2010 Thankful List

In honor of Thanksgiving, I decided to make a list of things that I am thankful for this past year... It's been a rather odd year for me and I owe many thanks to many situations, people and moments. So here are a few that I want to remember during this year of change and stagnation ... in no particular order (except number 1, because number 1 should always be number 1):

1. My sister - who graciously and patiently reminds me everyday of the person I am, have been and want to be one day.
2. Starbucks - for the unemployed person, afternoons of drinking tea and reading a book can actually make one rather happy to not have a job.
3. Hockey games - knowing there will always be a game on every few days is a sense of normalcy or routine that I quite welcome.
4. Ayn Rand's "The Fountainhead" - after reading it this summer, I discovered my ultimate respect for people who stick to their convictions no matter what. And also that my answer to the question of 'What fictional character would you want to be?' is no longer Hermione Granger but is now Dominique Francon.
5. Duct tape and my baton - because this is the apparatus I use to kill the bloody stink bugs that I despise more than I can describe in words.
6. My other single girl friends - for understanding without having to say anything.
7. The travel that I was able to do this year - In 2010, I was able to visit and spend time in Chicago, Raleigh, Boston, Toronto, New York City and Philadelphia.
8. My mother - who seems to become more intelligent and more loving every day... and for cutting carrots for me every week, even though she has Carpel Tunnel and having surgery next week.
9. Southern Tier Pumking - favorite beer ever... always look forward to its arrival and then somehow do not mind when it is finally gone.
10. My guy friends - there are a few who I really leaned on this summer to be there for me when I needed advice, opinions, or just to listen to me go on and on and on...
11. Ki - Japanese Restaurant in Toronto where I had, hands down, the best meal and dining experience to date.
12. The upgrade on my aircard line - for when my laptop died a few weeks ago, I was able to get a Netbook for $30, and for an unemployed person, that is something for which to be extremely thankful.
13. My long distance connections - whether I know them very well or just a little, the people I keep in touch with who are miles away somehow make me feel as though they are right here, and I value that very much.
14. My mom's friend Tom - because I honestly don't know what our small family would do without him, I really don't.
15. My new hair stylist - for allowing me to, slowly, get back to natural.
16. My new black puffy coat - best way to usher in the seasons is with new accessories, bring on the snow already (and kill the bloody stink bugs too, please.)
17. Wine Nights with Brooke - wine in sweats with someone who just gets it, I am so grateful.
18. The days of solitude I have had the last 9 months - something strange to be thankful for, but I may never get another chance to spend the majority of my days completely in my head... thinking and analyzing.
19. The people I still talk to from VZW - reminds me of what I really miss from that time in my life.
20. Sweet potatoes - I've developed a slight obsession.
21. Attractive men with longer hair, beards and scruff - just because I'm pretty certain that is the sexiest thing ever and I'm just thankful those men still exist and I get to look at them.
22. Sunday Funday's this fall - seeing my elderly friends at 10:30 mass, then seeing my girls over beers, and meeting interesting new people.... best thing is when I actually remember it all the next day.
23. The memories of my Dad - for I can still hear his words of wisdom and love, and they have gotten me through times this year in which I wasn't sure where I would turn next.
24. Music - listening to music is my personal runner's high.
25. The violets on my coffee table - the only plants I have been able to keep alive longer than 2 weeks, I've had for over a year, and they remind me that life is about constant change and growth.

I know there are more, many more... but for now, I believe that will do.

And so it goes...