My Annual List of Thanks

It's that time of year to think about my blessings. Here they are, in random order: 1. I'm thankful that I was smart enough to ask two months ago for the Friday after Thanksgiving off; thereby creating a four day weekend, people! Which means that today, which is usually my Hump Day, is really my Friday. 2. I'm thankful that my husband felt guilty enough about dragging me all the way to Providence, RI to pick up the Tabla Drums (don't ask) he bought off of Craigslist, that he is going to take me to the Providence Zoo AND to Cracker Barrel! 3. I'm thankful that my son felt well enough two hours after back surgery to ask for a grilled cheese sandwich and chocolate milk. 4. I'm thankful that my cousin Michael, whom I hadn't seen in 25 years or so, somehow decided to give me a quarter of his estate when he passed away, so I could turn around and give some of that money to my parents so my Dad could retire and take care of my Mom while she is sick. 5. I'm thankful that, 7 years ago, I had the guts to go on the computer and flirt with a random guy, who then had the guts to ask me out sight unseen, which turned into a love affair I never dreamed was possible. 6. I'm thankful that 20 or so people showed up last weekend to help my son move. If that doesn't prove the power of love from family and friends, I don't know what does. 7. I'm thankful that despite the poor economy, everyone I know is still working. Some may not consider their jobs that much fun......some may be hanging on by a shoestring.....but everyone is still getting a paycheck. 8. I'm thankful for the two most beautiful, cute and intelligent babies in my life. From a grandmother's point of view, they are perfect. And geniuses. And more adorable than other babies. 9. I'm thankful that I have such a large, extended, close-knit and loving family. I had a conversation with my daughter the other day.....she couldn't understand why people were living in an old run-down motel. Couldn't they go live with family? Some people have no family. I'm thankful that thought is out of her realm of experience. 10. So Thank You, God for Mom, Dad, Steve, Angie, Stephen, Sean, Sara, Shannon, Jacob, Chris, Lloyd, Jessica, Kyle, Samantha, Marc, John, Ruth, Ben, Laura, Doug, Kara, Emily, Nick, Kelly, Jamie, Kenny, Matthew, Wendy, Allen, and Noah. ( my immediate family) as well as countless aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws. I am truly blessed.