Day 18 in Gratitude

My original flight out of Atlanta tonight was for 7pm but due to weather the flight has been canceled so I'll be spending night #7 in Atlanta. I'm bummed but it is what it is, you can't fight Mother Nature. You never see a eagle straining in the wind, he doesn't pick a fight, spreads his wings and just gives in. And so tonight I'm taking a lesson from the eagle and giving in. I am grateful to be safely on the ground.

I am grateful to have had a fabulous dinner in the hotel restaurant. The description for Terrace reads; Enjoy sustainable fine dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner at the upscale Terrace Restaurant overlooking Peachtree Street at the Ellis Hotel in Atlanta GA. Serving delicious American heirloom entrees and supporting local and regional farmers, fishermen and producers, Terrace captures fresh simple flavors. Savor the pure aroma and tastes of natural and organic ingredients bursting with delicious flavors and sustainably-sourced ingredients. If you're ever in Atlanta, you must try it!

I am grateful to be going home tomorrow. It will be a crazy day of flying home, going to work and trying to catch up on everything that's been happening but it's all good. And the best part? Numerous hugs and kisses from my husband, face licks from my furry friend and a great nights sleep in my own bed!

What are you grateful for?

Day 14 in Gratitude

I can't believe it's already been two weeks since I started this endeavor and I'm so glad I did. I've received great feedback and welcome any and all suggestions to make this blog as user friendly as possible. If any readers have suggestions, please know that I welcome them!

Being in Atlanta during the worst snow/ice storm in 6 decades, it is very eye-opening at how much we take for granted in our daily lives. Living in Chicago, when it snows, you wait a few hours, the plows come out and either plow or salt and you're on your merry way. You don't worry about walking on the sidewalks because they've either been shoveled or salted. This storm has really crippled this city beyond your wildest imagination. The storm hit Sunday, Jan 9th and today, Friday, Jan 14th the schools are still closed, the garbage trucks are not working and UPS is just starting to deliver. This has affected every aspect of city life; restaurants, hotels, schools and even their post offices. With the temps climbing, they're relying on Mother Nature to melt the ice on the interstates so things can start to resemble normal. So, I am grateful that I live in a city that seemingly knows how to handle snow removal quite efficiently.

I am grateful for my youngest son who is away at school. He called today to say hi and make sure I got here safely. I love you honey!

I am grateful for comfortable shoes which this week I do not have in my possession. Standing on hard floors, sans carpeting, for 11 hours a day your feet, ankles, calves and knees will start screaming, throbbing and shooting pain messages to your brain pleading for comfortable shoes. I am anxiously awaiting a soft, comfortable pair of shoes to walk in and never want to take them for granted again after the experience I'm having this week.

What are you grateful for?

Day 12 in Gratitude

Good morning! I am so grateful to have had a safe, uneventful flight into Atlanta! This ice/snow storm has really paralyzed this city and airport. Cars and trucks stranded on the roadside, people can't get in or out of the city. Mother Nature really did a number here. With all that, the Atlanta city dwellers don't seem too bothered. Smiling and laughing as they tell their travel horror stories to each other, they're very inspiring.

I am grateful to have gotten a good night's sleep. Sometimes I struggle sleeping in hotels longing for my own bed and surroundings. I think I was just so tired, I had no problem whatsoever.

I am grateful to have watched the Atlanta sunrise this morning. Looking out my hotel window which faces northeast, I saw the most perfect sunrise. I always wonder if God boasts every morning when the universe puts on such a display of beauty. Thank you!

What are you grateful for?