Through The Tulips Words of 'Wiz'dom

I’ve been thinking alot lately (what else is new?) about being grateful. For the most part, I feel as though I’m very grateful for EVERYTHING in my life, but I realize that there are sometimes when I’m not grateful at all, and I realize that is something that I really need to take a hard look at.

Point and case- Yesterday Marcel was doing something in the house, and I asked him before he began, to make sure that he read the instructions, since men tend to not always want to read the instructions and things don’t always go the way they ‘think’ they should go. He said he would, but at some point he made a mistake that could have been huge in relation to what it was that he was assembling.

I got irritated and told him to let me do it, because I’d specifically asked him to read the directions and he hadn’t.

So I did it- I corrected his error, without problem, and finished assembling and moving the entire project- while he sat on the couch and sulked.

Later- he said: “See you were upset over nothing, and you made me feel as though I do nothing right.”

I felt bad about it- I really did. Not only because he was right, but also because I should have been grateful that I have a husband who actually wants to do those type of home projects instead of leaving them for me to do, or grateful because I have a husband who doesn’t complain everytime I get the urge to buy something new for the house. He may protest from time to time, but he generally says if I really want it, to go for it. I know there are many men who aren’t like that.

This is just one example. I’m sure if I think back, there could be many involving many other situations and circumstances.

Do you have a TRUE attitude of gratitude in your life?

My Gratitude List for August 10, 2009.

Today I’m Grateful For:

• New Life.
• Awareness.
• A day spent walking in the sunshine and shopping with Marcel.
• Those who choose to make a difference in the lives of others.
• Downward movement on the scales.

Did I mention that I’m dragging today? I am. I am craving sugar and have found myself scouring through the kitchen cabinets on several occasions today looking to see what I could find.

I did find several Belgian chocolate bars that I brought back for Marcel, all of which remain unopened. I DO want to open them, but I know that if I don’t cut out the sugar sometime or another, this craving will continue. I am determined not to give in. It’s amazing how something that I KNOW is bad for me, has me itching for more. I wonder if this is how a drug addict feels?

Hello, I’m Lori, and I’m a sugar addict. I admit it- It’s true.

Tomorrow night is my annual birthday dinner with Hein and Desere. I won’t be partaking in anything with sugar- as much as I may want to. Not even the cookie served with my coffee. I don’t need it anyway.

Speaking of coffee- I just poured myself a huge cup of Illy in hopes of feeling a little less sluggish after this cup. If that doesn’t help, there’s another in there waiting.

Later this afternoon, I’m going to spend some time with Desere. She got home from her family vacation in Greece yesterday and I’m looking forward to catching up with her.

My Gratitude List for July 15, 2009.

Today I’m Grateful For:

• Fresh brewed Illy coffee, my favorite.
• Late night rain storms that lull me into a deep sleep.
• Facebook and all the wonderful people it has reunited me with.
• Times spent with friends.
• Birthday love.

You may or may not know- my birthday was Sunday. I turned 42, which I don’t mind saying, because I know I don’t look 42- (what does 42 look like anyway). It was also Samantha’s last day, so I spent my birthday with two of my favorite people- Marcel and Samantha. I didn’t celebrate in the traditional sense, but later this week, Thursday to be exact, I’ll be celebrating again with Hein and Desere with a dinner out. I’ve just got to figure out which restaurant we’re going to. At this point, I have no idea. The company will be good, and that’s ultimately what matters anyway.

A friend wished me a great upcoming year, and I responded with that I was expecting great things, and I am. I have been noticing a change in myself for some time now, and I feel my life taking a different turn- a turn that is only going to bring greater things into my life than I’ve already been experiencing.

Some may call that wishful thinking, or even dreaming- I call it positive thinking- expect great things and great things will happen. In fact- they already are.

I’m in the process of playing catch-up both around the house and on the computer, so bare with me if I owe you an email or some sort of correspondence. I’m late with several birthdays- none of which I’ve forgotten, but I’m behind schedule- it happens to the best of us.

Expect more regular entries from me in the near future, but right now, I could use a bath. I’m still trying to get back in the swing of things after Samantha’s visit. She and I couldn’t seem to get to bed before 1 each night, and on many nights it was pushing 2 or even 3. It was great, and I’d do it again in a second.  Next trip-  I think we’re going to Prague.

My Gratitude List for July 14, 2009.

Today I’m Grateful For:

• Samantha choosing to celebrate her 40th birthday here with me, and staying to celebrate mine as well.
• Good things happening around me.
• The element of surprise.
• Green vegetables.
• Those who have shown me so much love, and whom I know I can count on, in thick and thin.