.
Scheduled Super Sweet, Snory, Sleepy Skype Setups - Daniel and I are having a terrible time without each other and an even more difficult time trying to sleep with the other half on the other side of the world. Although we said we would never get this cheesy (even though we really already were) and although our sleep schedules are insanely messed up because of it, we find ourselves sleeping on Skype. It actually happened quite accidentally the first time. He was snoring one night and I found it rather comforting and fell asleep to it. He woke me up to say good morning and good night (although it was not near good morning time for me) and I fell back to sleep but woke up a bit happier when it was time to get up for real. I believe in the saying "do what you can with what you have" and I think this is sort of helping us get through the last two weeks of lonely bear-ness.
What are you thankful for?
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Thankful Thursday!
This week started off so slow but then it just sped right up and it's nearly over! Goodness this summer has flown right by us! What a great one it has been!
A few things to be grateful for this week.
"Better Man" by Pearl Jam - This song is probably my favorite Pearl Jam song. I love Eddie Vedder and I think Dann would have stiff competition if Mr. Vedder came knocking on my door. Eddie's voice is always so stinkin' intense. You hear his voice and you are just pulled in. I am digressing. Like I said, "Better Man" is a favorite of mine but it is has changed it's meaning in recent times. I used to love this song because I related to it (I mean "in ways"). I just always thought in the "love the one you're with" was something I should go along with. So I heard the song a lot this week. And I was like "Hera! I cannot relate to this song anymore! Dann is a great guy!" So I am totally thankful for that song because once again I have been shown in another way how lucky I am. And I am really lucky.
Gyms - I know this one is weird. But I joined a gym this week and the environment there is way cool. And it's kind of better than just exercising at home (although less convenient) because you have people around with the same ideals you have. Pretty cool. :) I wish I did this earlier. I don't know, I am excited.
That I Don't Take Things Out On Other People - (except for Dann) So I am at work and it's crazy busy, oddly enough, at the time that we are supposed to be closing. A million people come in and they all need seats because their kids are in the show. At this point, there aren't great seats available. And these people are mad at me. Lady, everyone has a kid in the show. The general public isn't really coming and fighting for these tickets so every single mom wants one. AND because it is the day before the show everyone is taking it out on me that there aren't "good" seats left. I am glad that I don't, or try really hard not to, take things out on others.
That My Phone is Broken - You may be thinking that I have lost my marbles but it's true. My phone is broken and I am glad! The parts that I need to work still work. I can still text, go on Facebook to talk to Dann, and get on Kik to talk to English friends but the phone feature does not work. When I try to call someone, no one can hear me! Glory Days! I hate talking on the phone and now I can't! (BAM!) It should be noted though, that it's quite certain that I have indeed lost my marbles.
Jacob's Funny Sense of Humor - This kid always makes me laugh and you just need to laugh sometimes.
What are you thankful for?
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