Gratitude Challenge - Day 30

November 30 - I'm grateful for new experiences.

I'm so grateful that my parents instilled in me at a young age, a sense of adventure and curiosity about the world around me. I love to try new things, go new places and add to my list of experiences. I'm definitely not one of those people who says, I'll do anything once, because there are something that I simply will not do but it's my prerogative. Anyway, I'm so grateful for 1) the urge to want to try new things and 2) the ability and courage to do so. Here are a few of my favorite "new" experiences:

 I had such a great time in New Orleans, exploring and mostly eating my way through this amazing city!

 I really like hiking and this July 4th I was able to convince my Dad & Sis to come along. I liked it because we'd never been to this park before and it was a trail that none of us had ever done.

 Climbing Pikes Peak is one of the things I am most proud of to date. It was so difficult, but totally worth it and I think after a summer off, I'm ready for another 14'er.

 I really don't care for snow or to be cold, but I had always wanted to try snowshoeing. I'm so happy that I did because I had a blast! It was so fun, a great work out and I never got cold.

 This summer my Dad and I rode this train and it was so much fun and so beautiful. We spent most of our time in the open car near the caboose and it's definitely something I'll never forget!

 Live radio. It's scary. And because I used to be a broadcast journalist people don't believe me when I say that live anything (TV or Radio) scares me. At least when I was a reporter/anchor I had a script. When I'm doing interviews it's a whole different ballgame and you really have to be on your toes. Sometimes I feel sorry for the people I used to interview, I never knew how difficult it was being on the other side.

This is me and Presley participating in a cancer rally at the Colorado State Capitol. I love being involved and having my voice heard.

I've driven through Aspen but never stayed and this summer that changed. It was beautiful, fun and the perfect getaway with one of my best friends. Mountain air does something to you, something good. It's as if I'm Scarlet saying I need to go back to Tara but a trip to the high country can really re energize you.

I hope that I never lose my sense of adventure and always ask questions. The man I marry will also have to have these qualities because I plan to spend a good part of my retirement in a RV/boat/plane/bus/bike/ATV/hot air balloon exploring the world.

I've had so much fun doing this gratitude challenge, but it's day 30 and it's done. On to find something new and exciting.

“Do one thing every day that scares you.”  ― Eleanor Roosevelt

Gratitude Challenge 28-29

November 28 - I'm grateful for beautiful sunrises.

I may be partial, but I think Colorado has some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets in the world, or from what I've seen anyway. I'm lucky enough to see this

every morning while I'm in my home office putting on my make-up and getting ready for the day. There's rarely a morning I take this magnificent view for granted, I only wish the colors would have shown up better in the picture because it truly is breathtaking.

November 29 - I'm grateful for Christmas and all that comes with it.

I love Christmas and I think I get this from my Mother. She loved all holidays, I really think she liked any excuse to decorate, but know for a fact that she especially loved Christmas. She loved decorating our Christmas tree as well as the house and making everything festive and beautiful. I love to do this too and whenever I smell anything cinnamon around this time of year, it takes me right back to my childhood home. I'm so grateful that my Dad has allowed me to take the Christmas tree decorations that mean the most to me to use on my own tree. They make my little tree feel legit. I love turning the lights on and looking at all of the beautiful ornaments because they bring back such fantastic memories.

Gratitude Challenge 26-27

November 26 - I'm grateful that I am prepared for the worst.

Sunday morning I tried a new (to me) restaurant with my family called Jelly. It was delish and we all enjoyed it, until 3 out of 4 of us got food poising. My sister, brother-in-law and I all had their biscuits and then all three of us became severely ill. Food poising is one of the absolute worst things because you can't drink anything or eat anything and you feel miserable. I've only had it twice in my life but it's two times too many. And this time my skin even hurt. Weird, right?! Well, that's where the gratitude challenge comes in because I'm grateful that I always keep ginger ale, saltines, chicken soup and jell-o in the house so I can be prepared when disaster strikes. I will add that there's one good thing about food poising. It only usually lasts about 24 hours and today I'm feeling a lot better.

November 27 - I'm grateful for sick days.

Sick days are one of those things that are easy to take for granted. But when you need to use them, they're invaluable. I'm grateful that the company I work for gives employees sick days as part of our benefits and that I don't have to worry about anything but feeling better when I am under the weather.

Gratitude Challenge 24-25

November 24 - I'm grateful I have enough to eat.

No other time of the year encourages binging like the holidays. While I have plenty to eat all year long, I know there are others who are not so lucky. I recognize how fortunate I am and am grateful for the food I do have.

November 25 - I'm grateful for perspective.

I pride myself on being able to see both sides to any situation most of the time. I think it's important to try and understand how my actions affect others. I'm so grateful that I have perspective and am able to have empathy at times when others do not. I think a lot of this comes from my never really getting over being a journalist and having to analyze both sides of any situation, but whatever it is that allows me to do this, I'm grateful for and hope that I never take it for granted.

Gratitude Challenge 22-23

November 22 - I'm grateful for Thanksgiving.

And I'm also grateful that I didn't have to make the full Thanksgiving meal this year. It made my holiday much more enjoyable and much less stressful. Yipee for brunch and eating till you can't move! I'm also beyond happy that I was once again able to celebrate a holiday with the people who mean the most to me in this world.

November 23 - I'm grateful that Black Friday went online.

Since I don't get Black Friday off - wha? I too consider it a holiday all on it's own - I am grateful that I was still able to get the stuff that I was really wanting all from the comfort of my desk. No waiting in long lines in the cold, no being stuck in line behind people who haven't showered, no pushing and shoving and best of all FREE SHIPPING! I may never brave the actual stores again.

Gratitude Challenge 20-21

November 20 - I'm grateful for my education.

I'm an alumnae of Colorado State University and proud of it! I am so lucky to have had supportive parents who gave me the opportunity to go off to college at age 18 and have no worries except to get good grades and have fun. College was by far a favorite time in my life. I met some lifelong friends, made memories that I will cherish always and got a pretty darn great education too. I'm also lucky that I was able to pursue my dream of being a journalist and study from some of the smartest and kindest people I've ever met. I am so grateful to have had such an amazing experience and support while broadening my mind.

November 21 - I'm grateful for fly fishing.

Fly fishing is something I've wanted to try for a long time and I'm grateful that I finally accomplished this goal and got in the water. While I'm no expert, it's something I enjoy and I'm grateful that I didn't let fear hold me back from trying something new.

Gratitude Challenge 19

November 19 - I'm grateful for my rhythm.

I really like dancing and since I was a very small child, 2-years-old or so, I've been moving to a beat. Either the one playing on speakers somewhere or the one in my head but either way, I love to dance. I'm grateful that I have rhythm and don't look like Elaine Benes when I bust a move. (At least no one has ever told me I do anyway.) It's also my love of dancing that I credit with getting my butt to the gym these days. Zumba, Jazzercise and Hip Hop Aerobics are my main means of sweating and staying healthy. I'm grateful that I'm able to do something I enjoy to stay in shape.

Gratitude Challenge 17-18

November 17 - I'm grateful for unanswered prayers.

You know, like that Garth Brooks song? Except for running into past lovers at high school football games, I agree with this song. I too am grateful for unanswered prayers. If I'd gotten the things I asked for in college I would have never left Colorado and lived in Missouri, all alone, for a year and a half pursuing my dream of becoming the next Barbara Walters. If I'd gotten the things I'd asked for even a few years ago, I would never have had half of the experiences that I now look back on with great fondness. I'm grateful for the way my life has turned out so far and can't wait to see what's next because we all know that trying to plan it is worthless.

November 18 - I'm grateful for clean water.

It's the little things in life that are so easy to take for granted, like clean running water. And having access to this natural resource isn't something that is considered "little" by many in the world. Being fortunate enough to grow up with water that would come out of the tap, at my command and at any temperature I wanted, it's sometimes difficult to imagine that not everyone has this. I'm thankful that there are organizations like Water for People whose mission it is to bring clean, safe drinking water to those without.

Gratitude Challenge 15-16

November 15 - I'm grateful for my friends.

 I've known Annie since I was a sophomore at CSU. We both worked in the journalism department and our friendship has lasted for more than a decade. While it's gotten more difficult to keep in touch because of distance, work, etc. we were able to catch up this week and it felt great! I can always depend on Annie to listen and give me pretty good advice. I only wish she still lived in Denver. We did have some great times together!

I also met Cara at CSU but our friendship flourished through a mutual friend at the time. The best thing about Cara in my book is, you get what you see with her. She's not a B.Ser and that's something I appreciate and cherish in our friendship. I don't get to see her as often as I'd like because we live on opposite sides of the state but when I do see her, it's like no time has passed.

I became friends with Anne after joining a sorority at CSU and Andrew lived in the frat house across the street. (can you sense a theme here about where I met my friends?) Anyway, my friendship with Anne continues to this day and luckily for me we live really close to one another so we're able to see each other more frequently! As for Andrew, he's turned into my go-to concert buddy. He's one of the most fun people I've ever met and after leaving his company my face hurts from laughing and smiling so much.

Well, I didn't meet Luz at CSU, shocking I know, we actually went to middle and high school together which means I've known her for a very long time (no need to count it out here). We've had lots of fun time together and I'm so lucky to call her my friend. She's a great person who always has a great attitude.



I'm lucky in that I have a great group of friends and people I can call in at any time and vice versa. The people above hold special places in my heart and that's why they got a special shout-out but I also had photos with them so that helped...haha!


November 16 - I'm grateful for my health.

After working for the American Cancer Society for three years and a blood bank in Colorado for the last year, I unfortunately hear about people who are battling some type of disease. Some cases turn out to be stories of hope, courage and ultimately triumph but there are also the stories of struggle, suffering and heart breaking loss. I'm grateful for my health because I realize that in a heartbeat it can be taken away from me. I could be diagnosed with cancer, a blood disorder or be in a crippling car accident. I try to count my blessings every day and not take one day that's given to me for granted.

Gratitude Challenge 13-14

November 13 - I'm grateful that I volunteer in my community.

I consider myself a lucky lady because I've found a couple of organizations in my community where I can spend my spare time volunteering and put my professional skills to use.

The first places is Brent's Place. Yesterday I spent the morning there celebrating the success of the Cakes for Cancer program. Last year was the first year I was involved in that particular event and it was a blast! I also spent part of my evening back at Brent's Place as my sister and I are co-chairs for the 25th Annual Kid's Cure for Cancer 5K. This will be my third year associated with this event and I'm so honored to play such a big role in what I'm sure will be a successful and profitable event. The kids at Brent's Place are so special and even though they're fighting cancer, getting bone marrow and stem cell transplants as well as spinal taps, they have the best attitudes and I'm grateful that I get to go and hang out with them.

With Mara on movie night. She's trying to shove her ice cream in my face and she thought it was hilarious. 

The second place I spend my free time is with the Colorado State University Alumni Association's Denver RAM Network. This year I took on the role of Executive Chair for the Community Service Committee. (Are you sensing a theme here? I like to volunteer!)

This year I helped to organize Cans Around Denver and we collected nearly 400 more pounds of food which were donated to the Food Bank of the Rockies to help end hunger in our communities.

Another fun project I'm involved in is CSUnity. It's a day of service, this year April 20, where alumni, friends and family gather to give back to the community in various ways. Two years ago I helped clean up the Molly Brown House and last year I spent my day at the Denver Botanic Gardens with my hands in the dirt. I'm not sure where I'll be this year but it's an event that I always look forward to!

I get so much out of volunteering and I'm grateful I've found two amazing organizations that allow me to pay it forward.

November 14 - I'm grateful for this challenge.

That's right, you read correctly. I'm grateful for this challenge. Yesterday when I was sweeping up and raking the leaves (for the second time in four days) that had covered my backyard and patio, I started to complain. Then, in the middle of my not-so-nice rant, I took a look around and had to remind myself that I should be grateful because 1) I have leaves to rake up. I'm sure there are people who would love to own a home and have a backyard and it's no small feat that I should take for granted and 2) I should be grateful that I'm able to get out rake and sweep up the leaves that fall off the trees.

After I took that moment to reflect on and count my blessings, the activity no longer seemed like a chore. The next time I start feeling aggravated about everyday life, I'm going to try this and hopefully it will help me remember that I have a great life!

Gratitude Challenge 11-12

November 11 - I'm grateful for my lazy Sundays.

Sunday morning I woke up to beautiful blue Colorado skies and literally freezing temps. It didn't look near as cold outside as it was. I love lazy Sundays and I especially love to have lazy Sundays when it's cold outside and I can curl up with Presley and just chill. I got caught up on all of my TV shows, read some magazines and took a nap. I am feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the week!

November 12 - I'm grateful for a clean home.

I spent all day Saturday cleaning up in and outside of my townhouse and am so grateful that today I can go home, to a clean house that's just as I left it, and not have to worry about anything. In my book, Mondays should be as stress free as possible and getting my chores out of the way really frees up my weekday calendar. Yahoo for extra time and the ability to take Presley for a walk before it gets cold and dark!

Gratitude Challenge 9-10

November 9 - I'm grateful for my car

If you know me at all, you know I don't really like to drive. I love being in the car and am an excellent co-pilot but I just don't like being behind the wheel myself. That being said, I'm so grateful for my car and the fact that I have reliable transportation. On my drive to work I pass a lot of buss stops, DISCLAIMER: I know not everyone at a bus stop is in need of a car, and I can't help but think to myself how lucky I am that my parents bought me not one, but two cars and it's the second one that has safely gotten me from point a to b for close to a decade now.

I love my car and honestly can't see driving anything else, except maybe a 2012 Camaro.





November 10 - I'm grateful for my home

I closed on my townhouse in May of 2009 and I couldn't have been happier (if you can't tell by that grin across my face)! I must admit, I was pretty naive about the whole experience and it's definitely been challenging but it's also 100% been worth every tear, drop of sweat and dollar I've poured into my home.

While it's not exactly the way I want every nook and cranny, will it ever really be? I've done so much, but there are still a few little projects here and there that I'd like to do. Being a homeowner comes with it's own set of rules and I'm still learning all about them but I'm blessed to 1) have had the opportunity to become a homeowner and 2) to have a safe, warm and comfortable place to rest my head. Also Presley is pretty fond of her little backyard.

Gratitude Challenge 7-8

November 7 - I'm grateful for my Dad.

There are lots of reasons that I'm grateful for my Dad and I have lots of really great memories from my childhood through today that include him. Here a few of my favorites.

Every year my parents took me and my sister school clothes shopping and my Dad was always there. While the three of us would go in the dressing room to try things on, he would hold whatever we asked him to and then we'd come out and model for him and he would tell us what he liked best.

For about 13 years I danced for a studio in my hometown and we had recitals twice a year and sometimes more. I always knew where my Dad was sitting because even though the auditorium was pitch black, I could see the red light from his video camera and he was ALWAYS rolling.

My sister and I took swim lessons every summer while we were in elementary school and since our Mom had summers off, she always drove us and sat in the stands waiting for us to finish. It was special when Dad would come and sit with Mom to watch. When I was really young, I was a little bit of a wild child, risk taker and wasn't really afraid of anything. However there was a high board (it's since been removed) at the City Park's pool and it was really high. I remember being younger than seven-years-old, climbing the metal ladder up to the high board and then cautiously walking out to the ledge. That's when I would look at my parents sitting in the stands and on the days when my Dad came he would ball his hand into fist and pump it in the air giving me the confidence boost I needed. I can still see them sitting there cheering me on to this day.

I love that he always wanted to come with us and that he was always involved with whatever we did. He's been outnumbered in a house of three women for almost more than 34 years but he never seemed to mind.

November 8 - I'm grateful for my Mom.

It's been about four and a half years since I lost my Mom but I'm grateful for the 26 years I had with her. We had a special relationship that I'm not sure most would understand. It sometimes felt that we operated on the same wavelength and I often felt that knew what she was thinking and she knew better than anyone does to this day. We could finish each others sentences and when the two of us were together all seems right in the world. We were silly and often times did things that amused only ourselves.

I could write forever about my Mother but I'll just say that I'm blessed she was mine and I miss her every single day.

Gratitude Challenge 5-6

November 5 - I'm grateful for seasons.

Hello, my name is Dianna, I'm a Colorado native and I hate snow. Yep, it's true. Not very Colorado of me is it? But there's nothing I can do as I was born this way and I dislike being cold so much that I use the word hate when it comes to the white fluffy stuff that falls from the sky. All that being said, I would never give up the opportunity to see the changing of the seasons. There's something about the transitions from summer to autumn to winter then spring that make for a very interesting life, especially in Colorado.

We recently had a photo shoot at work for some marketing materials and I was being a place holder, but look at the beautiful colors behind me! And, I guess the salted caramel mocha drinks at Starbucks that are only offered at this time of year don't hurt either.

November 6 - Sisters, but mostly mine.

Yes, we're about as opposite as you can get when it comes to family but family we are and I'm grateful for my sister. She's my only sibling and someone I've looked up to since I can remember. I'm grateful that our relationship has evolved from just being sisters to being friends too. And, she'll most always take dorky pictures with me if I ask nice!

Gratitude Challenge 3-4

Last weekend the weather was typical for autumn in Colorado and it was beautiful with low 60's both day and of course, mostly sunny.

November 3 - I'm grateful that I live in Colorado.

And no, it's not because of the natural disaster that recently occurred on the east coast. Every morning on my way into work I have the pleasure of seeing this...

pretty impressive isn't it? I can't see myself ever moving away from Colorado again. I love calling this beautiful state my home and I'm especially proud to say, "Yes, I'm native," when people ask where I grew up. 

November 4 - I'm grateful for I have the opportunity to vote.

I view voting as a privilege and am grateful I live in a country where I'm allowed to voice my opinion. With the 2012 presidential election coming to a close in just a few days I thank the suffragettes who fought for the right for women to vote and am proud to have had the opportunity to make a difference in my country.

Gratitude Challenge

Yesterday my Facebook feed was filled with friends who are doing a gratitude challenge. The challenge is to share what your grateful for over the next 30 days. I LOVE this idea but instead of posting to Facebook, I'll be sharing what I'm grateful for here, mostly because I have a lot to say but also because I want to include pictures. I challenge you to do the same.

November 1 - I'm grateful for my pup Presley. 

She is the sweetest Carkie in the whole world and coming home to her is often times the best part of my day. She's taught me to not be so selfish, the true meaning of unconditional love and she usually makes me giggle at least once a day.

Yesterday was her five week check-up with the vet and she's been cleared for stairs. This is also something I'm grateful for since she hates being carried anywhere and can really put up a good fight for only being 11 pounds.

I think she is smiling in this pic.

November 2 - I'm grateful for my job.

And not only having a job which I know is a blessing in and of itself, but having a job that I actually like and care about. When I was a journalist I never imagined that I would one day, in the not so far future turn to a life in the public relations realm. However, I'm happy that I listened to my sister's advice and although it was scary, followed my heart. Since beginning my career in PR nearly five years ago I've been lucky enough to work for a man who's well respected within the industry, kind and an incredible teacher. And after the loss of my Mother it was fate that landed me at the American Cancer Society's door. I learned so much during my three years there and am very grateful for that opportunity. And now working for a blood bank in Colorado, something I NEVER thought I would say, has been both rewarding and challenging. I didn't think those two words would describe my work life after leaving journalism but I am so happy that they once again do.