I am Thankful

Thanksgiving has come and gone which means my birthday is just around the corner. It's the perfect time to reflect on the past year and do a little inventory (which I can later analyze in my next therapy session) on what I am thankful.

In no particular order...

I am thankful for my in-laws and their beautiful beach house, which is the perfect getaway. (note to self - must go again this winter!)

I am thankful for my in-laws, kindred foodies, who shop, talk, swap and live food.

I am thankful for a fine car, which takes us to and fro throughout the southern US to visit friends and family. (I'm not always thankful though on the 5th of every month, when my car payment is due.)

I am thankful for toddlers, who exhaust my patience and expand my heart. Love to Landon, Cameron and Ella!

I am thankful for my children who request that we rent "An Inconvenient Truth" to watch and discuss global warning.

I am thankful that my son can quote Socrates, never mind even knows who the dude is.

I am thankful that my daughter never has to be told to practice her instrument, but picks it up spontaneously and is developing a beautiful sound.

I am thankful that my husband went to ten stores (so he says, maybe for dramatic effect?), tried eBay, Craigslist and Zappa, before finding me the perfect purse for my birthday.

I am thankful that my boss, who apparently has my number (figuratively, people) never calls me on it too often, but gently nudges me in the right direction despite it sometimes being out of my comfort zone. Thanks, Eve.

I am thankful for Facebook (do NOT insert your finger in your mouth out of disgust!) which allows me to follow old friends from high school (Dave Buchanan, you are groovier than I ever imagined), slightly less older friends from college (Forrest Dogger, Steve Brearton; ladies, you know who you are) and chums from the hood (Michelle Lawrie, stop playing frickin poker!).

I am thankful for the extremely cool folks I have met in Charlotte (too many to mention) who give me hope that this town is more than football, banking and pleated pants.

I am thankful for salted caramel brownies from Amelie's. Nuff said.

I am thankful for my husband who negotiated a case of wonderful, French Beaujolais wines as part of his payment for a recent gig. Cheers!

I am thankful to the Hornets Nest Girl Scouts troop who took me to do the "ropes", and allowed me to face my fear of heights, and learn to trust total strangers.

On the same note, I am thankful to Jay with the UUCC who encouraged me to participate in a Sunday service, and face my fear of public speaking.

I am thankful for my friend Melinda, who has faith in my abilities and never stops telling me so.

I am thankful for friends and family who juggle their lives and schedules to come visit us in Charlotte.

Thanks, all.