Thanks!

As you may (or may not) have noticed, the current trend is to post what you’re thankful for. It could be via blog, vlog, Facebook, Twitter… Based on my posting history, I am not good at longevity. So I thought I would do one post with 30 (for each day in the month) for which I am thankful. Here goes (in no particular order):

·        The Hubs. The circumstances that brought us together are pretty special. He is everything I didn’t know I was looking for. He is smart, creative, funny, caring and supportive. We recently had a three-year-itch and conquered it TOGETHER. He is truly my best friend.

·        E-Boo. If you’ve met this kind, you’d understand. He has more personality in his little finger than a LOT of people have in their whole lives. He is sweet and smart and funny and just so stinking cute. They say you’ll love your kids more than you could ever imagine. That is the understatement of eternity. I always knew I’d be a momma. I didn’t know how awesome it would be.

·        Family. I am across the country from most of my extended family. I had no idea how hard that would be, especially now that I am raising my own family. At most times I feel like I am the black sheep that sticks out like a sore thumb (and various other clichés) but I know I am loved, and I love them. I have a billion and a half cousins, and having grown up as an only child, they are each very special to me. I have aunts and uncles that I have learned from and look up to. I miss them every day.

·        The Hubs Family. It is a whole other world where he comes from. And they have welcomed me into the family. They are really great people!

·        My parents. They have taught me immeasurable lessons. They have been through so much in their marriage and their strength astounds me. And I like to think they did a pretty good job raising me.

·        My “old” friends. Those that I met growing up in Iowa. From before school (I remember meeting A.R-M. at reading time at the library) through my last job before I moved (E.H.  – who is about to move here!). We have moved all over the country (and globe) and still take time to reconnect. BEEF gets together as often as possible. I’ve had visits from several girls while living out here. We are starting to have kids, so its fun to start a new chapter of life together.

·        My “new” friends. Because of the lack of family out here, some have become like family to us. I know E-Boo is very much loved by them. After nearly three years, The Hubs and I feel like we have not only a social circle, but a support system. I’m glad our lives brought us out here to meet these great people!

·        Our church. Most of our “new” friends were met through church. This church, I fully believe, is what brought me back to my faith. It is casual and open and welcoming. Last weekend, I was witness to how amazing my fellow parishioners really are. We hosted (and I helped organize) a fair-trade/non-profit market where 100% of the proceeds benefit others. We had a 15% increase in sales from last year. The volunteers that I organized were great.

·        Music. It is what brought me to this parish. When we moved here, I knew NO ONE. I wasn’t working so I knew it would be hard to meet people. So I checked out the local Catholic church choir. I was terrified, but I truly believe that one step changed my life. From a scary decision, we found our parish, I found my way back to the faith, The Hubs joined the faith, we have made life-long friends and in general have become better people. Choir has provided me an outlet for my creativity and gives me a few hours a week to be me. Not momma, not wife. Just me.

·        God. I have mentioned a few times coming back to my faith. My early 20s were hard on me. I’m glad I’m past that and have a growing relationship with God.

·        Our health and wealth. As with many people in this country, my family is slightly struggling financially. We are living paycheck to paycheck. We are able to cover the basics, but very little above and beyond that. We aren’t going on vacations, buying a bigger house, going out to dinner. And we’re fine. I need to remember that I am far better off than a majority of the world. I know there is food available. I have more than adequate housing. I can inoculate myself and my family against deadly diseases. I am not living amongst war and violence. Sure, I don’t have that hot new electronic gadget, but I’m safe and healthy and alive.

·        Reading. I adore reading. I always have. I have memories of always having a book with me. Reading at the dinner table. I’d read the back of the shampoo bottle in the shower (I still do). The Hubs and I make it a point to read in bed before going to sleep. I love sharing my choices and reviews with others, and to hear theirs. I don’t always read good stuff, because I see it as a break from reality.

·        America. I am feeling extra patriotic today. It is Veteran’s Day, and I just watched GW Bush on Oprah. He discussed 9/11 and various other things. That, plus the Amazon/pedophile book thing today made me realize how lucky and blessed we are in this country. I have several friends and family members to thank for that.

·        Being a woman. Sure cramps suck. And peeing standing up would be convenient. But being a chick rules. We can be emotional and no one questions our sexuality. We have the cuter clothes. We get to experience pregnancy. And wear make-up!!! Loves it.

·        My biological parents. They had a very difficult decision to make. I’ll never be able to thank them for making the unselfish choice. I have no idea who or where they are, but I hope they are happy and at peace today.

·         The puppers. They are loyal and loving and playful. They have their moments, but they are awesome. What is better than the love of a dog?

·        Thanksgiving. The reason this blog entry exists. There is no pressure for gifts. Or to look great. Just the 4 Fs. Food, family/friends and football.

·        Scented candles. I’m dead serious. If I could, I’d buy a new one for each month. I love my house smelling nice and I love the warmth that is created when burning a candle. I need to buy stock in Yankee Candle.

·        Facebook. I know, I know. But it just makes it so easy to stay connected. I love knowing the daily goings-on of people in my life. Some say it creates issues. It hasn’t for me.

·        Trashy TV. I am addicted to teen soap operas on channels like the CW and ABC Family. Like Gossip Girl. It is just a nice break from your everyday average life. Part 2 of this bullet – DVR. Seriously. I don’t even need to go into this, I think.

·        Pizza. The worlds most perfect food. This area has some great by-the-slice joints. I love that!

·        Harry Potter. I am writing this while watching Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone. I am counting the days (7) until Part 1 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows comes out in theaters. I flew through the books and have read the series countless times. It is just a timeless story. And I love that it turned a lot of kids onto reading!

·        The Hubs job. Especially right now, with so many people unemployed. It utilizes his degree and makes him think. It brought us to Colorado. He has made friends there. And it supports us so that I can stay home with E-Boo. 23

·        My sense of humor. I’m funny. I can laugh at myself. It really helps with life some days.

·        Uggs & Hoodies. Because that means its fall. Which means football. I really like football. I didn’t growing up. I guess because I HAD to be at games (I was in marching band)? But then I went to college and just loved it.

·        UNI Panthers. The aforementioned college. They are a small school, but powerful on the field/court. Did I mention they beat Kansas in the Sweet Sixteen last year? Go Cats!

·        Denver. My new home. Driving around and seeing the mountains almost always takes my breath away. The city has a ton of great things. I’ve been out exploring more and more. And pro sports!

·        Wine. I am starting to drink this more, thanks to some of our friends that pretty much pour it down your throat. I have found I can’t drink liquor anymore, and I don’t really care for most beers. So wine it is!

·        Warm cookies & milk. YUMMO.

·        Glee. I’ll say it. I’m a Gleek. I’m sure you’re all terribly surprised. Swing choir schtick aside, it’s a pretty genius show. The writing is great. The cast is hot (in more ways than one). I really love it. I don’t like to think about life before Glee.