Thankful

It's nice that Thanksgiving is here, and not just because I need a wee break from teaching. It's also a very good reminder to me to look beyond the challenges and annoyances that seem to appear daily, and see instead the big good things in my life. And when I squint my eyes just right, I can see that many of those challenges and annoyances stem from an over-abundance of good things. So this year, I am most thankful for:

1. A bright, inquisitive, spirited, enthusiastic little girl who loves to climb and swing and read books and cuddle with her mommy.
2. An incredible bond among my mom, brother and I - a love so strong that we tend to sacrifice our own needs for the good of the others.
3. A fairly secure job that pays a reasonable mortgage on a nice house in a safe neighborhood, keeps my kid in the best childcare I can find, and covers the other necessities of life.
4. A job that challenges me, keeps me learning new things, and keeps me interested in coming to work day after day...and will do so for the rest of my life.
5. A network of friends, in the real world and the virtual one, that support me when I am weak, teach me when I need to learn, and celebrate with me when there is cause to rejoice.

And now it is time to rejoice. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.