Happy New Year Gratitudes

Two weeks ago I was asked to give a TEDtalk at UC Davis, where I got my MFA. Since they were not about to fly me across the country, I decided not to go. But heck, I was tempted. When I asked the hive mind of Facebook for topic suggestions, a catering colleague from California was the first to pipe in "resilience." It immediately stuck a chord and I briefly made some mental notes. Yesterday on Daily Good they posted a blog on Resilience as the opposite of depression. They also said that Gratitude was one of the strengths of resilience. Last week when I was in a sucky mood, the first thing I thought of doing - after shutting my mouth - was making my list. It's going to be a great year, folks. And we have lots to be grateful for.

Here's my GRATITUDE list for the week:
1. my friend Tim for not only living close by, but along with his boyfriend opening up his home to ring in the New Year
2. an ever growing support system
3. my hot water bottle
4. the internet so I can satisfy my Buffy the Vampire Slayer addiction
5. The man at Fairway who allowed me to use my own containers and not the plastic bags they have

CELEBRATIONS:
1. Two wedding couple inquiries in the last 3 days, bringing the pending count up to 8
2. Being successful on my fitness, food, and language learning challenges
3. Buying some holiday gifts, including two for myself

BIG TASK LIST:
1. health insurance
2. apartment surface clean up
3. what I'm doing about housing
4. doing a financial check-up

Ward off depression and share your gratitudes. Go.