Giving

There's a quote that I read somewhere that has stuck with me... it goes something like "The American people love to donate a turkey during the holidays- even if there isn't an oven for it to be baked in." Okay, that's a really horrible paraphrase, but I wasn't able to find the quote online because any time I entered "turkey" into the search string I got recipes and Thanksgiving horror stories. So you get my paraphrase.

Anyway, the point is that we all love to donate around the holidays but we often think only about donating specific things- and not necessarily the most needed thing at the time. I think the rest of the quote goes on to talk about how a jar of peanut butter or school supplies in August could go a lot further than a Turkey at Thanksgiving, but that's beside the point I am about to try to make. Back to the point....

I'd like to suggest some alternatives to the ubiquitous turkey donation... (if you already donated a turkey- kudos to you! You've probably just made a family's holiday complete). I'm going to guess that the needs of people around the country are pretty similar... here's a wish list for some of the homeless here in Salt Lake City...

*Sleeping Bags
*Blankets
*Backpacks
*Hand Warmers
*Gloves
*Coasts, Jackets, Hoodies
*Underwear (for men and women)
*Socks
*Hats and Scarves
*Deoderant (for men and women)
*Lighters or matches
*Batteries
*Toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss
*Tents
*Tarps
*Flashlights
*Bus Tokens
*Fast Food Certificates
*Baby Clothes
*Diapers and Diaper Wipes
*P-38's (Military Issue Can Openers)

Sometimes it's the small things that make all the difference- the ability to clean up or having a fresh pair of underwear and/or socks to change into. Maybe this will give you something new to think about- in addition to that turkey. And remember- canned or dried food items are always welcome as well.

Wishing you all the best.

Time for some good news...

I was going to write a long rant about the state of the world today and my disappointment in the actions of some people. And I was putting together what I would say in my head and how I would counter every argument. And it occurred to me that no one needs to hear any more complaining. I think it's time that every one heard a few good words and something optimistic.

I know I am a little bit early, but I guess this is a good time to write about what I am thankful for.

I am thankful for:
*My family. My husband, parents, siblings, in laws (even though I don't differentiate in laws from the rest anymore), my sole remaining grandparent, my cousins, my nieces and nephews, my aunties and uncles, etc, etc etc. They add so much color to my life and enhance every day.

*My friends. More than I can list- close, far, ones I haven't seen in years, those that I talk to daily. I have been blessed this year to be able to reboot some old friendships. I have been blessed to find new friends. I have been blessed to really focus on making some friendships stronger. There have been some pretty big changes in my life this past year and it has really helped me focus on the friends I want to surround myself with.

*My dog. She's like a living teddy bear. And she cracks me up even when she annoys me.

*My faith. I know that I (and my loved ones) am going to be okay no matter what. Life is never going to be what I expected and I am okay with because often it is much better than I could have expected and more wonderful than I could have imagined, even if the road is a little bumpy and I get off track.

*Stormy weather. It's nice to mix things up everyonce in a while. It helps me to appreciate the good weather more too. Plus stormy dark clouds are just awesome... so much potential. Also storms make me glad for my warm house and the ability to watch them pass by.

*Having to work for a living. I have learned to appreciate what I create and take pride in my work. I have also learned to enjoy the fruits of my labor. I've learned that I can't have everything that I want and sometimes it's better that way- I just get the best of what I want and leave the rest. :)

*Having a job (makes sense if I enjoy having to work for a living). I feel like a part of something and that I do a little bit to make the world run.

*Learning. In the past year I have taught myself to both knit and crochet (with the help of Youtube and a completely unhelpful "teach yourself to knit book"). I have also learned a lot (I really mean a lot) about accounting which helps me at work (and actually in other areas of life as well). I have also learned a lot about people and relationships and God and myself.

*Reading and books and stories. I cannot emphasize how awesome a good book is. Or even just a good story. I still remember stories that my parents told me when I was young. There are books out there that I will read over and over and over again because their stories touched me.

*Seasons. See storms. I love the changing weather. I love watching for the first orange or red leaf of Fall. I love trying to find the first bud on the tree in Spring. I love the heat of summer and the snow in winter (but only until January, after that it should just be spring again).

*Change. I like that every day is different and that I am not quite sure what to expect. I love that I have stopped trying to guess what is going to happen because the most likely outcome is the opposite of what I would have predicted. I'm grateful that change happens regardless of whether we are ready for it or not and that we grow because of it.

*Mt. Dew. In small increments. In a can (versus a bottle). Makes my day. :)

*The ability to write this. For the internet and for the knowledge and that there are enough wonderful things out there for me to sit back and just be grateful.

*For you reading this. It means that you're around and I like that. :)

So there's probably a billion things I could add to this and I am sure that I have missed the painfully obvious ones (like my health, a home, etc) but I really just wanted to point out that there are wonderful things out there and the world isn't all gloom and doom. Just look past it at the wonderful things in your life. You're going to be okay. So will I. :)

Happy Friday.

Sorry ladies...

But I have married the best guy that is out there. Yesterday I stayed home because I was too sick to get out of bed. Pookie loved having a warm human to cuddle up to all day but I was in pretty bad shape (stupid cold). Dave was so wonderful to me and took really good care of me- including giving me most of the bed so I could toss and turn, making midnight runs to get me water, and making sure I was comfortable. And he brought me flowers when he got home from work to cheer me up. :) I am so lucky. :)

Psalm 118:24

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

That's pretty much my thought for the day. :)

PS: Heather, McKenzie, Katie- I love you guys. :)

Exciting

I was just thinking about how exciting life can be. :) There are many people close to me who are in various stages of pregnancies, people who have just gotten married (including me!), people who have decided to move, are moving, or who have just moved. People with bright and shiny futures ahead of them. :)

I can't believe how blessed I am. This year has just been so wonderful. :) I have loved all the changes and the new experiences, and I am constantly looking forward to what the future will offer. I love thinking back on where I was a year ago today- not so much for the fond memories of those days but for the contrast in my life. :) I know I have been blessed my whole life but it's just gotten so much more intense this year.

Anyway, I love you guys- you all make my life so much more wonderful.