Jeff

The most unique and exciting gift I received this year came from an old college friend, Jeff.  Knowing me well, he is aware that one of my all-time, favorite bands is Drivin n Cryin.  The band was an alternative group that wasn't played often on the radio.  In fact, most folks my age aren't familiar with the group.  However, I liked them because they were what my older siblings were listening to at the time.  REM and Drivin n Cryin...the good ole' days!

So, when my friend, Jeff, surprised me with tickets to see Drivin n Cryin at the Tabernacle on the Eve of Christmas Eve, I couldn't have been more excited!  The concert was fabulous, and although we were the youngest people there (well, minus a small group about our age that smoked pot in front of us all night long), it was still amazing!  It was certainly one of the most thoughtful gifts I've ever received!

Thanks, Jeff!

Lauren

At the Christmas Eve party this year, my cousin Lauren (who I still consider a child but is engaged, in her mid 20s, and has a graduate degree) came with her fiance, Ryan.  Lauren was very sweet to bring me a bottle of Merlot.  We giggled at one point during the night about how neither of us really knew much about wine and when it came to it...we went for the coolest label.  My friend, Jeff (who I blog about tomorrow), and I enjoyed the wine after the midnight candlelight service!  It was great!

Thanks, Lauren!

The Webb Family + Connie

Every year, my mom hosts a Christmas Eve gathering for friends and family to visit with Santa.  Santa always arrives at 6:30, and brings gifts for small guests.  It is a special evening that means a lot to our family.  This year was the 36th year of the party.

Several special families (who are not family) come every year.  One of these, the Webb Family and Connie, have a unique connection to our family.  I plan to outline the connection when I write to the Webb Family and Connie in the coming months.

In the meantime, I'm writing them to thank them for the fabulous Southern Platter.  It is a little hard to read, so this is what it says..."The South...The place where y'all can get...squash casserole, pecan pie, butter beans, fried chicken, banana pudding, country gravy, fatback beans, shrimp and grits, creamed corn, peach cobbler, green tomatoes, cornbread pudding, cathead biscuits, bar-b-que, fried pickles, sweet tea."  All those great southern foods!

I can't wait to use it next time I host a get together!

Thanks, Webb Family and Connie!

Lori

For a while now, I've been strategically searching for a scarf to wear to UGA games and tailgates.  It is pretty ironic how hard it is to find a red scarf (without fringe...yup, I'm picky).  However, my friend, Lori, had a great idea.  One of the young ladies that I taught years ago is learning to sew.  She made all of her young friends scarves for Christmas.  What a special gift!  I can't wait to have it monogrammed and pull it out for next season.

In addition the scarf, Lori gave me a Scentsy leather fragrance travel tin.  The smell is similar to the "new car smell" that everybody loves.  Can't wait to make my car smell that way again.

Thanks, Lori!

Wasdin Family

For those of you who know me, you're well aware that I hardly cook unless it goes in the slow cooker.  Evidentially, this tidbit of information inspired my bestie to purchase this great book for me.  She's even picked out a few recipes she'd like me to make.

The worst part is that we decided not to exchange gifts this year.  Since she has two kiddos (with birthdays right after Christmas), we decided it was easier to skip the gift exchange and instead spend an afternoon doing something special...except, she didn't really stick to the plan...plus we haven't had time for that afternoon together either!

So, let me know when you're ready to come over for dinner!  I'll get my slow cooker ready!

Thanks, Wasdin Family!

Barnes Family

In October, the Junior League of Cobb-Marietta puts on an annual shopping event entitled, The Mistletoe Market.  Each year, I organize a group of about 10 ladies to meet for shopping and a fun lunch somewhere in the Square.  This year, while we were shopping, I discovered a really neat vintage inspired container.  Unfortunately, one of the ten ladies with us, scooped it up before I could.  While harassing her about it, my sister-in-law looked up the company that sold them and secured one for my Christmas gift...such a nice SIL!

I plan to purchase some mason jars and use this to organize all my junk!

Thanks, Barnes Family.

The Salter Family

If you haven't noticed by now, I'm slightly addicted to blogs.  While scoping out Pinterest months ago, I discovered a link to these beautiful personalized monograms.  So, when my sister asked what I wanted for Christmas, I had the perfect idea!

Immediately, I knew this would look perfect on my front door.  I can't wait to paint it and get it out for everyone to see.

Thanks, Salter Family!

Dad

For those of you who know my dad, you know that he is not a shopper (unless it has to do with farm equipment).  Not wanting anything farm or cow related for Christmas, I was pretty happy with the good ole fashioned greenback.

Thanks, Dad!

Mom

Several years ago, I read a blog post about a woman who created a 20x40 list.  As I was reading, I began thinking of all the things I'd like to do.  So, I created a list.  I still have the list, and it includes 20 items I hope to complete by the time I turn 40 (8 more years to go).  Number one on the list is to learn to can fruits and vegetables.

At the end of the summer, I finally learned.  My best friend, Samantha, took me to her parents' house.  Her dad has a huge stockpile of canned veggies, and he was willing to teach me the steps.  Since that day, I've become fascinated with learning more and canning vegetables grown in my very own garden.  So, when I opened my mom's Christmas present...I was pretty ecstatic.

My mom gave me a large water bath canner and the book, Complete Book of Home Preserving: 400 Delicious and Creative Recipes for Today.  I scoured the book from beginning to end, and I've decided to give canned fruits and vegetables as part of Christmas gifts next year (we'll see if that works).

Thanks, Mom!

The Plan

Just in case you were wondering, I don't know 365 people.  I don't have 365 Facebook friends - I'm a picky FB "friender."  In fact, I'm not certain how this project will turn out.  However, I am excited about the journey and what I might learn.

Several nights ago, I spent time pondering how this project will work.  I began thinking of the people who have influenced my life, and I noticed multiple areas that were impacted most often (e.g., spiritual, educational, etc.).  This brainstorming sparked a plan.

I intend to focus different amounts of time for each of the areas of influence, instead of skipping around from person to person with no general guideline (this may only make sense to me).  Hopefully, this will help create a storyline and assist readers of this blog (if there are any) to follow the path of how each person has changed my life.

With all of this said, I am cheating.  I'm starting with Christmas Thank Yous.  These don't fall into inspirational areas, albeit each person is on the list later (fyi...I only have about 100 people on the list, and I'm not sure where I'll find the other 265) and will receive a second card in the future.

So, here is to hoping I can follow through, mark something off of my 20x40 list, and spend some time in gratitude - thanking those people who have shaped me into the person I am today.

The Thank You Project

About this time last year, I heard the story of John Kralik, an attorney who spent a year writing thank you notes to people in his life.  An entire year, 365 days, spent in gratitude.  What an amazing way to spend a year.  As loved ones have passed over the years, I often ponder the opportunities that are gone...the occasions to thank those who have molded and shaped me into the person I am today.  When I think about where life has taken me, I can easily identify the people who helped me throughout the journey.  So, why do we wait until opportunities are gone to show our appreciation?  Well, I hope that won't be the case for me anymore.

Inspired by the book, "365 Thank Yous: The Year a Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life," I plan to take the next 365 days to thank those people for the influence, teachings, and encouragement provided to me over the years.

I plan to share those stories here.  Share the background.  Share the letters.  Share the gratitude.