First found on Life Lessons Around The Dinner Table.

Week #52: Did This Challenge Change You?

I firmly believe this challenge changed me. I enjoyed doing a post every Wednesday during 2017. It caused me to stretch my brain, use my imagination, and focus on little things. It was a great exercise throughout this year. Thanks to Kristian for inspiring me in the first place!

Someone asked me if I plan to do a similar challenge in 2018. The answer is yes! I’ve been actively researching them over the last week or so. I plan to reveal it sometime next week!

Happy New Year, everyone!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

First found on Life Lessons Around The Dinner Table.

Week #51: 100 Things To Be Thankful For.

This was a tough one! I definitely have a lot to be thankful for in my wonderful, blessed life.

1. My amazing parents.
2. My wonderful husband.
3. Having a loving family.
4. Marrying into a huge family!
5. Being a part of the PEO sisterhood.
6. Being a sister of Alpha Sigma Tau.
7. The ability to travel.
8. A beautiful house.
9. Air conditioning and heat.
10. A great job.
11. Access to quality education.
12. Being able to get fresh food.
13. Having spending money.
14. Building savings.
15. Being able to access the Internet at virtually any time.
16. Being raised in a loving church.
17. Access to public libraries.
18. Having a reliable car.
19. Having the skills / ability to fix my car, and other things.
20. Being able to communicate effectively.
21. Having a variety of skills.
22. Access to books.
23. Clean air.
24. Clean water.
25. Having a cup of coffee every morning.
26. Being part of a team, many times over.
27. Learning critical thinking.
28. Being one small part of an amazing blogging community.
29. Freedom of the press.
30. Freedom of religion.
31. Freedom of speech.
32. The right to vote.
33. Being an American citizen.
34. Being able to get a passport.
35. Being able to see movies in the theaters.
36. The opportunity to have seen so many different cities and countries already.
37. Access to a gym to work out and keep my body healthy.
38. Having decent health insurance.
39. The ability to problem-solve.
40. Stress relievers.
41. Having a bathtub for those days where a long bath with a fizzy bath bomb is warranted.
42. Budgeting.
43. Having a shredder.
44. Clearing the clutter.
45. Improving our home.
46. Collecting things for my American Girl dolls.
47. Having an amazing support system.
48. The ability to celebrate big things, and small things.
49. Those who aren’t afraid to tell it like it is.
50. Nostalgia.
51. Warm hugs.
52. Comfort food.
53. Fleece blankets.
54. Spending time with family and friends.
55. Trying new things.
56. Feeling amazing after a haircut.
57. Being able to get a massage at the chiropractor’s office.
58. Disney movies.
59. Star Wars.
60. Having a camera to explore photography.
61. Making people smile.
62. Making people laugh.
63. Helping others.
64. Giving blood.
65. Encouraging others to give blood.
66. Feeling satisfaction when a plan comes together.
67. Chocolate mousse.
68. A warm bed for sleeping.
69. Concerts.
70. Art.
71. Music.
72. Flowers.
73. Nature.
74. Animals.
75. Dogs.
76. Sending care packages.
77. The first responders that work incredibly hard every single day – The police, firefighters, EMTs.
78. Doctors and nurses.
79. Everyone in our military, past and present.
80. The times when I don’t have to set an alarm.
81. Being able to come home to my husband every weekday.
82. Using my talents.
83. Trivia nights.
84. Podcasts.
85. National Public Radio.
86. Popcorn.
87. Sushi.
88. Colorful gel pens.
89. Amusement parks.
90. Roller coasters.
91. The seasons.
92. The Muppets.
93. Sesame Street.
94. All the teachers in my life.
95. Holidays.
96. Mental health days.
97. Surprises.
98. Brunch.
99. The occasional mimosa.
100. Learning something new every single day.

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

First found on Life Lessons Around The Dinner Table.

Week #50: Lessons Learned This Year.

I feel like I learn more things every year. This year, 2017, was no exception.

I’ve learned more about being a wife, and a homeowner.

I’ve learned more about my job, and my career aspirations. I learned how to deal with the devastation of a supervisor leaving for a better opportunity. It hurts, but I’m so happy for them.

I learned how to have fun while balancing work and school. I’m giving more time to myself to enjoy little things, like playing Roller Coaster Tycoon for a few hours on the weekend!

I’ve definitely grown this year, and looking to grow even more in 2018!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

First found on Life Lessons Around The Dinner Table.

Week #49: Things You Like About Winter.

This post comes as we’re preparing for some of the coldest weather since the beginning of the year. It was 70 degrees yesterday, and today it’s falling into the 40s! It’s possible that we will see some snow flurries on Friday night, too. That’s exciting to think about!

I’m grateful for simple things, like working heat at our house. Being cold-natured, I also love different blankets. A few years ago, a friend gave me a fleece blanket that’s red and green and Christmas-themed. It’s time to pull it out of the closet!

As much as I gripe about being cold, I enjoy seeing the snow on the trees and the ground. The cold weather also seems to make the sunrises and sunsets prettier.

We’re planning to put up our Christmas tree this week. I love listening to Christmas music while we work – Al used Spotify last year, and it was awesome! With recent car issues (All good now) and some stress at work, I’m in need of some holiday spirit.

I drink more hot chocolate in the winter. I also love making peppermint bark! Delicious!

Winter is colder, and it gets darker sooner, but I love feeling the warmth, celebrating the Christmas season, and ringing in the New Year!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂