The Giving of the Thanks

Counting your blessings one at a time

Wow, it has certainly been a CRAZY year. Hopefully I can't cram too much excitement in one more month. 

I've probably already mentioned this, but Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It's all about family and spending time together and appreciating what you have...and massive amounts of delicious food. 
Let's reminisce. There were a lot of really good things that happened this year. But there were also a lot of really bad things that happened too. I try to focus on the positive and be upbeat, but it's hard to leave behind all that shittiness. There are lots of times when it really consumes my thoughts. I'm sure it gets annoying to hear about, but it also gets annoying to live. I think the good overall outweighs it, even when things are tough. So, let's go through it, in no particular order.

1. My health, within reason, is okay. 
I still have frequent flare-ups, but I'm able to handle them. I also have decent healthcare (for the US) and great doctors who really care about how I'm doing. I'm also kind of getting used to my portable pharmacy. 

2. I have some really great friends, even if I don't get to see them as much as I'd like. 
Last weekend we went to Sandy and Danny's house to celebrate her birthday. It was just a small-ish party at their house, but it was really nice. I love that this group of people, many of whom have known each other for years and years, welcomed us with open arms. That can be hard to come by in this area. And with all the events we've been able to attend with them, I've really come to care for the whole group. I'll also get to see one of my very good friends pretty soon, which is always great. We've known each other for a very long time and we always just pick up where we left off.

3. My job. 
We've very recently had some layoffs, which isn't totally surprising in the public service sector. Our higher-ups are very good about being open with what's going on, so we knew it was a possibility. My way of dealing with that sort of thing is just to do my job to the best of my ability, to try and pretend it's not happening, and to take things as they come. I'll admit that I did get scared for a while at the prospect of figuring out health insurance, and what I would do to find a new job. I have, however, escaped the layoffs (at least for now). It's a bittersweet feeling--you're so glad to still be employed in a place you love, but it's honestly sad and heartbreaking to see some great people go. For now, I'm very happy that I get to stick with something I truly enjoy...you know, until trophy wifedom comes along.

4. I might have a crazy family, but I kinda like them. 
My 12 year old niece came to visit for Thanksgiving, and we had a really great week with her. No matter how old she gets, she will always be my Little Princess. We've also been getting to see my 3 and 4 year old nephew and niece (respectively). That's been nice, even if things are still a little weird with my brother and his wife. The world-travelling branch of our family will also be home soon, which I couldn't be happier about! And my parents are just as supportive as they've always been. (Hiiiiii Mum!)

5. Introspection, and the truth.
I don't think it's any surprise that I don't see myself as others do, and I've always prided myself on recognizing and trying to work on my flaws. In looking back at previous posts, I don't see where I noted a semi-recent conversation with Soldier. He's the kind of guy that will ignore problems and pretend everything is great, but he was apparently doing some introspection of his own. He remarked that Tee seems to be a much better boyfriend than he'd been. He took full responsibility for our failed relationship, even when I tried to say I'd made mistakes. Everyone has their self-fulfilling prophecy, and he fell victim to his. I don't even remember what it was. But when I tried to rebut and say that I'd done things wrong and hadn't been the best girlfriend either, he refused to agree and just told me I'm too hard on myself. 
Instead of feeling vindicated, it made me sad. Soldier has his faults, but he is a good guy, he means well, and I still care for him very much. While I do still thing it's good to recognize your flaws, and I'm glad I've gotten to know myself so well this year, I suppose I need to even take myself with a grain of salt. 

6. My guy is incredible.
We all know I can get easily irritated, I'm a slightly demanding perfectionist, and I don't always play well with others. But Tee continues to amaze me. He's so caring, patient, and thoughtful. Sometimes I don't know how or why he continues to put up with me, but he just persists in being fantastic. His mom doesn't seem to share his lovey view of me, so I'll just appreciate him all the more. 

7. The travelling and wonderful experiences I've had this year.
All of the discovering has given me a new thirst for more discovering--to see different places, experience new cultures, and try new things. And I'm so glad for all of it! I'm so glad that I've finally branched out and am enjoying what the world has to offer.

8. Freedom.
Okay, I know I've been getting on 'Murica lately. But I appreciate where I live and all the freedoms I have. For one thing, I can have this blog and not worry about getting in a whole lot of trouble or be careful about what I say. I live in a good area, I don't wonder when or what my next meal will be, and I don't have a huge concern about being caught in the middle of unwarranted violence. It could all happen, I know, anyone's world could come crumbling down around them any day. (Pleasant thought, huh?). So I enjoy and appreciate what I have. At least I try to. Again, until trophy-wifedom. 

And thanks to all of you, my little chickadees, for reading about my silly life. I absolutely love checking in and seeing what parts of the world I'm reaching. It fascinates me. Here comes the mushiness! Even though I don't know most of you, I'm thankful for you. I'm glad you care (or at least get some amusement) about what happens to me, and I (dare I say it!?) love you for that. It's okay...get all warm and fuzzy inside. 

The purpose of this post was gratefulness, but don't worry...the bitch will be back soon ;)