Notice

Top of the morning to you. What a great day, and it's just getting started. I've had a rather slow week at work so far, and in the line of work that pays the bills - or at least gives 'em somethin' to chew on, hence keeping the wolf away from the door, that means the money hasn't been great. One of the slowest Thursdays in quite some time. Alright, enough of negative thoughts - that's more than enough attention to those - because there is still so much to be grateful/thankful for.

As I drove home last night, thinking about how my week has been, I passed through an industrial park that has men outside picketing. These are men who were forced out of their jobs. I have no idea what their jobs are, but I notice they're out there at all hours of the day and night - and in all kinds of weather. When it's cold outside, they're out there with fires burning, so obviously being out there is important to them. If that doesn't make me feel grateful for the work I have - but it does, then I can look around at any number of things that I'm lucky enough to experience as part of my day to day life. Maybe none of them are spectacular things, unless I have enough self-awareness to appreciate them.

Off the top of my head, work wasn't so bad last night. I had laughs that started the moment I got in the door. What's not to like about that? I worked with a guy who makes being at work more fun than I've ever had back there - even when we're getting our asses kicked, it's fun. I had people that made for a nice exchange of laughter the entire night.

I can share amusing dog stories with my boss's wife, I can be around people who like good food and drink, I can laugh and make others laugh. I can come home, and in the case of last night, do so early enough to stop and see one of my favorite bartenders. I can watch a movie in high definition, or better still, I can read a book, I can sit at my Mac and write - and yes, I know I've been dragging ass doing that lately, and there is food in my kitchen.

So while I've had better weeks at work in both of my jobs that I love, I have the whole weekend ahead of me, and perhaps being a bit slower than I'd like has allowed me to take time and notice more of the things that I shouldn't be taking for granted. It's a beautiful day outside, my dog is happy, I have loads of fresh fruit and vegetables to juice, food to eat, a gym to go to, and two good jobs, I'm healthy and in reasonably good shape and I know that I'm going to laugh quite a bit tonight at work.

I'm not saying that some things couldn't be better, but I am saying that more things could be worse and I'm glad that they're not. I have a wonderful family, amazing friends - many of whom are very inspiring, and when I'm at work, I work with people who are among the best in the business. Some of you may read this post and think it's completely dull and pointless. Some of you may read this and take a minute or two to realize that even on the worst of days, there is always, a lot to be thankful for. Do yourself a favor and notice at least some of that. Peace.