My Grown-up Gratitude list....

This list is by no means comprehensive, however it does hit the high points,

1. FAMILY...As they say "The family is one of nature's masterpieces". I find as I grow older (and concurrently my siblings do as well), I enjoy spending more time with my family and relating (no pun intended) to my siblings on a more adult level. Though I will always be the "older sister". :)

2. FRIENDS...I have great friends to have the ability to help me stay sane and yet loose my mind at the same time. I love the dichotomy of it and them.

3. WORK...I have a job that I enjoy, that pays the bills, and I don't live in fear of being laid off or coming in one day and being told we're closing down.

4. CHURCH...I love my callings, the people I interact with, and the truths that I am taught every day as I learn more about the Gospel and it's teaching. Nothing compares to the inspiration that can be gained from seeking knowledge of God.

5. MY TALENTS...both overt and covert. I'm so grateful for the blessing of being able to learn easily, retain what I read and do well in school. I'm also grateful for my musical abilities and the inspiration I receive from them.

6. MUSIC...I'm so glad that this world has such wonderful and inspiring music (both secular and spiritual). Nothing else in this world has the power that music does.

I know those are hugely broad categories AND this type of post is a great, big cliche, but I couldn't resist taking the time at this time of year to remember exactly how blessed my life truly is.

Ode to a security system

So our security system at work was dismal. Camera were going out. It used VHS tapes that had to be changed every 24 hours (at least). It was black and white and blurry all over (no, that is not part of a joke). Basically, it was total...crap. So Tim (my GM) FINALLY got corporate's permission to upgrade/update our system. And let me just say.....HA-LE-LU-JAH, HA-LE-LU-JAH! It is amazing! For one, it's in color so we can actually SEE what's going on in the camera. Second, it uses discs that only have to be changed, like, once a month. Third, there is WAY less space wasted with the various boxes, monitors and accoutrement. I am in love with a security system. :)

Job Hunting, Waiting, Holidays and Cousins

So I'm currently sorta-kinda-maybe looking for a second part time job to keep me busy during the week. I'm also waiting to hear back from grad schools so I can start making plans for moving, school and all that entails. All this is roughly the equivalent of the hurry-up-and-wait dance. Not my idea of a fun game.

The holidays are rushing closer and soon to be upon us. Halloween was not a huge thing (had to work this year), but Thanksgiving and Christmas...Oye! We start practice for the Ward Christmas Program in Ward Choir next week and we STILL don't have the program totally finished and approved...yet another reason I strongly dislike delegation (hopefully this week, yeah? Fingers crossed) You've heard that old adage, if you want something done right...yadda, yadda. :) I have some brilliant ideas for Christmas gifts this year, hopefully they'll work out. We'll see. A lot of them depend on how well my sewing machine is functioning. That is questionable...and hand sewing and I do NOT get along. As well as my ambition level. ;)

Now for the cousin portion of this blog. I live with my grandmother, as some of you may know. She is an interesting, if odd, lady. But now we are joined by two of my cousins. The first is Cinci. Her husband, Eugene, is in boot camp (soon to graduate...less than a week now). She, her dog (Shelby) and her cat (Jasper) are staying with us at least until then, perhaps longer depending on Eugene's Tech School (i.e. where it is, how long it is, and whether she can stay with him or not). I do have to admit I have a strong preference for the dog over the cat. Just not really a cat person. At least that means that the likelihood of me growing up to be a creepy cat lady is minute. ;) The second is Aaron, my Aunt Pam's son. Aaron is an odd duck for sure, but he can sure haul yard waste around. He's been a big help to my grandmother around the yard and such. I get the feeling he's rather lost right now, and I'm just not quite sure how, or if I can, help. Time will tell I suppose. All in all, we have a full house. I enjoy it, usually, though it can be annoying when I've just woken up and REALLY don't want to talk yet, but people insist on talking to me and asking questions.

One quick gripe: I've been working out faithfully for the few months. In the last 3 weeks however (I've not changed my diet and workout 6 days a week including weight training), I have managed to GAIN 4 pounds. I know it's probably muscle but still...ARGH!