Happy Friday! Oh wait, it’s only Wednesday. But no work on Thursday and maybe only a couple hours working from home on Friday, so … Happy Pretend Friday!!

Today I’m thankful that I work indoors! It is very cold outside. I am not a fan of the cold! I’m not sure how some people can deal with working outdoors. I am sure it’s great when the weather is beautiful, and I’m definitely jealous of them on those days. But then on days like today, do they wish they worked in an office?

I’m thankful that when I was at Costco the other day, I bought winter gloves that I can still use my smartphone when I’m wearing them!

I’m thankful that I get to see a friendly person every day on my way into work. His name is Lawrence and he’s homeless.  He works on the corner near my office collecting money for the homeless, and earning money for himself.  The way it works for him … he has to “rent” the collection box and stand. Once he’s collected that cost from good hearted people, the rest is profit. He’ll use that to pay for a room for the night or food to eat.  He is usually such a cheerful part of my morning, because he’s very nice and friendly, trying to collect donations for the homeless, saying good morning to everyone and having a friendly word for all who pass by, and giving tourists directions. But it was very cold out, so I’m thankful that he took the day off, which means he earned enough recently not to have to be out in the cold.  I like Lawrence, and stop to chat with him every day. I give him some money usually once a month, but every day he says good morning and offers me a fist pump! He’s friendly to everyone, whether they donate or not.  If you pass someone with one of these boxes, why not give that person a dollar?  It will help them a lot!

And, as always, I am thankful for my family, and my close friends who are like family!

What are you thankful for today?