Giving Thanks

I complain a lot around here. I complain about how hard life can be, how things don't go my way, how I don't have enough of this or that. It's so easy to remember what I don't have because it's always right there staring me in the face. It's much harder to stop for a second, take a look around and be thankful for what I do have. I know this is so mushy and cliche at Thanksgiving but if I don't do it now, when will I ever do it? These are the things I'm thankful for today...

My home. I often complain that it's not big enough or it's too old or I don't have enough closet space. But, my home is warm and inviting and cozy and when I walk through the door at the end of the day I let out a sigh of relief that I am back in my safe little cocoon.

My job. Yes it's hard and yes it's overwhelming but I have a great job. In a time where many don't have jobs at all, I take mine for granted. I am a part, albeit a small one, of our country's space program and I get to see things on a daily basis that a lot of people will never see in their lives. I have health insurance and a 401k and my own little office.

My mother. God she knows just how to drive me nuts. She says the wrong things and doesn't always know when to not say anything but she's here. She's making an effort to be a part of my life and is there to support me when I need her.

My husband. I get annoyed with how slow he drives and how he doesn't load the dishwasher the right way and plays his video games too loud but he's here, with me. I never have to wonder if he's out at the bar or driving home drunk. And he's helping me! He does the dishes and helps with dinner and if I ask him to do something he will. He wants what's best for me and will sacrifice for himself so I can have what is best.

My dogs. They love to eat my cork coasters and it pisses me off. They also still pee on the floor sometimes. It drives me nuts when they pull during their walks. But, I don't know what I'd do without them. I am so glad that I get to see their sweet faces when I get home or reach over in the middle of the night and snuggle with them. They make me laugh and comfort me when I'm sad. They are the epitome of joyful living.

My health. I stand in front of the mirror every morning while I'm waiting for the shower to heat up and pinch all the flabby areas on my body. I love to pull and manipulate the flab so I can see what I'd look like if I lost that particular fat roll. But, I've come a long way this year in terms of my health. I have changed my life for the better. I am proud of how strong my body has become and how much better I feel.

My family and friends. It's hard to keep in touch. Everyone has their own life going on and we all get busy and forget to stop and say hello. With all the blogging and email and facebook, we get accustomed to see what's going on with everybody in short little blurbs and updates. But even though all we're getting are short little blurbs at a time, we are keeping up with each other. I don't know many people that can say they talk to their cousins or aunts on an almost daily basis. We're connected and we're supportive of each other.

There are a million other things in life that I am thankful for but right now these are the ones that are at the front of my mind. I know once a year isn't enough to remember all the things we're thankful for but it's a start. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday filled with friends and family. I hope that you create memories that will last a lifetime.