[Lady Blue]

Originally Posted by Peverel

Now I am jealous - nothing half as exciting or on the edge as that ever happens to me!!

Well, I'm not into excitement, surprises or being on the edge . . .

But I've got some of my own observations to commemorate. Schmaltzy maybe, but pragmatically true nonetheless.

I wake up each morning in a warm, comfortable bed, in my own average home, safe and comfortable, protected from the weather outside.

I enjoy indoor plumbing and clean running water. I have my own tiny kitchen where I can open the pantry/refrigerator at any time of my choosing and find food of some kind (though not necessarily what I may desire) that I can eat whenever I choose to.

I have the freedom and ability to come and go as I please at any time. I can walk or drive, skip or jump if I wish. I can go to church (or not), I can vote (or not), I can read/write (or not) as I choose.

I'm fortunate enough to still be employed at the same job for nearly 18 years and don't hate it. My spouse is also still employed (but hates it) and together we earn enough to get by with what we need.

My daughter has three trades, but practices the one she prefers (and probably yields her the least income of the 3) for employment (still employed at the same job for over 10 years), lives on her own and supports herself well enough to get by also.

Aside from some cronic mediocre physical complaints, my family members are relatively healthy of body and mind (mostly.)

We have two dogs that round out the family and fill the house with toys and play, furballs and the occassional woof, but always the face lick.

I have less than some, but more than so many more.

If I didn't sleep well, I try to remember I at least have a bed and a roof over my head.

When I need a plumber, I try to remember at least I have something to plumb.

When I get hungry and can't find anything to my liking, I try to remember I am not starving or doing without.

When I hate the fact I need to go shopping, I try to remember at least there's a store to go to, money to buy the groceries and a vehicle to get me there and back.

When I'm having a bad day at work, I ALWAYS remember how fortunate I am in these times, to even have a job to go to.

When my back is killing me, my feet hurt and I have a headache, I try not to dwell on it because it will pass and I'll feel better. When so many people out there are in constant suffering with painful, debilitating, crippling and progressively life-threatening conditions, the last thing I need to be doing is complaining about my temporary discomfort and allow myself a pitty-party. Boo-hoo on me.

There aren't enough fingers and toes in the world to count everything I have to celebrate every day. I am very fortunate and subliminally fear becoming less fortunate.

So although it may sound mushy, sentimental or even pretentious, we should get up every morning and . . .

Celebrate, Celebrate, Dance to the Music . . .