Friday, November 20, 2009

Things to be Thankful For (Inspired by Ann Landers)

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and poses the question - What are you thankful for? I stumbled upon an Ann Landers posting (11/22/01) that related to this topic. See Below:


Dear Ann Landers: I hope you will print something a friend in Australia sent me. I think it's perfect to run on Thanksgiving - Bee in Fairfax, VA.


Things to Be Thankful For

  • Be thankful for the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means you have enough to eat.


  • Be thankful for the mess you clean up after a party, because it means you have been surrounded by friends.


  • Be thankful for the taxes you pay, because it means you are employed.


  • Be thankful that you lawn needs moving and your windows need fixing, because it means you have a home.


  • Be thankful for your heating bill, because it means you are warm.


  • Be thankful for the laundry, because it means you have clothes to wear.


  • Be thankful for the space you find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means you can walk.


  • Be thankful for the lady who sings off-key behind you in church, because it means you can hear.


  • Be thankful when people complain about the government, because it means we have freedom of speech.


  • Be thankful for the alarm that goes off in the early morning, because it means you're ALIVE.

I really enjoyed reading through this list because it makes you reflect on gratitude. All too often we are quick to complain about things that others lack. These can be simple things such as sight, hearing, fully functioning body, and a roof over our head. In the last year, I have realized these things more than ever. My life wouldn't be the same without the people who have shaped and molded my character. It is very important to be humble, and remember the people that helped you get to where you are today and where you will be in the future. I am also thankful for the struggles in my life because I know these have helped me grow as a person. Please take a moment and figure out what you are thankful for. We should do this daily and not just once a year. I hope everyone has a blessed holiday.



Gratitude is the sign of noble souls - Aesop

TGIF!!!!!!!









Tonight we will go over to a good friends house and have a wonderful dinner. This is a weekly event with Mike. Either he comes to our house or we go over to his for dinner. We share a common interest: cooking gourmet meals! I hope everyone has a wonderful start to the weekend. This will definitely be a good start for us. I will post pictures from our fabulous dinner! Tootles!
PS- Above are pictures from a dinner we had at our house two weeks ago....... appetizer of bacon wrapped scallops and steak au poivre with turnip mashed potatoes and braised brussel sprouts for the main course! Photos courtesy of Mike McCrary!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog! I thought this would be a great way to share with my friends and family what is going on in the life of Ashley Hilliard Gabriel! Check out my sidekick....... Jackie Chan!