It’s not always easy to remember the things I have to be thankful for because, like a lot of people, I get caught up sweating all the small stuff in life — the carpet needing to be vacuumed, the laundry piling up or how I’m running low on concealer, eek!
Earlier today I posted the 43 makeup-related things I’m thankful for. Well, here’s the non-makeup version of my list.
I scribbled these down in my notebook on the plane ride back from Florida last night. It was a rough ride. There was heavy turbulence flying over the Gulf of Mexico, and every time the plane would knock my head against the back of my seat, I’d get another idea for the list.
Here they are, the 43 (non-makeup) things I’m thankful for this year, in no particular order… 🙂
1. The good news that El Hub and I just got about my MIL’s health. She’s not out of the woods yet, but last week’s operation was a success.
2. Visiting new places.
3. Luggage with wheels… No kidding.
3. Teen vampire fiction.
4. Minty dental floss and modern orthodontia. When I was a kid I had a wayward fang that made me look like a vampire from the side. Thanks for the braces, Mom and Dad.
5. Those awesome little umbrellas and plastic stirrers that go in tropical bar drinks. I’m gonna start using them at home to liven up my milk, guava juice and coffee…
6. The people who still love me despite my numerous faults.
7. Tabs. I just adore that stupid cat…
8. OTC meds for indigestion. Seriously, thank gawd for Tums and Pepto (it blackens the poo!).
9. Good workouts.
10. Polydactyl cats, because weird is cool.
11. Kanye West’s Graduation CD. The track, Stronger, got me through many a tough time.
12. Heated swimming pools.
13. Modern women’s apparel. Could you imagine if we were still wearing corsets and gowns? Give me a wrap dress, stretchy pants or sweats, please.
14. Popcorn, Life Savers Gummy candies and Vitamin Water.
15. Sleeping in.
16. My health.
17. The wisdom that comes with having made so many mistakes in life.
18. Apple computers and the iPhone (they make my life easier).
19. Arch inserts and quality running shoes.
20. Heaters.
21. Down comforters.
22. Random acts of kindness.
23. Seeing my brother in love.
24. Stylish winter boots.
25. The Jamba Juice Orange Dream Machine … YUM!
26. For the chance to have been my BFF’s matron of honor. There was a moment in the Catholic ceremony when I held her hand during a prayer. Before letting go, I gave her hand a good squeeze, and she squeezed mine back. It was a small gesture but reminded me of all the good and bad times we’ve shared throughout our 20-year friendship.
27. Puzzle games like Tetris and Jumble.
28. Older women in Chanel tweed suits, with nicely coiffed hair and age appropriate makeup. It gives me something to work toward, LOL!
29. Washing machines.
30. The Golden Girls.
31. Dictionary.com… What can I say? I can’t spell.
32. Karaoke.
33. The Canon Digital Rebel XTi camera, EF 50 mm f/1.8 II lens and good lighting.
34. Kitty kennels.
35. Afternoon tea.
36. That I said yes to a second date.
37. Good hair days.
38. People who laugh at my jokes.
39. The first waves of the day at Waikiki beach (before the big crowds).
40. Days when I hit “random” on my iPod and the playlist turns out to be magic.
41. Singing in the car.
42. Toe socks.
43. All of you who read this blog! 🙂
What are you most thankful for this year?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Ellery says
November 28th, 2008 at 3:23 amI’m glad your MIL’s surgery went well. 🙂
My list would actually be really similar to yours. I’m most thankful for finding my cats (even though Princess disappeared months ago.. *tear*), my dog, the friends who haven’t abandoned me (when I started wearing makeup and women’s clothes alot of my friends couldn’t deal with it. Whatever though, they obviously weren’t good friends!) and of course your blog. My days would be alot more boring without it!
Oh, and those shoes are HOT! Where can I get them?!
Karen B says
November 28th, 2008 at 5:59 amI’m so happy that your MIL’s on the betterhand. The candle’s still burning 🙂
And I watched Twilight in cinema yesterday. I thought it was really good. We went in there a bit hesitating because a lot of people said they didn’t like it but I loved it. The lighting, the filters, the music. Oh god the MUSIC!!! It was great.
Karen B´s last blog post..What colour today?
Miss QQ says
November 28th, 2008 at 6:01 amHi Karen. I love your blog! This year, I’m most thankful for my job. There are days when I dread getting on the train in the morning and paste my body against the door while trying to have minimal body contact with strangers. But at the end of the day, figuratively, I’m glad I have this job. 🙂
Sylvie says
November 28th, 2008 at 8:28 amMuch as I like toe socks too, I find it a hassle having to sew the tips of the toes every now and then (and they become square). Also my feet tend to feel colder when I’m wearing toe socks.
Dao says
November 28th, 2008 at 9:01 amMy goodness, I love toe socks as well! A friend of mine actually freaked out when I took off my shoes to show off the socks. He thought it was weird to see toes sticking out 🙂
I’ve never seen a polydactyl cat before but that cat looked cute. Tabs is simply adorable. Did he miss y’all or he enjoyed the swanky cat hotel? And oh yeah, Stronger was repeated numerous times in my computer. That song rocks!
Dao´s last blog post..Happy Thanksgiving!
yadiq says
November 28th, 2008 at 9:28 amI am so happy abt mil!! Any bit of positive news is great!! I am thankful for still having my job despite how much it stresses me out, my friends and fam, my moms still continued good health after her battle with breast cancer, my positive news about my health scare last weekend, my fiancé for accepting my dorkiness, hot headed temper, obsessions with makeup and all that is cute LOL including stray cats and peoples dogs LOL (he has embraced I may become a crazy cat lady one day LOL). And as I mention inthe mskup thankful post you your blog and all who post !!
Glosslizard says
November 28th, 2008 at 10:11 amHappy post-Thanksgiving!
I’m not gonna come up with 43 things, but I will list that, among other things, I’m grateful for cats, family, makeup in general, and also that I found your blog, girlfriend! 🙂
Have a great Black Friday!
Martha says
November 28th, 2008 at 10:49 amthe luxury to slack off big time….
BeautyTalk says
November 28th, 2008 at 11:49 am🙂
BeautyTalk´s last blog post..The Recession Can’t Stop Me! Part 2
Kyle says
November 28th, 2008 at 11:51 amI have a polydactyl cat- on her front feet- 7 and 8 toes, back- 5 and 6 toes. Her name’s Polly and my husband and I love her to death. She’s precious. quirky and picky about her food, but precious. I was never really a “cat” person, much more of a “dog” person, but when a cat comes over and snuggles w/ u on the couch, purring its head off, I get it.
Kyle´s last blog post..Beauty Deal Showdown: Lancome Holiday Beauty Box vs. EL’s Holiday Blockbuster
Paula says
November 28th, 2008 at 12:37 pmHey Karen, I love the wedding pic you posted. Every time you write about El Hub I can’t avoid wondering how was your wedding dress/makeup/hair like… (and of course about your hubby, but not only the way he looks!) Now I’ve seen a hint and I’d love to see more… couldn’t you share some of your wedding pictures with us?? Just the ones you don’t think that are too private.. I’d love to see them!
Paula´s last blog post..Mis bragas, el olvido y ella.
Mariana says
November 28th, 2008 at 12:50 pmHello karen.. It’s the first time i write here even though i have quite a while reading your blog.. I wanted to ask you something!.. why 43 things?
and a random thing that happen becouse of your blog.. you remember once that u suggest a website called flying saucer?..Well i was in Germany when i first read that blog.. but for some circunstances i had to move to manchester so.. now that im living here iven seen already twice the writer of the blog!.. such a random coincidence!..
anyway just wanted to say that..
hope u r well bye bye
Holly says
November 28th, 2008 at 1:31 pmNumber 28 is my greatest ambition in life!!
Rachel H. says
November 28th, 2008 at 1:51 pmThis was a great post! I agree with so many of your things. Saying yes to the second date! 🙂
That picture of Tabs and you is adorable.
PeeChee says
November 28th, 2008 at 2:11 pmHappy Thanksgiving Karen! You and Jen look great in that picture. Have a great weekend!
Sleepy says
November 28th, 2008 at 4:11 pmLOVE that pic of you and Tabs sleeping. He looks like he’s smiling 🙂
gina says
November 28th, 2008 at 4:56 pmthe pic of you and Tabs is just…. PRECIOUS!! he looks soo happy to be cuddled up with you 🙂
gina´s last blog post..TILT Thanksgiving Edition
Karen says
November 28th, 2008 at 8:51 pmHi Ellery,
Thanks. It’s been hard for her, but she’s hanging in there.
My days would be boring without fun and interesting people like you! Oh, I am so bummed about Princess disappearing. She’s probably on a very grand adventure and will come home soon. 🙂
I think you learn who your true friends are when you find the ones that stick with you as you change throughout the years. Your friends sound like they’re very good people to surround yourself with…
Regarding the shoes, those are by Stella McCartney! They were released this fall… I can’t remember the name of them, unfortunately.
Karen says
November 28th, 2008 at 8:52 pmHi Karen B.,
Thank you, hon. 🙂
I was wondering when we’d finally get a chance to talk about it! Did you notice how blue everything looked? The scene where Edward took her to the field and showed his skin in the sun looked *exactly* the way I thought it would.
Oh, and someday I want to live in a house that looks just like the Cullens’. 🙂
Speaking of vampire movies, I just finished watching a very one. Have you heard of 30 Days of Night?
Karen says
November 28th, 2008 at 8:53 pmHi Miss QQ,
Thank you, sweetie! 🙂 Ahh… I remember the days when I worked in the city and had to take the train to my work. I was always looking out for train perverts who would get a little too close, eewww!
But hey, all transportation nastiness aside, a paycheck is always a good thing!
Have a fantastic weekend!
Karen says
November 28th, 2008 at 8:54 pmHi Sylvie,
Hmm… maybe when your toes are all in one sock they give each other extra warmth because they are so close together? How cold does Paris get in the winter? Does it snow?
I think I like toe socks more for the novelty factor! Then again, I live in California and am a total weather wimp.
Karen says
November 28th, 2008 at 8:55 pmHi Dao,
LOL, I like to wear them with slippers! Try it sometime!
Tabs is sitting on my lap right now and he’s sending some special purrs just for you! *purrrs* The kitty hotel folks said that he was very mellow and well behaved during his stay. I think he’s happy to be home, though.
How was your Thanksgiving?
Karen says
November 28th, 2008 at 8:55 pmHi Yadiq,
Heya, girlie! I am glad to hear that you are doing okay. Being healthy is definitely something I’m always thankful for!
Oh, and there’s plenty of room in the Crazy Cat Lady gang. You’re soooo welcome to join!
Karen says
November 28th, 2008 at 8:55 pmHi Glosslizard,
Aww… we can lead the CCL brigade together.
Happy post-Thanksgiving! Did you enjoy the holiday? I hope so. 🙂
Karen says
November 28th, 2008 at 8:55 pmHi Martha,
Ahhh, yes. A good slack session is a beautiful thing to behold!
Karen says
November 28th, 2008 at 8:55 pmHi BeautyTalk,
🙂 Heya!
Karen says
November 28th, 2008 at 8:55 pmHi Kyle,
I was never really a cat person until I met Tabs! Perhaps it’s just a matter of meeting the right cat. 🙂
You’re kitty sounds very sweet! What is her name, and what color is she?
Karen says
November 28th, 2008 at 8:56 pmHi Paula,
El Hub is very shy, but I can pop in some pics of my hair, dress and makeup! The pics are a bit old, though… we got married a few years ago.
Hope you’re having a great weekend so far!
Karen says
November 28th, 2008 at 8:56 pmHi Mariana,
It’s nice to meet you! 🙂
I used the number 43 things because it’s a play on a website called 43 things. On that site people make lists of their hopes and dreams, and each list contains 43 things items.
Oh yah, I love Flying Saucer! That’s so cool that you’ve seen the writer twice. Did you introduce yourself?
Take care and I hope you come by to chat again, soon!
Karen says
November 28th, 2008 at 8:57 pmHi Holly,
Ha! You and me both! I forgot to add that by then I hope to also be sporting a very stylish quilted Chanel purse. Oh… and hopefully a hefty does of No. 5 will also be up in the mix as well. 🙂
Karen says
November 28th, 2008 at 8:57 pmHi Rachel H.,
Thanks! Regarding saying yes to the second date… you just never know where things will end up! Plus, even if it doesn’t work out at least you might end up with a good friend.
Have a really fantastic weekend!
Karen says
November 28th, 2008 at 8:57 pmHi PeeChee,
Happy Thanksgiving to you, too! I went home to visit my parents and saw that your old house on the corner is for sale. 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Karen says
November 28th, 2008 at 8:57 pmHi Sleepy,
🙂 Oh yah, he does. I think it was the Fancy Feast I fed him beforehand!
Karen says
November 28th, 2008 at 8:57 pmHi Gina,
Thank you! He was being good for once in that pic, LOL. I hope you had a great Friday!
Genevieve says
November 28th, 2008 at 9:33 pmthat picture of you and tabs is adorable.
my dad used to have a polydactyl cat whom he named big foot, lol.
this year i am most thankful for my niece, who was born a week ago. i think she really wanted to be here for thanksgiving!
Karen says
November 28th, 2008 at 9:47 pmHi Genevieve,
Congrats on your status as a new auntie! What is your niece’s name?
And LOL about your dad’s cat! That name is too cute. 🙂
Ellery says
November 29th, 2008 at 4:37 amI’m sure an old lady has found her and is taking care of her. 🙂
I agree. The thing that annoyed me is that it was the people who I trusted the most and who, I thought, were the ones who were going to support me. But the friends I have right now are the best so I don’t see the point in being miserable about it. 😀
Ellery´s last blog post..Dear Santa…
Dao says
November 29th, 2008 at 10:52 amThanksgiving was awesome! I got to cook my first turkey this year, 12 lbs and all! The whole Thanksgiving dinner was not that bad though, took us (2 people) about 3.5 hrs to cook and we were way ahead of our schedule!
Dao´s last blog post..Happy Thanksgiving!
Karen B says
November 29th, 2008 at 2:02 pmI LOVED the blue filters. It looked great!
The sparkling thing did look a bit… feminine. But it was good 🙂 I loved Alice and Jasper (my favourite characters).
That house was BRILLIANT!
What was your favourite scene of the movie? I loved the baseball scene, it was so much fun. As was the whole italian food scene at the Cullens 🙂
Haven’t heard of that movie.
Karen B´s last blog post..What colour today?
lexi says
November 29th, 2008 at 4:10 pmaside from my health, family and friends?
every failed relationship and crappy moments in life! and why because out of the garbage came my daughter and husband and i know what true love is now…
Tammy says
November 30th, 2008 at 12:04 amThat was such a beautiful entry. =)
Tammy says
November 30th, 2008 at 12:04 amMy last blog entry is about the people in my life that I am thankful for.
Tammy´s last blog post..200th Post-I’m Thankful
Marisol says
December 3rd, 2008 at 4:50 pmFabulous list Karen! Some of mine would be in no particular order:
Definitely Orange Dream Machine from Jamba Juice
My relationship with my mother & sister which right now is totally awesome
Family bonding time during some wine tasting
Working towards a goal and achieving it
Moving to SF!
My sistas (group of friends who have supported me the past few years)
My family in mexico who I can’t wait to see in less than 3 weeks
My google reader because I have gotten to know some great people (like you Karen)
My macbook pro because it keeps me connected to my family and friends
My iphone because it keeps me connected to my family and friends
The new president elect
Marisol´s last blog post..TILT 11.27.08