40 Day Gratitude Challenge - Day 3

Today, I'm thankful for...

1. Jason's dad driving us all down to the states for a bit of shopping.
2. Having some leftover US dollars to use so no need to convert more out of my account.
3. Finding a very warm Columbia winter jacket (thanks to Jason's suggestion since he's a fan) to replace my 5 year old pink puffy North Face jacket.  It was on sale from $210 down to $150 and then an additional 25% off.  And it's actually 2 in 1 so I can unzip the top layer and just wear the bottom layer (which alone costs $70).  Great deal for a quality jacket. 
4. Being able to go find the handbag my sister wanted to buy for my mom at the Coach outlet store, get to the cashier and pay before a huge line-ups formed in- and outside of the store.
5. Being able to sleep during the long car ride.
6. Finding the Revlon Super Lustrous lip gloss colours that are not yet (or maybe they won't be available at all) in Vancouver stores!  Been searching in every London Drugs, Shoppers Drug Mart, Superstore, and Walmart around here and no luck until today at Target.  And better  yet, the prices is half of what they sell it here.
7. Finding mini Haagen Dazs and Ben & Jerry ice cream for $1 each (don't get to indulge that like everyday!)
8. Eating some delicious steak once again at Outback Steakhouse.
9. Getting through the borders without waiting too long and with no hassle.
10. Getting home safely from the mini road-trip.

40 Day Gratitude Challenge - Day 2

Today, I'm thankful for...

1. Having a toilet available when I was suddenly attacked with a major stomachache after what I suspect as eating some old ham.
2. The cool sensation of tiger balm rubbed on my belly.  It reminds me of childhood.
3. Getting paid and being able to pay off my hefty visa bill.
4. Having some Christian students (none of the ones I'm teaching this year) drop by after school and had a short but rather nice chit-chat on science and Christianity.
5. The sunny weather which brightens up my mood, but chilly enough to keep groceries in the car rather than stuffing my refrigerator =)
6. My sweet student who wrote Happy Birthday on a piece of wrapped gum when she found out it was Jason's birthday.
7. My new computer - it's so much faster and the screen is so much brighter!
8. Praise 106.5 - my radio station for the past three years where God uses music and sermons that speak to me.
9. My bed - it's so comfortable *snuggle*
10. The ability to snooze, hopefully dreamlessly, tonight.

40 Day Gratitude Challenge - Day 1

I've accepted Tessa's (http://amileinherheels.blogspot.com/) challenge:
*Tessa Tham Hey BHLC Bloggers!! Let's do this challenge as suggested by CP. Blog about 10 things you're thankful for, daily for the next 40 days :) We should give thanks everyday. Not only on Thanksgiving! Danielle Mah Shauna Lim Paul Chong Aaron S.H. Lo Kevin K Chong Elena Tsang*

Hopefully there never comes in time in my life when I'm no longer thankful.  Praise the Lord for this challenge.

1. Mom: 
   Cooking dinner for us every night despite the long, tough work hours.  Preparing my lunch for me so I can just grab it out of the fridge (good job, food teachers), and doing household chores on her day off.  My schedule would be way more packed without her, and I know I don't deserve it.
2. Dad:
   Working from 5am-8pm everyday to be our provider of many of the luxuries in life while he skimps on himself.  Please Lord, don't let me forget to pray that he will eventually open his heart up to You.
3. Theo:
   Kindhearted and inspires me to be a person I used to be.  He's still often more patient than most of us in the family and reminds me of my popo.  His negative traits are a reminder of what we've taught him.  How shameful I am to not have been a better example. 
4. Ursula:
   For sharing her love of fashion and her life issues with me, despite the constant backlash she gets from a tough-love type of sister (yes, both for shopping and for other life problems).
5. Brenda:
   For continuing to keep in touch with the family even after having married and moved out.  For her understanding in many situations and rarely ever making me feel guilty.
6. Jason:
   For dropping by after school to surprise me with a screamer and helping me supervise my kids while I make my grocery runs, for being patient even when I'm not reasonable, and for showing me how to have healthy relationships.
7. Catering Club
   During my practicum, I wished for students who were like my sponsors'.  They hung out in the classroom, shared their life with them, and jumped to help out whenever possible.  During that time, I was inspired seeing that they have such a connection and I wondered if I would ever have that.  For the past 3 years of teaching, I have almost immediately gained my own lovely group of kids, known as the Catering Club who are willing to do just that.  They make my job worthwhile.
8. My teaching job
   After receiving the lay-off notice at the end of the last school year, I'm thankful to once again be teaching full-time without financial worry.
9. My make-up job
   The consistent flow of clients, even when unexpected.  Thank you friends for your referrals, for believing in my work, and for allowing me to do what I enjoy.
10. God
    For without Him, none of the above would be possible.  Just as I was listening to a sermon on Praise 106.5 last night, often we take too much credit for what He has blessed us with.  He's reminded me to be humble and loving, a challenge I constantly need to battle with.

I tried to be specific because if I'm any more general, I'm sure I'll be repeating myself day in and day out.  I guess last thing I'm going to say is that I'm thankful I'm at home typing this today rather than still being at work =)