Heroes

Today's Beautiful Thing is doing something for others and expecting nothing in return. I watched CNN Heroes for the second time tonight and I am overwhelmed.

Laughter

Today's Beautiful Thing is the simple pleasure of laughter. I found a new (to me) blog that I've been enjoying all day. HERE it is. I hope you enjoy it too. (Mouse pad and other items/designs available at their Cafe Press store: HERE)

Thanksgiving Leftovers

Today's Beautiful Thing is my thoughtful aunt sending all of us home with leftovers. I was able to rest today and, when I got up, I only had to heat up dinner for the two of us. There was even an assortment of desserts. Yum yum. :)

Family

Today's Beautiful Thing is family. No matter how far away they move, or how we differ on politics or religion, I love spending time with my family. Tonight was so nice. We did the usual eating, gabbing, cleaning up, gabbing, eating, teasing, hugging... I wish I could see them more often. It was a very nice day. Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends.

Mmmm!

Today's Beautiful Thing is the way my house smells right now. I've baked a pumpkin pie and two caramel apple bread puddings. I hope they taste as good as they smell.

Undies

Today's Beautiful Thing is new undies. There's nothing like the feeling of something soft and pretty next to your skin--even if no one else knows you're wearing them. :)

Lazy Day

Today's Beautiful Thing is a lazy day with the hubby. We went to the doctor, had lunch, and checked out our new Fresh & Easy. Nothing special, but still a nice day.

Rest & Relaxation

Today's Beautiful Thing is doing nothing at all--and having a handsome man wait on me hand and foot. My hubby has been too good to me this weekend and I love him. :)

A Saturday Off

Today's Beautiful Thing is having the whole day off. It's been a while since I started my new position that I've had, not only a Saturday off, but a Sunday off too. A whole weekend. Woo-hoo.

TGIF & a Week Off Too!

Today's Beautiful Thing is the last Friday before vacation. I have to work a 12 hour shift to get all my work done, but I did it. Go me!

Facebook

Today's Beautiful Thing is Facebook. Even during these busy days, I can still check in every now and then just to get a good chuckle over everyone's silly updates and ooh over cute baby pictures. Thanks for saving my sanity, everyone!

Two to Go

Today's Beautiful Thing is three down, two to go for this week. I'm taking next week off. A Beautiful way to get a whole week off is to tack 3 vacation days onto a 4 day weekend. Yes!

Hope has Arrived

Today's Beautiful Thing is a little thing...but a very important one! Her name is Aasha, and that means Hope. Congratulations to Vaishali (and her husband) on the birth of your baby daughter. May you always be as happy as you were on Saturday November 15, 2008. With much love & affection from one of Aasha's "aunties." :)

Oh, Happy Day, Pt II

Today's Beautiful Thing is reconnecting with family. I found my half-sisters online last night, and we've been sending each other little notes all day. :)

Oh Happy Day!

Today's Beautiful Thing is J. It's her 30th birthday today! I hope she's enjoying her birthday weekend and that her 30's will have many wonderful things in store for her.

Safety

Today's Beautiful Thing is being safe. There are fires burning in many parts of Southern California right now and many people are losing their homes. We are lucky to be safe for now in our little house.

Free Lunch

Today's Beautiful Thing is the boss treating us to a free lunch. Don't ever let anyone tell you there's no such thing, because there is. :)

Ace

Today's Beautiful Thing is the little Frenchie sitting in my lap. Ace is a great cuddler. :)

Mmmm!

Today's Beautiful Thing is carrot cake. Happy Birthday C! Thank you for choosing carrot cake. It's one of my favorites. :)

Veterans Day

Today's Beautiful Thing is Veterans Day. I think it's fitting to take a day to honor the brave men and women who have worn or wear our uniform. Thank you for protecting us and God Bless you all.

Gifts in the Mail

Today's Beautiful Thing is my mail carrier. She brought me some packages I've been waiting for--two pairs of boots and a dress on clearance. I sure hope they fit. :)

Me Time

Today's Beautiful Thing is a little time by myself. I love a little me time now and then. :)

Productivity

Today's Beautiful Thing is being a little more productive at work. I'm still doing overtime to accomplish it, but I'm getting a little faster. Go me!

Have It Your Way

Today's Beautiful Thing is an upside down, non-fat caramel macchiatto. They make it just the way I like it at the little Starbucks in my Vons. Yum, yum, yum...

Rescue

Today's Beautiful Thing is hearing on CNN that Barack & Michelle Obama plan to adopt a rescue or shelter dog for their girls. I just love it when people teach their kids good lessons like that. :)

Cute design available on buttons and T-shirts on cafe press.

Obama!

Today's Beautiful Thing is a country that decided to push aside the politics of fear & hate, and choose hope & change. It's still so surreal to type this, but President-elect Barack Obama is a truly beautiful thing indeed. Thank you Michelle, Malia and Sasha for sharing him with us. And welcome to you, our new first family.

Vote!

Today's Beautiful Thing is the right to vote. No matter which candidate wins today, we all win. Less than 100 years ago, blacks and women of all colors were not allowed to vote in the USA, but in 2008 a black man is running for president and a woman is running for vice president. I have voted in every election since I turned 18 and I am very proud of that. I hope all my US friends will vote today too!

A Sign?

Today's Beautiful Thing is Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, where they vote first in the nation. For the first time since 1968, Dixville Notch has voted Democrat. Barack Obama got 16 votes and John McCain got 6. Here's hoping it's a sign of things to come.

Fall Back

Today's Beautiful Thing is an extra hour of sleep. With life being so crazy lately, an extra hour of precious sleep is most welcome. :)

Nice Neighbors & Making Lemonade

Today's Beautiful Thing is making something good out of something bad. Last night someone stole our Obama sign. As we drove around the neighborhood, we noticed that 3 of the 4 other houses that had Obama signs had them stolen as well. So, we knocked on one of the doors and met our neighbor, Toni, who was as upset as we were. It was really nice to talk to a like-minded person. After that, we went to the local DNC HQ and purchased signs to replace the stolen ones. It made us feel powerful and vindicated to replace the signs for us and our neighbors.

(Pictured: one of our new signs, flags, and a picture of Obama & Biden in our garden window.)