One of Those Days

Today is one of those days. I feel AMAZING. It sure didn't start that way though! Somebody hit a power pole last night. No electricity so no heat in 26° weather, so I bundled under my down comforter with just my nose sticking out. I woke up every so often because my nose got too cold, but the rest of me stayed warm! Finally around 7am the electricity came on, I turned on the heater and the heating pad and slept until noon.

I got up and since there was no electricity, there was no running water because the lines froze (we're on a well) so I layered up and turned the ponies out to play, except Harmony, who I determined to work. I hopped on her post-lungeing after over 2 months off for her sixth ride ever. And she was perfect. Moved right off, relaxed, like we never missed a day. I have taken this horse from a feral pasture pet to this sweet, gorgeous, willing partner. She did the work, but I showed her how. And it feels awesome.

After that, I turned her out for play time and cleaned stalls.

I was so busy being active and getting things done, I completely forgot to eat until about 6pm. Despite that, I have been completely energized. I got the majority of the cleaning and organizing that I wanted for the new year done, I painted my nails, I did some pampering with a face mask and what not and here it is, 11:30pm and I feel like going for a run (I won't, it's FRIGID outside with freezing fog and I need to sleep so I can work tomorrow).

My body is happy, my mind is happy, the dishes are done, the laundry put away, the bed is made, the horses cared for, the dog is passed out from playing, it's just the best feeling in the world!

This is what it's all about!

All day I kept thinking "I have to find something I truly FEEL thankful for." And all day I struggled. I went home exhausted from work and passed out fully dressed. I woke up ME again.

I dashed to Bed, Bath & Beyond and got the fancy toaster oven I've been dreaming of (Christmas present from my amazing Mom!). That's a huge thankful both because I'm so lucky to have a Mom who totally spoils me and I can cook the healthy food I want to eat. Junk food tanks my happiness!

After that, I visited some of my favorite people, my sister and my nephews.

I am so thankful that after a childhood at war, my sister and I are becoming the best of friends and that I get to watch my nephews grow up and discover the world.

My Challenge

2014 has arrived. Amid fireworks, gunshots, family, friends, or a cozy bed, our "fresh slate" is here. My challenge to myself- and anyone who wants to join me- is to fill my slate with wonderful things, no matter how life throws challenges my way.

The Mission: Write at least one thing I am truly thankful for, from my heart, to my head, to the soles of my feet, every single day of 2014. To feel thankful and appreciate the amazing gifts in my life no matter what happens. Because happiness and health are the two things that matter most and all that other 'good' stuff- well, that's just the gravy on the life I've already built.

My super long list (Starting off right!!!):

My awesome family. We aren't perfect, but, WOW, do I have people to count on.

My friends. How did I get so lucky? To find people who just love me for me and believe in me, even when I don't believe in myself?

Houdini. My horse of almost 18 years. The four-hooved love of my life. Your personality, ridiculous antics, incredible heart and temper tantrums ground me as nothing else can.

Miss Nali, my lab mix. Almost 13 years old, lumpy as all get out, and still happy to bounce around the barn or snuggle up all day in bed.

This very comfy and cozy bed, where I'm still recovering from staying up WAY past my bedtime. And my down comforter. Love my down comforter.

The invention of the smart phone, where I can write and share from almost anywhere.

My happy light. Everyone in Oregon should have one. Otherwise you forget what bright looks like!

My brain. I love to think, ponder, debate and discuss. Knowing that if I don't "get" something, I'm just not thinking about it in the right way. I can't imagine who I would be without that part of myself.

My determination. I don't know how to quit. I may get discouraged, distracted or even depressed, but I can't give up. I won't let myself. It's not in me and I am SO thankful for that.

I could write all day, but I have four ponies and a puppy who want their thankful mommy to come out and play!