Day 60: LMS Discoveries

It's the little things that make me happy.

Every day I work in an LMS: a Learning Management System for delivering online content. This year, my work went with an LMS called Schoology.  I usually use it on the system admin end supporting everyone who uses it on the classroom side for delivery.  But recently I had to start using it to run a "class" of my own.

I've been using different LMSs since 1998, so I'm no stranger, but I discovered how easy and interactive the Gradebook feature in this new system is.  Since I have to track various elements for the university we partner with, the gradebook feature here makes it simple.  And the easy rubrics... I'm sold.

Not yet sold enough to go back to the classroom though.  ;)

Day 59: Turntable

That's right.  A Turntable.

I've had this box of vinyl from my high school/college days that I have lugged around with me from move to move.  I haven't had a turntable to play it on in almost as many years.

I found out that my work has a turntable that can plug into my computer and digitally transfer all my music.  I couldn't be happier.

Now if only I can figure out how to get it to play without so much skipping....

Day 58: Take-away delivery

Last night, I laughed.

There are nights we both work and just don't feel like cooking.  Last night was one of those, especially since the husband was working late.  I placed an order at our favorite Asian takeaway for delivery.

When the delivery guy knocked and I answered, he said, "Hey there.  I haven't seen you in a long time."  It took me a minute to process, but clearly he meant, "I deliver here pretty regularly and haven't been here in a while."  I laughed.  Partly because he was right.  I guess we do order from them a little more often than we should.  The other reason was because we had just ordered from there a few days before, but we had a different delivery driver.

It made me realize how thankful I am to have good takeaway nearby, a great small, local business to support, and employees who care about their customers enough to know the regulars, even in delivery.  Spicy Thai is a great place.

Day 57: Teen Wolf

Yes, I realize I'm thankful for a lot of tv.  As someone with a history in film and production, I suppose I have that right.

While MTV has moved away from the music videos of my youth and has become more of the "reality" network, I really love when it produces quality drama.  Teen Wolf is just ending it's third season and has been pretty flipping awesome.  I've never been "huge" on werewolves, but this show has really shown its chops and made me love it.  It continues to get darker and darker every season which is another thing that makes it so incredible.  All that and the cast is like gay man eye candy.  Wow.

I just hope it wasn't a Dallas dream sequence for the entire season.

Day 56: Heart and Goodness

So, last night, I was watching one of my favorite shows, The Amazing Race.  As an "All-Star" season, you begin watching the season knowing the people involved.  You have your favorites already and those you are rooting for.

But before the race began, one of the members of a two-man team, "Team Kentucky," was forced out due to medical reasons.  At the last minute, they were able to replace him with another former racer, Mallory, also from Kentucky, who was willing to run the race for him even though they had never met.

In general, I think I've become pretty pessimistic about life, which is one reason why I've started this whole mission.  To see that people are willing to do things for others like that is inspiring.  I would like to be more willing to make sacrifices like this.

Day 55: Forgotten Wishlist

Way back when amazon.com was in it's infancy, I put many items on my wishlist.  Two movies from my time in mis-spent youth were a part of that early list. At the time, I was financially strapped, DVDs were still a pricey media, and each DVD was around $70.  Even today, I think that's a bit too much to pay for a movie.

Last week as I was doing some digital housekeeping, I came across these little gems.  I was delighted to discover the price on each had dropped significantly.  One was down to $5.79 and the other a mere $1.99!  What a deal!

I suppose there's a message to be learned from this.  These were things I wanted but I didn't really need.  I'm sure over the years I would have watched them maybe a couple of times each.  I had essentially forgotten about them and now I've saved about $120.  Heck, I pay more for coffee over the course of a week.

I was so excited when they arrived last night in the mail. I'm thankful that I had the patience and foresight to not indulge back then, and I'm very thankful I now have two movies to make me nostalgic for the old days.

I guess good things do come to those who wait.

Day 54: Summer's coming!

Forget anything Phil the groundhog said. I gauge how soon winter is over by when I receive this yearly flyer in the mail.

Every 'spring' my neighborhood community association puts out information about the pools' openings, swim teams, hours, fees, etc for the coming summer.  Since I love spending time at the pool, relaxing in the sun, reading and giving nature every reason to plague me with melanoma, this flyer is my groundhog.  When it arrives, I know I need to start working on that beach body.

Game of Thrones likes to announce "Winter is coming." For me, this flyer says, "Summer is coming," and I couldn't be more thankful for that.

Day 53: Spoons

Yes.  Spoons.

As I woke up this morning, I realized exactly how thankful I am for spooning.  I've been with my husband almost nine years, and in all that time we have slept like this.  All night.  Every night.  We fall asleep holding each other, and we wake up holding each other.  When we roll over in the middle of the night, reaching just-barely-consciousness, it's synchronized. 

We have talked about buying a king-sized bed, but really what's the point?  We end up using only about three feet of the bed's width anyhow.  I guess if we ever decide to get more pets, they could use the room.

I don't know if other couples do this after so many years, but I can't imagine living without it.  To me, it's like the physical embodiment of the heart's promise saying, "I'll never let you go."  I know, all night long, that we are keeping each other safe.  I feel loved, comforted, protected and protective, no matter if I'm the spooner or the spoonee.  I wish every couple could feel this way.  Maybe if they did, we'd have a lot more couples still together.

Day 52: Little e-gifts

You know when people say, "It's the thought that counts"?  It really is.

There are some people who post every little teeny tiny thing on your FB timeline, or they tag you in things that really aren't relevant to you.  These aren't what I'm talking about.  It's those people who know you so well, they surprise you with a "hello" e-gift out of the blue.  These are so valuable to me.

My niece's boyfriend just sent me a quick one of these.  We enjoy hanging out when we plan get-togethers with our niece, but we don't spend much time together otherwise.  It's what makes the surprise that much more meaningful.

Even though you may not see or talk to someone very often, remember what is truly important to them.  Drop them a note, or an e-card, or a link that says, "I care about you and I haven't forgotten the things you love and the things we both share together."  It will mean the world to them.

Now, you can see what made the silly nerd in me so happy.

Day 51: Slow Cookin'

There are some days when I absolutely don't even want to be bothered with dinner. And I don't have to.

Once, some genius came up with this pot shaped cooker that just sits all day heating up food.  Several other geniuses figured out perfect combinations of stuff that you could just throw into the pot at the beginning of the day and it comes out as a beautiful concoction at the end of the day. Ready to eat. I'm so thankful for these incredible masterminds.

Tonight it was Chicken Taco Chili.  Yum.

Day 50: The Good Morning Text

I go to work pretty early in the morning, most of the time leaving while my honey is snoozing.  Even when I kiss him good-bye, he barely achieves consciousness.

But when he does wake up, after I've been at work for quite some time, the heralding of trumpets from my phone signals one of the best presents I can receive in the morning.  The Good Morning Text.

It may seem simple and routine, something all couples probably do, but to me it warms my heart, puts a smile on my face and tells me I can face all the badness that awaits me in the day. I'm so incredibly thankful for these little messages every morning.

I think it's important that couples continue to do those little things, every day throughout their relationships, that let each other know they love and think about them.  Such little things could make a bad day better, or worse, could be the last thing you get to say to each other.  Make every moment count.

Day 49: The nerdy connection

I clearly watch too much tv.

Yesterday, while watching Torchwood on Netflix, I made a completely nerdy discovery. 

First, you should know, I'm a fan of the following shows: Torchwood, Dr. Who, Sex and the City and The Carrie Diaries.  Yes. Sci-fi and chick dramas.  Deal with it.

In the S2E6 episode, "Reset", of Torchwood, a character named Martha Jones is introduced, played by the beautiful actress Freema Agyeman.  It is a cross-over episode since she plays the same character on Dr. Who.  Agyeman recently entered the American tv market playing Larissa Loughton, Carrie Bradshaw's boss at Interview Magazine.

The nerdy connection: In the Torchwood episode, Martha goes undercover in a medical research lab. She is given a cover identity. Samantha Jones.  Figure that one out, nerds.

And it's silly, simple things like this that make me happy.  I'm thankful for whatever geeky gods made these stars align.

Day 48: The Loyalty Shirt/Cup Combo

Where we live, the closest movie theatre is a Harkins.  This may be a movie theatre chain you are aware of, but it is the only Harkins location in our entire state.  And it's less than a mile from home.  Because of this, it's our go-to for the movies.

A few years ago, at the midnight premiere of The Hunger Games, I "won" a loyalty shirt and two cups.  Every time we bring the shirt with us, we get a free medium popcorn. If we bring the cups, drinks are only $1.50.

This "combo" has become our lifleine at the movies.  Every year, when they come out with a new version (a set is only good for one calendar year), we buy another. for a $30 investment, the ROI is pretty significant for us.  Sometimes we see several movies a week.

While it may not be much, it is something that makes us happy and we don't have to worry about spending exorbitant amounts of money at the concession stand. Just the box office.

Day 47: New Discoveries

I know it is not obvious by my posts, but we love to eat.

We also like to try out new places.  Especially for breakfast. One day about a month ago, I opened up my Google Maps and just searched "restaurant."  My GPS located me (at home) and pulled up all the ones in my immediate vicinity.  I clicked on the tiny red dots and everything was "the usual suspects."

Then I saw a dot in a strange place.  It was in the middle of an industrial park, a place where I'm used to seeing nothing but warehouse space.  The Grubbery.  I clicked on it, pulled up the menu, saw they had weekend brunch hours and decided we'd try it.

INCREDIBLE!  What a find!  The place was super hip, stylish and had wonderful food.  My honey had the PB&J Pancakes (if you know him this is no surprise) and I had the Empanadas Rancheros.  YUM.  While everything was delicious, we both agreed the best food on either of our plates were the hash browns, perfectly seasoned and delicious.  We fought over them down to the very last crumb.

I'm so thankful that we decided to try something new.  I hope their location does not hurt their business, because I'm sure this is a place we will continue to call one of our regular favorites.  I'm thankful for the people who take big restaurant risks like this that pay off.

Day 46: The Virgin Tattoo

I love tattoos.

But I really love when someone I know gets their first tattoo.  It's a rite of passage for them that I love to be a part of.

Yesterday I went with my friend to get hers.  She spent a long time being very intentional about what she wanted and where she wanted it.  I took on the responsibility of finding her a shop and being her DD.

We found Ro at Urban Element Tattoo and he did an incredible job.  I love when artists are friendly, talkative and engage you in conversation and are super committed to what they do.  He even made recommendations for me for when I start shopping around for my next ink.

So thank you, Amy, Ro, Steve and Urban Element for such a great day, a great tattoo, and making Amy's first time a wonderful one.

Day 45: A Valentine Tradition

Way back when we first got together, I bought my new boyfriend a "bouquet"of a dozen foil heart-shaped balloons for Valentine's Day.  Our relationship was still new, money wasn't always abundant in my account, but I needed a simple way to say, "I love you."

Eight years later, it's the one thing he expects, the one thing he looks forward to every Valentine's Day.

What makes them so special is that after the holiday, we untie them, cut the ribbon strings and let them loose in the house.  Foil balloons last a long time.  The air currents from the fans or heater or a/c allow them to explore, and as they slowly lose their helium, they make their way upstairs, downstairs and places you wouldn't imagine.  It's not uncommon to open the coat closet in June and find a heart waiting to greet you or one hovering in your office chair.

Eventually, around August, we collect the foil corpses and put them in the trash, but for those six months, every time we see a heart, it's a reminder of the love we have for each other every single day.  Isn't that what Valentine's is really about? It's one day to highlight the love you express for each other every single day of the year.

Happy Valentine's Day my love!  I'm thankful for you and the love we have every day, no matter what.

Day 44: The Outback

I like steak.  I eat red meat.  I probably shouldn't, but it's one of my vices.

Since I'm not the best cook and don't always have the time to cook anyway, we often find ourselves going to the Outback for a good steak dinner.

Say what you want about it being a chain and detracting from the small business owner restaurant.  I can take that criticism.  You don't know where I live and you don't know what my options are.  I will tell you why we choose the outback though.

My husband and I like steak cooked medium rare.  That's next to bloody. Not only does the Outback serve quality cuts of meat, they are one of the few places we have tried (and we have tried many) that can consistently cook our steaks to this quality every single time.  Combine that with the relatively low cost and the fresh veggies and you have some very valid reasons why this is almost always out steakhouse of choice. 

Last night, we were both overworked and exhausted and needed a deliciously wonderful meal.  We also had a gift card left over from the holidays.  So thank you, Outback for always being there for us.

Day 43: Under Pressure

I used to go to the gym regularly to keep in shape.  I would go to the Les Mills classes they have at my local 24 Hour Fitness because there is enough cardio and weight work to keep me fit.  I don't need to bulk up.  I just need something to prevent me from being so sedentary and keep my metabolism in check.  After all, I am over 40.

When I started, I loved the teacher of the class so much that I "friended" her on Facebook.  She is very motivational, positive, and brings with her the authenticity of her own success story.  On Facebook she is very active posting inspirational memes and tagging people who come to her classes.

Then I got sick. Just before the new year I somehow caught this upper-respiratory-congestion-mucus-cough nastiness that just would not go away. That, combined with the prospect of fighting "resolution warriors" at the gym, kept me from going to class.  I was sick for a full month. It was miserable.  When I got better, the routine of sleeping in beat out the call of the gym.

And then the pressure began. 

Lisa, the instructor, began tagging me every Wednesday morning. "Missed you in class." "Miss seeing my regulars..." "I can't wait til you return." "I know I'll see you soon."

It's amazing what the power of pressure and public shaming can accomplish. She was never mean.  She never criticized and always assumed the positive stance.  She just made it perfectly clear that I was expected to be there and she knew I would return.

I went back this morning.  Thanks for the encouragement, Lisa!

Day 42: Venting

So, I know this whole blog is supposed to be about staying positive and being thankful, but that can't preclude me from getting absolutely infuriated once in a while. As a result, sometimes, I just need to vent.  Out loud.  To a person. Alone. Somehow. It's a positive thing to release that energy and I am so thankful for the opportunity to do it every so often. Don't worry, it's not every day.

I especially want to thank the people who, willingly or inadvertently, becoming my sounding boards.  I don't need a reaction, a response or even a confirmation.  I just need to get it out.  And you let me.

Because once I get it out, I can move on.

Day 41: Audio Books

As you know, I love to read.  Lately, I have gotten most of my reading done in the car. Or doing chores.  Or working out.  Being able to do something "enjoyable" while engaged in something "necessary" is why I am so thankful for audiobooks.

While some of my friends argue that it isn't actually reading, I will fight them tooth and nail on this.  Yes, my eyes are not looking at the printed words, but that doesn't mean that I am not absorbing the content of the book.  I can engage in any conversation about the book, I can formulate my own visual images, I can even understand the sub-text behind the words.  In all practical ways, I am 'reading' the book.  Shame on you, nay-sayers!

I still prefer to read a book in print because I can get through it much more quickly than I can by listening, but the added bonus of good voice acting during a compelling novel is a worthwhile trade off.

Day 40: The Walking Dead

I didn't used to look forward to Sunday nights.  They were always the harbinger, heralding the advent of the coming Monday.  And I do not like Mondays.  Weekends are too short.

Now Sunday nights excite me because every week I get to watch a new episode of The Walking Dead.  At least when I watch apocalyptic, science fiction, alternate future realities, I get to see how bad it could be.  Facing a Monday doesn't seem nearly as bad as trying to survive in the Zombie Apocalypse.  So I'm thankful for a show that allows me to say goodbye to my weekend with something I enjoy.

Plus, I do love a good zombie story.

Day 39: Brother John

Because today is his birthday, I think it's only appropriate that I express my thanks for my brother, John.

I'm the youngest of seven kids and he is the closest to me in age (three years).  The other five siblings are anywhere from 12-17 years older than me, so John was the sibling I bonded with the most growing up.  Sure, we fought more often than we got along and I loathed how spoiled he was and how he was able to manipulate my parents into doing anything for him.  Even though I worked harder in school, got better grades and was overall better behaved, he was still the favorite.

Still, it's because of him that I was able to establish my own independence, learn how to overcome problems and work my way out of many tough situations.  His competitive nature always kept me wanting to be better (than myself and him), and even if I didn't always outperform him, I always went above and beyond where I would have without him.

Anyone with siblings has to know the rivalry,the frustrations and the competition that comes simply from being related and raised together.  Love or hate your siblings, you are the person you are because of them.  Embrace that.

And now, in middle age, I realize I will always beat him in two very important competitions.  I will always be younger and I will always have more hair.

Happy 45th Birthday, Bro!

Day 38: Dental Work

If I have to spend so much time in the dental chair (like I did today and last Friday), I suppose I should find something positive to say about the experience.

Genetically, I have awful teeth.  They are soft, wildly creviced, and worst of all, no matter how much I brush, they are prone to damage and decay.  I have lost count of the numbers of filling, crown and root canal work I have endured over the years.  Today I was fitted for another permanent crown (at least my 10th).

Every time I mention going in for dental work, people groan at the empathetic pain they anticipate, but I have to reassure them.  So many years of lying in an inverted prone position for these procedures has earned me one extraordinary ability.  I feel no pain. No anxiety. No trauma.  Nada.  Even though my only numbing agent is Novocaine, through the drilling and the scraping and the carving and the fitting, I simply relax.  So much so, I regularly fall asleep.

So even though I'd rather be saving my money for more rewarding things, I'm glad trips to the dentist are not painful for me.  Too many people I know have such awful experiences, I'm glad mine are relaxing and allow me some much needed rest.

Day 37: Ready Player One

THIS BOOK!

There is so much to say about this book that I could go on for pages.  But that's not what this post is about; that me be for another blog or venue.  This post is about what I am thankful for, and hands-down, on a daily basis, I am thankful for this.  My favorite book. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline.

You may wonder why this dystopic, world-in-shambles, sci-fi novel makes me so grateful, makes me want to be Wade or Aech or Art3mis.  I am a geeky, nerd child of the 80's.  I love movies and music and video games and pop culture and puzzles and adventure.  And I love everything about this book.

This book is always there for me.  Like logging into the virtual OASIS, I can pick up this book and get lost in it for hours.  I own it in paperback, e-book and audio book.  I can access it wherever I go, and I usually do.

What makes the audio book experience pack even more of a punch is that it is narrated by Wil Wheaton (of Stand By Me/Wesley Crusher/Star Trek: TNG notoriety).  Hearing a nostalgic voice narrate nearly every 80s-media reference I have filed away sends me into retro-euphoria.

So today (and every day) I am thankful that I have such a phenomenal work of art that I can immerse myself in no matter the time or place.  Thank you, Ernest Cline, for sharing Wade's world with the rest of us.

Day 36: Car singing

Have you ever been stuck in traffic and you look over to see an absolute fool rocking out to the music in his car, head banging, dancing and singing at the top of his lungs?

Yah.  That fool is me.

There are some songs that you absolutely cannot let play in your car or your headphones without vocal accompaniment.  When I'm in my car, it is my own private auditorium and the two-way mirrors go up.  Everyone can see me, but I'm pretty much oblivious to the world.

I'm thankful for those wonderful songs that allow me to just abandon humility and embarrassment and make a huge spectacle of myself.  Not only do they let me enjoy myself (and make bearing traffic so much easier), but I hope, in turn, I provide entertainment for those around me, especially in stressful times.

Party on, Wayne.

Day 35: A train whistle

This morning at around 5:20 a.m., I was lying in bed, straddling that fence between dreams and reality when I heard it.  A passing train, on its way to who knows where, letting out its long, low, lonely cry.  And I felt the corners of my mouth turn up.

As a kid, I would always wake up before dawn, and one of the first sounds that I remember from those early hours in the "country"were the train whistles I could hear far off in the distance.  They became part of my circle of pre-dawn friends who would keep me happy until the sun came up and I was allowed to come out of my room.

Today, I'm thankful for those whistle-stop friends that haven't left me.  Without a doubt, when I'm feeling lonely or blue or just plain down in the dumps, their comforting voices will always let me know that everything will be ok.

Day 34: Chance meetings

There has got to be something cosmic about Starbucks and my past.

Lately, every time I decide to work from the coffee mega-giant before heading in to work, some element of my past materializes in front of me.  Last week, it was a girl from high school who I haven't seen since my last HS Reunion (yes, it was 20; yes, it was three years ago).

Today, a former work friend showed up and we were able to catch up, if only very briefly.  In both cases, we exchanged information and made a commitment to meet up and catch up.  In both cases, I happened to look up and they were both just there.  Magically. Peering down to see if it was really me.

I love when things like this happen.  They help me to realize just how important friends are, how important the past is, and how valuable all of those memories and relationships are in defining who we become.  Today, I'm thankful for these out-of-the-blue encounters and memories.

Day 33: My old, comfy flannel

Winter is cold and there are times when I don't even want to get out of bed.  Today has been one of those days.  And since it was laundry day, I didn't really have anything to wear.

But then I remembered my flannel.  I got this shirt over 20 years ago when I was in my "wear everything super ultra baggy" stage.  Typically, I wear a medium bordering on a large.  Back then, a solid medium.

This shirt is an XXL, and it fits me like a 19th Century nightshirt.  Regardless, it is SO comfortable and cozy to lounge around in.  Today was exactly that kind of day.  I spent time doing chores and napping with the kitty and staying bundled up in my soft, flannel goodness.

I'm thankful for this shirt, but more importantly that I have never donated it to Goodwill, after all these years.

Day 32: MILK Bar

It's been months.

I love spending time with my husband, but there comes a time when I just need time to myself. And time to myself that makes me most happy is listening to the music I grew up with and dancing to it with new friends at MILK Bar.

Once a month, DJs Garth and Paul, spin incredible new wave tunes at this dark, brooding, basement bar.  And I love it.  But like I had said before, it's been months.

Every time i've wanted to go in the past five or six months, something has happened.  I was out of town or the weather was awful or I had some other, more pressing, obligation.  Regardless, I haven't been able to enjoy myself zoning out to amazing songs, delicious drinks and fantastic friends.

But tonight I will.  Come hell or high water (snow), I will be there.  And I'm so thankful for the night.