The weather sucked here in Raleigh, I woke up with a headache, and I was in something of a poopy mood today.  And when you’re in a poopy mood, it’s kind of hard to get motivated to do what you’re supposed to.

So I decided to play a little game with myself.  The game is called, “What are you Grateful For”?  And even if you’re grateful for some of the most stupid things in the world (like nail polish, Spotify, and the Real Housewives of [Blank]), you’ll feel a little more fortunate, a little more hopeful, and you’ll do what you’re supposed to (clean out your closet, go for a run, send emails, or whatever it is) without too much complaint.  So here goes!  On this crappy weather day, what am I grateful for?

1.  My job.  I’m almost coming up on one year with Fleet Feet Raleigh, and I have to toot our horn for a few reasons.  We’re the best running store in Raleigh because we’re committed to a good experience for the customer, we know what we’re talking about, and we’re all at different fitness levels, so we all bring something different to our customers.

I also work with some of the most fantastic people with the most colorful personalities in the world.  Truthfully, between the owners, the management, and the other specialists there, I don’t know what I would do without these people.  I’ve found new friends, new running partners, and new motivation to keep doing what I’m doing.  Enough gushing about them though, I would hate for them to think that I actually enjoy working with them 😉

2. Fat camp. Let me explain.  Maybe 6 or 7 years ago, I was watching MTV with my gorgeous native American friend, Morgan.  MTV was airing this documentary, called Fat Camp.  And thus, my fascination with camp, fitness, and wellness was born.  So I went on the wild hunt to find out what this camp was.  I found it, I applied a few times, and finally, in the summer of 2010, I was hired to work there.  And it ROCKS.  The camp is a little slice of heaven where I get to spend time each summer, and I’m so annoyed that I didn’t attend as a child.  It’s fine though.  I’m there now, and I get to go to Shabbat services on Fridays.  I miss it!

3. My family.  My mom reads this blog and she gets mad if I say unflattering things.  So I will say I am grateful for them and I will not mention how we sometimes watch Jerry Springer together for a nice laugh on the holidays.

4. The fact that my car is still running.  It is a ’99 Taurus, and from time to time, things are a tad touch and go.  But as long as I change the oil and vacuum it, it seems to treat me well.  So let’s send that car some good vibes.  Mama Cheri can’t afford a car payment right now, and my legs aren’t muscular enough for me to be pushing my car everywhere instead of driving it.

5.  The physical ability I have to be able to run and write this blog.  I recognize it takes some discipline to do what I’m doing.  But I am so darn grateful for the fact that I’m physically capable to put one foot in front of the other for 12,13, 15+ miles.  I’m not confined to my bed.  I’m not sick.  The worst affliction I have is a mean sweet tooth with a side of laziness.  I hope and I pray that this ability lasts forever.

6. Austin Samples. I don’t want to embarrass him, but he’s so so so wonderful and I don’t know what I’d do without him or my stepchild of a cat I inherited when he came into my life.  Meow!

7.     Last, but certainly not least, I am forever grateful for my wonderful friends. You know who you are.  I have friends from San Fran to South Africa.  Friends who are pregnant.  Friends who are married, and those who are single.  Friends who came into my life with the most special of  singing groups ever.  Friends who voted for Obama, and friends who aren’t fans.  Friends who are a little older, and those just a little younger.  Friends who take a crappy day, and turn it into a dancefest complete with high kicks and splits.

In short, I’m grateful for all you folks that bring a smile to my face or a laugh every so often.  You can turn the most gloomy of days into a total laugh fest!

So if you find yourself in a crappy mood ever, boil yourself a cup of mint tea, take a shower, and begin to make a list of the people and places you’re grateful for.  I guarantee, there’s no problem a little nail polish, physical activity, and a laugh with some good frands won’t cure.