10 Reasons Why I'm Celebrating Today!

 10 Reasons Why I am Celebrating Today!

Often times, I find that most people tend to focus on the negatives in life...what they didn't get, what they don't have and what they missed out on...instead of, what they did get, what they do have and what they've been blessed with each day.

Even though I've had my fair share of challenges this year (who hasn't), I make a dedicated effort every day to remain grateful to and thankful for all that God continues to bless me with each day.

Today was no different. Even though I am personally facing stumbling blocks that continue to test my internal strength, my faith and and my general perception of reality, I wanted to end the day by sharing "10 Reasons Why I'm Celebrating Today" with you...if for no other reason than for you to know that even though times might be tough, there are AT LEAST 10 things we should all be thankful for each day. Here are mine for today:

1. I am alive and healthy. Short of the gall bladder I had removed in June, I continue to be a strong and vibrant woman! Watch out world, I may have one less organ now, but the two organs I've got and use the most (my heart and my brain) are working in overdrive these days! 

2. I am married to the most wonderful man in the world. No, really I am. Rick is the best husband, father, friend, soul mate and partner any woman could wish for. One of the traits I love about him most is that he not only loves me, but he adores me and treats me like a queen... even when I don't feel like one! Shhhhh, if I'm not careful, I'll have women at the door waiting to clone him...

3. My children are smart, caring, funny, sincere, thoughtful and generous....not too bad considering they are 7 & 13 year-old boys...Just kidding, of course! Both Nick and Konnor are such a pleasure to be around and parent and I cherish each moment I have with them.

4. My family is wonderful. Not only do my parents live in Seminole County (Lake Mary area), but so do my two sisters, Rachel and Natalie. Unlike many families who live in the same city and don't see each other EVER, we do talk and visit with one another often...Some say that's strange..we say it's rewarding...

 5. My friends mean the world to me. Short of my husband, my friends are those that I talk with, bounce ideas off of and generally...share life with. Most of my closest friends I've met through Real Estate over these past six years (Macey, me, Debbie, Gretchen, Sue & Carole...us at Houstons in Winter Park last month)...and I am grateful for them and the impact they make in my life daily! Thanks Girls...you ROCK!

6. We're Not In Financial Ruins. In an economy when many are struggling to pay their mortgage, car notes and grocery bills, I can thankfully say that even though the tightening in the economy has effected us too, we have been fortunate enough to keep our bills current and to fund our boys' college funds along the way...who said sleeping with no A/C and eating bologna sandwiches wasn't worth it?

7. We're swimming in the pool and not in the house. During Tropical Storm Fay last week, we were fortunate enough to only have minor water intrusion while others in the County and State are facing serious flooding issues. This is no joke. I am truly grateful that our damage was minimal and am deeply saddened for those who were not as lucky.

8. Gas prices have actually gone down this past week! Yipppeeeee!! I can actually eat more than bologna sandwiches this week or if I dare, drive a few miles further than normal...who ever thought a drive to New Smyrna Beach would be so exciting??

9. My dog, Elvis, should poop out the game piece he ate...by tomorrow (I hope!). It's a long story but...I am praying for a positive outcome!

Elvis is a Puggle, which means he is part Pug and part Beagle. Even though he might look cute (and is), I'm the first to admit that he'll inhale anything and everything on the floor (or on the coffee table... or on the dining room table or on the...(you get my point) and as a result, we often have "prizes" waiting to be discovered the following morning.

These days, we are thankful when Elvis doesn't need a trip to the vet to recover a prized toy left within reach...with good luck, we'll get the missing Avatar game piece from the "Scene It" game we played earlier this week (and if we're really lucky, we'll find a diamond ring too) when we take him out in the morning. Like I said, I'm a positive thinker, so I'm planning on getting that game peice back tomorrow and sporting some new BLING too!  And no, I'm not missing any BLING, but maybe something will mysterously appear :)!

10. This is my 100th post!!

Hip Hip Horray!!

Even though most of us have never met in person, I feel like I have a whole new group of friends/family members throughout the country and am looking forward to developing life-long friendships and business relationships over the years to come.

I hope that you too will take a few moments today to reflect on all that you have to celebrate in life...As the saying goes, "Life is Good!"

Please, feel free to share your most recent "celebratory" event...I'm confident the world will benefit from it...