30 days of thankful...in one

I've noticed a lot of people participating in the Facebook tradition of listing one thing they're thankful for each day of November. While part of me would like to participate, most of me knows that I'd get through four days, skip a couple, make them up all at once, skip a few more, and give up on the whole deal before we even hit the 10th. So, because I know myself, I'm going to cheat and do the entire month all at once.


#1-7: My family. Parents, sisters, kids. I would not be the person I am today (or, in the case of my parents, here at all) without them, and couldn't imagine my life without each of them in it (although if the kids could just go on "vacation" for awhile...KIDDING). I am not about to rank anyone in order of importance...just know you're somewhere in the top 7.
#8. My boyfriend. Who is probably the best thing Texas has given me, and is actually in the top 7 and not in 8th place, but you try telling a family member they've been knocked down a spot...
#9. Extended family & friends. I am grateful to have people in my life that have my back.  Especially the people that have no obligation to be there anymore, but have chosen to stay anyway.
#10. Texas. It seemed crazy to pack up and move halfway across the country with nothing lined up for me when I got there...but holy crap has this turned out to be the best thing I could have ever done!  Everything that was wrong in CA is right in TX. My budget situation is better, my standard of living is better, I've had great job opportunities, I've met amazing people...I could not possibly be in a better place.
#11. My job. I get to TEACH!! I feel lucky to be a part of the public school system. The system in general may need some overhaul, but there is no other place I'd rather spend my working hours than in a classroom.
#12. My health. Because seriously, how screwed would I be if I had these kids to take care of alone, and wasn't physically able to do so? I've been very fortunate these past five years.
#13. My kids' health. Because, again, while it's been hard at times to do this parenting thing by myself, I can't imagine what it would have been like if anyone had had a serious health condition.
#14. Running. While I still say I dislike training, the races and events are a blast, and I've met some great people at them. I love that I have an outlet for stress and something that keeps me busy and fit at the same time.
#15. Technology. Because I would be very unhappy if laundry involved a tub of water and a clothesline. And because it's pretty awesome when I can still talk to and SEE one of the people I love most in the world even when that person is nine or so time zones away. For a year.
#16. Shoes. GORUCK people know why.
#17. Clean floors. I'd like to say "clean floors that someone else made that way," but I don't think such a phenomenon exists...
#18. Hugs. There is something magic about a hug that makes everything bad seem less so. And happily all three kids still like giving them...because it would be weird to try to meet my hug quota with strangers...
#19. Music. I wouldn't have my sanity without it.
#20. Adventure. I'm glad for opportunities to try things that are completely new and to go places I've never been...all my best memories start that way.
#21. Books. Best ready-made entertainment ever.
#22. Fresh starts. Because while there is no "do-over" option in life, it's awesome to know that wherever you are isn't where you have to stay. See #10.
#23. Hindsight. It's a tough teacher, but the lessons are good ones.
#24. Actual sight. I didn't expect to ever be listing my glasses on a list of things I'm thankful for, but I have to admit, it is pretty nice to see things clearly.
#25. Ice cream. It fixes everything.
#26. Coffee. This should have been much, much higher on the list.
#27. Water. Not the drinking kind (though I suppose that ought to be on the list too, what with the whole "being necessary for life" thing it has going for it), but the body-of kind. Oceans in particular, but lakes and rivers will do in the absence of a good ocean. Nothing rivals a good, long drive along a coastline in the category of "things that soothe the soul."
#28. Being a grownup...and being able to say "I don't care that this is not 30 things, I'm done anyway." While there are definitely more things in life I'm glad to have, I'm leaving the last couple spots on the list to be open for more good things to come. Because I'd like to think there's more awesomeness headed my way that would rank above whatever I'd think up for spots #29 and #30.