Gratitude!

[Maggie, Summer 2005]

Got home from school around 7:30 tonight and quickly sat down at the dining room table to a fabulous chicken ceasar salad prepared by Andrew. Andrew was busy telling me about the several gallons of Edy's ice cream he bought on sale that was in the freezer (a HUGE reason for gratitude!!) when I took his hands in mine. He looked at me confused and I spontaneoulsy starting saying a "grace" of sorts. "Thank you for this yummy salad; thank you for our dog and cat; thank you for letting me go to school; and please keep our families healthy." Andrew was a bit speechless since we never say grace together. I was a bit surprised too since I ususally feel self-concious about saying grace. Not today though... I have lots to be thankful for.

School rocks!!! I can't believe I waited 6 years for this! I am having lots and lots of fun. Digging through fabric samples with lots of other girls, laughing, talking and helping each other with our first project. Laughing until I cry in my drafting class with my new friend Amy (HI AMY!). Chatting with my Graphics Design teacher about the philosophy of grading students on creativity.

My new job is good too. I work with really nice people and I am learning a lot. It is tiring but it really couldn't be any closer to what I was looking for.

I got fired up with all this gratitude after getting an email from my mom this afternoon about my cousin. She just spent the last couple years battling breast cancer only to find out that it may have spread to her lungs. It's pretty upsetting and I am worried for her and the rest of my family. But it also reminds me that I should appreciate everything I've got right now.....because it might not be here tomorrow.

So I'm writing my thanks here in black and white so I can remind myself what's important when I'm feeling like a spoiled brat. I'm thankful for my home with Andrew, Kula and Della. I'm thankful for my family and I hope they all stay healthy. I'm thankful for all of my friends in St. Louis and all my other friends living far away. I'm thankful for new friends and all the new opportunities to find happiness.

Please spend a second to remember what you are thankful for (shout it out people!) and send a quick jolt of good energy to my cousin.

Peace out!