Thankful Thursday!

“Each day offers us the gift of being a special occasion if we can simply learn that as well as giving, it is blessed to receive with grace and a grateful heart.”  - Sarah Ban Breathnach

Hello Everyone!  Russia, how are you?    I know it has been forever since I have posted a TT but I had SO much to do!   My goodness I have so much to be thankful for on this day the Thursday before my birthday! So here it goes.....


The five winners for this week are....

Debbie Clark - Debbie is/was a nurse at CMC hospital in Scranton.  Now, I don't know if anyone knows the back story of this writer but it is a long one.   But the main points I'll make right now is that on May 6, 1984 at 4:22 pm my mom gave birth to a child that was hardly breathing in Kingston, PA (that baby was me).  By the end of that night, I was moved to CMC hospital and my mom and dad were told that I wouldn't live to see a week.  So... 28 years later here I am breathing. Of course, it wasn't easy. For the first three years of my life I was in and out of the hospital (CHOP and CMC).  By the time I was cleared to go home for good (of course it wasn't definite that it was for good that the time), I had three cardiac arrests and sixteen respiratory arrests under my belt.  When I was almost seven add two more of each and then I was in clear.  There is the gist of it. So anyway, Debbie Clark had a lot to do with my survival. Of course there were other nurses and doctors involved but Debbie also had a separate connection with the "patient" as she knew my mother for a few years by the time I was born.  As it ended up  I now know her daughter (who was in school with my brother)  and who son (who I graduated with).  So as my 28th trip around the sun begins, I cannot help but think of Debbie and be grateful that she took the time to take care of me.

Dollie - If you go to my mom's, packed away in a box somewhere (she just moved that's why)  you will find a dirty, worn out doll with brown hair wearing a blue outfit with white polka dots. She has rosy cheeks and bright blue eyes which always smile as much as her little pink lips! Her hair used to be curly but over the first three years of my life, I apparently stressed my mother and Dollie out.   Dollie used to have a little bell thing inside of her which would make her jingle when you shook her. I say used to because she has too many accidents of people not watching where she was and tripping over. She is my favorite toy and I'll keep her forever. She was with me for every hospital and doctor visit. Every shot that I had to get, I squeezed Dollie's hand and it didn't hurt so much.  Jacob asked to see her once and I told him that she was off limits.... that means something people. So for Dollie's loyalty, I am forever grateful.

Lindsey Stevens - was my very first best friend.  Her and I played at the North Scranton Little League while our siblings were off playing some form of baseball.  My first real memory of her is when we were about five she asked me if I wanted to come over her house.  I told her that I would ask my mom and what her address was and then suddenly I am nine years old and still friends with Lindsey. Most importantly, Lindsey always treated me like I was a normal kid. When I look back at my first school birthday parties, Lindsey is always my right hand man-  eh- girl.    Of course, the great divide of middle school occurred and that is when we ended up separating.  We did try very hard to stay close but it just didn't happen, as that happens.  However, Lindsey showed me how to be a friend and what it was all about.  So for all of my days, I will always remember Miss Lindsey Margaret Stevens and be grateful that she was my first friend.

The House That Built Me -  It may not have been a everyone's ideal living situation, but I loved it.  It made my upbringing completely amazing and unique. I miss that house everyday and I miss the people that I considered family.  I actually dream about it more than twice a week and long to go back to those days.  I will have endless gratitude towards that building.

My Aunt Lisa and Uncle Terry -  They were kind enough to invite me to spend Easter vacation with them in Paris.  It was the most beautiful thing I have ever done.  I will take time, sometime soon, and do a blog all about it. I will never be able to thank them enough for what they have done for me It was such a fantastic experience and I will never forget having Easter brunch aboard a wonderful ship on the River Seine!

What are you thankful for?

Thankful Thursday!

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures." - Thornton Wilder

So I don't know how your Easter holiday is looking but I am on my way to Paris tomorrow!

That I Am On My Way To Paris - Honestly, the doctors told mi madre that I wasn't living to see a week and here I am spending my 27th Easter in Paris. Just saying, it's kind of awesome. 

Gertude Hawk Chocolate - is delicious and I would do anything for one of those scrumptious orange carrots. Maybe Debbie will freeze me one. 

The American Education System - (Don't worry, I can't believe I said that either.) But never once did I think Tony Blair was my president. I was never told to think inside the box and thinking for myself was always supported.  Although it is totally turning into a testing fiasco it wasn't always like that and I am also grateful that I just missed having to worry about the PSSA's. 

Johnny B. Goode - That song can turn anyone's frown upside down.  You should be grateful for it too.  And, you should listen to it. Now. 

Jasmine - dealt with a grumpy bear all day yesterday and made a certain grumpy bear laugh more than anyone else made her laugh that day.  Pretty much saved the whole day.  

What about you? 

Thankful Thursday!

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. - John F. Kennedy

Hello there you wonderful readers! Russia, are you still out there? 

I hope that everyone has had an amazing week and that you have found many things to be grateful for.

This week I am thankful for...

Backstreet Boys - Yeah, I don't care, I'll admit it...  I love the freaking Backstreet Boys. In fact I think I am only on Twitter in hopes that one day they will tweet me back. I am sure that they will... one day.  I've been blasting them all week even the oldies like "Boys Will Be Boys" and getting used to the newer tunes. I am also thrilled to say they will be performing in Liverpool in April.  Goodness my I hope to go.  They just bring out the teenager in me and no matter how  much we might have hated high school when we were in high school we'd all love to go back now I am sure. 

Froot Loops - Jenn came to visit me this week and she brought goodies with her! I love the crap out of Froot Loops and I have pretty much downed the entire box in three days. I missed them so much that I couldn't help inhaling them at the moment I saw them. 

Lucky Charms - The after Jenn arrived, I received a box from mi madre with a box of Irish goodness in it.  Take all of what I said in the above paragraph and apply it to this one. 

Grass - Spring made its appearance in Liverpool this past week and with it came beautiful blooms of flowers and vibrant blades of grass.  It reminded me of Sister Rose at Marywood and how very excited she would be at the signs of spring in the air. I miss her. 

Jenn - is my longest friend from college.  I think I met her my freshmen year all because I got my belly button pierced and she knew what I should do to take care of it. On Sunday she started her 3,500+ mile journey to come and visit me.  It was a fantastic time and I sooooo freaking happy that someone has finally come to visit me!  Although, it did make me a bit homesick it was so nice to have someone around that has known me for a zillion years and to have someone who knew what I was talking about when I was talking about things from America... Scranton to be exact.  So dear Universe, I am thankful that you sent Jenn my way to help with my last two months before summer in Liverpool.. 

Thankful Thursday!

Learn everything you can, anytime you can, from anyone you can - there will always come a time when you will be grateful you did. Sarah Caldwell

It is a late delay and don't worry there will be one tomorrow but I have had an amazing week beginning last week so here it goes -

Opportunities - that do not just tap lightly on my door but knock furiously until I open it and go along for the ride. Some are little and some are big. Some just involve me answering a simple text that then sends me on the most amazing adventures. No matter what the size, I am glad that they come along. 

George Martin - While sitting in Abbey Road Studios last week it occurred to me that I have never expressed my gratitude for this man existing.  What would have happened if he said NO to the Beatles?  I probably would not be in Liverpool right now and my whole life would have been different... maybe not better or worse just different. 

Inspirational Quotes - You know, sometimes you just need some moti-freaking-vation.  

Facebook - I hate it.  I really do but I am glad that it exists.  It's kind of how I feel about some of my family members. :) 

Karl -  is the guy that sits behind me in my classes.  He and Esmee are quite similar as they are always the one to save my behind when I am waiting until the last minute to do my work.  In fact, Karl was texting me the way to cite the "Brocken" way as I was supposed to be handing in my paper. Oh and he also let me borrow his ears and iPhone on the way to London because some fool forgot hers.  I really think he let me borrow it so I would shut up so he could sleep but whateves.  

Thankful Thursday!

I wanna express my gratitude - Paul McCartney

The five things I'm grateful for this week are....


Lasagna - is the second best food invention ever

Band-Aids - I gave myself an excellent cut Tuesday. Phineas and Ferb came to the rescue.

Draw Something - it's a cool new game! I play it with Corey and some randomers... It's fun.

Lipton Peach Iced Tea- closest thing to home I can find.

Esmee- is one of my friends from my program. She is a world of help when it comes to me trying to write papers. She's funny and kind! And I always know there will be someone at the Cavern with me on Sunday nights!

What are you thankful for?

Thankful Thursday!

If you want to find happiness, find gratitude. —Steve Maraboli


And here we are in the first full week of March and I can still find things to be grateful for. How about you? What are you thankful for?


Simple Twists of Fate - Now I know that many people told me in the past the I will end up happier than I was in the past (you follow me?) but I didn't believe them. Turns out that they were right. However, I owe it all to a simple kink in the chain of events in my life. There are times when I am laughing really hard with the girls or having lunch with Julia Baird (Google her) or when Dann is playing "Something" on his ukulele that I am reminded how incredibly lucky I am to be here. The events that added up to this were not always happy but it's nice to realize that everything may happen for a reason even if it takes years and years for the individual to see it. So for you, Simple Twists of Fate, I am grateful.

Jack Johnson - is a happy little man who sings happy little songs. I am grateful for him.


Daisies - are happy little flowers. They brighten up any room. They make me smile in ways that no one could ever understand. And they remind me of my mom. Who can really argue that that isn't a good reason?


That I Think Before I Speak - Chuckle if you want but not many people do this completely easy action and it costs them a billion moments of embarrassment. It is always a great idea to think before you open your mouth and I am grateful I have the abiltiy to do so.


My Little Sister, Christa- turned 26 yesterday. Christa was my first best friend. I know that she is way more grown up than I am and absolutely more responsible but I will always see her as a little kid. She helps when she can and is probably one of my best (sometimes irrational) defenders. We know each other our whole lives (obviously) so our pasts are understood (Yes, I understand) and even if she thinks that Alaska and Hawaii are right by each other I'm still her number one fan. She is insanely funny (probably the funniest of my mother's children) and very helpful to all of the people she meets. So for the week celebrating my sister's 26th ride around the sun, I am extraordinarily and forever grateful for her existence in my life.


What are you thankful for?

Thankful Thursday!

Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart. - Seneca

As everyone knows my laptop and I had a bit of a falling out last week.  My week really didn't go up much from there but, as usual, I found things that made me feel grateful.

Hands - In my situation hands are awfully important. I was reminded of that this week (which I should be grateful for my hands every single moment of every single day) when I wasn't anywhere near my best.  These hands of mine (cue Jewel singing in the background) are used pretty strong and useful.  Oh and I wouldn't be able to type if it wasn't for my hands which means I wouldn't be able to entertain you.  It's always about you isn't it? :)

The American Flag - I smile every time I see it.  Enough said.

Iced Tea - For "Lent" I decided to give up soda.  You can all chuckle at this for your own various reasons if you want.  I won't drink tap water. I don't believe in God like you believe in God. I drink soda too many times a day. So this whole no soda thing is interesting. I can't say that I quit it entirely, but I am backing off.  The only reason I haven't quit it all together is because I didn't realize it was Lent until the night before!  Someone like me needs to ween off of soda, not quit it cold turkey.  This whole paragraph is about soda. I'm thankful for Soda instead.

Candles -  peaceful and smelly.  Can't really beat that.

Dave - the IT guy.  He fixed my laptop.  I am so overly grateful for this and him.  Not to mention he fixes whatever other thing is going wrong with my laptop/internet.

What are you thankful for?