Monday, October 20, 2014

Blessings Day 20 - Craigslist

Another weird one I’m sure. However, almost all of my condo furnishings have come from Craigslist. With a small budget available for decorating it’s my go to source. I eventually find what I’m looking for, for little $$. It might take a while, but the hunt is half the fun.





Sunday, October 19, 2014

Blessing Day 19 - Home

My condo is safe and cozy. It’s big enough to meet my needs but small enough to be easy to take care of. It’s got wonderful trees outside. It really fits my simple lifestyle. 




Saturday, October 18, 2014

Blessing Day 18 - My Dr's.

I have a great care team. They are knowledgeable and caring. They answer all my questions and put me at ease. I’m blessed to have healthcare. 




Friday, October 17, 2014

Blessing Day 17 - Music

I played music growing up, the accordion, flute, piccolo, violin. I had lessons for all of them at various time and mastered them. I’m trying to teach myself guitar but am not motivated enough to practice enough to matter.  Any way I have a deep appreciation for music. It can lift me up, bring a smile to my face, get me dancing, bring back memories and generally makes me feel good. 




Thursday, October 16, 2014

Blessings Day 16 - Financial Stability

I have enough money to meet my needs with a little left over for fun. I live a very simple life by choice. This allows me a lot of free time to pursue things I find interesting. 





Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Blessing Day 15 - Food

OK this might be a little weird, but I volunteer at a Food Pantry and see people who don’t have enough food to eat each week. I’m thankful that I’m able to purchase enough food for myself and my family.





Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Blessing Day 14 - Neighbors

When the leukemia medicine was making me so sick my neighbors were such a help. One came every morning and walked my dog. For 5 months. Another brought me homemade food many times. I know if I have an issue I can call them for help and they will do whatever they can to help me. 




Monday, October 13, 2014

Blessing Day 13 - Reliable Car

Last year I had a 13 year old Saturn. It was a great car. I got to 100,000 miles and started having problems with it. It broke down a couple times and was in and out of the shop. A year ago I bought a new car. I feel so much more comfortable and safe in my new car. With the old one I was always anxious and fearful of being stranded somewhere. Some people take their cars for granted. But every day I feel blessed that I was able to purchase a new, reliable car for myself.


Sunday, October 12, 2014

Blessing Day 12 - Work

I have a great job. I work 17 hours a week taking care of twin boys after school. The family is very nice, the boys are fun and generally well behaved, its 10 minutes from my house, I get paid vacation days and holidays. It’s perfect.




Saturday, October 11, 2014

Blessings Day 11 - Pets

My pets give me such joy. I have an 18 year old cat and a 10 year old dog. They are always ready for a cuddle. They greet me at the door so happy to see me. No matter how my day was they just want to be with me. Unconditional love. It’s a wonderful thing.



I'm participating in the Nester's 31 days of blogging. I've decided to blog on 31 days of blessings. These are in no particular order. 






Friday, October 10, 2014

Blessings Day 10 - Books


I love books. I love my public library. I get interested in a topic and read everything I can find. I discover an author and devour all they have written. Every day I look forward to waking up and having coffee and reading. I schedule trips to the library on my to do list. I love the scent of the library. You know? They way the books smell. Kind of musty and warm. Sounds gross. But its pleasant wandering the stacks seeing whats new. My birthday present is a Kindle. I'm so excited. I can take books with me everywhere and read whenever I have a few minutes.

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Blessing Day 9 - Family

I am so blessed to have my family. They have been there for me in tough times and times of joy. It's easy to take them for granted. I don't see them as often as I would like. We're all busy. But it feels good knowing they are there. I think I'm going to make some phone calls!



Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Blessing Day 8 - Volunteering


I volunteer a couple days a month at a food pantry. I had to stop when the side effects of the leukemia medicine were so bad. But I've started again. I think I get more from volunteering than the people who come to get food. It feels so good volunteering. I like the connections I make with people. I like seeing their smiles and their gratitude for the pantry. I like hearing their stories. I like that some of the regulars give me hugs when they see me. I like the camaraderie with the other volunteers. I like that I'm helping people. It just feels good.


Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Blessings Day 7 - Fall


I love fall. It's my favorite season. I love the crisp, cool air. The crunching sound leaves make. The way it smells. Wearing sweaters. The way the light shines through changing leaves. 



Sunday, October 5, 2014

Blessing Day 5 - Birthday Cake


Today is my birthday - 47 years old! There is something about birthday cakes. They just taste much better than regular cake. I think it's the well wishes of family that celebrates with you. Or it can be the candles. Anyway I really enjoy celebrating my birthday. And eating cake!



Saturday, October 4, 2014

Blessing Day 4 - Chocolate



Maybe I should have entitled this series Things I'm grateful For. Whatever. Chocolate is a blessing. 



Friday, October 3, 2014

Blessing Day 3 - My wonderful son


I am so thankful for my son, Forrest. He is the best part of me. He's funny, smart, caring. I am so lucky to have him in my life. I'm thrilled that he received several job offers and picked the job located in Chicago! In the next couple months he will get an apartment of his own, but be still close by.


Thursday, October 2, 2014

Blessing Day 2 - Coffee

I continue my 31 Days of Blessings (in no particular order of importance).


I love my morning latte. My daily schedule allows me to have a wonderful slow, late start to the day. I stay up late and sleep in late. I enjoy my daily coffee. I REALLY enjoy my coffee. I tend to be very grumpy if I don't have it.


Wednesday, October 1, 2014

31 Days of Blessings


So this is the 3rd year I'm trying to participate in the 31 days of Blogging thought up by the Nester. In the past I've failed to complete it, only making it to day 15 or so. Blogging every day is hard! So for this time I've thought of something easy. 31 Days of Blessings. Now I know that might not be every ones cup of tea. My son rolled his eyes at me as I told him my topic.

But it's really appropriate this year. What I didn't tell you is that my health scare that I've referenced a couple times was really Leukemia. I was diagnosed with Leukemia in January. So yeah, a scary health scare. Luckily its treatable. And was caught early enough to make a difference. I take a pill every day and it stops the damaged chromosome from producing the cancer. It's a little more technical but basically that. The side affects have been wicked. I am just now adjusting to it and starting to feel "normal" again.

My little daily pill (which I will have to take for the rest of my life) costs about $10,000 a month. I didn't type that incorrectly. My insurance pays a  portion of that but its still a huge financial burden. A social worker in the Cancer Center told me about a non-profit foundation that could help me pay for my life saving medication.

So for my first blessing in my 31 day series 2014 is the Healthwell Foundation and my $15,000 grant for my medication. Truly a blessing.