giving thanks.

While there is no snow in Southern California where I reside, and nor is it ever freezing here, it does get cold and glum.  Lately my mood has been a bit somber to match the weather; not at all unhappy, just not as cheery as I normally am when the sun is out and there's heat and warmth on my skin from the sun's rays, as opposed to those I've been absorbing from my space heater.   :/

In addition to the delicious food and family time I was able to enjoy these past few days, the weekend did not pass without my remembering the importance behind the holiday:  giving thanks.  There are many, many, many things in my life for which I'm thankful and that cheer me right up when I'm feeling somber.  Here's a rundown of the not-so-obvious items:

(1)  My family finally uniting and putting up a Lakers-themed Christmas tree after not having one for several years now due to sheer laziness.  We're lame, I know.

(2)  Attempting to get Caelan to put an ornament on said tree; she didn't care for it and ended up breaking a pretty glass ornament instead!  Still, it was adorable to watch her try (sort of) and I love knowing that there is now a little one who is still plenty young and impressionable enough to believe that Santa Claus could be real.  Also, having a chance to kiss the little Caebear always works in cheering me up.

(3)  Having my old computer reformatted, spruced up, and all of the cords eradicated, minimized, or organized.  It's so much faster & neater now; almost feels brand new.  Better yet - having a man in my life who seriously enjoys doing this techy stuff makes my asking him for help all the easier.

(4)  A new skin cleanser, Cure Natural Aqua Gel, that is sheer amazingness.  I rarely rave about beauty products, but this one removes layers of dead skin in about a second flat, all painlessly, and I'm still wondering how that is humanly possible.  If there is such thing as magic in a bottle, this would be it.

(5)  Learning how to wax my legs at home and avoiding the $65 fee my esthetician charges.  Fairly simple, fairly painless, and a hugeeeeee cost-saver!

(6)  Seeing my sister happy in her new (and gigantic) home.  "I love it," she says, and I love knowing that she loves her big purchase (no pun intended).

(7)  Learning how to argue fairly and productively with Daniel.  Arguments and spats are bound to happen and I'm grateful that I'm learning how to handle them in a manner that doesn't lead to unnecessary drama.

(8)  Introducing Daniel to a new and non-fancy sushi restaurant, Shiki, that he absolutely loves.  It's nice to know that I can give him more and more things to look forward to here in SoCal.

(9)  Winning the pot at our family card game competition!  Too bad this wasn't the one that actually involved money, only poker chips, and I lost at the one involving real currency.  :(

(10)  Having a countdown.  Just a few more weeks and we are off on our first international vacay together.   Whee!  I love it here, but I'm ready to leave this country.

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, as well!