Thankful …

As we have made it through Turkey Thursday, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and are now enjoying Holy Crap I’m Exhausted Sunday before we head on over to Cyber Monday, I wanted to pause and assess. Especially at this moment in time, perspective is important. Feel grateful for whatever it is you may have and stop yearning for what you don’t.

So, in the spirit of the season (which is Thanksgiving, despite what the retailers are telling me), I’m giving thanks.

I’m thankful when the checks arrive.

I’m thankful my husband doesn’t mind playing golf with me, even though I hit the ball 4,000 times.

Or going snorkeling with me, even though I need a floatie and scream a lot.

Or going jogging with me, even though he has to go so slowly that he shuffles his feet.

I’m thankful my kids are athletic, like their father.

I’m thankful I live near the beach.

I’m thankful for Free Cell and Spider Solitaire.

I’m thankful for all the individuals and groups out there who rescue and help abandoned dogs, especially those who shine a light on pit bulls.

I’m thankful for Friendly’s chocolate almond chip ice cream.

I’m thankful for the Tide-to-go stain pen.

And the Clorox bleach pen.

I’m thankful my daughter wants to save the world.

I’m thankful my son can lie on the couch for hours at a time playing XBox (*sarcasm).

I’m thankful my family all lives within driving distance.

I’m thankful my family all lives two hours away from me.

I’m thankful my husband will handle all the details.

I’m thankful for “Modern Family” and “The Big Bang Theory.”

I’m thankful for my friend Kathleen, because it’s easy to make her laugh and that makes me think I’m funnier than I probably am.

I’m thankful for Milagro’s margaritas.

I’m thankful for Zack’s.

I’m thankful for my sweet rescued pit bull Jada, the only one who notices when I come home.

I’m thankful for Karen, who is up for any adventure at any time.

I’m thankful for my grandmother’s stuffing recipe.

I’m thankful for leftovers.

I’m thankful I’m in a position to even have leftovers.

I’m thankful that we are in a position to make donations for the people who are not in the position to have leftovers.

I’m thankful there are people out there who are willing to fight what’s scary, and stand strong against what’s wrong, and I hope that I am one of them.