Giving Thanks . . . With a Twist

Every year, at Thanksgiving time, I think about all the things I'm thankful for . . . and there are so many things!  There are the things that come immediately to mind - the easy and obvious things:  my health, Tom, my kids, my family, the dogs, my home, my job, my friends, my creative diversions.  So much to be thankful for.

To challenge myself, I decided to use today's Ten on Tuesday topic - 10 Things I'm Thankful For - to focus on things I'm thankful for this year . . . that I might not have been thankful for last year.

1. Hearing!  It is a wonderful to thing to HEAR . . . now that I have my wonderful hearing aids!
2. Meaningful work!  Although I didn't blog about it, I took on a whole new role at work last July.  At first, I didn't like it all that much.  But my new job is growing on me.
3. Jo-Jo!  Although there have been a few times that I've seriously questioned my sanity, I've become quite attached to Jo-Jo, and I'm so glad that Tom and I adopted her last summer.
4. Erin's job!  I'm so excited about Erin's job.  She's learning and contributing and earning her own way.  And, best of all, she's happy!
5. Getting rid of the bird!  I also didn't blog about this . . . but Brian and I decided that his bird (Puck) would be better off in another home setting.  With much (much) guilt, we moved Puck to a foster bird home.  Much better for Puck, and much, much better for me (and Brian, too).
6. Getting rid of the drum set!  Although I have always been supportive of Brian's drumming, I was very happy when he moved into a house with room for his drum set.  (Now I have new family room furniture.)
7. New friends!  I made a couple of new connections this year, leading to a whole new group of friends.  Unexpected - but kind of wonderful.
8. Running!  I needed to jazz up my fitness routine, so I decided I'd challenge myself to run (something I've always detested).  Now that I've started, I seem to be kind of (gulp!) . . . liking it.
9. Kind bars!  Oh, I can't get enough of these things -- especially the Dark Chocolate Cherry Cashew variety.
10. Port Fridays!  When Tom was traveling this year, he tried some Very Nice port.  He went in search of some . . . and finally found it!  Now, we've instituted "Port Fridays" where we share a glass together each Friday night.

How about YOU?  What are you thankful for this year?

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Comments

[margene]

Great list of the many wonderful things happening in your life. I'm a Kind bar (and a Lara Uber Peanut Bar) lover, too. Port with dark chocolate is to live for Kym! Now I have reason to go back to the liquor store. Must have Port for the weekend. Thank you for being you, for your upbeat and caring self, and your constancy in friendship. xoxo

[Vicki]

What a great list!! Happy Thanksgiving, Kym.

[Bonny]

What an interesting twist on your list! I'm especially interested in Port Fridays and may have to give that a try here. Can you recommend some Very Nice Port?

[Patty]

Yes, I have a favorite port but would love to know what you guys are drinking. And I'm thankful this year for Boone. He's really given me a new spring in my step. xoxo Happy Thanksgiving.

[Donna]

Great list! I love Port wine but haven't had it in a while. Hmm - think I will get some for Thursday.

[The-ravelld-sleave.blogspot.com]

Great idea - you have a good list of things.

Happy Thanksgiving!

[Leslie]

Great 'thankfuls'! and can't bet new traditions.

[Carole]

I like that you put a very specific twist to this year's list. Last year at this time we were faced with that whole situation with Dale's job. I'm so thankful that it's behind us this year and we're in a better place. I'm also thankful for all the support I got from you during that time. Mwah!

[Mary]

huh...a list of gratitude surprises?! LOVE!! I might have to borrow this one myself. (and I'd call it grace :-) hugs!!

[kmkat]

Great idea for a list! Sounds like this has been a good year :-)

[Marilyn]

Super list! I'd forgotten about Puck. Glad to hear he has a new home. Don't feel guilty...let the relief shine through!