Why, yes – yes, there are several things, actually.
Here are a few things that I am thankful for, both large and small:
- My Dear Husband. I truly mean “Dear Husband” without a smirk or snicker. I used to think it was goofy and corny when people thanked their spouses during acceptance speeches. WTF did they have to do with it, I thought. Now that we’ve spent approximately 40% of our lifetimes together, I can’t imagine where I would be without him. He has stood fast when others have taken off running – and that alone earns him my eternal gratitude. The love I get is a gift-with-purchase.
- My Mom. She has been doing great over the last two years taking care of her health for herself, and I’m very proud of her for that.
- My Dad and Stepmom. My relationship with them has grown tremendously over the years, and I consider myself lucky to have three parents.
- My brothers and sisters. I started with one, then got three more, then another one in my messily, wonderfully, blended family. Whether by blood or marriage, whether we grew up together or not, they’re mine. I'm particularly glad my baby brother (which he will be even when he joins AARP) is home and safe.
- My nieces and nephews. It has been amazing to watch them grow into the people they are, and it all happens so fast. I like giving them a respite from their parents – and vice versa.
- The rest of my family and friends. I have the good fortune to say they are too numerous to mention, and I am grateful for every one of them. They keep me sane (no small feat, as many of you know) and give me perspective when I need it (which tends to be often). Life is a long road trip, and it's good to have people to share the ride with.
- My Job. Let’s be honest – it’s still a job. If it weren’t, I would call it my Fun and probably wouldn’t be getting paid for it. However,
1. I have a job, and lots of other folks don’t,
2. It pays for the things that make life manageable, and
3. When I don’t have to deal with the other Random Assorted Bullshit (RAB), I like teaching. When I haven’t taught a class in a while, I get cranky until I can get in front of a group again. It’s good to help people have a better 40 hours a week. - Our house. It has the right amount of room for us, and has lots of room for company. It has made me a political activist (who would have thought?) because sometimes you have to fight for what’s right, even if it’s your own recycling bin.
- My photography. Look – nobody is going to be analyzing my work in an Art class. But I’m learning… and that process alone is something pretty good. A teacher needs to be a learner too, and the images help.
Henri Cartier-Bresson said, “The creative act lasts but a brief moment, a lightning instant of give-and-take, just long enough for you to level the camera and to trap the fleeting prey in your little box.” To do that creative thing is something else that helps me stay (reasonably) sane. - Legalized drugs. Caffeine, alcohol, and (rarely – sorry, dear) nicotine. All in moderation, each for their own purpose.
- The Internet. It sounds stupid to give thanks for the Internet, but I am. I’ve been able to find all sorts of folks that were lost to me through Blogger and Facebook. Facebook has been great for those feeling-kinda-crappy or squee-I’m-so-excited moments, and just staying connected despite time and distance. I can wish for things on Amazon, read a favorite writer on TelevisionWithoutPity, and download Foo Fighters onto my MP3 player. (Current fave: Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace)
And the best thing I can do on the Internet - I can show my photos, write stuff down, and hope that these musings aren’t in vain.
Thanks for sticking around for 700ish words – and enjoy the holiday.
((HUG))
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