Catching Idle Butterflies

Blessings

Guess what?!

Nah, don't bother. I know you know I will reveal what I want to say anyway, so you won't even try to guess.

I'm sitting here in front of my computer . . . at home!! Weeee!

Part of my work's policy is each full-time employee can take their birthday off with pay. I've worked there ten years, and this is the first time I've been able to take it off. August is usually our busiest season.

I did ask for it almost every day this week, but also said if we're too busy, not to feel bad if they said no.

My boss pleasantly surprised me yesterday afternoon with the news I could take today off, as long as I made sure our survey crews had enough to do today. Heck yes! I gave them enough to work Saturday if they wanted!

Unfortunately, I had a bad dream earlier this morning, so I awoke grumpy. I hate when that happens.

It didn't last though. I logged on and checked my email, finding loads of birthday cNotes and merit badges. No one can remain grumpy after that.

Which brings me to something pensive assigned in her his (Oops! Sorry ) blog "Invalid Item"  yesterday:

Make a list of your top 5 blessings in life today and express your thanks. It won't kill you and it might make you have a better day.

1. My friends at Writing.com. You are the best people on earth. If I'm joyful, you share in it, if I'm sad, you uplift me, if I'm confused, you clear things up, if I'm discouraged, you strengthen me to continue on. I could go on, but I have other blessings to list.

2. My family. I may complain about them, but that goes with being a part of one. A family who doesn't bicker from time to time is not a close one. I know no matter what I can go to them when I'm in need.

3. My hubby. We've been married for fourteen years, and I still wonder what I did to deserve him. My mom pulled me aside a few years ago and said, "I mentally made a list of what would make the perfect son-in-law, and Dave is it." Quite a compliment - especially from a mother-in law - and I couldn't agree more. We complement each other so well. While I tend to follow my emotions more than my head, Dave does the opposite. He keeps me grounded. Best of all, he makes me laugh.

4. My home. I'm not talking about my house, but the state and country I live in. I count myself truly blessed to live in the United States. Sure, you hear lots of complaints (some valid, some not) about our government, what we're doing in the world. You also hear Americans complaining about all the things going on in our borders (also some valid, some not). But then I have to take a look at other people in other countries(zwisis and pencilsoverpens come to mind). We have it made when our biggest complaint is the cost of gas or that WalMart is taking over the world. I could have been born in some shack made out of garbage in the middle of an oppressed or depressed nation, where there is no freedom, no food, and scant shelter, and I'm not expecting to live another day.

5. God. For giving me the blessings I've outlined above, but even more, for the sacrifice Jesus made 2000 years ago so I may have hope and joy no matter what my circumstances.

And more great news!

windac has her birthday today, too!

Congratulations to pensive for becoming yellow!