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Day 2 of 30 day gratitude. The not so little things.

I am writing to you from (what is currently rainy) San Diego.  Though born in Hawaii, I was raised in San Diego, so of course it will always have a special place in my heart, even though I moved North.  So, why am I in SD on a work night? Well tomorrow is my papa's 70th birthday.  

My dad always taught me to celebrate the "zero" years, because you never know if you will see your next and how true that is.  Two years ago when I turned 40, I started a tradition, a shot at midnight, going into my birthday to step out of my "boring" box.  Tullamoredew (sp?) is my favorite so far.  So what does this have to do with the "not so small things?", well, the fact that I also celebrate the last year of a decade and apparently I do it with others.  

Tonight dad brought me out to dinner and I thanked him for letting me have the privilege of being the last meal he will buy in this decade of his 60's, his response, "oh yeah, huh.". My mama passed away four months shy of what would have been her 67th birthday, Sissy passed four months shy of her 47th.  I always celebrated the hell out of my birthday's, but now I appreciate them even more.  

I'm not saying everyone has to be like this, it's just how I am.  As one of many who appreciate the small things, I realize that what might seem "big" to me, like tonight's dinner, is just an after thought to someone else.  Even the bag of pens my dad bought me while in Hawaii is awesome to me and after I post this, I am going to give each one a good once over, and probably a giggle, since I am a certified pen hoarder, whore, enthusiast? Take your pick, they all qualify. ha!

Now, since sunny socal rarely experiences rain, I am going to go outside and enjoy it for a bit.  Ooo, thunder.  oh wait, my dad just closed a window in another room, nevermind. 

Until tomorrow...take a moment to pick a random thing out of your day and truly appreciate it.  A strangers smile, breakfast with your peeps, lunch with coworkers, it's your choice and be grateful about it.  Each day is a gift, because the next one isn't promised.

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