I like to consider myself a drive by blogger. I only post every few months. At this point I am sure no one is following me. However, I will post anyway, at risk of talking only to myself.
So this month fellow Facebookers have been updating their statuses with their 30 days of thankful. I tried not to get sucked in. But then I started thinking of all the things I am thankful for, both serious and trivial. But rather than build the supsense by posting one thing a day, I thought I would share it all in a blog. Or two. Or maybe three, depending on how hard it is to come up with 30 in one sitting, and how much patience I have for sitting and typing.
So here goes....my 30 days of thankful, in particular order.
1 - My husband Chris and my daughter Kate. The two best decisions I have ever made in my life. I am so lucky to have such an amazing and supportive husband who is willing to put up with me. And we are so blessed to have such an beautiful, fun, charismatic daughter who brings joy to my life daily. I love them both, and would be lost without either one of them.
2 - My parents. They gave me life. They raised me right (whether I listened or not). They have taught me about the parent I want to be for Kate. They have always supported me, even when they thought I might be making the wrong decision. They have always been there for me when I came to them admitting my mistakes. They have shared all my joys and celebrated in great fashion. And they give up so much of their time to take care of Kate. I delight in the joy in their eyes when they are with their grandchild. There aren't words enough to express my thanks for them being the ones to provide our childcare. It has benefitted us both financially and emotionally. Thank you in so many ways for being you.
3- My sister, Jessica. She often fails to see her many great qualities. But she is funny, and beautiful and smart. I admire her in ways she will never understand. She amazes me with her intelligence, especially when it comes to science. She can name plants by theri scientific names, she know things like the pluaral of praying mantis (it is pratying mantids by the way), and she has an ability to grow beautiful rare orchids (not an easy task). She also never fails to laugh with me about the dumb things, like quoting Mr. Wrong, and she shares my affinity for Twilight. Greatest sister and Aunt ever.
4- Grandma- She is a staple. She is my third parent. She has been a rock. She has always been there. There have been countless laughs, scrabble games, and cups of tea. She is the one who would pick me up from school when I was sick and have the couch ready with a comforter for me. She taught me to bake, and cook(although I was never as good as her) and she taught me to get past what others think about me. She is everyone's grandma. Always has been, always will be.
5- My best friend Kristin. You don't stay friends with someone for 24 years for no reason. Sometimes I feel like we share a brain. We like the same t.v. shows, movies, music. We have the same sense of humor. We both love college football. We can finish each others sentences. We have long talks via text, email or chat and then laugh when we realize we probably should have just called. And when I do call, I can lead with something like, "TBS should really start airing reruns of Dawson's Creek." And she laughs, and then agrees. I am thankful that she remembers the things I don't, and let's be honest, more often than not, I remember the things she can't. There are too many reasons to list here.
6- Really crappy reality television. That's right. I want Jersey Shore. I want MTV Challenges. Biggest Loser? check. Survivor? Yes, please (I mean it has "outwitted, outplayed and outlasted all other reality tv.) Food Network Challenge? Of course. Thanks, t.v., for putting all this crap on t.v. so that I can be hooked.
7- College football. Yes, it is not serious, but to me, it is serious. I love, love, love fall Saturdays. Tailgating for GA football is one of the greatest experiences ever. The foood, the friends, the experience. The heat of the first game and the cold of the last. People watching the other tailgaters. Going to the actual game, or huddling around the t.v. when they aren't playing in Athens. Praising your coach. Cussing your coach. Thinking all referees are terrible. The thrill of a win and the devestation of defeat. All worth it.
8- Cheesy teen angst dramas. That's right. At 30 I have lived through 3 decades of glorious teen angst. First it was Beverly Hills 90210. Not the cheesy remake, the original. Thanks Brenda, Brandon, Dylan, Kelly, Donna, David, Steve, Nat, and Mr. and Mrs. Walsh.(I am a fan of original casts, so sorry for those not mentioned.) I followed that up with Dawson's Creek. Who doesn't love teenagers talking like they are Harvard educated lawyers? And the neverending battle between Pacey and Dawson. Love it. Thanks Joey, Dawson, Pacey, Jen, Andy, Jack and Grams! And lost but not least, One Tree Hill. I have been a fan from the beginning. I am now ready for it to be over. But I have loved every minute of you Brooke, Lucas, Peyton, Nathan, Hailey, Skills, Mouth, Dan and Jamie. I appreciate you.
9- Bacardi and Dr. Pepper. I could probably list these separately, but lets be honest, they are better together. Especially when paired with #7. Because if ever there was a perfect tailgate drink, this is it. If you haven't tried it, I suggest you do.
10- Cupcakes. I love them. I love eating them. I love baking them. Cupcakes make me happy. If I could quit my job and make cupcakes for a living, I would. Not that I don't love my job, becuase I do, but who doesn't love cupcakes?
I think I will stop here. And be back later with 10 more.
