Content

Allison here...I've been trying to cultivate an attitude of contentment lately, so I thought I would list some of the items I'm thankful for, especially in this time of national economic uncertainty:

1. Our apartment. I am thankful that it is a safe place, that it is a cheap rent for this area, and that renting gives us flexibility. I am thankful that this place is home and that we have not been forced to leave our home because of finances.
2. Our cars. I am thankful for our main car -- for the fact we have never had to take it in to get worked on beyond an oil change. I am thankful for how it has kept us safe during our long commutes and how it gets wonderful gas mileage. I also am thankful for our second car. Even though it's 15 years old, this car still gets us where we need to go, although it sits on the street most of the time.
3. Our experiences. We have traveled so much this year. I have been or will be going to San Antonio, Los Angeles, Denver, New York City (twice), Detroit and Waikiki. We have done more and experienced more than I could have imagined at the start of the year.
4. My gym memberships. I am thankful that I have access to gyms in my city where I live and the city where I work. I am thankful for ways I am strong and healthy.
5. My cell phone. What would I do without free nationwide long distance? I am so glad that became a reality the same time I graduated college because it has allowed me to have good conversations with family and friends.

So, what are you thankful for?

Seven Random/Weird Facts

Hi...Allison here...my dear friend Mandy from college tagged me on her blog and asked me to post seven random/weird facts about myself. So here goes:

1. Two people commented yesterday on the shirt I was wearing. One said it was from Banana Republic; the other said it was from J. Crew. Seriously, I can't remember the last time I was in those stores. I hate to pay full price for anything, so that's why the awesome emerald-colored shirt I was wearing was from T.J. Maxx. Yep...T.J. Maxx.
2. I once flushed a pager down the toilet. Yes, it was an accident.
3. If I need some motivation when I work out, I flip my iPod to Justin Timberlake or other music you would typically hear at a wedding reception. Pretty much any JT song will get me moving on an elliptical trainer.
4. I recently joined another gym. Yes, another. Now I'm a member of a gym near my work and one near my home. Actually, I've been working out over lunch for the past week and I absolutely love it. It gives me so much more energy for the afternoon that I may be able to forego my lunchtime diet Coke habit!
5. I know how to say "Man, who just farted? Your fart stinks!" in Cantonese. (Thanks to my husband for that one.)
6. I recently learned that the soup I typically eat at my father-in-law's favorite restaurant includes chicken feet. I didn't know that until I saw my mother-in-law sucking on a chicken foot after I had been eating there for two years. Needless to say, my appetite was gone.
7. On that note, I was the pickiest eater growing up. I basically ate a hot dog every day of my life. I wouldn't even eat what my parents were cooking and now I'm having to deal with chicken foot soup! Who would have thought it?
8. (I'll throw a bonus fact in...) Mandy, the dear, precious friend who tagged me, tried to get me to eat more veggies (well, really, any) when we were college roommates. It's taken me a while, but I do eat a lot more veggies now. I now realize they are making me strong and healthy...and help me keep my figure!

Hope you all enjoyed this!