Praises: Looking on the Bright Side

It's been one of those weeks. The ones that inspire books like Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, and turn into lyrics like "You tell me your blue skies fade to grey, you tell me your passion's gone away" from that Daniel Powter song that "American Idol" ruined. The whole lot of frustrations from this week makes me want to cry, pout and drown my sorrows in a tub of Trader Joe's Soy Creamy Cherry Chip ice cream (don't judge -- it's good!), but then I remember that God never promised that life would be easy. He did promise, however, to hold our hands through those bad times. It is that hand-holding that has gotten me through this week's bouts of traffic jams, panic about my future, exhaustion, and criticisms from my boss.

Well, that and a few other reminders that God is not only really great at that whole "lean on me" stuff, but also knows when to bring around small bits of joy when I need it the most.

While it is not always easy to find the bright notes in what can feel like a swirling sea of misfortune, looking back over the past five days, there are some things I can feel thankful about. Here are ten of them:

1. Mexican Coke - Made with real sugar cane, as opposed to corn syrup like the stuff made in the US, it's addictively delicious -- and the perfect cure for a case of the mid-day slumps.

2. Sarah, the receptionist at Bar Method - After just five minutes of chatting with her before my workout yesterday, I was all sorts of perked up. Plus, she called me "delightful" when I left, and as a result, I felt... well, pretty darn delightful!

3. Shana - My best friend from 4th - 11th grade who has reentered my life and become an incredible source of support as I figure out my next step. Just knowing that people are rooting for me to succeed is an amazing feeling. I feel so blessed that God has peppered my life with wonderful friends like her.

4. Tea & cookies with Joanne - This past Wednesday night, I got together with one of my dearest friends in LA for tea and treats at one of my favorite local spots, Susina Bakery. As we nibbled and sipped on our scrumptious purchases, I was reminded that sometimes the simplest pleasures are the most enjoyable. It doesn't always have to be tasting menus and expensive spa treatments. (Though those are nice too!)

5. My blogger friend Esi who posted the following comment on my "Diana Takes a Bite" blog post about this week's episode of "Top Chef:" "I think my favorite part about this show are your reviews the next day." I think my favorite part of yesterday was reading her kind words!

6. "Top Chef" - Watching those crazy chefs try to make magic in a pan brings me spoonfuls of joy. Pun intended.

7. Reruns - I was so glad that so many of my favorite shows were reruns this week so I could catch up on some much needed sleep! (Feel free to judge me for this one.)

8. E-mails from my friend Ali. I love having her to e-mail with during the day. It makes me feel connected to someone and that I'm not alone in the world of my yellow-walled office. (Even if she does sometimes send me messages about how her classroom has a questionable odor.)

9. Babies - I was overjoyed to receive an e-mail this morning telling me that a friend gave birth to a beautiful, 8 pound, 4 ounce baby girl. It was a squeal-worthy moment. (Just ask my co-workers within hearing range.)

10. Positive feedback about this blog. I was really nervous when I starting writing about such a personal and sensitive subject, so I am thrilled that it has been embraced by so many of my friends. Thank you for your kind words of support!

Do you have a praise from your week? Post it below!