Trying not to complain

So in an effort to not go on a rant about people being self centered, narcissistic, wasteful Americans... I will instead tell you what I am thankful for... because that is much better for reflecting back in a few years, when in reality I will forget the things that are bothering me today, and instead be happy about what good was happening around me, despite the bad, or terrible things.

1. Thankful for wonderful honest co-workers that save me from driving all the way home and back to work again for my work shirt and pants that I forgot to grab on my way out the door.

2. Thoughtfulness of a starbucks card to bring a small cup of smiles and relaxation to my day when I forgot my wallet as well. And other coworkers willing to help me too if I need it.

3. A husband that is getting closer to God, and in turn finding peace in the uncontrolable's in life, and that there is a plan, we just do not know it yet, and to just trust that everything happens for a reason and how its suppose to, even when it may seem like the world is against us.

4. A wonderful assistant manager at the Toyota dealership, that despite the stress, frustration, and demands we had, tried everything to make it better... even though it was not his fault at all... even trying to pay for the service himself, and then trying to give me twenty dollars because I had already paid. There needs to be more people like that in this world.

5. A safe warm home to live in.

6. Kristopher's ability to pass his tests, and hopefully to get through the final few more that there are, especially the one right after Thanksgiving.

7. My father, who has been calling and helping Kristopher with some questions and troubles with work, giving him good fatherly advice, without me asking to... I am not sure if he understands the magnitude that these small actions have... but Kristopher misses his father more than he talks about, and having my dad be there for him as well, means a lot.

8. The pastor at our church, for his kind and encouraging words to both Kristopher and I this week, as life has handed us stress after stress, after stress.

9. A manager that is able to help me see the good that I am doing for myself and the store, even in the midst of lacking heavily in new lines... although I am still incredibly frustrated and worried about it.

10. The launch of my Etsy shop has gone well, although not in the original way I had intended, but has resulted in 6 orders from people I do not know in the first week of being open. There is much work to be done and adjustments to be made, but it is a start.

11. Grad School, without it, right now I would feel as if I was a complete failure and moron. I know this sounds harsh, but thats about the only thread of complete success that is happening right now. Class two is complete as soon as I finish the last 200 words of a paper and get an A in the course, and then its on to accounting.

12. Whip Cream - it makes any coffee or hot cocoa better, and the calories are totally worthe it.

13. The beautiful bayou's I get to drive over on the way to work each day - they remind me of the vast differences of beauty on this earth. Although it is so much different then the beauty of Redwood trees, the central coast of California, or the mountains and waterfalls all over Oregon... its beautiful.