Thankful.

I look back over the year, and I find that, as usual, I have a lot to be thankful for.

1) My niece.

2) The rest of my family. We've had quite a few ups and downs this year, but everyone is ok and healthy and moving in a forward direction with their lives.

3) My friends. Not so many ups and downs, but always there for each other. By the way, I'm moving next year - expect the evite soon.

4) My health. It was a resolution this year, and for the most part, I kept to it.

5) Our military and law enforcement personnel. I don't agree with the war, and I don't like our Commander in Chief, but how can you not respect people who volunteer to fight for what they believe in, and do it on your behalf?

6) Trader Joes. I've known of it for years, but only really discovered it this year. Where else can you get 3 weeks of relatively healthy food for $30??

7) My job. I fell into this one as I have fallen into so many others, but I think I'm going to like this one a lot longer than those others. It's a good company, treats its employees well, and gave me a job when so many others better qualified than I were without work. (And they let me leave 2 hours early yesterday!!)

8) Cheese. While it hasn't done my hips any favors, it has gotten me through quite a few "I don't want to cook, but I have to eat something" nights.

9) Airplanes. I've been to Texas 5 times this year to see friends and family, and Seattle once. I couldn't have done any of it without airplanes.

10) I think I mentioned my niece once before, but she deserves to be mentioned again.

What are you thankful for?