Day 365... the last one

THURSDAY 3.9.15 - I am thankful for... My ability to be thankful! And being able to blog about it

Day 365. An entire year of finding at least one thing to be thankful for in each day. It was definitely not easy, some days there are so many things to be thankful for and others you really have to think hard. But I've proved, if only to myself, that it's very possible. So for my last day I am very thankful for my ability to be thankful. It's actually been a really tough week with today being the worst yet. However my work colleagues gave me an early birthday surprise with these beautiful flowers and CHEESECAKE! I already got my birthday wish and its not even my birthday yet. I'm extremely blessed to have wonderful people in my life, something I've never been short of. And some on those people have been listening to me whinge all week. Sorry guys!

Tomorrow I turn 28. Not sure how I feel about it, I'm not exactly where I'd thought I'd be in life, which is neither good nor bad. Just different. However, I chose to look at each and every day with thanksgiving. Thankful that I wake up. Thankful that I have a day to look forward to. Thankful I have people to enjoy it with. Thankful I have all my needs met. And hopeful I have the next day to look forward to. This experience has definitely helped me grow, I'm all the better for it.

Thank you for reading my blog! If you have any questions feel free to ask. It's going to be weird not doing it anymore, but I hope you all got something out of it, I know I did.

Day 364...

WEDNESDAY 2.9.15 - I am thankful for... Seeing people make healthy life choices

*Picture from http://282814.net/making-healthy-lifestyle-choices/

Some of my favourite stories from work are from people turning their lives around for the better. Today I had the pleasure of seeing two of those. I had two patients do an exercise test this afternoon. Two different men, one older and one younger. Both had heart health scares in recent years and both made choices to change their lifestyle. The older gentleman lost some weight and started walking everyday. The younger, deciding that his wife and young children were better if he stuck around quit smoking, changed his eating habits and lost a significant amount of weight. Both passed their tests with flying colours. Unfortunately there are people who do have health scares and despite the doctors advice they chose not to change. It's almost always to their detriment because their health only gets worse. But today was not one of those days. These patients have made some great choices and they are all the better for them. I am so thankful I am able to see people who make healthy life choices in my workplace. They are always so inspiring.

Day 363...

TUESDAY 1.9.15 - I am thankful for... Cheesecake

*Picture from pixie.info

Wow, can you believe it? Only 3 more blog posts to go. I have really enjoyed doing this blog, some days were harder than others when trying to be thankful. I had totally forgotten about my birthday until someone mentioned it to me a few weeks back, then I got the thinking "Ugh I don't have time to organise anything this year". Just with work being the way it is and other things going on. I think the only thing I want is a slice of cheesecake. It has always been my favourite cake since I can remember and I think I've had it as my birthday cake almost every year. My mum makes THE BEST baked cheesecake. I'm serious, it's out of this world! So good in fact my uncle requests it for his birthday every year! Alas, I think the distance will prevent that from happening, but that's ok. So I am thankful for cheesecake and hope that I can have some on my birthday.

Day 362...

MONDAY 31.8.15 - I am thankful for... Heartbreak

*Picture from www.xxkoori-himexx.deviantart.com

Warning!!! This is not a light hearted post. It is quite personal. A few years ago I noticed I was getting some attention from a guy I barely knew. Over a course of a few months we started chatting, which turned into facebook messages, which turned into text messages, which turned into calls, communication was at least daily. I'd never had a relationship before and assumed, with advice from others that this was the natural progression of two people who like each other getting to know each other and eventually forming a romantic relationship. For the first time I let myself be open and honest and vulnerable, sharing things you don't usually share with just anyone, some I obviously now regret. And, eventually I completely fell in love with this person. You know, the type of love where you would do anything or go anywhere for that person. You'd even make sacrifices just so they would be happy. To be there for them whenever they needed you. Then quite suddenly things changed and it turned out he didn't feel the same. I couldn't understand what happened, and still don't even today. To say I was devastated would be an understatement. I was heartbroken, like someone had smashed my heart into a million pieces and I was sure I'd never put them back together. Was it me? Was it him? Was there another reason? Maybe I'll never know. I couldn't eat, I couldn't sleep. This were said and done which turned things a little ugly at times. But over time I started to heal and eventually started dating my now ex-boyfriend - just would like to point out it was a mutual break up due to us wanting different things for the future, my ex is a wonderful person and we are still good friends so this post is definitely not about him. Looking back I can see how my very painful experience shaped my relationship with my ex (I actually don't like the term "ex" because we are still good friends). It showed me what I liked and didn't like in a person and what I wanted out of a relationship. The reason I'm talking about this today is because I had a dream about 'that guy' and it brought up so many painful memories from that time. Why? I have no idea, I thought I'd dealt with it. Maybe it's one of those 'first love' things, you never quite get over or forget it. So, as painful as it was, I'm thankful for my period of heartbreak. It helped me grow as a person and know what I want in a future partner. I'm single at the moment but you just never know what the future holds. I'm hopeful :)

P.S. I've withheld names for personal reasons. Should you feel the need to comment, please leave names OUT.

Day 361...

SUNDAY 30.8.15 - I am thankful for... My Favourite colour

 

Can you tell what it is? I grew up saying my favourite colour is Aqua. As I've gotten older I've realised that Teal and Aqua are quite similar, one being technically darker than the other. So it just depends on what shade you distinguish the two. But I'd say both. From the above picture I'm sure you understand. I don't know why I love it, I just do. I guess maybe because it's not a too in-your-face kind of colour. Anyway, I'm so thankful for my favourite colour and the happiness it gives me.

Day 360... ALMOST THERE!

SATURDAY 29.8.15 - I am thankful for... My Favourite movie... Ever After

*Still from the movie.

On call again. Just today though. I'm actually quite glad because I am absolutely smashed from this past week. It took me until 10:30am to force myself out of bed, even then I didn't do much. I did however watch my favourite movie, Ever After. I don't remember the first time I watched it, nor could I tell you how many times I've seen it. But I can tell you why I love it. If you haven't seen it before, it's a movie from the late 90's that's a spin on Cinderella set in the middle ages. Drew Barrymore plays the main Cinderella type character. You know its the standard boy meets girl, not from same social circles, drama drama drama then happy ending. Sorry for the spoiler. What I love about it is the female protagonist isn't your typical fairytale damsel in distress. She is kind, compassionate and genuine yet strong, intelligent, would do anything for the ones she loves and is more than capable of looking after herself. Then the main 'Prince' character is great too. Initially he is immature, selfish and has no direction in his life even though he is to be king one day, but through getting to know and fall in love with the female character, he grows and finds his way. He doesn't rescue her. They become a team and compliment each other. The way a real relationship should. I just love Drew's character and think it's such a good role model for girls. I also love the classical soundtrack too. Today I'm thankful for Ever After and that no matter how many times I watch it, I love it every single time.

Day 359...

FRIDAY 28.8.15 - I am thankful for... Making mess

*Picture from www.halfsqueezedlemon.wordpress.com

Tonight at youth group we got the kids to make their own pizza. The dough was kindly donated to us so they got to roll out their own dough and cover their pizza with whatever toppings they liked. We also collectively made a dessert pizza with Nutella, marshmallows and strawberries, drizzled with more Nutella. Mmmmmmm. But of course, such fun can't be had without making a mess. I think we were all covered in flour by the end, leaders included. I think they all did really well, the pizzas looked great and they said they tasted ok. The dessert pizza wasn't too shabby either. I'm thankful tonight for making mess, because usually making a mess means you are having a good time. Besides, you can always clean up... hopefully...

Day 358...

THURSDAY 27.8.15 - I am thankful for... My siblings

*Stole these pictures from my sisters Facebook page. They are a few years old now but last time they were all together that we have photos of!

Early on I did a post on my sister. To be technically correct she is my full blood sister; both of our parents are the same. I also have a step sister and brother (from my step-mother's first marriage) and a half brother - my Dad's son. There are 9 years between the 5 of us which really isn't too many at all. Growing up my sister and I lived with our mum while the other 3 lived with dad, so we weren't always together. However, we formed very close relationships, to the point that I don't use the terms 'step' or 'half' when I talk about them at all. They are my brothers and sisters. Our parents are not even together any more but we still are family, as far as I'm concerned. I had the pleasure of seeing my step sister and spending the week with her when I was in London. It had been a while so I enjoyed every minute of it. My half brother just last year moved to Brisbane with my dad and his partner so we've been able to see more of him. My step brother is in the army and always travelling here and there, so I have not been able to see much of him but we all still talk regularly enough. We used to have the greatest time together when we were kids, we all got on so well. And, probably selfishly, they used to look up to me and think the world of me, as I was the eldest. Being the eldest I've had the pleasure of watching all 4 of them, my sister included, grow into wonderful adults with so much to be proud of in their young lives. I am so very thankful for my brothers and sisters. I love them all so very much and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Day 357...

WEDNESDAY 26.8.15 - I am thankful for... My conviction in my Faith

*Picture from www.oakchurch.org.au

I have been a Christian since I was about 14 years old. I go to church as regularly as I can, was a Girls Brigade leader in Brisbane and now a youth group leader. I attend church most Sundays when I can and love to sing in the worship band. Most of all, I'm proud to say that yes I believe that God exists and that through Jesus I and anyone can be saved and have eternal life. I have morals and views and opinions on certain things which I feel very strongly about and whilst I'm not afraid to express them and quick to point out that it's how I see things and am not trying to force my views on anyone. We are all free to make our own choices. I'm not ashamed or embarrassed to admit any of those points, being a Christian is a major part of who I am and always will be.

What is hard at times, especially in the current climate of marriage equality, is the predominantly negative stereotype that is placed upon "Christians". People think we are homophobic or LBGTI haters who think all these people are sinners and should go to hell etc... This really is not the case. I don't know any of my friends who call themselves Christians who feel this way at all. In fact, if we truly believe in God then we believe that ALL people are sinners, therefore we are all the same in the eyes of God, really we are all just as bad as each other, to put it simply. There are many things but just using marriage equality as an example.

Evil comes in many forms. It comes through in people of all faiths: Christian, Catholic, Muslim, Hindu, Agnostic or Atheist. It comes in people who are white or black or hispanic or asian or other. It comes in the young and in the old. The rich or the poor. Evil does not discriminate where it rears its ugly head a long as it's somewhere it can do damage, therefore it is not in one particular group of people. And love and goodness is the same. You can find it anywhere in anyone, no matter who they are or what religion they affiliate themselves with; whoever chooses to embrace it. It doesn't mean all good people share the same views as you, and just because your opinions differ does not make them a bad person (I'm refraining from using stronger descriptive words I have heard of late). I mean the bible has a million examples of people who've done terrible or socially unacceptable things going on to do extraordinary things. Thieves, murderers, prostitutes, adulterers, rich oppressive people etc...

It is not my job here, as a Christian on earth, to judge people for their actions. The only person I can hold accountable for anything is me, because I'm the only one who has live my life, experienced my circumstances and know how I was feeling and all stages in life to react the way I did. So how can I possibly do that to anyone else, because no-one else knows what it's like to be me so they can't judge me. My purpose, and this I feel strongly about this, is to love and accept people as they are, with all there strengths and faults and with all their views which may be completely different to mine. I want to be able to show and say to people "hey you have the ability to do something great with your life to make this world a better place, whatever that might be.I don't care who you are or who people think you are"

Again I'll say this is purely an expression of my thoughts and feelings and in no why meant to try to change yours. After all it is my blog so I can say what I want hahaha! Well... within reason obviously.

So today, after this my longest blog post yet, I am thankful I am convicted in my faith and have the freedom to do so. My wish, no matter how out of reach it is, is for all of us to be accepting of one another. Imagine what we could achieve together if we did...

Day 356...

TUESDAY 25.8.15 - I am thankful for... My new sunglasses

I don't know about you, but I find it so hard to find sunglasses that suit me. I have a bit of a strange shaped head so the lenses can't be too big or too small or too round or too square. I also have one are higher than the other which can be really noticeable with some designs of glasses. I'd be looking for weeks until I went to Myer and was looking at a pair when the sales assistant noticed me. She said to me "if you like that style I have the perfect pair for you". I'm standing there thinking, oh man she's one of those pushy sales people who's just going to tell me everything looks great and really try to sell me something. So she hands me these sunglasses, I put them on and I say... "I'LL TAKE THEM!" I loved them as soon as I put them on! They fit well and suit me. I obviously underestimated this lady's ability at her job, shame on me. So I bought them for half the amount I had budgeted for a new pair, even better! I am very thankful for my new pair of sunglasses, and the lady who was there to sell them to me. And Ralph Lauren of course for designing them.

Day 355...

MONDAY 24.8.15 - I am thankful for... Interesting encounters

*Picture from www.depressionexists.com

Currently we are understaffed at work. One person has left, one is on holidays so there are 2 of us holding down the fort so to speak. Needless to say today was extraordinarily busy. I went to do a test on an elderly patient and we started chatting. She was your typical little old lady, with a warm smile and a gentle voice. Suddenly she became very stern, and with a deep and authoritative voice she asked "do you know Jesus?". I did have to refrain from giggling because the look on her little old face was priceless, even more so when I replied with "well actually yes I do". If she had been younger and not so frail I might have been a little intimidated. I believe she might have had a whole spiel ready as to why I should know Jesus but didn't have to use it. She then lightened up again and we had a chat about our different churches before I left her and went about my day. I admire people like that who aren't afraid to ask people if they believe or not, who aren't afraid to share who they are. Regardless of that I'm glad I just got to chat to her. Hospital can be a lonely place for someone, especially if they are here for long periods of time. I'm thankful for this funny encounter I had today. She put a smile on my face and I hope I did the same for her. 

Day 354...

SUNDAY 23.8.15 - I am thankful for... My iron

Sunday is my ironing day. After all my washing is done and before I start work Monday morning. I've never really had a problem with ironing, it doesn't bother me really at all to do the ironing like it does some people. I am quite thankful for my iron. I've had it since I moved, it still works and it's a great colour. I noticed when I was travelling how a lack of irons in hotel rooms annoyed me. I guess I just have more clothes that require ironing than not. I honestly can't image not having one. First world problems aye?

Day 353...

SATURDAY 22.8.15 - I am thankful for... Discovering new music artists

*Picture from www.adamtakespictures.com

As I mentioned in yesterday's blog, my cousin and I went to see his favourite artist in concert tonigt. When he asked me If I wanted to come I was like yeah, why not. I love live music. Now I'll admit, I'd never heard of this guy, but my cousin assured me if I like the genre I'd like him. Being a muso (like a foodie but for music) I like pretty much all genres of music. Well except for maybe heavy and death metal, you can have that screamo music back thanks. Sure enough, it didn't disappoint! The supporting artist was a local guy named Mike Waters. Beautiful voice and excellent guitar skills, nothing else was needed. Reminded me a bit of Passenger if you know his music. The main event was a guy called Andrew McMahon, an American artist from Something Corporate and Jacks Mannequin fame, if you know who they are (I didn't). His music is kind of alternative, indie rock I guess. He was even brave enough to come out into the crowd during his last song. I really enjoyed it, definitely my kind of music. Except maybe the part where I was accidentally head butted by a drunk guy, but oh well. Tonight I am really thankful for discovering new music and artists. Andrew McMahon, I think you have a new fan.

Day 352...

FRIDAY 21.8.15 - I am thankful for... Pizza

*Picture from www.hospitalitytrader.com

My cousin has come to stay with me for the weekend because we are going to see one of his favourite musicians in concert tomorrow night. Tonight however I was lazy yet again, and suggested we get pizza for dinner. In my defence, I do have to get going to youth tonight so time was limited. I haven't had it in a long time so why not! I'm not going to lie, I am partial to a good pizza and garlic bread. And better yet, getting it delivered makes it so much easier! I am thankful for pizza tonight, for it's yummy goodness and easy accessibility. Just as long as I don't eat it too often.

Day 351...

THURSDAY 20.8.15 - I am thankful for... My education

*Picture from www.ec.europa.eu

Education was (and still is) something highly valued in my household growing up. My mum, an aunt and an uncle are teachers and another aunt is a librarian. As a child I had to be on deaths door to have a day off sick because my mum thought school was so important. Now, as an adult I see the importance a good education is and I highly value it too. We are so very lucky to live in a country where every child goes to school. Some children probably don't think so because they find school boring, and because it's compulsory to attend, find a thrill in skipping school. That is such a shame because a good education really opens door for your future. This day and age both men and women have so many opportunities to follow a path of their choosing, something people just a few generations before us didn't have. Then there are those children in developing countries who can't afford to attend, yet would jump at the chance to learn something for their future. I am very thankful I was able to have a primary, secondary and tertiary education, all with the full support of my family. It was definitely not easy, but nothing is life worth having ever is.

Day 350

WEDNESDAY 19.8.15 - I am thankful for... Salt

*Picture from www.insights.ingredientsnetwork.com

Salt. Or sodium chloride if you wish to be scientifically correct. That white chemical compound that has been used for many centuries as a way to preserve or season food. Salt is actually quite diverse in its uses. Not only does it enhance the taste of food, but you can use it in boiling water, poaching eggs, for cleaning pans and other metals, preventing mould build up and, if you are so inclined, salt is said to keep away evil spirits! Hundreds of years ago, people use to build up their communities around where they could find salt, to use themselves and to trade with it. Did you know the term 'salary' comes from the Latin word for salt because the Roman Legions were paid in salt, which was more valuable than gold in those days? So hard to imagine considering we can just duck down to our local store and grab a packet of it at usually a cheap price. How lucky are we to have such easy access to something most of us would use daily? Today I am thankful for salt, for its history, it's variety of uses and it's easy availability to us.

Day 349...

TUESDAY 18.8.15 - I am thankful for... USBs

Ahh the good old USB. What would we do without it? How would we transfer files or keep a copy of them? Mine was certainly handy throughout uni going from my home computer to the computer lab. Do any of you remember using floppy disks? You know, those square black things with the silver bit at the top to protect the where your data writes to? I used them in primary school and a bit in high school. Let me say, USBs are certainly a bit easier and a bit more reliable than floppy disks. My boss is leaving soon for another job (everyone is leaving! Well not everyone, just my two goo work friends) and I keep forgetting to take in a USB to collect the files I might need from her before she goes. Hopefully writing this blog will help me remember! So today I am thankful for USBs and their useful storage capability.

Day 348...

MONDAY 17.8.15 - I am thankful for... My car radio

Music is a great way to get you up in the morning. That's why I love listening to the radio on my way to work. Sometimes I get annoyed with the talking, so I switch stations just so I can listen to music all the way to work. Without my car radio, I wouldn't be able to do so! Attached to my radio is a port so I can also plug in my Ipod in case I have specific music I want to listen to. I can't imagine not having anything to listen to in the car while driving, I'd be so incredibly bored! So today I am thankful for my car radio and Ipod port, so I can listen until my hearts content while travelling in the car.

Day 347...

SUNDAY 16.8.15 - I am thankful for... Charities

*Picture from www.paretofundraising.com

Yesterday, while I was walking through the city, I was stopped by a woman wearing a UNICEF shirt asking if I'd like to contribute to their cause. I informed her I already sponsored two children in developing countries and gave regularly to half a dozen others. Her response was "well that's nice but what about us? Can't you do the same for us?". At the time I was really incensed. I felt like she was implying that I don't give enough financially and when I declined giving to them that made me a bad person. I walked away quite annoyed at the exchanged that happened between us. Today, as I read a letter from my sponsor child I realised that she probably wasn't attacking me personally but rather was just very passionate about an organisation she believed in. It's so important that we have people passionate about all different causes to advocate for them. I am very thankful we have these charities for causes both nationally and internationally. If we all just chose something we are passionate and donated to that cause by whatever means, the world would be so much richer for it.

Day 346...

SATURDAY 15.8.15 - I am thankful for... Different languages

*Picture from www.blendspace.com

Because I was a little bored last weekend and keen to do something this weekend, I put the call out to see who was available to catch up and hang out - well it was a text but you know what I mean. One of my friends suggested we go to the Arab Film Festival. Why not? Something really different. We ended up seeing two Egyptian films, one short and one feature length. They were both in Arabic, obviously, but the subtitles were easy enough to read. I really enjoyed both films! They were both light hearted and a little funny, the longer film reminding me of Love Actually a little. I love listening to different languages. I've tried learning French on several occasions, and tried to pick up bits of Spanish, Portuguese and Arabic when I was travelling. Different languages makes the world a much a more interesting place, don't you think? One day, I'd like to perfect another language, whether it's French or otherwise. This makes me so thankful that there are so many different languages spoken by people all around the world. Besides, I do like a guy with a bit of an accent ;)