Good Morning My Friends!

On this annual day for giving thanks (in the US) I don’t want it to go by without giving a great big shout out about what it is I’m grateful for. Like some who have expressed the sentiment before me, 2011 has been a year filled with a variety of challenges.  I try to take those challenges and encourage them to build me up stronger but I admit, this year it’s been a much bigger struggle than ever before.  What is the number one lesson I’ve learned so far? It absolutely AMAZES me how much stress (work, family, and my increasingly ill health) negatively impacts life.  It does things to us y’all.  Horrible, horrible things.   Things that are so incredibly difficult to change quickly.

Despite that fact and despite all of the hurdles I’m so thankful for so very much.

I’m thankful I have a job! Particularly given the fact that the economy is crap and so many talented and skilled people are out of work.  I admit, right now my job isn’t what I want it to be and I’m feeling inclined to get into a better situation but still I’m happy that I earn a fantastic paycheck and have much needed benefits.

Man, I can’t even BEGIN to express how thankful I am for my giant team of doctors.  I tend to keep things private about the situation but I’ll tell you on top of my lupus I’ve had a variety of additional diagnosis this year (and some pretty recently) that have brought me down for the count a little.  But, I’m so grateful for my medical team and the caretakers in the various facilities I frequent.  It’s not an easy feat to fit everything into my schedule but thankfully my team is gifted with the arts of flexibility and speed!

I’m supremely thankful for my family.  Heck, my mother just came up to DC (at considerable inconvenience and expense) to spend the last three weeks with me while I worked through a variety of the aforementioned medical issues.  Sure, it’s what families do and I would do it for all of mine but gah it’s amazing to have that support and unconditional love.

I’m thankful for my friends. Near and far, virtual and face-to-face you all are a fantastic group whom I’m so grateful to have to share my life with.  You deal with my pessimism with grace and no shortage of patience, you accept me when I cry and even more when I laugh and that is the most amazing thing a person can give to another.

Last, but certainly not least, I’m thankful to have my blog and it’s readers.  This is a place where I can share what I love with people who love it too.  You inspire me, you challenge me, you make me a better person and friend.  I want you all to know how grateful I am to have the opportunity to share my passion with you.

Whether you celebrate this particular holiday or not I wish you and yours a wonderful day!