Thankful

It is not enough to be thankful for the blessings we receive throughout the year, we should share those blessings with others.

Today I am thankful...

...for the sounds of my family in the kitchen, laughing and arguing while preparing the Thanksgiving meal.

...for Granny B. She makes me crazy, and I may have just uttered a bad word because she tried to put my coffee cup in the dishwasher while I was still drinking out of it, but I am so thankful that I have had 30 plus years with her.

...for the love and support of my family. I know that I can be a pain and sometimes even difficult to deal with, but they love me unconditionally.

...for the opportunity to be an aunt. (And the best one ever, I might add.) 

...for my job. I love it.

...for the ability and freedom to try all of the things I have even a little interest in.

...for Crossfit. I've never felt better in my life. I love my gym, the people there, the support. It's like I finally found the place I belong.

...for the familiar smell of the wood in the table that I got from the ranch house. It didn't occur to me when I got the table that it would hold the smell of a ranch meal cooking.

...for my friends. I have been truly blessed in life with some of the best friends a girl could ask for. Each one has come into my life when I needed them and enhanced every day since.

...for the men and women in uniform who protect and serve every day. Soldiers, fire fighters, police officers - you make this world a better place and do not get the credit that you deserve.

...for the people who read this blog. Even though I'm a totally inconsistent entertainer.

Thankful

So you may remember from a random list somewhere on this blog that one of my goals in life is to write and publish a book. 

I do not know if that book will be fiction, a cook book, a semi-non-fiction novel type book.

I just know that I enjoy writing and I think that other people enjoy reading.

Where does that leave us?

Thanks to yesterday's post, I was visited by another blogger and when I went to her blog, she had this cute little button from the Red Dress Club - so I checked them out.

It looks like each Tuesday they post a "starter" of sorts to get you writing.

I'm going to try it for a couple of weeks - if you hate it, I'm sorry.

This week is pretty easy - write about what you are thankful for.

I guess I should take that back - it is kind of difficult.

When I sit down to write what I am thankful for, I get nervous. If I make a list, I don't want to leave anyone or anything off. I don't want to seem shallow if I list material possessions (although we all know that we are thankful for some of those). I don't want to seem boastful if I tell you about all of the wonderful that is my life.

So, I apparently ramble...

In 2010, I am thankful for life. And love.

For that feeling of nervousness right before I address a crowd of people.

For that funny feeling I get in my toes when I have a crush on someone and I know I'm going to see them.

For the warm comfort of a cup of hot chocolate.

For the ease of conversation with a friend who knows you better than you know yourself.

For awkward encounters with random acquaintances. 

For the thrill I get when I have a hand-addressed envelope in the mail - regardless of what it is.

For the memories that jump to the front of my mind at the strangest moments and make me laugh out loud.

For the pure joy that I get when I'm dancing.

For the freedom that comes with apologizing to someone you have wronged.

For the hope that comes with having a sleeping baby in your arms.

For the breathlessness that comes with seeing a man or woman in uniform hug their child.

For a smile that turns a day around.

For the smell of fresh-baked bread.

And rain on the desert.

And clean laundry.

For friendships that stand the test of time.

For firsts.

For lasts. 

Gracias

In honor of Thanksgiving, I have decided to put together a list of things that I am thankful for:

1. My family. Mostly because they support me and don't tell me I'm crazy (even when I obviously am...)

2. Reunions with old friends. After 6 years or 6 days, a meeting with an old friend who knows your stories is always nice.

3. New friends. For a long time I thought that I had all of the friends I needed. I was wrong.

4. The future. Anticipation of what's to come makes me giddy with excitement.

5. My iPod. Music makes me truly happy.

6. Blackberry Messenger. Being the crazy communicator I am, it is nice to be able to communicate quickly and frequently with friends.

7. My job. I can't think of anything that I would rather be doing for a living at this point in my life.

8. My nephew. I know that technically he is family, but he is in a category all his own. Watching him grown and learn is one of the coolest things I've ever experienced. Plus, he says some hilarious things - I think he got my sense of humor.

9. The American Soldier. Knowing that I can rest easy at night because someone is out there protecting my freedom is a liberty that I never want to give up.

10. Coffee. The taste. The atmosphere. Everything about it.

11. My hair stylist. I'm the most indecisive person in the world when it comes to my hair and she always suggests something great.