Giving Thanks 2016

Before the pumpkin pie and Thanksgiving day hoopla, I always like to take the time to chronicle the things I am thankful for right now in life. Every year I am reminded that some times this process is easier than others. This morning I woke up with tears on my face from a nightmare that was so real and so terrifying that it took me several minutes and a cup of coffee to realize it didn’t happen and isn’t likely to occur. While I’m beyond that, the dream made it hard but so much more crucial to chronicle the things I have to be thankful for in 2016.

So, here goes. In no particular order, as the thoughts come to me and I give thanks to God for them…

Having Petey home and the whole family living in the same state for the first time since I moved away in 2001. (Oh the fun and shenanigans that will ensue in the months ahead.)
A hobby (blogging) that let’s me experience some truly amazing things and work with some stellar companies and people. Who would have thought almost 8 years ago when I was getting started that I would still be at it and loving it just as much?
Living so near to Lake Michigan that I can get there with a 2 minute car ride or 12 minute walk to take in the beauty, go for a swim, lounge in the sand, etc…
A job, that while really challenging at times, is also filled with some really rewarding moments, such as getting a note from a student saying she’s inspired by me and the lessons I teach.
Having a family that is close - really close. We’re all there for one another, share group texts daily, know what’s going on each others lives, lift one another up, support, encourage and in general just enjoy one another. Some how my parents were able to raise 9 children who all love and want to spend time with one another. It’s a real testament to their parenting.
The strides I’ve made this year in getting my migraines under control. They aren’t gone. They still run my life at times. But I’ve made big strides this year in figuring out what causes them, recognizing triggers, and treating them as best I can. It’s still a work in progress, but at least some things are working.
A mother who is Martha Stewart - a true jack of all trades. She makes the most amazing meals, sews like no other, decorates her house and classroom like a pro, pretty much does it all and yet still seems to have time to help whenever I’m in a bind.
Migraines. While I want them gone from my life entirely, they are a good, frequent reminder that life isn’t meant to be devoid of pain, and it’s more about how we deal with pain when it comes than attempting to live a life pain free.
Being one check away from paying off ALL my student loans!! This is amazing and it’s ahead of schedule - so that’s awesomeness over all.
Reconnecting with an old classmate who then became a friend. Last year, at the gym, I ran into someone I went to high school with. We weren’t close friends in high school, although when your graduating class is 34 you know everyone pretty well. After that first run-in, we’ve been grabbing coffee, beer, pie, etc… every could weeks and it’s been amazing.
Cousins who are more like friends than family you tolerate at a few events throughout the year. We get together and enjoy one another. We share big life moments and text just because at times. Looking forward to celebrating with a lot of them tomorrow afternoon.
Booties. Okay, random when so many of these things are more conceptual than so physical. But it’s bootie season and I’m reminded again how much I love these shoes and how I pretty much live in them for the next four months.

The ability to write. I just finished writing my next young adult novel. It needs major editing and some tweaks, and I’m not publishing it until the second book in this series is written, but I love this book and how it turned out more than anything else I’ve written to date. The love I have for writing is something I’m continuously amazed by and grateful for.
My faith, which reminds me that today and every day should begin with a moment of thanks and a focus on what it’s ultimately all about.
Dad’s work ethic. Another seemingly random one. But my dad is going to retire at the end of this year in order to begin his second career, at the age of 60. He’s worked hard my whole life showing all of us the importance of having a good work ethic, sticking with something even when it is hard, and that sometimes obligations trump your dream job - at least for a little while. In 2017 he’ll begin a marriage and family counseling practice and it’s going to be epic to watch him do this.
My nephews and niece, who bring so much more joy and laughter and fun times to the family. Having them around is always a blast and it is also the perfect excuse to do ‘little kid’ things that I love, like build sand castles and spend a day at the zoo.
My iPhone. I know it’s a silly material thing, but it’s the way I blog and keep up with readers. It’s the way I stay in touch with family and friends. It’s how I communicate in so many ways throughout the day. It’s how I stay up on the news and learn about the events in people’s lives. It’s a big part of my life and a number of the different aspects of it.