30 Days of Thanks

I straight up stole this
That's right - I had sticky fingers.

1. First and foremost, get that this is about giving thanks, and if moved to, sharing what you're thankful for with others. The goal is to consciously engage in (at least) one moment of thankfulness every day this month. That's it.

2. The thing for which you give thanks can be big or small--it doesn't matter, because even 30 small gratitudes will add up to something awesome by month's end.
What you're thankful for can be anything at all--as long as you're consciously thankful for it. That's the key.

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And awaaaaay we go!

1.  Today I am thankful for Buddy. Buddrow Wilson. The Buddster. He's my Weimaraner that digs random holes, digs up the shrubs, eats said shrubs, eats the fence, retrieves random socks, and so many more lovely things. I only wish that I had the amazing excitement he has for every thing. I love how his goofy face and head tilt can always make me smile.

2.   Today I am thankful for the US Postal Service - even on the days my little black box brings bills (I have come to expect and accept them). There's something terribly meaningful behind a letter, card, or package - the thought, the time, the personal connection - I just plain ole love it. I love how the mail(wo)man is always on time and even shows up on the gloomiest of days. I also love how they return my mail without a word when I forget to affix a stamp or even put an address on the envelope. :)  

3. Early this morning, I feel thankful for all of the small, small luxuries in my life... like peaceful, early mornings where I can collect my thoughts, being able to use my favorite mascara, fun coffee creamer flavors (which I do not use in moderation), and owning a flat iron (because I would otherwise be rocking huge Farrah Fawcett hair every day).

4.   Over the course of the past two and a half years, I've spend quite a bit of time with this one person. This individual is the wittiest person I know, always encouraging, and brings a good needed bit of sanity to our relationship. I'm very thankful for my husband, Adam, because without him, life just wouldn't be as fun. He knows how to keep me from getting hangry, and that's really saying something.    

5.   I'm so blessed to have an incredibly loving family. I'm thankful for all of the wisdom my parents share(d) with me, all of the experiences they have given me, and the vast opportunities they made sure came my way during my formative years. I'm glad they were fair and consistent in teaching me right from wrong, as well as having me learn from my mistakes - otherwise I might not always be right. 

6. Extra is always good - especially when we're talking about time. I'm thankful for the end of Daylight Saving Time, but I'm even more thankful for the saying that reminds me which way to turn my clock. I'll never forget my paternal grandfather, Grandpa, explaining the whole concept to me. It didn't stick until he shared with me the Spring Forward, Fall Back saying. Even though I only use it twice a year, it's something I've never forgotten.  

7. Today I am thankful for my internal alarm clock. However, I'm not thrilled that time changes, such as reverting to Standard Time, have no effect on it.  Four o'clock in ze morning is awfully early.  

8. I'm thankful that my husband can cook better than me. AND knows it. AND likes to cook. 

Yeah, that's us. AND Bill Cosby.

9. Today, I am grateful for encouragement and advice. I do believe that things happen for a reason, but it's still nice to hear kind, encouraging words every so often.  It's also great to get advice from people who have have "been there," like this gentleman here. 

10. Today I'm thankful for Lynn Butler, my Oral Tradition professor at UNA. I somehow managed to get past this lady's crazy eyes and mismatched shoes to learn many things:
  
   A.) I always mispronounce "I" and "poem"
   B.) Never underestimate the power of the pause
   C.) Always include motion when speaking aloud
   D.) Enunciate

11. I'm oh so thankful for the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of those who served and currently serve our country, as well as their families.

12. I love love love reading other people's blogs. I'm thankful that I'm not the only weird-o that really likes to write!

13. Today I am thankful for the confidence (or slight ignorance/inability to see otherwise) that I can do anything.

14. Today I'm thankful for helpful souls. Like the ones who help you climb up and down a ladder eighteen times in one day. Or the kind that see you have a creeper that just won't go away and provides a great, yet discrete escape route.

15. Sick days. Cough cough.

16. Today, I am thankful for Pinterest. Oh how I love thee.

17. I'm thankful for my neighbors. Sometimes, I almost feel like living in a neighborhood is like living in the dorms (oh no! I said the "D" word!) again.

18. I'm thankful for a cute house in which I have a super cozy bed, soft, fluffy pillows, and a nice television on which to watch Dateline NBC. Yes, that's how I spend my Friday nights.

19.