Saturday, January 31, 2009

Random Act of Gratitude #31: Unexpected Dinner Plans

I unexpectedly found myself out to dinner with not one, but three terribly enjoyable dinner companions. Sonya, Kathie, and Paul and I arranged to grab something to eat on the spur of the moment. (I think it took all of three minutes of planning.)

Needless to say, with a group like that, eating took a second place to conversation and, in particular, laughter. Paul is quite the storyteller, as anyone who knows him will tell you. Although most of his stories cannot be printed here (ha!), suffice it to say that a good time was certainly had in the presence of friends.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Random Act of Gratitude #30: Bank Machine Manners

Something that can drive me nuts are those people who linger too long at the automated bank machine. You know who I mean ... the ones, for example, who finish their transaction, but stand there sorting through their purses, tucking money away, looking for car keys, writing a novel while four people stand there waiting.

Today I stopped by the bank machine (payday!) and saw that a man was at the machine. No sooner had I stepped into the machine area than he stepped back and said, "Go ahead. I'm not quite ready, anyway."

I thanked him, did my business, and was sure to thank him again on the way out. A small, logical courtesty goes far with me.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Random Act of Gratitude #29: Grocery Cashier

When stopping at the grocery store on the way home from work, I encountered an incredibly jovial and delightful cashier.

A woman in her fifties, I would guess, and with a distinct accent (my guess would be Ukranian) was keeping a running friendly banter with each of her customers without slowing her job. She was such a bundle of positive energy and humour.

My favourite was when she asked me, "Would you like cash back?" and, when I told her no thanks, her response was, "Good. I'm not giving you any."

She was bringing a smile to everyone's face in the line with her amusing chatter and with her laughter. (She had a good laugh when discussing a customer's sick husband and the possible consequences of his craving for bread.) I just love people who make a mundane task, like grocery shopping, and bring a little light to it.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Random Act of Gratitude #28: Snow Jobs

Today was another day of continuously falling snow, and as it piled up, so, apparently, did the opportunities for some kindess from others.

At the end of the work day, a parent came into the office to ask somewhat concernedly whether the damage to my headlight was new or if I already knew about it. (I already knew about it. It's been damaged -- but functioning -- for quite some time, but the money to fix it hasn't been handy.) I asked how she noticed it, and at first I thought her answer was, "I dinged your car," but what she actually said was, "I cleaned your car." Seriously!

Upon arriving at home, where the neighbourhood was out in full swing shovelling, I discovered that at some point during the day a neighbour had snowplowed the walk in front of my house and up to the front porch. All I had to do was a quick shovel of the new snow. What a relief!

A snowy day and two -- count 'em two -- snow-related acts of kindness for which I'm thankful!

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Random Act of Gratitude #27: A Courier Delivery

The courier at work can be a wonderful thing. I love "real mail" whether it arrives at my house or at my workplace. Much as I enjoy hearing from people through electronic means (and I do, so keep it up), there's something particularly enjoyable about a physical piece of mail which has been created, mailed, and received.

It was my known love for "real mail" which prompted my wonderful (and wonderfully talented) friend, Tina, to drop me a wee card and some tea in the courier so I could be given a reason to start the day feeling groovy.

What's curiously coincidental is that I put a postcard in the mail for her two days ago on one of my nighttime neighbourhood walks. She may well have received it today (or will likely get it tomorrow, otherwise). Get off my brainwave, Tina!

Monday, January 26, 2009

Random Act of Gratitude #26: The Moyses

Waaaaaaay back in the day, when I was a young poppet living in Kingston, there was an elderly couple who attended our church. I believe their names were Harold and Ina Moyse. They were kind, sweet, gentle seniors who always had a smile and, more often than not, a candy or two in their pocket or purse for anyone under the age of 12.

Since my only living grandparents were overseas in England, they sort of unofficially took my brothers and I as make-believe grandchildren. I remember going over to their place, now and then, with my family for dinner or tea -- I seem to associate them with pie -- and at the holidays they would have little gifts for us. Nothing big, mind you, but those little FunPad activity pads and the like. There was just a simple, endearing sense of them looking out for us in their small way.

I'm quite sure that both of them have long since passed on, but I still remember them with great fondness. I would have liked them to have known that their small kindnesses hadn't been forgotten over the years.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Random Act of Gratitude #25: Congregationally Speaking

The church which I attend has a distinctly aging population. Indeed, most of the small congregation is roughly double my age or more. Yes, I could attend other churches with a younger crowd, hipper music, and whatnot, but the people at my church are genuinely lovely, compassionate, and caring people who take an interest in my work and life, and I love 'em dearly.

I was talking with one woman -- a wonderful retired teacher in her sixties who wears her heart on her sleeve and certainly qualifies as a friend -- today about many of the good things happening with work as well as some of the current issues which give me cause for concern, and she listened with sincere interest and empathy. She definitely understands my reasons and passions for doing what I do, and has often been a source of encouragement through the years. I'm deeply thankful for such supportive, warm people who, though generationally removed from me, are not removed from me humanly. I'm sure we differ in some of the specifics of our views (I'm certainly more liberal in my views than most of them), but it doesn't really matter at the end of the day, does it?

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Random Act of Gratitude #24: Post-Season Pal

The taking down of a Christmas tree is seldom a pleasant event. Yes, it's necessary, and yes, there's that knowledge that after it's done, things can get back where they belong and the room regains a sense of comfortable order, but there's none of that festive merriment to look forward to. It's just a pedestrian act of housekeeping.

But this year, it was a pleasant and enjoyable experience, thanks to Sonya who came down back in December to raise and decorate the tree and returned today for dismantling duties.

I know, I know, you're appalled that it's been up until now. So am I, but deal with it.

In any case, having someone here boxing up ornaments (and occasionally searching madly for that little one that is somewhere on the tree but is managing somehow to remain out of sight) was very much enjoyable. Thanks for coming down to finish the job, Sonya!

Friday, January 23, 2009

Random Act of Gratitude #23: A Cathartic Conversation

I have smashing friends. I think I've already made that clear.

Today, after work, I was heading out of the building where I had attended a meeting a little disappointed that I hadn't bumped into my friend Glynnis, with whom I used to work daily but now see occasionally, usually when I attend meetings in a certain building.

In any case, at the last minute, in she walked and my afternoon was saved. A few of us sat down and had a chat about life, the job, and frustrations therewith. Eventually it was down to Glynnis and I chatting about this, that, and the next thing (which quickly became the previous thing as the next next thing arose) and before I knew it two hours had passed. Two hours on a Friday afternoon! Shocking.

Isn't it great when two hours can fly by and not only do you not notice the time, but you don't mind it in the least? Everyone needs those types of friends with which to converse.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Random Act of Gratitude #22: FringeLore

Part of me is hesitant to make this post, because right now I feel like I've got the inside scoop on one of the best-kept secrets, but the other part of me -- the part that has won -- thinks that this woman deserves all of the promotion I can give. Throughout my communications with her, she has consistently seemed to be an artisan who loves the thought of her work being "out there and appreciated" as much as whatever income it provides.

Over the holidays, I bought some nifty gifts from FringeLore online. Basically, a brilliant woman makes jewelry (mostly) from vintage watch pieces, typewriter keys, and the like. The results are unique and smashing. You really should check them out.

One of the gifts was a fantastic necklace for which, unfortunately, a slightly longer chain was needed. This wasn't exactly a chain I could just pick up locally. I contacted FringeLore, asking if I could purchase an additional length of the chain and then I would see about getting the new segments attached.

Well, the wonderful woman at FringeLore told me to send it down to her and she'd happily lengthen it for me! Today it arrived back in Canada so I was grateful for the lengthening job, for the happy discovery of FringeLore in general, and mostly for the wonderful, warm, friendly manner with which it has all been done. And did I mention that her shipping rates aren't grossly inflated? Thanks!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Random Act of Gratitude #21: Happy-Making Video

Sometimes it's good to be frivolous.

To that end, how can you see this and not feel just a little bit more joyful?

I know I've mentioned it before over in dullgloomy, but I stumbed across it again this weekend.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Random Act of Gratitude #20: A Bandwagon with Promise

In (roughly) the words of Jesse Jackson, "It was a great wedding; now the marriage begins."

I know there's a whole lot of hooplah today surrounding the inauguration of Barack Obama and, although I'm not a big bandwagon hopper, I will confess that I'm thrilled with him being elected president of the United States. I also empathize with the immense pressure and expectation which he will now face as piles of hopes are stacked upon his shoulders following the past eight years. I hope the American people (and the rest of us, as well) deeply understand that he is, at the end of the day, a human being and that he simply cannot carry the fate of the western world on his shoulders. He won't solve all the nation's problems in the blink of an eye, and that's okay.

But I'm going to focus on the fact that, as an African American, he really does provide hope for a new direction beyond political policies, not just for other ethnic minorities in the country, but for all who have hoped that the Old White Guys club would, at some point, open its doors.

I hope that in the coming years, President Obama will strive to connect with people, to model a humane and human approach to politics, and that his family will keep him humble when they talk with him at the breakfast table.

Thank you, American voters, for taking such a big step! The world has been watching and will continue to do so! (No pressure!)

Monday, January 19, 2009

Random Act of Gratitude #19: Paternal Phone Calls

Tonight I was the recipient of another phone call from my father.

Yes, the calls tend to be a bit lengthy and meandering as he takes the long route around a story and yes, at times it's a bit challenging to get sufficient words in edgewise, but at the end of the day, I appreciate that he takes the time and effort to call and catch up a little.

That's right, Sonya, I do appreciate my funny father's phone calls.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Random Act of Gratitude #18: The Quiet Jungle

When I think of my childhood Christmases, 'The Story of Snoopy's Christmas and other favourite children's songs' immediately comes to mind. I have no idea how my family, fresh over from Scotland, came to have it in its record collection, but it was as traditional as the tree in our home.

At some point, while I was away at university, it disappeared from the orange box of records. My father is quite sure he gave it to my brother, who is notorious for losing / breaking things. Needless to say, I was not happy, nor has hide nor hair of it been seen since (which is clearly an idiomatic saying, as the record has neither hide nor hair to be seen). I believe I was quite vocal about the horror I felt that it went anywhere but into my possession. Yes, my parents are sometimes very tolerant of me. (I have a strong sense of nostalgia and am moderately obsessed with things like abandoned places and objects with personal histories. As a child I was once shocked and appalled -- words I do not select lightly -- when my mother discarded a hand mixer that I had never known our kitchen to be without. I was talked down off the proverbial ledge eventually, but hey, that mixer had been there my entire life! Didn't she understand that kind of history?)

I started searching for the album on eBay and before I actually made a bid (and I was literally about to do so), my parents called me to say they'd found an old vinyl copy of it in Value Village. Apparently the cashier was surprised to hear how much I had been about to pay for it online.

This year, Sonya brought down her old Teletone Nancy and Clancy record player (yes, one of those ones that closes up into a little briefcase shape to travel with a tot) and we listened to the record while decorating the tree. It was like warm cocoa on a cold night to my ears! As I listened to it for the first time in years, I discovered I could still anticipate almost every detail in the instrumental and vocal arrangements.

In the meantime, I've done a little homework and found out more about "The Quiet Jungle", who recorded the album. It seems they were a moderately successful Toronto band formerly known as The Secrets. Here you can read more about them, including fairly recent information from Doug Rankine, the lead singer. It's coming up for the 40th anniversary of the album's release, and if I knew how to get in touch with the members of The Quiet Jungle, I would seriously drop them a line to say how much I've appreciated their little Christmas album over the years.

Today I spent a while transferring the album onto CD so I can listen to it wherever I go (even after Sonya takes her Nancy and Clancy record player back). I do hope that The Quiet Jungle wouldn't mind ...

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Random Act of Gratitude #17: Art and an Artist

Today, was I thankful for many things: a night off work; winter weather that was tolerable (almost pleasant); and the chance to get some reading in.

But the focus of today's entry is the arrival on my front doorstep of Keltie and Andrew for a visit. We went out for lunch and then sat around on my ugly couch chatting. Keltie's one of my longest-standing friends and we don't see each other nearly enough, and I see Andrew even less frequently. It was smashingly good to visit, catch up, and hang out for a few hours.

On top of that, Keltie brought a completely unexpected gift. That's right. Keltie brought me one of her works of art, this mask that she made as part of the 365 Masks project. I finally own one of Keltie's original mask creations! Woohoo!

Thanks for visitng, you two, and thanks for the smashingly wonderful mask!

Friday, January 16, 2009

Random Act of Gratitude #16: Lunch Table Laughter

My workplace has a small staff. There's nowhere to hide if you don't get along with your co-workers. Thankfully, my coworkers are quite enjoyable people.

Today, during the lunch break, someone outside of the staff arrived early for a meeting and sat down with us while we ate and chatted. I'm sure she thought we were nuts, but that's fine.

We have a long history (which predates most of the current staff) of laughing more than is probably necessary at the lunchroom table. Today is was (largely) Amber who was telling amusing stories about her life (and revealing more, perhaps, than is wise about her personality) and she had us laughing aloud at her shenanigans. (It was suggested, once again, that I should consider writing a sitcom about her life). Stories or just conversations, our topics run the gamut and, more often than not, we have a daily fix of amusement in the process.

How nice to have that type of atmosphere around a lunch table at work.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Random Act of Gratitude #15: Artistry in Motion

I could certainly use this entry to discuss a great visit I had tonight with Betsy and Jackie, but I don't want to be overly repetitive with "my friends are so great" entries, so instead ...

Today I had the chance to see a perfomance of At Nightfall by the Sursault Dance Company. An abstract, contemporary dance theatre production, it was filled with fascinating images, characters, and a simple, effective set and lighting. It was one of those performances that left me thinking, "Man, I want to be a dancer!" I love the opportunity to experience theatre that's outside of the mainstream (so long as it's well done, of course). I can imagine the fun these artists must have had creating the movements, particularly of the fantasy creatures that populate the piece.

And, to top it all off, the choregrapher and dancers made themselves available for quite an extensive Q & A session afterwards and were extremely down-to-earth and friendly. Thanks, Sursault! I loved it.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Random Act of Gratitude #14: Social Stream

Do you ever have one of those days when you suddenly seem very popular? Today I left work and began a steady stream of social interactions, each of which was very enjoyable (and had the added benefit of preventing me from being all workaholic tonight).

After work, I had a little appointment to meet up and chat with two wonderful friends and colleagues (though they're really much higher up on the hierarchy than me). It was a long-overdue visit (part shop-talk, part banter, part friendly chat) and the time flew by something fierce. (Thanks, Gerda and Glynnis!)

I grabbed drive-through (hello, friendly Wendy's lady!) and came home and munched away, finishing in time to get another call. Out I went to have dessert with another friend. (Thanks Dennis!)

When I came back home, there was my little blinking message light. I called one friend back and had a lovely long conversation (thanks, Keltie) during which another call beeped through, requiring a return call later on. That led, naturally, to another smashing conversation with a recently wested friend. (Thanks, John!)

Did I get a lot of work done?

Nope.

Am I concerned?

Nope.

Did I have a terribly enjoyable evening catching up with terribly enjoyable friends?

Yessirree!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Random Act of Gratitude #13: An Outlet

Over in dullgloomy, I have a strict rule against talking about work. I haven't put quite as strict a restriction on things here, since things are bound to occasionally occur at/related to work for which I'm thankful.

I'm a teacher. Alright, it's out there. (I feel like I should be in a meeting, sitting in a circle.)

In any case, specific to this entry, I spent the afternoon in a meeting with a group of colleagues -- teachers and important-consultant-types -- talking about the Arts. Not only do I get to work on this project with our Arts Consultant (who is amazing and lovely and great fun to be around), but it brings to mind one of the reasons I am glad that I do what I do for a living.

My job gives me a constant creative outlet. I've worked in jobs that did not provide those opportunities (lumber mill, pipes and fittings factory, to name a couple) and found it difficult. I really need to use the creative side of my brain. Teaching lets me explore and grow all the time. As I work on new projects with my students, I go through the "newness" of it along with them. If I were not a teacher, would I have ever started choreographing, playwrighting, designing, directing, and a hundred other things? I don't know. I'd certainly be doing something to deal with my creative energy, but I'm not sure I'd have so many great opportunities and excuses to do so.

There are many things about my job for which I'm grateful (though naturally it's not entirely a bed of roses), and I'm sure a few others will put in an appearance here, but for today, I was particularly thankful for the opportunities it has provided me to get in there and try new things, pushing me to learn and explore creatively.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Random Act of Gratitude #12: Weather Mercies

As most who know me are aware, I am not a fan of winter. I don't expect that to change any time soon, but I must admit that the weather today (and lately) has been reasonably pleasant. It's cold, true, but not that vicious, painful, please-just-let-me-die cold. I've been keeping up almost-daily walks in the evenings and so far I haven't had to spend inordinate amounts of time scraping windshields, shoveling walks, or cursing the earth's tilt on its axis.

I know, I know, February is on its way, but in the meantime, I don't feel the need to hibernate, and that's working for me.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Random Act of Gratitude #11: McKiernan Dinner Invitations

Today I was invited by Jackie's mom to go over for dinner and, even though I wasn't able to attend, I certainly am thankful for the invitation.

Over the 8 years (?) that I've known Jackie, I've been the grateful recipient of many dinners at her folks' home. Often these dinners have taken place on holidays when I haven't been able to visit my own family. They're wonderfully kind and welcoming people. Thanks, McKiernans!

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Random Act of Gratitude # 10: Out-of-the-Blue Catchups

Today was one of those Saturdays when I played hooky from most responsibilities. In the process I had a few random brief visits with friends.

Around lunch time, a couple of friends called up and invited me to join them for lunch which I did.

Later on, another friend called and said, "I've got 45 minutes. You at home?" and we sat and chatted over a cup of tea.

In the evening, I visited with two more friends, one I see regularly and one I haven't seen in a while.

Not a bad day, in all, even if the dishes didn't get done or the laundry folded.

Friday, January 9, 2009

Random Act of Gratitude #9: An Unexpected Gift

It's no secret that I have some rather distinct scar tissue on my hands. One characteristic of this tissue is that it needs more moisturizing than normal since it cannot create enough natural moisture of its own. This being a Canadian winter, it's particularly important that I keep on top of it.

(Boy, isn't that a thrilling start to this entry? Nothing like discussing natural secretions of the epidermis.)

Anyway, this came up briefly and in passing at work the other day while I dutifully applied some lovely moisturizer.

Well, completely unexpectedly, Melissa, with whom I work, arrived with a gift of Cucina Hand Butter. Apparently she has experience with the aforementioned butter and thought of me when she was shopping.

And let me tell you, this stuff is pretty darned smashing!

And let me tell you, so is Melissa -- even without unexpected gifts! Thanks for thinking of me!

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Random Act of Gratitude #8: A Home When Needed (Part I)

Here's another one from the University Years Vault.

After I went off to attend university, my parents moved. Hence, when it came time to return "home" for the summer, home was not home any more. For three years they lived in this new town and in the final summer there, I was working several jobs most of which allowed for flexible scheduleing because that is what I could get.

One job was in a Diagnostic Imaging clinic. Basically I worked in files, culling out-of-date film, reorganising and restructuring the file stacks, and the like. I had a key so I could work during the day when time permitted, or I could go in after-hours and work into the night. This I often did because: (a) I had other jobs during the day; and (b) I could turn on music and sing along while working, something I chose not to do when the clinic was in full swing.

I guess I should be thankful for the job itself, offered to me by a woman who attended our church and who was a manager of the clinic. And I certainly AM thankful for it!

But the real purpose of this entry is where it went from there.

Partway through that final summer, my parents once again up and moved. The woman who had given me the job then opened her house, along with her entire family, to me so I could finish off the summer with the jobs I had, rather than moving and trying to find something for six weeks or whatever it was.

They set me up cozily, one kid giving up his room for my use, and pretty much made me an honourary member of their family for the time I was there. There was never any fuss made, just an attitude of "you need a place, we have a place, so come on in".

I tried to look them up some time ago, but the address and phone number were no longer assigned to anyone I recognized. So I'm tossing it out to you all so you know that I still look back with gratitude on that family.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Random Act of Gratitude #7: Wendy's Window Woman

There's this woman who frequently works the drive-through (excuse me, the Pick-Up Window) at Wendy's and every single time I've been served by her, she's been all smiles and friendliness and polite courtesy. Every time!

Now I'm sure that she doesn't feel like sunshine every day, and I'm sure that there have been times when the joy of fast food service has waned, but she has never taken it out on me. She has never even allowed herself to serve me with the apathy that has become common. Without fail she has been a delightful and pleasant individual, even if just for those thirty seconds when we've exchanged money or when she's handed me a bag and a cup.

And so, Wendy's Pick-Up Window Woman, I tip my proverbial hat to you. Thanks for making my day a tiny bit more friendly.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Random Act of Gratitude #6: Voluntary Bundler

Once a month, Karen takes a stack of papers that need to be sorted, collated, and stapled and sorts, collates, and staples them. Normally this would be my task to perform, but about a year ago, she realized that it's a bit time consuming and that I would probably appreciate having the job taken off my hands. She heads home with the stacks in hand and, with the help of her family, gets it done, returning them a day or two later.

Is it earth-shattering? No.

Is is appreciated? Sure is.

(Karen took the stack today. Thanks!)

Monday, January 5, 2009

Random Act of Gratitude #5: Odd Jobs

This is one from the vaults. That'll happen around here now and then.

Yesterday I was talking to a friend about a job she once had. It reminded me of one of my many, many past jobs.

When I was in university, the summers were spent trying to make some money. Some years I had several jobs just to get enough hours together to help pay in the next year for textbooks, a portion of rent, or whatever.

For three summers, I spent part of my days employed by a well-off woman as her gardener. No, there was nothing Desperate Housewives about it. I didn't really know much about gardening, but luckily she had prime dirt or something because they always did well. She told me basically what she wanted planted -- be they fruits and vegetables in the back, flowers in the front, or some potted arrangements on the deck -- and I did my best to prepare the ground, plant the things, and nurture them as best I could. She even paid me to plant and preen the flowers at family graves and at the church, to whom she donated all of the flowers and my labour.

In addition to the gardening duties, however, she would sometimes ask me to do random jobs around the house. Painting doors here and there, organizing filing cabinets, even changing lightbulbs might occupy my days. Seriously. She would ask me to change lightbulbs.

Well, it didn't take a rocket scientist (which is good, because I don't know much about rockets) to realize what she was up to. She was making work because she wanted to give me some money. I needed work for money. She had money. The missing element was, occasionally, the work, so she just invented some.

I've never forgotten her kindness and still appreciate how she supported me in her round-about way.

On a slightly off-track note, I remember one spring, she said to me, "I looked out of my kitchen window and saw the back garden and thought to myself, 'That garden is flourishing!' Then I realized that I hadn't asked you to come and start gardening yet!" It took 15 hours that year just to rip out all of those weeds and to prepare the vegetable garden for the season.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Random Act of Gratitude #4: A Walkable Neighbourhood

I frequently take walks to the postbox in my neighbourhood. Although there are two postboxes within three minutes of my house, I usually walk a few blocks further to one near my old house. Why? Because something's gotta get me off the couch, right?

In any case, upon mentioning this the other day, Sonya pointed out that, while she quite likes her neighbourhood, she's not sure that late night solo walks are a great idea. That got me thinking about the relative comfort with which I can roam.

I can't claim that my community is without its violent past. Horrible atrocities occurred in the memorable past in my city. Violent crimes have taken place more recently, a few times very near my home.

But the reality is that I don't feel any concern wandering the neighbourhood in the wee hours of the morning. I don't need to keep my head down and avoid eye contact. Sure, I've enountered hoodlumish types (during the warmer weather), but I don't walk by worried that they're going to hassle me (and I prefer that they don't start).

Compared with some urban centres, and certainly compared with the instability with which people live every day in various places around the world, I have a startling amount of safety in my neighbourhood, and for that, I'm grateful.

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Random Act of Gratitude #3: Selfless Line People

I was out running a few necessary errands (got a new instabed and a new cell phone, among other things) and needless to say, the stores are a bit busy with the post-Christmas rush. Between "Boxing Week Sales" and returns and exchanges, there's still quite the mass-of-humanity experience to be dealt with.

Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised. People seemed, in general, to be in very good spirits. Politeness and courtesy was found almost everywhere I went. When I held the door open for one older couple, they were all smiles and thank-yous, and you would think I was giving them a lollipop!

I think my favourite moment, and therefore my thanks of the day, came when I was waiting in a rather slowly-moving line at a cash register. The woman two people ahead had an item with no barcode on it, and over-the-intercom conversations were not proving terribly fruitful.

I heard a very fun, laughing couple a short distance behind me in line, chatting with one another and then I heard them suggest that the guy behind them go ahead. "You've only got a couple of things," the woman said. "We have tonnes. Go on ahead."

Given that things were already moving slowly, I sincerely appreciated (though it didn't directly affect me at all) that they were so easy-going and that they were just choosing to be pleasant and helpful to a stranger.

Thank you, selfless line people!

Friday, January 2, 2009

Random Act of Gratitude #2: The Server at Hard Rock

Remember how I said some things would be small gratitudes? This one may qualify.

Tonight Sonya and I were off to see Seussical in Niagara Falls and, after a bit of an epic adventure on the way to a vacant parking spot ("How do we get to the next level?") we were running a bit late. Suffice it to say that we had a very short timeline for something to eat.

Despite the hostess being less than warm with us, we sat in the bar area to grab appetizers and were blessed with a very friendly, very pleasant server. Now needless to say, working the bar at the Hard Rock may not always be the most enjoyable job in the world, but this woman was perfectly enjoyable and very tolerant of our rather rushed approach to dining. It made our whirlwind meal. Thanks, nice serving woman!

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Random Act of Gratitude #1: Friends

The basic idea here is simple: showcase something every day, whether big or small, for which I am thankful. Although I will usually try to be specific, to kick things off, I'm going to allow myself to be a bit general to start things off. And to that end...

I'm incredibly thankful for the roster of friends whom I have the pleasure of knowing, spending time with, and relying upon. A certain friend of mine recently integrated into yet another human sphere of my life and remarked, "You really have wonderful friends." I agree whole-heartedly.

And so, to the friends from my childhood days, to the friends I've met in recent years, to the friends where I live, to those who live further away, to those who fit into more than one category, and even to those few whom I have never actually met face-to-face but who have somehow become part of my life, thanks!