Gratitude Monday - Look At it This Way Edition

I have a lot to whine about. If given a few minutes I can find even more things worthy of my complaining.
For instance, I had some invasive dental surgery the other day. It involved opening the gums and cleaning out around the implants.
There are sutures.
I had a bone graft to shore up some bone loss.
I can't bite or chew with my front teeth for six weeks.
The above is just off the top of my head, as it were.
But you know what?
I had chronic implantitis that had improved and then steadily worsened. The flap procedure I had done took care of it. I can eat anything I want as long as I am careful. It means bite-sized pieces and nothing chewy.
That does not matter.
I feel healthier already.
I had to go to Edmonton for it. My husband took the day off to come with me and do the driving. This was wonderful.
I did not know I would require this procedure and certainly hadn't expected to have it right then and there.
I did. This means no second appointment unless my dentists is reluctant to remove the sutures.
The procedure was done right away, my husband took care of getting my prescriptions filled, and there's a possibility that his company insurance will take care of at least some of the cost.
It was an expensive procedure, more than $1,000.
If I wanted to complain about the cost I certainly could.
Why would I when it solves the issue and I don't have to worry about bone loss?
My point is everyone has things to whine and complain about. It's easy.  And the more we do the more negativity we can find. The world will happily throw it at our feet.
Rather than dwell on the negative why not take the issue, flip it over and tickle its tummy and see the good in it?
I do, and for it I am grateful.

Gratitude Monday - Finally Edition

Evidence spring is finally here.

Gratitude Monday --They're Here Edition

The mountain bluebirds are back and I am grateful.

On Saturday my husband and I went out to the Kootenay Plains --west of Rocky toward the Banff Park gate--to look for bluebirds, a favourite sign of spring.

We had 16 sightings though they were likely the same six birds spotted over and over. That doesn't matter. They're here and we saw them.

Gratitude Monday -- Country Mourning Edition

I am grateful I live in a country that mourns as a community when tragedy strikes.

I am grateful that so many people are stepping up to help out in any way they can.

It's a good country to live in, and I am grateful for it.

Gratitude Monday - The Good Rejection Edition

I received a wonderful manuscript rejection recently and for it I am grateful.
Why?
Because the rejector took the time to tell me several good points before pointing out a glaring issue that put her off.
This is constructive criticism. It doesn't happen that often. I consider this rejection a blessing because I know now what needs fixing and I can get it done.
I am getting it done now.
It will be out for submission again and when it is it will be better, cleaner, and stronger.
This is good, and for this help I am grateful.

Gratitude Monday - Substitution Edition

I've been experimenting with rice tortillas as substitutes for gluten products. It works, and I am grateful.
I used them on Saturday in the place of noodles for lasagna. They dissolved in the course of baking, but there were still there in spirit.
And they were tasty.

Yesterday I tried used them in place of phyllo pastry in spanakopita.  They held together well and made for a reasonable substitute. Also, they were tasty.

I am grateful such products exist and grateful that I am able to use them.
I did something similar a few years ago with gf tortillas, but had kale in the filling.

Here's the spanakopita:

Gratitude Monday --What Might Have Been Edition

I slipped on the ice in a filthy mud puddle in a driving lane between two parking lots, and I am grateful.
Here's why.
I am fine.
Last Thursday was a cold, wet, grey day. I had my car in for a wheel alignment and to pass the time I walked across the road to a store. On the way back I had to walk in the puddle to give room to oncoming traffic, had there been any, and slipped.

The fall wasn't that hard. I believe I hit my back first and probably kind of rolled before knocking the back of my head on the wet ground. It was a good thunk, but I was mostly down already so it was only a drop of an inch or two.
This makes a difference.
I got up and immediately did some neck stretches and rolls and have kept doing them.

After my initial assessment at ER I was left to wait for 45 minutes before being called in to a room. Once in a room I was left for an hour. Rather than complain I was grateful.
When you are left alone it means you aren't in any danger. It's when they take you straight in and fuss over you that you need to worry.

Now I've got much to whine about over this. I was soaked and cold and did not feel clean and I had a headache.
However, I could have cracked my skull open, gotten a concussion, bruised myself, fallen face first in the icy water, or even broken my hip.
But none of that happened.
Instead I am grateful that all I had was a wee bump at the back of my head that was all but gone the next morning, whiplash, and a few pulled muscles.
As I said at the top of the post I am fine, and for it I am grateful.