Thursday, November 25, 2010

I am thankful


It is that time of year that Americans give thanks for all that we are blessed with ... our freedom, our homeland, our futures. What we are really thankful for is in the details of our lives ... the every day realities. Here is what I am thankful for this year ...

I am thankful for my daughter. She is an amazing child who has been through a massive life change over the past couple of years. Through it all she has stayed loving, healthy and happy. I am so proud that she is a normal 5 year old kindergartener. I am a very blessed mama!

I am thankful for my parents. I really don't know where I would be right now if they weren't always by my side supporting me, helping me, encouraging me. They have gone above and beyond the call of parental duty. They have given us a roof over our heads, food on our table, clean clothes on our back, security and unconditional love.

I am thankful for The Boyfriend. He has provided guidance without directing me. He has provided love without expectation. He has provided security during unexpected times. He has provided generosity asking for nothing in return. He has provided friendship to the ones I love. I couldn't have asked for a better man to spend the rest of my life with.

I am thankful for Miss. She is my soul sister. There is so much similarity between our beliefs, what we love to do, the things we want in life. She has been incredibly loyal and supportive through the darkest and lightest times. I know our friendship will last a lifetime.

I am thankful for The HC. They are 9 women who I was incredibly lucky to meet in college. Fourteen years later we are still close. We have celebrated marriages and births of our children. We have supported each other through break ups and loss. These women amaze me with their talents, loyalty, love and spirit. I am blessed to call them my friends. (Don't bother asking what HC stands for ... its a secret between the 10 of us.)

I am thankful for my job. It is not my dream job, but it pays the bills and provides benefits! I work hard and this company gives me flexibility in return. Because of my job I was the breadwinner in my marriage and now I am the sole support of my daughter. With so many Americans who don't have jobs right now I will never take mine for granted!

I am thankful for my puppy. She is a handful, but so perfect for our family. It is amazing how such a little creature can bring so much joy to a house turning it into a home. I love being greeted by so much happiness after a hard day at work. I love snuggling with her and my daughter in the morning. She has brought so much laughter into our lives!

I am thankful for this blog and social networking. It has been a big part of my life for over 5 years. It allowed me to be creative while finding unexpected friendships. Because of blogging I discovered how photography and writing can be therapeutic. It has pushed me to stay current in the quickly changing world of technology which my job has benefited from. It has provided a little extra income and perks I didn't expect when I first started out. I really enjoy this strange online world and plan on sticking around!

So, tomorrow I will give thanks for all of these things and so much more while some stranger carves turkey for me and my parents (we are going out to eat!). Tell me ... what will you be giving thanks for?

Happy Thanksgiving!