I am Thankful.... really!

This is a time for THANKS.

It's also a time for overeating, which I did, stress about shopping, longer nights and less light. I am going to try really hard to make this a holiday season about SOMETHING. I'm not sure what, but I want to go at it with purpose. It sounds backwards, but sometimes I like the road less traveled. Let me start with my blessings.

• ... that Chip and I banged out a wicked great fried turkey for Thanksgiving, despite the fact that the day started with a huge fight that resulted in tears and screaming. I am thankful that we have enough passion to fight for what we want & need.

• ... that Aunt Mable doesn't always hear that well (see bullet 1)

• ... for my tried & true, best friends. Carol, Sue, Laurie, & Dawn. This year, Carol canceled all gift-giving with the girls, and I quickly agreed to the pact. Truly, there is nothing that I can put in a box that can fully express how thankful I am for each of them. Instead, I am taking some of those funds and buying a kick-ass gift for a child that I don't know, who is in need. That makes me feel really good.

• ... for parents that "get" me

• ... I am thankful for Chip telling my Aunt Jo, in front of my whole family, that he wasn't wearing his wedding ring because he's not married "here" (point to finger) he married HERE (point to his heart). Last night he called me his wife for the first time, and I still feel all squishy inside when I think about it. I know that won't last forever, bu I am enjoying it now!

• ... for a job that I will eventually grow to love, once the market bounces back and it doesn't feel so painful

• ... that my niece talks on the phone now. I don't necessarily understand what she is saying, but she is saying it to ME.

• ... for the new dryer sheets I just bought, because my sheets still smell fantastic 3 days later (Bounce - Pure Essentials)

• ... for Riley, my big boy. I know he is getting older and seems to be moving just a little slower these days. When he looks at me with his still young puppy dog eyes, I want to melt.

Well, there are many more things I could list. I am aware of how lucky I am and try to act accordingly. Sometimes I am better at it than others, but I do try.

I wish you a drama free day :-)