Day 31: Chocolate

The melt in your mouth, sweet creamy rich chocolate with any type of nut (I love the salty and sweet taste sensation!)- is a wonderful treat and comfort "food" for me!

Day 30: 5 a.m. news

Every morning before five am- my newspaper is delivered to the end of my driveway. Once I get the breakfast set up for the kids, dishes unloaded from the dishwasher- clothes started in the washing machine- I like to sit down for a few minutes with the paper. I skim the headlines- read some columns of interest. I am grateful that I can begin the day with a little knowledge of whats going on in the "outside" (of my own little busy world) world.

Day 29: Ice Cubes

In one of my previous posts- the handyman one-I mentioned that our refrigerator went out. Of course that means the automatic ice cube dispenser as well. Part of my morning routine is having a tall very cold (loaded with ice cubes) very strong (four tea bag type) unsweet ice tea. Naturally- with the refrigerator issue- it was a brief period that I had no ice cubes. Thankfully, my husband got all that in working order in very short time. And I am so grateful (very low maintenance girl aren't I?) to have my ice cubes back!

Day 28: Adoration

For one hour a week I am a part of perpetual adoration at my parish. For one hour I am quiet- no chores, to do lists, writing projects- errands or any of the hundreds of other things that demand my attention and time. For one hour I pray, meditate, and thank God. For one hour I regroup my spiritual life and connection. For one hour I am still and quiet with my own thoughts and focus on what is important- and for this I am grateful.

Day 27: Cell Phones

It may be common place today for every man, women and child to own a cell phone. Yet, when I was a teenager we had two phones in the house- both connected to the wall with cords. Trust me- it was a big deal when we got a cordless phone. Of course we didn't have DVDs, CD's, computers, Ipods, blackberries or anything along those lines either. They weren't invented yet.

But being out late last night in the drizzling cold rain- driving home after seeing a movie with friends- I was grateful for the security and comfort that a cell phone brings me. Just knowing I have one- to contact anyone I need to at anytime- from wherever I am - makes me feel grateful.

Day 26: Movies

To sit in a move theater- with the large screen, smell of popcorn and comfortable theater seating and watching a great movie. To me that is true enjoyment, escapism and entertainment. Today I am grateful for movies.

Day 25: Leopard Print Jacket

Last year I had my eye on a leopard print trench coat from a trendy (ie: expensive ) boutique women's clothing store. The couple of hundred dollar price tag was well beyond my comfort zone to spend on a jacket for myself.

Yet as it turned out- by the very dead end of the season- well into the next season- the price was considerably reduced. Not only that- the one leopard print jacket left on the back rack- was my size and the perfect price for what I was willing to spend. So I purchased it and now I wear it all the time. Strangers even come up to me and say- great jacket! Yes it is a great jacket- that makes me feel great wearing it- for that I am grateful.