The whole gratitude thing sometimes comes easily to me, and other times, not so much. I never feel very sorry for myself, but it is easy to take things for granted from time to time. Right now, however, a feeling of thankfulness and being blessed is overwhelming me, and here are a few things that I feel grateful for, in no particular order:
1. My mom got addicted to watching Korean drama online recently, to the point that I would see her still on Gtalk past midnight every night. So I'd always nudge her before I go to bed: "it's time to go to bed, mom". But my IT-illiterate mom would never get that message. Instead, she'd drop me a line, usually around 1:30am (which I see only on the next morning), that says, "going to bed now. night." This exchange is repeated EVERY NIGHT. Sigh. My mom, so clueless, yet so cute.
2. Sometimes the thought "I'm getting married in just a few months!" hits me out of nowhere at the oddest of time, e.g., when I'm riding in an elevator, when I'm waiting for my Starbucks order, when I'm on my way to the bathroom, etc. Every time it does, bubbles of happiness burst in my chest. I feel so contented, and... safe. I'm really looking forward to settling down and starting a family with SB. :)
3. I made a splurge on a pearl necklace last month. Mikimoto. The best kind. Just a look at the pearls, all shiny and round and laid there beautifully in their royal blue box, is enough to make me happy for the whole day.
4. My thighs are sore from working out. It hurts to walk, or simply to zip up my boots, but the soreness is a powerful reminder of how real and tangible a workout is. You know the change is happening inside you: muscle cells working hard, lactic acid building up... and soon I'll look all toned and sexy! OK, maybe not THAT soon, but at least I have a healthy and fit body, and that's something to be thankful for.
5. I've recently discovered how to take buses in Shanghai. Shame on me, I know. But I feel so much closer to this city ever since. I observe more - of the people around me, of the streets, of the days and nights of the city. As such, I feel like I understand Shanghai more, and maybe even like this place a little better.
6. I'm fundamentally a simple person, with simple needs that are easy to satisfy. Right now, I'm happily bundled up in my blanket, and after I finish updating this blog I will make a move to the kitchen and make myself a simple dinner. Then I'll get changed and head over to a friend's place for a new year party. Food, warmth, friends, and fun. I'm a happy person.
I hope I can feel this way every day.
