Hello once again friends! It’s time to recount what we have to be grateful for, because there’s always something, even if it’s as simple as chocolate, our pets, or having access to the internet.

I apologize for the delay here, but better late than never, right? It brings me a lot of joy to write these posts and have you all share in being happy and grateful together. I’ve been blown away by the reception this series has gotten since I started it, and I can’t ever see myself giving it up.

It’s been mentioned before, but making gratitude a habit has been a huge game changer for me, and I don’t regret it at all. So if you need a little motivation, hopefully I can provide it! And since it’s the middle of the week, I hope it serves as an additional pick-me-up.

Being Grateful for an Awesome Volunteer Opportunity

Back in December, I had applied to volunteer at a rather large convention happening this summer for one of my (new) favorite companies.

For those of you that have been to FinCon, I think we can all agree there’s something energizing and amazing about the atmosphere for those 3 days we’re all together under the same roof.

Conventions and conferences are great opportunities for networking and friendship, and I’d actually love to go to more, but alas, they’re a tad expensive with tickets and travel factored in.

Anyway, I was eagerly awaiting to hear back to see if I was accepted (they had over 2,200 people apply), and the news finally broke last Thursday. I checked my email to see I had been chosen, and I pretty much did a victory lap around the apartment.

I am beyond excited that I’ve been given the opportunity to help out along with 500 other people. This convention has been massively successful in the past, and I hope to be able to contribute to that. Besides that, I’m really interested in seeing how everything is run behind-the-scenes.

Have any of you ever volunteered at a convention or conference?

Time With Parents

When I fly back home, I always fly out of the airport near my parents. Flying out of Charlotte is at least $100 more, and their airport is smaller, so it’s very easy to navigate.

I was happy to get to spend a few extra days with my parents due to the inclement weather we were experiencing last week. They didn’t really want to drive in the rain/sleet/ice mix that was going on during Tuesday, so we left on Wednesday instead.

Normally when I’m there, it’s either with R or family, but this time, it was just the 3 of us, and it felt like “old times”.

I know I probably sound slightly crazy to some people when I say that it was nice and made me feel more “at home” there, but what can I say? I’m very lucky and grateful to have a good relationship with them after all these years. As long as I’m only staying there for a few days, that is. ;)

My dad was also kind enough to make fudge the night they stayed over our apartment, which I’ve been happily enjoying since. Oh, and I had to make sure to bring back pudding from NY so my mom could make chocolate pudding pie.

It’s sounds so simple – and it is – but unfortunately, the instant pudding they sell down here doesn’t come out the same. Hopefully it will make its way down here at some point. Our favorite brand of tomato sauce finally did, which I was very grateful for! (I always buy it just in case it’s a fluke.)

Signs of Spring?

Yes, I know it’s only the beginning of March, but the weather is resuming its craziness, and it will be alternating from the 40s to the 60s all week. I’ll take it, as our electric bill these past two months has been painfully (and maddeningly) high. This is despite the fact we were barely here last month, and only have it set to 69*.

Plus, Daylight Savings Time is next weekend (I couldn’t believe that), which means more sunlight! I don’t know about you guys, but while I’m a night owl and don’t mind the darkness, I do like sunlight during the day.

I just like knowing the days will be longer and warmer soon. It’s been nice having the sun out past 6pm. I’m so ready to kick this feeling of hibernation. Anyone else?

Grateful for My Cats

I haven’t mentioned my cats in a while, but they’re still crazy and cute as ever. My parents got to watch them the entire time I was gone, and apparently they didn’t miss us.

I swear, as long as they have a place to sleep and someone feeding them treats, they’re happy. I wish life were that simple.

Nothing makes me happier during the day than seeing them curled up, napping. They always look so content and I just want to cuddle them, but I know better than to bother them during nap time. Looks are deceiving.

Concerts and Music

I’m not sure if any of you remember, but I mentioned back in November that I decided to purchase tickets to a concert as one of my favorite groups was going to be in Charlotte.

The total ended up being around $65, and it was well worth it!

To be honest, I’m normally not the type of person who wants to be crammed in a bar/venue with loads of other people. I’ve only been to 2 concerts my whole life. R and I got stepped on, bumped into, and all that jazz.

BUT, I didn’t let that stop me from having a good time. Seeing them play live was amazing, and absolutely doesn’t come close to simply playing one of their songs on the computer. I’m so grateful we pushed ourselves out of our comfort zone and went.

The atmosphere was contagious, and it made me realize more than ever that music is a uniting force. Regardless of what language we speak, it’s the feeling that music incites in us that matters.

I’m sure they won’t be touring near us any time soon again, but I’m more open to seeing other artists perform live now. We’ll see!

What have you all been grateful for lately? Have you attended any live events recently? Going to any cons this year?