Being the pessimist that I am, I sometimes find myself ruminating on negative everything (My butt's too big! I don't spend enough time with my dog! I'm always late! I'm getting old!). This November, I've made the resolution to be more positive and focus on all of the amazing things that happen to me and around me. This week, I'm so grateful for: 1. Subway station musicians: They make the morning commute an actual pleasure—especially the guy that plays pop songs on classical guitar at Bloor/Yonge station in Toronto. 2. My dog walker, Alexa: After searching and searching for an appropriate company to take charge of my pooch for half an hour each day, I found Barks N Purrs. Alexa works for the company and she leaves notes everyday about Bebop's time with her "wolf pack"—the group of dogs that walk together around 2 p.m. Yesterday, she left me a note saying that Bebop is a delight to walk because he's so happy-go-lucky. #proudmom 3. The Sudoku app on my iPhone: I'm an avid Sudoku player in the paper, in books and on my computer. This week a light went on. "I should get an app!" The bing noises that the program makes when I get the numbers correct gives me a little thrill. 4. Citra, one of the concierges in my building: One morning when I left my condo with a suitcase, my dog went ballistic and barked for two hours straight. Citra called me asking if there was anyone who could take him, but my dog walker wasn't scheduled to arrive for another three hours. Citra offered to take him out and brought him a handful of treats. I'm so grateful this woman works in my building. 5. Shoes that are actually comfortable: I was given a pair of Rockport Alanda Monk Strap flats at a recent Rockport press preview and they are incredibly cushy while playing into the "one of the boys" trend that's so hot right now. Check out our post on wearing masculine shoes. Tell us: What are you grateful for? Musician photo by Kaybee07 on Flickr