What can I say, I'm thankful

For years on Facebook there would be this post going around having people state what they are thankful for. One item a day. I didn't see that this year, and well, Facebook doesn't control me so I'm going to do it on my own. Nana nana boo boo.

As we all know, being thankful should happen more than one day a year. That said, here is a list of both serious, and not-so-serious-but-still-awesome, things I'm thankful for.

1. Good people - family, friends, strangers
2. Bacon
3. Fresh water - to drink and bathe in
4. The gym (I have a feeling I'm going to be ouch-ing tomorrow... I'm still wiggly from my chest sets today)
5. So many different genres of music to suit my mood
6. Farm-to-table restaurants (including, but not limited to) Moxy and Pigtail
7. Humbling moments to remind us we are humans when we often feel that we are gods
8. Events in our lives that make us remember that we are loved when we feel unlovable
9. Imagination and creativity
10. Stories to share at bedtime with my son
11. Cars - even though mine is on its way out
12. Garages to park my car in when it snows
13. The anticipation of picking out a Christmas tree to adorn our small apartment with
14. Grocery store
15. Opportunity to make a difference
16. Faith
17. Hope
18. The ability to learn
19. The ability to teach
20. Sadness to make you appreciate joy that much more
21. Technology that has improved everyday life
22. Sunsets
23. Bonfires and beverages
24. S'mores with all the fixin's (Reese's PB Cups, Hershey's milk and dark is a great start)
25. Nonsensical laughter of a 7 year old
26. Shelter to stay out of the weather
27. Razors to save my neck from that agonizing itch
28. Family values, truth, honesty
29. Past, present, and future defenders of our country
30. Senses: The sound of the ocean, the glow of the moon, the smell of decaying leaves, the pant of a dog, the feel of fresh flannel sheets on a cold winter night.

There are so many more 'small things' that we overlook, and while we are told that we shouldn't sweat them, perhaps we shouldn't disregard them either. Feel free to add your own 'thankfuls' in the comments. I would love to see them!

Have a safe and wonderful holiday, everyone. 

Rookism Round 2 - INSTINCT

After the events of the day, I figure a bit of levity is in order. I often wish that I was a real superhero as depicted within the pages of the novels I am a character in to go out and relieve the world of terror and destruction.

"Don't piss on my leg and tell me it's raining, Knight."
"Hey, quit dry humpin' and get your shit together."
"Well, that's just shitabulous."
"Son of a bitch! Someone please tell me I did not just fucking die."
"You want to see how to make your enemy soil themselves?"
"You're not my type, big guy."
"You little death-cheating bastard."
"What, it's not enough to cheat at Go Fish? You have to cheat death, too?"
"Frankly, I don't give a rat's ass."
"I swear I can smell their shit-eating breath all the way up here."
"Back off, you nasty bitches!"
"What is this, a Martyr Gras parade?"
"He's.....he's fishing with Cha-Ka!"
"That's it, time for a beatdown!"
"Hell no! I just made all sorts of promises I couldn't keep, blah blah blah."
"What can I say? I'm a ladies' man."

I hope this revives some great memories and laughs from INSTINCT. The senseless acts of violence in Paris carried out by those despicable people will not be forgotten. Prayers go out to all peoples for peace and love to overtake this darkness.

Casting Pearls

"Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces."

Someone who I trust very much said this to me yesterday. It struck a chord. Whether you are a Christian or not, the quote from Matthew should resonate.

We all have something special to share with one another. Something more precious than material things. Ourselves. Our hearts. Our souls. Our passions. Our 'pearls'. We want to share them. Make life better for those around us, bring success to our jobs, and feel as though things today are better than they were yesterday because of the role we play daily in the moments of the world.

Unfortunately, not everyone is receptive to receive these pearls.

Remember though, they are ours to share with the world. Stop sharing what you have with those who would choose to devalue your offerings. Break the cycle. Walk away and find someone who finds them of value. 

To advance this point a step further: Just because one does not find value in something you do or did does not mean you lack worth. Nor does it matter if that number is 5, 15, or 55. Never confuse this fact. Your worth is a not a value that can be given a number from someone else. It's not based on Likes, Shares, or even attaboys. It is not something that I can give to you or tell you how to find. It must be found on your own when you are ready to find it. 

When you can be receptive to yourself. 

Moral of the story is that you must realize how important your pearls are before you cast them at your own hooves due to you not holding yourself with the high esteem that you should. While gifts, even if they are dirty, are wonderful, they look a whole lot better if you decide not to trample all over them yourself. Share yourself with those who value you. Move beyond the rest that don't. Never leave yourself behind.

Rook out.