2009 Posts

#   1/1/2009 4:32 PM  nicole papasidero wrote:

Today I would like to say thank you for the 10 lessons I learned from receiving a speeding fine on New Year’s Eve:

1.That being nice, polite and honest to the lovely (even slightly good-looking) police officer gets you no-where

2.That I really had nothing better to spend that $243 on anyway

3.To be grateful that we were going up-hill at the time, not down…

4.To be thankful because we may have hit a Mack truck had we gone in the other direction (not a nice thought)

5.To be grateful that my sister and I had not had a glass of wine over lunch

6.To be thankful that I didn’t swear in front of the children (too loudly)

7.To be grateful that I had not had a speeding fine since 1990 and therefore had all my merit points so that they still had some to remove, in fact, twice as many as usual being the Christmas-New Year Double Demerit Special!?!?!

8.That I was absolutely due for a speeding fine after 18 years!

9.That in the big scheme of life this was an easy lesson to learn, and minuscule in comparison to those of others

And finally…

10.To slow down just a little (and at the very least, not to be more than 15km/hr over the limit at any given time!!)

I am grateful for being able to see the funny side of life, and appreciate that it really wasn’t such a big deal after all, and in fact, that lovely policeman may very well have saved our lives yesterday.

Happy New Year all!

# 1/14/2009 8:26 PM nicole papasidero wrote:

I would like to give thanks for holidays – for time to take a breather from the routine of life and do whatever it is that you need or want to do, and spend it where it brings you joy.

I love holidays, and feel so incredibly grateful that I am able to be paid even while I stay at home and be with my family.

# 1/15/2009 9:58 PM nicole papasidero wrote:

thank you for laughs, fun, frivolity and humour, all of which gets me through my day when reality is just that little bit hard to take. And thank you for the people I can share it all with.

# 1/22/2009 2:49 AM yemisi wrote:

I am so so so so thankful!

For seeing 2009 in good health and in one piece. For a great new job I love and a boss that is understanding and appreciates me. For grateful hearts.. even though Iv been away so long, and I promise no more long absences from now on. I’m grateful for the inspiration I gain from the lines I read on this blog, which make me realise we’re really all the same when it comes down to it, with similar cares and joys. Im grateful for peace of mind, and family, and president Barack Obama. For the thought that people can put aside their differences and allow hope to give them a common purpose. I’m so thankful to God for the world, in all its diversity, and all the great experiences to be had on this rollercoaster ride called life.

Its great to be back

# 1/22/2009 9:23 PM Nicole Commins wrote:

i am so incredibly grateful for everything!! I am thankful for trips overseas that have opened me up to so many new experiences and new people, and showed me the beautiful part of human beings. For new friends, for being comfortable and welcomed, for being open minded, for being able to step outside of my comfort zone, for the privelege of being able to represent the beautiful country we live in proudly. I am thankful for strangers letting me into their home and making me feel apart of the family. For mums homecooked meals, for family whom we take for granted sometimes. I am grateful for different points of view, for patience, for acceptance, for loving, kind and well missed friends who do so much for you! For the words i miss you..

# 1/25/2009 8:53 PM nicole papasidero wrote:

Today I am thankful for friends who do lovely thoughtful things for you, like getting the gang together for old time’s sake.

I am thankful for the silly chatter and sarcasm and joking around that takes you straight back to the Year 12 common room.

I am thankful that though the years have passed, some things remain constant, like true friendship and the history that binds us all together.

I am thankful for the absolute joy of finding heirlooms at a time when these things seem so much more important.

I am thankful for forgiveness, spoken and unspoken.

I am thankful for the experiences gained by travelling the world, and the fire that is lit inside, making us want to do it as often as humanly possible.

I am thankful for the return of long lost e-pals that have been silently observing all this time!

I am thankful for the end of the holidays, so that life can again take on some semblance of routine, and chocolate won’t be so readily available…

I am thankful for the family I have, and the friends who feel like family.

And as always, I am so thankful for time to spend with those I love dearly.

# 1/26/2009 9:09 PM nicole papasidero wrote:

Today I am grateful for my last sleep-in of the holidays, and for children who allow me that indulgence.

I am grateful for time to finish special projects, and the good feeling I have for making choices to create more time for what I know is important to me.

I am grateful for days that celebrate and unite who we are as a group of individuals living in this magical country, and I am thankful for small steps that move us forward and help us forget the mistakes of past generations.

I am thankful for the pride that comes with being part of someone’s excitement in being chosen as ‘Sportsperson of The Year’, and grateful for the opportunities that are yet to come her way.

I am grateful for air conditioning on days that would have ‘the paddocks curling at their edges’, and the eggs being laid pre-boiled!

And, I am thankful for images that I am blessed to see every day that allows me to play Mum to my gorgeous kids, watching them walk together down the road, turning to watch me with smiles that would melt your heart…mine did today, and I felt truly, utterly blessed.

# 1/26/2009 11:43 PM Yemisi wrote:

Today I am grateful for the love of friends, and prayer.

My friend’s 3 yr old was diagnosed with a blood disorder and Im so thankful she’s responding to treatment.

I’m grateful for being able to be the eye of the storm when things are spinning wildly out of control for people I love.

For good food, and good people to share it with

For love and peace.

I am truly thankful

# 1/27/2009 9:25 PM nicole papasidero wrote:

Today I am thankful for friends at the end of text messages when you are having a ‘moment’, even if that means answering in the middle of a conference and getting themselves into trouble…

I am thankful for resolutions to sit tight and lie low this year…

I am thankful for air-conditioned houses, cars, offices and classrooms on 40+ degree days…

I am thankful I have the rest of this week to get my act together before meeting my classes for this year…

I am thankful for being able to share the jubilation and disappointment of Grand Slam tennis with my kids as we watch and scream and sigh and clap together…

I am thankful that there is always a bigger picture, and that ‘moments’ are just that, and don’t last forever…

# 1/28/2009 9:59 PM Nicole Commins wrote:

I am grateful for those moments when we feel we discover ourselves that bit more, for feeling at least MORE organised than i was before, for the beautiful sounds of the piano, for poetry, for photographs, for new friends, for diaries,for the feeling you get when you get a text message from someone you want to hear from.

I am grateful for letters, for sunscreen, for last ever summer holidays.. for experiences, for parents, for art, for yummy perfumes, for spending wonderful summer time with friends!

# 1/28/2009 10:58 PM nicole papasidero wrote:

Today I am grateful for reflections such as the one below (as far as I know, we can thank a man called Michael Josephson for this thought provoking piece); for the way it made me stop and think, and for the freedom it allows if only we could stop collecting, and worrying, and stressing, and planning… and just try being a decent person, and teach others how to be that way too:

-A Life That Matters-

“Ready or not, some day it will all come to an end.

There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days.

All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else.

Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance.

It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed.

Your grudges, resentments, frustrations and jealousies will finally disappear.

So too, your hopes, ambitions, plans and to-do lists will expire.

The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away.

It won’t matter where you came from or what side of the tracks you lived on at the end.

It won’t matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant.

Even your gender and skin color will be irrelevant.

So what will matter?

How will the value of your days be measured?

What will matter is not what you bought, but what you built; not what you got, but what you gave.

What will matter is not your success, but your significance.

What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught.

What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example.

What will matter is not your competence, but your character.

What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel a lasting loss when you’re gone.

What will matter is not your memories, but the memories that live in those who loved you.

What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what.

Living a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident.

It’s not a matter of circumstance but of choice.

Choose to live a life that matters. It really matters!”

# 1/29/2009 2:30 AM Yemisi – Nigeria wrote:

I am thankful for compliments from persistent admirers…

For painful reminders of mistakes I have made and tried to correct, because it shows how far I have come…

For a life lived without being afraid to be who I am…

I am thankful

# 1/29/2009 11:01 AM nicole papasidero wrote:

Today I have just one thing to say:

THANK GOD FOR AIR-CONDITIONING!!!!

# 2/7/2009 5:35 AM Yemisi wrote:

I am thankful for, and to God. He just keeps me sane!

I am thankful for great friends who know the right thing to say and when to say it

I am thankful for kind hearts and warm spirits, camisoles and flipflops. I am especially thankful I no longer live in London and therefore escaped the freak arctic weather!!!

# 2/10/2009 8:03 PM nicole papasidero wrote:

Today I am grateful for my safety.

I am grateful that the most I have been affected by these horrendous bushfires is breathing in the smoke that hovers in the sky as a sad reminder.

I am grateful for volunteers who risk their lives to save lives, and property.

I am grateful for the amazing spirit that such disasters bring forth in all of us, to reach out and help, any way we know how.

I am grateful that when I turn off the TV news, I am able to forget, knowing too well that the victims will know no such luxury.

I am grateful that things like this put other trivialities in their rightful place.

I am grateful for the generosity of large companies, giving money and goods free of charge, to those in most need.

I am grateful for the fire-fighters who are still battling on, relentless.

I am grateful for the concern from people all over the world, checking in on us to make sure we are safe.

I am grateful for the homes we make and treasure, but also for the understanding that all of this can be replaced.

Today I am thankful for whatever we might learn from such a tragedy, and hopeful that those who have survived will find comfort in that, for all it’s worth.

# 2/16/2009 9:31 PM nicole papasidero wrote:

Thank you for a cool change.

Thank you for the country spirit.

Thank you for children who embody such spirit.

Thank you for gifts and the smiles they bring.

Thank you for time to finish projects.

Thank you for friends who forgive.

Thank you for friends who make you feel there is no reason to be forgiven.

Thank you for anniversaries, and for partners who stick around through thick and thin.

Thank you for cuddles and smooches.

Thank you for so many little things to be grateful for.

# 3/2/2009 9:59 PM Nicole Commins wrote:

I am grateful for persistence and determination, for the desire to make a difference and change lives.

I am thankful for being challenged to work at friendships hanging by a thread, and hope that it will be recognised someday. For being able to take new perspectives on people and look at situations through someone else eyes. For people who are able to be open-minded and appreciate the different. For Emily Bronte.

I am grateful for cherished memories, emails for people dearly missed, for the miracle invention of mobile phones which can get you out of tricky situations, for teachers who have faith in you and push you to work harder. For the English essays and Japanese listening tasks, which i know i do not love at this current point in time, im sure i will grow to appreciate them. I am thankful for friends who are able to feel so at home in my house, for guitar hero, and pretty hair clips.

But most of all, i am extremely grateful for my family who love me and care for me dearly.

# 3/3/2009 7:02 PM nicole papasidero wrote:

Today I am grateful for reminders to be more grateful….particularly today I say thank you for my health, good and bad, for each reminds me to appreciate the other just that little bit more. I am thankful for children of all ages who let you have a cranky day because you are not at the top of your game. I am thankful for having a place to work that feels like home, as much as a workplace can feel that way. I am thankful for a loving family who look after me and allow me to get better by being independent and giving me space. I am thankful for cool changes and the anticipation of crisp autumn days ahead. I am thankful for friends who listen, regardless of how much they themselves have to say, letting me pour out whatever is on my mind and in my heart. And I am grateful for the love that exists between parents and children, and so very glad that I have been able to experience life in both roles, and in so doing, understand just how much my parents must love me too.

# 3/12/2009 7:00 PM Andrew Nardi wrote:

Today I am thankful for teachers who go beyond simply what is “expected” of them, to teach us something more than that, something that can make us and everybody around us happy. To teach me that being thankful for something everyday will eventually make me into the person that I want to be… that’s what I am thankful for.

I am also thankful for bad days and misunderstandings, for, without them, we would not be able to learn from other people and ourselves.

# 3/12/2009 9:35 PM nicole papasidero wrote:

Today I am again grateful for being reminded to be grateful. I am thankful for so much these days that sometimes I forget to acknowledge it. And sometimes I forget that the things I am experiencing are blessings sent to teach me more about life and how it should be lived out every single day.

# 3/18/2009 9:24 PM nicole papasidero wrote:

Today I would like to say thank you to all the overworked and underpaid nurses of the world… I am grateful that they do what they do so that patients can be as comfortable as possible… I am so grateful for the ones who treat their patients with the dignity and respect they deserve, and for those who admit the limitations of their knowledge.

I am thankful for comfy chairs to sleep in so we can watch over our loved ones overnight, and for a strong coffee to get you through the next day!

I am so thankful for workmates who will always do what it takes to support you and cover your absences whenever needed.

I am grateful for husbands and children who understand why you are gone, and love you regardless of where you are.

I am grateful that love makes you feel like anything is possible.

# 3/22/2009 9:49 PM nicole papasidero wrote:

Today, as I wish to be every day, I am grateful for every step that I can take without having to think about it.

I am grateful for every word I speak that is audible and understood.

I am grateful for every hug that says ‘I love you’.

I am grateful for every time I can shower myself in my own home, unassisted by loved ones.

I am grateful for the imperfections all over my body that have no bearing on my ability to live a full life.

I am grateful for every bite of food that I can enjoy, or not, by pure choice, not necessity.

I am grateful for every lesson I learn about the human character, and how utterly important it is to be kind to others, no matter how simple the deed.

I am grateful for tears of sadness and happiness, because it means that I am feeling every moment of life, both ‘good’ and ‘bad’.

I am grateful for being able to be there for someone I love so deeply, sharing in their despair, humour, unstoppable laughter, super-human courage and incomprehensible challenges – and seeing their eyes light up when I enter the room.

I am grateful for friendships that move so far beyond what is expected, yet attach no burden of responsibility to the other.

I am grateful for uncanny reminders to live in one moment, appreciating the perfection in it, not thinking of the next, but being real enough to know that I can’t always be so in control of my thoughts…yet.

I am grateful for this moment, when I can share my gratitude list with others, for whatever reason – because I know there must be one.

# 3/25/2009 9:33 PM nicole papasidero wrote:

Thank you…

~for uninterrupted time with my children

~for people who listen with empathy

~for safe travel of those I love

~for anniversaries and milestones

~for printers and publishers

~for proof-readers and critics

~for email communication

~for patience and tolerance

~for wild imaginations

~for better days

~for escapism and avoidance tactics

~for determination and persistence

~for decisions to create time in my life

~for parental support

~for hidden chocolates

~for husbands who will do anything for you because he knows it means the world to you

~for the array of emotions that a human can feel in any given day

~for so much to be grateful for, no matter how minuscule…

# 3/29/2009 8:23 PM nicole papasidero wrote:

Right now, I couldn’t be more grateful for long, warm, bubbly, relaxing, candle-lit baths…yesterday, I couldn’t have been more grateful for the absolute privilege of being in the room with someone who finally saw a lifetime project come to fruition in the most tangible way…her Life Story…thank you for the guts and determination that it took, and the blessings found in having shared the journey with her…I am very, very grateful.

# 3/31/2009 7:51 PM nicole papasidero wrote:

today I say thank you for people who remain calm under pressure….thank you for days that don’t go as planned, so I can appreciate the ones that do….thank you for magazines that do away with the same old same old and inject some positivity into the lives of others…thank you for those who believe in me and all that I try to do….thank you for moments alone to try to clear my head of the day…thank you for goals that are worth striving for in the face of apparently endless obstacles…thank you for time to say thanks.

# 4/3/2009 8:31 PM Nicole Commins wrote:

I am grateful for being able to appreciate people for who they are and accept that it is their individuality that makes them beautiful. For friends who can understand how I think and know just what to do. For recognising how speical something is once it is lost.

I am grateful for exams so they can tell me what i need to work on and drive me to do better. For photographs. For vivid memories. For the distinct smell of people. For The Devoted Few. For lovely compliments.

I am grateful for family who is able to put up with me when im stressed, for long talks with grandparents, and for teachers who put in extra effort. I am so thankful that i have an inbuilt desire within me to help people, which allows me to grow and understand myself and others around me.

I am incredibly grateful to have unlimited opportunties and the chance to be whoever i want to be.

# 4/6/2009 7:44 PM nicole papasidero wrote:

I am thankful for a life so full of emotional ups and downs, because it means that I am fully living…

I am thankful that vows that were taken many years ago still mean so much, for better or worse…

I am thankful to be surrounded by generations of people who are there to love and support me and my family through the most difficult times…

I am so thankful for being part of a project so special that I can’t even fathom its importance in the years to come…

I am thankful for those who are able to give credit where credit is due – something I still need to work on – and in so doing, allow the recipient to feel as proud as they deserve to be…

I am thankful for a lifetime of friendship with kindred spirits, and the knowing that I can call on them whenever I need them…and grateful that they know I am there for them too…

I am so thankful to be privy to the most private and special conversations with dearest loved ones, and wonder with gratitude what on earth I did to deserve such a privilege…

# 4/7/2009 9:14 PM Carol wrote:

I am grateful for many htings but today it is that I have a job, that my job is secure and that because of that I have choices. I am grateful for having choices.

# 4/15/2009 10:30 PM nicole papasidero wrote:

Today I am thankful for dreams, where reality can be suspended and a life can be lived just as you wish it to be…

I am grateful for things that are so easily taken for granted – so, so many things…

I am thankful for the thoughts that don’t have to be spoken between two people to be understood because, we know each other so well…

I am grateful for the smallest of wins in a day full of constant challenge – for resolutions to problems that you would never think you would ever have to overcome…

I am so thankful for the inspiration that others are gaining from the story of a very special lady, and grateful to know that I am not so biased after all; she is truly remarkable…

I am thankful for courage to write and share poetry, and for the response that provokes in those who read it…

I am grateful for hiccups in my own health, as constant reminders to tackle every minuscule task with fervour and energy, knowing too well that some people would give anything to clean their own home if they were able…

I am grateful for things to look forward to, and for the freedom to be where I want to be on any given day of my life.

# 4/19/2009 10:27 PM nicole papasidero wrote:

Thank you for reminders about how nice it is to actually HEAR people’s voices on the phone, rather than just messaging through texts and emails!

Thank you for people who think the same way as I do, rightly or ‘wrongly’ – it is so great to have people who understand me.

Thank you for the urgency I feel to be with people I love, and to let go of what ’should’ be done and allow time for what I ‘want’ to do.

Thank you for evening walks with ipods.

And thank you for parties to get people together.

# 4/23/2009 10:03 PM nicole papasidero wrote:

This day, I am grateful for the lessons that I have learnt throughout the week.

I am thankful that I have people around me who constantly allow me the privilege of their unconditional love and support – it is something I now hold very dear.

I am so grateful for the friends who have held my hand and heard what needed to be said, all without judgement and always with empathy and compassion.

I am thankful that I can laugh about things that were so hurtful, knowing that there must have been a place for it, and knowing I have learnt valuable life lessons from it.

I am grateful that I have a place to go that I call ‘home’, where I feel safe.

I am grateful for the hugs from my Dad, and the hand of my Mum, stroking away the tears and the anger with soft hands and a priceless smile.

I am thankful that I always, always have things to look forward to, like parties and outings and coffees with old friends.

I am grateful for the abundant life I am so lucky to lead, and for the wonderful things that abundance allows me to do and have.

I am thankful for heroes, allowing us something to aspire to – to people like Fred Hollows, and for foundations that exist to make a huge difference in people’s lives.

I am thankful for a husband who ALWAYS has the right things to say, and who teaches me to become a better person.

I am grateful that through every low comes a new high, and for the understanding that there are always two sides to everything, including me.

For friends who are there for me, and family who treat me with respect and love – today I am very grateful for those simple but significant things.

# 4/24/2009 6:56 PM Lian Drinan wrote:

Today I have so much thanks to give it would exceed the character limit ten times over.

But my thanks every single day is for the opportunities and experiences I have had and for those that will come in the future.

To all the people who I can call my friends and family from all over the world, I will never be able to thank them enough for the support they provide.

And all the beautiful people in the world who accept complete strangers into their homes and make them feel like a part of the family.

# 4/29/2009 10:23 PM Nicole Papasidero (Australia) wrote:

Having just celebrated a ‘milestone’, I would like to share 40 of the many things I am grateful for in my life right now:

1. Being alive

2. Being physically able

3. Being emotionally vulnerable

4. Being unafraid to show my feelings to those I love

5. Being imperfect

6. Smile lines

7. Being a mother to the most beautifully spirited children

8. Being a daughter to amazingly brave parents

9. Being a wife to an incredibly loving husband

10. Being a teacher of resilient students

11. Being a friend to forgiving and accepting confidantes

12. Living in this country of ours

13. Having freedom of speech

14. Having a warm, comfortable home

15. Having a job that feels like home

16. Being tall

17. Being female

18. Being literate

19. Music and the people who create it

20. Tears and laughter full of passion

21. Empathetic strangers

22. Indian food

23. The internet

24. Special nieces and family bonds

25. Chocolate

26. Champagne

27. The works of Paulo Coelho

28. The insights of Neale Donald Walsch

29. The work of the Fred Hollows Foundation

30. The compassion of those who work for the Motor Neurone Disease Association of NSW

31. The love and friendship of my sister

32. The ability to dance

33. High heel boots

34. The clever and insightful lyrics of Billy Joel, Howard Jones, Ben Lee, Pete Murray and Missy Higgins, to name a few

35. Living in a small town

36. The gift of words

37. Creativity and those who share it

38. Being blessed with people to love

39. Being blessed with people who love me

40. Finally understanding the power of gratitude.

# 5/10/2009 9:33 PM nicole papasidero wrote:

This one is for brave Mums everywhere, wherever and whoever they may be – and most especially for mine…

Here’s to you, today,

My darling dear Mum.

For all you have said,

And all you have done.

For the struggles and joys,

For the laughter and tears.

For what you have taught me

With the passing of years.

For the care and advice,

For the lessons you’ve taught.

For the way, so bravely

This battle you’ve fought

For the look in your eye,

For the things you can’t say.

For the love in your heart

That you share everyday

For the way you forgive,

The way you never forget.

For being able to smile,

No matter how bad it gets

For your interest in others,

For your genuine care.

For your humour and grace,

And a courage so rare.

Words will never do justice

To what I hold in my heart.

And no matter what happens,

I believe we never will part.

For all this and more,

So much more, and then some,

My gratitude is endless;

Thank you for being my Mum.

xoxox

1. 5/11/2009 4:51 PM LisaLisa wrote:

These are some of the most beautiful words I have ever read. You are quite talented. I think theses words arre how most children feel about thier moms everywhere, at least I do. They are truly heartwarming. On behalf of mothers everywhere, God Bless your heart and thank you ! LisaLisa—Texas–USA

# 5/11/2009 8:35 PM nicole papasidero wrote:

I am thankful today for beautiful bunches of flowers sent out of the blue from an unknown friend…and then realising I have a whole bunch of friends that may have been responsible for such a kind act, as one-by-one I tried to find out who it was!

# 5/15/2009 6:45 PM Ian Pettit wrote:

I am thankful for having great friends.

# 5/15/2009 7:18 PM nicole papasidero wrote:

I am thankful for great friends too

(and m&m’s).

# 5/15/2009 11:00 PM Nicole Commins wrote:

I am grateful for motivation, for desire, for contentment, for new friends who take the time to get to know you and for old friends who are always there for you. I am thankful for understanding between people, for the capability to know how someone else is feeling. For people who dedicate their life to spreading hope and encourage people to follow their dreams. I am grateful for family who would give up anything for you and parents who say that they love you and are proud of you.

I am grateful for sunsets that can inspire so many emotions and feelings. For questions that require you to assess your values and reach back through the depth of your mind to try find the answer, or at least what you think is the answer. For beautiful piano music that can take you to another place and allow your creativity to dance, and also for poetry whose words can make people acknolege their real desires.

Thankyou for life.

# 5/18/2009 8:50 PM nicole papasidero wrote:

today I am thankful for time – time to sit, talk, laugh, love, cry, wonder, think, walk, read, hug and be…

# 5/18/2009 9:41 PM karen c wrote:

gratitude. Today I am grateful to remember gratitude. For the forgiveness of children when life is spinning and they end up on the end of anger that is not about them; and for having the strength and respect for them to apologise and explain, and know that I need to do better. For taking time to throw together a casual dinner, smoothies and conversation; for taking time to lie down, cuddle and talk and kiss goodnight.. and loving the peace and re-connection that could be so easily lost. For time taken out for chatting with my husband, thinking and supporting each other through shitty work challenges, that gave opportunity for us to reflect and reaffirm the values we have in raising our family, and the management of our work around ‘us’. For being united in thinking, ‘up yours’! LOL. For having a soul mate, unconditional in love and support, for being blessed that we have not been dealt tragedy, and being reminded by the harsh loss of another to take time to appreciate this precious gift. For time used well.. making memories with cherished friends and their family through the most challenging time of their life; for being welcomed and appreciated for just being there, no matter how sad and unjust, and yet feeling that amazing comfort of a family chatting around the tv, sharing a laugh. For the amazement of human strength and compassion.. what a gift. For friends, being blessed to have treasures so rich that really I have no need for negative influences. For the realisation that this is all that matters. For new babies, a niece, and technology to introduce us to her already! So far away, but so loved already.

Grateful. I am grateful to be freed by gratitude.

# 5/19/2009 9:31 PM Salvatore wrote:

I am grateful for my gorgeous wife who’s amazing strength, passion, resilience, and love brings tears of joy to my eyes.

I am grateful to have witnessed one of the greatest love stories ever of two soul mates that have been through thick and thin.

I am grateful for the lessons from my father-in law a role model for courage, strength, love and for the example he has shown me on how to be a bloody good father, who always puts everyone else first no matter what, for he is truly first on my list.

Grateful for my awesome mother in law who makes the best baked apples in the world, who’s indomitable spirit will be a guide to me forever. (she deserves a Black Belt)

And lastly my two angels that just are awesome companions and friends to me and to each other.

# 5/20/2009 10:15 PM nicole papasidero wrote:

I am thankful for the times that require me to draw on unknown strengths and that bring to light my deepest fears, because it’s only during these times that I can appreciate and remember just what is important in my life…Today I am thankful for the simplest of things, like the ability to put one foot in front of the other, and being able to speak my thoughts when I think them. I am grateful that I can write, and type, and move my body if I am uncomfortable. I am grateful that I can laugh out loud and still find things to laugh about, and that I can make other people laugh too. I am grateful for relationships that strengthen and soar under trying circumstances, and for others that fade away…and for learning (slowly) to appreciate the blessings in both of these changes.I am grateful that I am the recipient of unconditional love, and friendship, on a daily basis. I am grateful for classical music; its soothing quality bringing a quiet peace to the room when it is played. I am grateful for a velvety red nightcap that brings a rose-coloured glow to the evening, helping us relax and enjoy the moments we have together…I am thankful for friends who share their hurts and fears so openly, and show their compassion for others in so many ways, always willing to do whatever it takes to help. And most importantly, today I am thankful for soul-mates who simply shine in times like these, taking on whatever needs to be done and doing it all unselfishly…and for little angels that make these bumpy roads seem so much smoother simply by holding my hand, telling me they love me, and lighting up my day with their smiles. These are the things I am grateful for today, and I feel blessed to have so much.

# 5/24/2009 8:17 PM nicole papasidero wrote:

Thank you for friends and family who always show up when you need them, hug you when you don’t even know you need a hug, smile when you really need to be smiled at, and love you for being who you are, no matter who that is.

# 5/25/2009 7:07 AM Salvatore wrote:

Today I am grateful for tears. To me they are a sign of true love. All our strongest emotions end in tears. I think it serves to remind us that everything is in perfect order. Tears shed in times of sorrow are there to remind us of the love we have, not of the love we lost. Tears are the souls reminder that we are not alone and that love comes in many forms and is with us for eternity. So I shed tears gratefully knowing that it is the right thing to do.

# 5/26/2009 12:01 AM nicole papasidero wrote:

Today I am grateful for the beautiful wisdom of the people around me…for the littlest signs that what we think we know about life and death might really be the truth…for the smallest things that people do and say that make us stop, assess, and re-think our words and actions…for forgiveness and those who give it freely and without being asked…for the warmest of cuddles and kisses from my angels and their father…and for what I learn about courage every single day in this house…I am thankful.

# 5/26/2009 10:17 PM nicole papasidero wrote:

Today I say thank you for people who bring delicious home-cooked meals to your door, hot and ready to eat…and for others who send their thoughts and prayers your way every time they think of you…and others who don’t know what to say, and say it anyway…for aunties who teach their nieces how to knit, then pass that skill on to the next generation of aunties who then, so patiently, teach my daughters how to knit too… for gelato and hot chocolate…and Dads who spoil their daughters…and Mums who teach their children how to smile when there is seemingly so little to smile about……this is the greatest and most amazing thing to be grateful for today…so, thank you, Mum.

# 5/27/2009 10:38 PM nicole papasidero wrote:

Time to share the most difficult parts of life with treasured family and friends, to feel better for their words, hugs, company, understanding, acceptance, empathy and humour – these are the things I cherish today, and feel thankful for as I put myself to bed tonight.

# 5/28/2009 8:45 PM karen c wrote:

Thank you for a peaceful quiet household, and the blessing of the total contrast of chaotic noise and activity half an hour prior, for it is the signs of happy, healthy, bubbly children full of mischief.

Thank you for the pleasure of ‘old’ friends who so openly share their struggles and frustrations in life in the comfort of our friendship. Thank you for their inspirational ability to struggle on and strive to find the positives out their seemingly dire situations. Thank you for refreshing laughter. Thank you for tears. Thank you for the distraction of cooking and eating. I am grateful to be so blessed to feel I can support others in the smallest of ways. I am grateful to be trusted to share their load.

I am grateful for small community gatherings and the amazing ability of my mother to draw people in to feel they belong, and are welcome to join the crazy fun she creates for them. I am grateful to witness their appreciation and enjoyment of her efforts. I am grateful for fabulous cooking by such talented local chefs!

Today I say thank you for encouraging news of my sister-in-law and the confidence in her strength to do the best she can.

I am grateful my family.. and the blessing of being committed to each other, loyal, loving and respected by each other.

I am so lucky, and I am thankful that I remember this and say thanks.

# 5/28/2009 10:36 PM nicole papasidero wrote:

today I am grateful for the ability to love, grateful for being able to show my love, and grateful for being shown I am loved so deeply by the most special people in my life.

# 5/30/2009 11:39 PM Bernie wrote:

Today I am grateful for the life of a beautiful lady….

whose life has touched mine and the lives of so many……in so many ways….

but most especially through the gift of her equally beautiful daughter…my friend…and her family….who are such a blessing in my life…

For all that has been nurtured in them and by them….from the creation of this blogspace to the many moments, joys, friends, lessons, victories and struggles shared by us all and which have become suhc a part of who I am….

This gracious, courageous and most loved of women, leaves behind a legacy that will continue to live and breathe as richly and vibrantly as she has….

for though she leaves us for a while…

she remains in us all…

for she has become us all…and the impact she has made upon the world, is thus far reaching and endless….

carried forward by all who love her and all whom she loved….

and I am so grateful to have been touched by her….

So on this day…I give thanks for a life so generously given and lived…

and I am reminded moreso, to be grateful for my own…

So, much love, lovely lady…

as you go onward…

and thank you, for passing my way….

xxxx

# 6/14/2009 11:14 PM Nicole Papasidero wrote:

Today, a little over two weeks since my darling Mum passed away, I would like to say thank you for the person she was to me. I have tried to write this every day since she passed on, but I haven’t been able to find the right words. But, as imperfect as these few lines will inevitably be, I want to share them today…

I am so utterly grateful to have been blessed with a mother who forever tried to teach me to be more certain about who I am…

for her simple tradition of sitting on my bed at night when I was a kid and listening to anything I had to say…

for the way she let me sit on her knee and cuddle her until I was way too big to do it comfortably…

for the world’s greatest parties she hosted, typified by the raucous laughter of faithful friends and a really good punch recipe…

for loving and respecting me enough to give up smoking when I asked her to at the ripe old age of twelve…

for the way she looked when she dressed up to go out on the arm of my Dad, and the way she would blush when he would compliment her on her beauty…

for her flawless sense of style alongside wonderful fashion faux-pas that have been the butt of endless jokes, and envy…

for the way she always trusted me to do the right thing, and loved me even when I shattered the illusion…

for always giving credit whenever it was due, and even when no-one else could bring themselves to do so…

for her ridiculously good memory for the most trivial and historical and numerical things…

for the respect she showed, and taught me to have for the Aged in the community…

for doing so much for others and never letting on that most of it was unpaid, and just for love…

for her unimaginable strength, determination, courage, persistence and bravery beyond belief…

for smiling in the face of her deepest sorrow, yet not fearing what was inevitable…

for all her faults and mistakes, and for never, ever claiming to be perfect…

for loving my children the way she loved me, and saying “I love you” whenever she felt it…

for the way she held my hand and sat with me, allowing me to say all that I needed to say whenever I needed to share it…

for telling me she will always be with me, giving me so much to hold onto in those moments of sadness……

and for giving me the inspiration to be all that I can be in this lifetime, not for recognition or fame, but just to be, and live every moment like it’s all you have…

for these priceless gifts and countless, endless more – I am so, so grateful to the beautiful soul that is my Mum.

I love you, I miss you, and I thank you.

xoxo

# 6/20/2009 11:20 PM Nicole Commins wrote:

I am grateful for being granted the gift of a friends trust. For the many amazing oppotunities open to me next year which are made that much more tangible with the support of my family. For adventures, for fun nights out, for self control, for friends who make you laugh until you cry, for well earned results, for teachers who believe in you, for friends who know when to give you a cuddle and a kiss. For De Bussy and Rachmaninov whose music is just beautiful and movies that can evoke so much emotion and power. For the desire to make a difference.

I am so grateful for that moment when you know you have a connection with someone.

# 6/25/2009 8:18 PM Nicole Papasidero wrote:

In my presently upside-down world, I am so grateful for the things that keep me upright and partially sane…

like the love and friendship of my faithful husband, and the eternal happiness on the faces of my two children in the mornings…

for people who just ‘get it’ and share the undeniable gift of their healing wisdom with others…

for music that helps you feel what you need to feel, and takes you to places you had once been…

for the ever-widening circle of wise souls surrounding our little family, allowing the memory of my mother to now live on through their friendships with us…

for the humour that allows us to cope with the elephant in the room…

for moments of clarity in a foggy day when you just ‘know’ what needs to be said and done…

for students who come and find you in the playground just to have a chat and energise you with their youthful cheer and enthusiasm…

for being the one that someone calls on in a crisis, and feeling as though you just might have made a difference…

for realising how much you keep growing when you are already grown-up, and the satisfaction of knowing you never, ever have to go back to all that uncertainty ever again…

and for love – all sorts of love – because without it, what is there?

I am thankful that I am loved by the most special people in the world: the people who love me.

# 7/5/2009 10:11 AM Nicole Papasidero wrote:

I am thankful for delete functions.

(Please don’t ever follow any strange links published on this site.)

# 7/7/2009 7:00 PM karen c wrote:

I am grateful for being the receiver of awkward cuddles, after much effort in climbing up, over and on top of the lounge, cushions, legs and computer,all the while balancing a bottle of milk not so well, before smacking a deliciously wet ‘mmmm-wah’ kiss on my lips! Makes coming home very special

I am grateful for sharing my shower with 3 other little bodies, knowing that one day I will have it all to myself!

I am grateful for gorgeous days out watching kids playing sport, and being a quietly proud mum as our boy is growing in confidence and ability.

I am thankful for stimulating, great conversations about sport, strategies and philosophies with sons, husbands, friends and strangers. I am grateful for playing ball in the back yard.

I am grateful for tolerant and supportive friends who understand me. I am thankful for selfish personalities that provide opportunity for the realisation of true friends. I am grateful for growing older and developing courage to ‘grow up’ and be strong in conflict.

I am grateful for doctors who listen and act on our fears and concerns, without judgement and follow things through thoroughly.

I am grateful to celebrate my upcoming birthday is a ‘free’ environment to share with all the people who want to be there.

I am grateful for rain, but even more grateful for opportunity to finally start getting our crop in, knowing there will be good subsoil moisture to give us every opportunity to gain great crops in November!

I am grateful for dreams and goals and the confidence to believe in them. I am thankful for opportunity.

# 7/8/2009 6:57 PM Nicole Papasidero wrote:

Today I am thankful for:

…things that go according to plan, even when my own plans go awry

…husbands that look hot in a uniform…

…colleagues and friends who confide in me

…students who believe in me, even when I don’t

…students who know how to use a ’smartboard’, especially when I don’t

…songs that bring tears to your eyes at the most unexpected times

…little girls who cry when they remember their Grandma, and let me cry with them

…even littler girls who yell out your name in the cutest little voice and smile when they see you

…feeling happy about simple, lovely things

…being so loved

I am grateful that I am able to say thank you today.

# 7/8/2009 10:46 PM Jess wrote:

i am thankful for people who always listen no matter what,

i am thankful for people who don’t judge you when your in a dark corner and i think thats all they will do.

i am thankful for the same teacher (sensei) who always makes my day and always keeps my secrets and is never too busy to listen..

i am thankful for japanese parties and the ongoing effort my awesome sensei always puts into our ‘not so appreciative’ class, your efforts are not wasted to me.

i am thankful for friends who stick by your side and tell you just how much they love you.

i am thankful for having enough money to spoil myself at the jewelers with a $100 necklace just because.

i am thankful for listening to my sister read to me and trying her hardest to pronounce those hard words.

i am thankful for emails, feeling like you are right next to the person you miss and wishing you could just hug them.

i am thankful for DVD’s and smartboards that play up!!!

i am thankful for embarrassing moments, it may be embarrassing but it makes people you love laugh.

last of all today i am thankful for not being too old to have your mum and dad kiss you goodnight and say they love you..

# 7/8/2009 11:06 PM Nicole Papasidero wrote:

# 7/9/2009 11:11 PM Jess wrote:

today i am thankful for drama getting my sisters and i ready alone this morning…

i am thankful for the smiles of people that care once you put your bag next to theirs…

i am thankful for being able to help a grieving friends after loosing someone that meant a lot to her..

i am thankful for my maths result test i got today, studying all day sunday seemed to pay off..

i am thankful for going to school today, hey it may be boring but some children would never know that..

i am thankful for i’m sorry’s even when sometimes you don’t know if they really mean what they say..

i am thankful for friends, being able to laugh, flick through magazines and colour in a million “Z” for our costumes..

i am thkanful for socials and smiling faces of people as i enter the door.. the weird music and being strong enough to ask for the music to be changed…

lastly i am thankful for a pretty awesome person who is sitting next to me and i call her my friend (prue). Its pretty hard to find friends that you could write a millon things about and never really explain what its like to call them your friend.

last of all i am thankful for frozen cokes (i don’t really like them!) but when you’ve been singing your lungs out they really made your throat feel nice!!!

# 7/10/2009 8:39 PM Jess wrote:

today i am thankful for….

talking to a friend in the early hours of the morning and paying for it when i woke up this morning soo tired!!!

for having perfect health and only watching someone through a movie the bucket list pass away

for all the beautiful teachers in our school who wish you a happy holiday

for leaving work 30 minutes early today!!! yes a bonus!!!

having a mini bonfire with dad and roasting marsh mellows AND getting ice cream as well!!! (we NEVER have ice cream!!!)

listening to a great song that has soo much meaning

being able to type on a computer

and for being able to write stories that my friends beg me to read to them and beg me to write about… maybe being a writer is something i should consider..

HOLIDAYS!!!! or as some teachers say VACATION!!! in an accent!

# 7/10/2009 10:55 PM Nicole Papasidero wrote: