Thanks Day 30 (My Dogs aka babies)

Last, but certainly not least are my babies aka furry children Elektra and Hooper. Hands down, these two dogs completely own my heart. I could go on and on for hours about how much I love them, infact I'd never stop talking about them. They are my world, and sometimes It simply takes looking at their faces and it makes my day 100% better.

They are the best snugglers, and love bugs in the world. They have completely different personalities, yet are the best of friends. It's hard to put into words how much I love them honestly. I think I've waited to write about them simply because I wasn't sure how to express it. I still can't.

However, I am so thankful to be the Mommy of 2 of the best Canines in this world. They make my world a wonderful place. Having rescued both of them, I think they both hold a piece of my heart and always will. So here's to my wrinkly beautiful faced Rottweiler/Shepherd mix Elektra. And to my skinny insane Momma's boy Greyhound Hooper. I am thankful to have them in my life, as they are my world, my heart, and soul.

Exercise: Today's included 30 minutes on the Elliptical (jogging type) @ 1.45 miles.

Thanks Day 29 (The GYM!)

I LOVE going to my gym. It's literally steps away from where I work, so It is super convenient. I actually prefer my gym be near work, that way I can go there right after working and be done! It's a pretty small gym aka no "meat heads" walking around (haha). Everyone there is very friendly, and I feel the people are very down to earth which is nice.

Everyone is different in what they choose to do for exercise. However, for me, cardio is the only way to go. I've tried yoga and just didn't feel the thing I was looking for. So I tend to rotate running, biking, and the Elliptical with different routines. As long as I have my IPOD there to pump me up, we're golden!

I always feel physically and mentally on top of the world when I've accomplished a good workout. The cardio has made a big difference in my lung function too. Just when I think I feel good, I go to the gym and really work the stuff out of my lungs, whoa then I feel great.

For the way it makes me feel, the convenience, and providing me with being able to get the job done...I am very thankful for my GYM!! :)

For todays workout I did 2 miles jogging for 30 minutes on the Treadmill (Or as I heard it referred to today.."The Dread-mill") That cracked me up ;)

Thanks Day 28 (5 Days off work!)

Tonight I am very sad to see my 5 day break from work end. It was a wonderful time off, infact it was amazing. Thanksgiving x2, Black Friday, Christmas spirit, lazy time on the couch, Football...and lots of it, Family time, and pure holiday fun.

However, despite being sad it's over, I am VERY thankful that I had 5 days off to begin with. My job allows me off every weekend, and holiday. I am so thankful to have been able to have this time off, especially to spend with Scott. It's been a long time since we had so much time off together due to his school/work schedule. Goodbye 5 days off and hello back to work tomorrow. I will miss you good old days off, thank you for letting me enjoy 5 of them :)

Thanks Day 27 (Our Christmas Kick off tradition)

The day after Black Friday Scott and I go out together. We usually do a little window shopping and start giving eachother ideas for Christmas presents. I love it! Then after that we always put up the Christmas tree and start decorating the house for the BEST time of year!!! (At least my favorite anyway)

We started off the day with a Starbucks stop for Pumpkin Spice Lattes. One word, delicious! Walked around the mall for a while, then had an amazing lunch at The Cheesecake Factory, my fav!!!! We both crashed when we got home and took a nap to refuel.

We got ourselves up in the attic, pulled the mound of boxes down and the decorating began!! I LOVE this time of year! One of the traditions besides the shopping, and decorating is wine. I pour us a glass of wine in a red and green wine glass. Yes yes, I know I am a huge nerd but that's ok with me ;) Oh, and the Christmas scented candles CAN NOT be lit in this house until the Fall scents have burned, and it's after Thanksgiving. So, needless to say my holiday Yankee candles are burning away making the house smell like the holiday's!

So, today (well yesterday since I'm a day behind) I'm super thankful for our Kicking off the holiday traditions. There's no one else I'd rather do these fun and special things with <3

Day 26 (Black Friday and my parents surprise!)

Black Friday is one of my most favorite days of the year! Yes, I know I am officially insane in admitting that. For me, it's not just about the shopping (don't get me wrong, I love it) but it's about the start of the Christmas season, and just the feeling in the air.

My best friend and I have a tradition of going out every Black Friday. Each year our time that we meet seems to get earlier and earlier. This year we met just after 3:30 am to get in line at Target. Normally I don't "need" anything from the stores, just go for the fun. However this year I was out for a gift to surprise my parents. I bought them a 46" flat screen TV! We decided to take it over to them last night as a surprise. I had just talked to my Dad on the phone and told him I was going to bed after a long day of shopping (hehe, not). We drove over, and then walked in the door with a gigantic box. Merry early Christmas to them! They LOVED it!!!!!

Back to Black Friday...I pretty much got a few odds and ends I wanted to pick up and am finished. I was honestly about 90% done already (thank you amazon.com!) The only person to buy for is Scott, and he's mostly done online anyway so it's perfect.

Yesterdays marathon shopping lasted 15 hours. I really really wish I would've worn a pedometer all day. I'm positive we walked well over 10 miles in steps. It was an awesome day!! Here's to kicking off the Holiday's and to one of my favorite days of the year yesterday. I'm so Thankful for the fun I had and the joys of Black Friday!

Thanks Day 25 (Thanksgiving Day)

Today I am so very thankful for the way I got to spend Thanksgiving day. I'm summing it up in a list, and it goes a little something like this :)

I'm Thankful For:

Sleeping in today after a wonderful yet exhausting day before of feasting and entertaining.

Waking up to a huge pot of coffee

Not taking my pajamas off all day long

Watching The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Lounging all day and snuggling with my dogs and husband

Eating a delicious brunch prepared by my husband

Barely getting off the couch

Watching tons of football

Hearing my family members say how nice our Thanksgiving was on Wednesday

Eating way too many yummy leftovers and having good blood sugars ;)

Preparing my Black Friday list and game plan with the BFF

Going to bed early and getting extra sleep.....since I have to get up at 3:15, yes I am nuts, I know (haha)

I have to say, today was pretty much the perfect Thanksgiving, and for this and so many other reasons I am beyond Thankful.

Thanks Day 24 (Thanksgiving Eve)

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving we have our dinner with my Mom's side of the family. Last night was our dinner at our home. I got up early to run a few errands, pick up my Mom, and start cooking. We spent all day in my kitchen preparing every last drop of food. It was great! One of my absolute favorite things to do is to cook!

Overall we ended up having 16 people at the dinner table. Those that were there truly made it a wonderful Thanksgiving. To me, there is nothing like having your family sit around a HUGE table, laughing, talking, telling stories, and just being thankful for being together. It was perfect. Oh and the smells of the Thanksgiving food lingering in the house all day long, yum!

As part of our blessing last night I wanted to recognize my Mother. We had a very rough year with her, and her health. I honestly didn't even know if we'd be where we are right now. She's come a long way in the last 8 months and I couldn't be happier with her progress. I finally have my Mother back. For this, and our Thanksgiving Eve dinner, I am so very thankful.

Thanks Day 23 (Short work weeks)

This week was only a 2 day work week for me and it is O-V-E-R! I was so excited when I got up this morning knowing it's almost Thanksgiving and today is my last day of work until Monday! Woo Hoo!

My Mom's side of the family celebrates Thanksgiving on Wednesday, we have for years now. The last 2 years I've hosted it at our house. That means today after leaving work meant a lot of preparation for tomorrows festivities.

So here's to a fun week ahead, and being off until Monday! I am VERY thankful for a 5 day break. Yippee :)

Thanks Day 22 (Automatic Refills!)

Oh automatic refills how I love thee. On Sunday's I sort out all my medications for the next week. I organize them into the "AM and PM" categories. It is so convenient, and well worth the few minutes it takes to do this.

So yesteray as I'm refilling everything I realized I had zero Nexiums left. Uh-Oh! I NEED my Nexium. I mean NEED NEED NEED! Yikes, I semi panicked then ran to the computer to check my Rx website. According to their records since I am an automatic refiller the Nexium was sent to me in October. Hmmm, really? *scratches forehead*.

I go into the closet which holds all my meds, and lookie there...in a random box was my precious unopened Nexium! Ahhhh. *breathes sigh of relief and jumps for joy*. Thank you automatic refills for keeping me on track and slapping me when I needed you so ;)

Thanks Day 21 (Get-Togethers)

Today we hosted our annual football party. Originally I had it scheduled for last month, then somehow my brain malfunctioned when I realized that I'd planned the party for the same day Scott was in a wedding! Doh! Luckily it was no biggie and easy to reschedule. Around this time of year schedules start to fill up, but we were able to fit it in and everyone had a great time!

Today my Ravens played Carolina, and I'm sure you could hear us screaming and cheering across the country! WOO HOO!!! Throwing parties, or small get togethers is one of my favorite things to do. I love love love to entertain! Making food, drinks, and preparing to have a house full of people is just awesome to me!

So we made tons of food, had great drinks, wonderful family and friends, and a wonderful day. Of course the day was even better since my Ravens won ;) And for all of these things, I am VERY thankful.

Thanks Day 18 (My Co-workers)

I've been at my job for just about 7 years now, and love it. I work for great physicians, it's close to home, and I truly love the type of nursing it is. I really lucked out when I stumbled upon the teeny tiny ad in the newspaper looking for a nurse.

My job would be no where near as enjoyable or tolerable as it is without my coworkers. I've never had a job where we've had such a close knit group of people who genuinely care about eachother. I absolutely love it. My coworkers are more than just that, they are my dear friends, and in some ways my family. Today, I am thankful for my wonderful coworkers.

Thanks Day 16 (Back massages!)

I'm a day late, oops! Somehow I've managed to hurt my back....bad. It's at the base, and boy does it burn. I have no clue what I did to it, but I'm well aware that it is not a happy member of my body at present time. My back seems to give me trouble, a lot honestly. I'm always asking my husband for a back rub and I know he gets tired of it (sorry bunky). It's the ONLY thing that works though, and he is THE BEST.

Maybe It's more than just helping my back though. I notice that if he massages my back I always breathe better. Makes sense, increasing blood flow to the muscles and organs, hence supplying more oxygen. Whatever the case, I.Love.Back.Massages!

I am so thankful for them and the relief they give my back. Oh and I'm super thankful for my husband's willingness to always help :)

Thanks Day 14 (My Inlaws)

Today we spent the day with Scott's family for Thanksgiving. A little early, yes, but they are going to Disney World during Thanksgiving so we had to. It was such a nice day, and the food was delicious. As I stated on Facebook, I'm glad I wore my loose fitting jeans today ;)

I am very thankful to have married into a wonderful family. Scott is the youngest of 4. I have a great Mother In Law and Father In Law. This also brought me 3 Brother In Laws, as well as 3 Sister In Laws. And to round out the greatness, I have 4 nieces and 2 nephews which I adore. I am so thankful to have such a wonderful family. It's nice to actually enjoy spending time with you Inlaws, not because you have to, but because you want to. It's a lovely thing.

So on top of wonderful food, laughter, and all together family filled day...it's this I am so very thankful for.

Thanks Day 13 (CF support system)

Ok, so I missed yesterday (Day 12), sorry. I was having a pretty good day, and even made it into work for the first time in a week! Then about half way through the day I knew I had pushed my body to the max and went home. I then slept like I bear in hibernation for hours. I then got a fever shortly after, bummer. I then went to bed early and never made my post for yesterday. However I'm happy to report I have now been fever free fro 24 hours! This is HUGE!!! Good-bye rotten virus! Thank you Immune System!

Today was a sad day in our CF world. We lost one of our dear members, a cyster of mine named Jennifer. I have to admit I was shocked and speechless when I read the news earlier. Infact, I still am having a hard time wrapping my head around it. I want to do my best by pulling the positive from a situation like this, despite how awful it is. So tonight as we've lost one of our own, I am thankful for the wonderful support system I have gained in the CF community. We are there for eachother, support eachother, understand, lend shoulders to vent, or cry on, celebrate accomplishments, and are there for eachother in these awful times. Despite this disease, I am thankful for the amazing people CF has led to me to meet and share my life, and my story with.

Thanks Day 11 (Fresh Air)

Being cooped up in the house for almost a week now has almost driven me mentally insane. I'm so used to being on the go, and not stuck in the house. However, I've listened to my body all week and rested.

Today I did venture out of the house and it felt great!

I met Scott for lunch at a local restaurant, and did great. I did wake up with a fever at 5 am, but have been fever free ever since. So this was sort of a trial run to see If I really am feeling better. It was so refreshing to just walk outside and smell the Fall air and the coolness on my face. Driving...man that was exciting too! Not driving for a week has been so weird.

Overall I was just so thankful to be outside today functioning normally! The fresh air was superb. Tomorrow, I will attempt to actually go to work. We'll see how that goes. Here's hoping the fever stays away!!!

Thanks Day 10 (Hydration)

I woke up with another fever today, and decided it was time to see the Primary care Doc. Flu, and Mono were negative thankfully. Altough they said I still could have one of the hundreds of unknown flu strains. My bloodwork was ok overall. But the major finding was SEVERE DEHYDRATION. Despite me trying to drink a ton of water, the fevers have been winning and dehydrating me.

So I ended up getting stuck 3 times which was no fun. I have wonderfully huge veins, but today those veins were somewhere else. Oh that's right, they were off in the land of dehydration. So we get an IV in, and about 500cc's into the IV bag my wrist swelled up like a golf ball because it had infiltrated.

I was sent home to hydrate orally today, again. Only today I was given specific instructions which was helpful in making this happen. Scott brought me home 2 big gatorades to aide, and they have been great (I love gatorade).

The good news is that today I've been fever free since this morning's temperature check! I've been rehydrating, and sleeping my head off. I've woken up a few times completely drenched in sweat, eww. Oh well, I'm hoping with everything I've got, that the hydration has knocked this virus down and out for good!

THANK YOU HYDRATION!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Day 9 (Feeling Better!)

Still at home today tackling whatever germ(s) decided to invade. I'm happy because after a very rough night of about zero sleep, topped with fever, chills, and aches, today has been much better! My body is showing this crud who's boss. I'm very proud of my bodies resiliance :) Don't mess with us! So today, in short, I'm thankful for feeling better, and well, more human as opposed to zombie-like.

Thanks Day 8 (My cold not being a CF thing)

I'm home sick today (boo-hiss). No fun at all, but heck we all have to go through it. Thankfully I don't feel that it is respiratory at all. My FEV1 is great, my lungs are clear, and my sinuses are behaving. What I do have is a lovely fever, chills, and body aches sort of deal. Still, I'd rather it be something like this than something with my lungs. No thank you!

So today I'll be spending the day in bed snuggling with my dogs. I'll be wrapped up in huge comforters, have a heating pad on my back, watching TV (Food Network of course) all day long, while sweating out this nasty thing.

Yes it totally stinks that I'm feeling under the weather, but I'm sure thankful it doesn't appear not a CF thing :)

Thanks Day 7 (Lazy Sunday's)

I've been feeling slightly under the weather this weekend. It honestly just feels like exhaustion, not like I'm actually sick. My body feels super tired for some reason.

There are a few things combined that make me love my lazy Sunday's so very much. First, being day light savings time again, we get an extra hour of laziness ;) Also, it's Fall (my favorite) which means It's Football season (Go Ravens)!! All of these things make Sunday's absolutely perfect.

I'm thankful to have had the opportunity today to lay around on the couch and do absolutely nothing today. It was perfect, and something I don't do quite enough. Ahh, I still have a few more hours of lazy Sunday to enjoy...see you tomorrow :)

Thanks Day 6 (Being a Godmother)

Today I am thankful that I have been chosen to be a Godmother. To me, it is the biggest honor I could've been asked. I am blessed to have 2 wonderful Goddaughters who mean the world to me. I adore them both, and any time I get to spend time with them simply makes my world.

After an incredibly LONG and beyond stressful work week I get to spend the evening with one of my Goddaughters tonight. I can't wait. Being a Godmother to me isn't only an honor but a commitment to these girls. I want them to know that I will always be there for them, and will do whatever they need. Granted they are currently only 13 months, and 19 months, but still ;)

I am Thankful today have been chosen to be a Godmother to my wonderful Allison and Kara. <3

Thanks Day 5 (Campfires)

One of my favorite things to do this time of year, or really any time is to have a campfire. Scott built us a fire pit in our backyard and we spend a lot of time sitting around a campfire. I love it.

Tonight was one of those nights. After a long week of work and feeling completely exhausted, we "vegged out" and sat around the camfire with the dogs. It was cool and crisp outside, so wearing a hoodie was a must. We roasted marshmallows and just relaxed while being mesmerized by the flames that kept us warm.

Did I mention that our dinner was an entire bag of marshmallows? ;)

Exercise today: 15 minute jog @ 1 mile, and 15 minute jog on Elliptical @ .63 miles.

Thanks Day 4 (My Best Friend)

I love my best friend, and as every day, today I am thankful for her. It's been a very rough week at work and she totally understands it, amongst everything else about me. You see, she too is a Registered Nurse, and she works with me 3 days a week. After yesterday's day of work we decided we needed a mini retail therapy night, stat! ;)

We've been through a lot together. We started working together as teenagers as hostesses at a local restaurant. We survived Nursing School together (though not in the same class), been through the break-ups, weddings, house buying, my pregnancy and loss, CF, I could go on and on....

My best friend obviously holds all of qualities that, well, a "Best Friend" has. However my favorite thing is her ability to make me laugh. Infact no other friend can make me laugh like her. We can merely make eye contact and she knows exactly what I'm thinking. I can imagine what she's going to say and just about lose it laughing hysterically. She listen to me, supports me, and best of all, is my Gym buddy. I am very fortunate.

Today after work we met up and got together to run a few errands which was just lovely. She listened as I talked to her about my own current stressors, and big things I'm going through. What started out as a coffee date, turned into some Christmas shopping (that's right I said Christmas shopping, GAH!) and a cheap but fun dinner at Wendy's :)

A blog post simply can't do it justice on how important my Best Friend is to me. But today I'd like the bloggie world to know how thankful I am for her.

Day 3 of Thanks (Wednesday Date Nights)

Since Scott's in school for his 2nd degree in computers, it doesn't allow us to really see each other during the week, except for Wednesday's that is. That is the one night he doesn't have classes (maybe the occasional homework) but he's mine all mine at home :)

We've decided to make Wednesday night our date night. To me (us) it's just perfect If I say so myself. By date night, I don't mean going out to dinner, we don't even leave the house. The rules are that when you walk in the door, it's time for comfy clothes, we throw in our favorite frozen pizza, and watch Ghost Hunters that have Tivo'd for the week.

Tonight's date night was lovely. We decided to pop open a bottle of wine and just enjoy each others company...while chowing down on pizza, and a cheese tray with crackers. Yummy. My stomach is very happy, as is my heart ;)

It.Is.Fabulous! I look forward to Wednesday's so much!! I miss my best friend during the week, but am thankful for our time we get together <3

Today's exercise included: Circuit training! 10 minutes on the Elliptical (.5 miles), 10 minutes on the bike (2 miles), and 15 minutes jogging (with cool down @ 1 mile). It felt awesome!

30 days of Thanks (Day 2) My VOICE (3 fold)

Whoa isn't that like the longest blog title ever? :)

Today's Thankfulness is my voice. Not just the the sound that comes out of my larynx, but indeed more than that. Let me explain..

Today is Election Day all over America. I am so thankful to have a "voice" in the election. I'm allowed to voice my opinion, and it counts. How cool is that? This is something I don't take for granted and am very appreciative of most definitely. It's an honor to walk in to the voting facility and cast my ballot.

Another aspect of my voice is that I still have it. I've recently started back on Tobi and am just waiting for my voice to disappear. But guess what?, it hasn't! Hooray for still being able to speak, even though there is a slight hoarseness going on, I have my voice. I'm sure sounding like Rachael Ray isn't too far off, but today I have my voice for which I am thankful.

Lastly, my voice was heard at work today and I am very proud of that. To say the least I am completely non-confrontational, hate conflict, and am NOT good at voicing my opinion. I guess you could say I tend to hold things in. Well, one of the doctors was throwing a "mantrum" today (Male Tantrum) and I let it be known that it wasn't acceptable. Ahhh, my voice sure did me proud today. Today, this is what I am thankful for!

Exercise today included: 40 minutes on the Elliptical @ 1.65 miles :) I also joined what I think is an AMAZING running opportunity today. Go over to CL and check it out here!

30 Days Of Thankfulness (Day 1)

I got this idea from my wonderful cyster Colleen's blog (thanks Colleen!) This is such a wonderful idea so I'm going to partake in it. I have to say without sounding like I'm tooting my own horn, but I'm grateful each and every day and make it known. It could be the smallest thing like a cloud in the sky, to something large, like receiving good news. I honestly make sure each day that I am grateful, and now I get to write about it. I have to be honest, it' s going to be hard to choose just 1 topic each day. Where do I start....life, health, husband, dogs, friends, family, career, being alive...here goes!

Today I am thankful for my wonderful doctor. I had an outpatient procedure today that went a little off the planned course to say the least. He was wonderful and talked me through everything. He gave me hope and reassurance, and was every bit of how a doctor should be. Despite being tired and a little uncomfortable, I'm choosing to focus on how lucky I am to be in such great care. I am thankful for the incredible thoroughness of my doctor. Today this is what I am very thankful for.

No exercise today, as the doctor ordered rest for me :)