To Be Thankful

Thanksgiving is a time for escape. A kind holiday with little ceremony and expectation. A time to relax, spend time with family and friends, eat way too much fattening food and enjoy football. So as I sit in my cozy home, I reflect on a few things in 2010 for which to be thankful.

Several weeks ago, my new smart phone encountered a small hiccup and all work emails were lost. For a brief moment, I panicked. What the hell was I going to do without 24/7 connection to perceived chaos? Then I remembered, I manage my life…life doesn’t manage me. I remembered one core learning from a year of unemployment: There is no need for work emails while away from work.

The reinvention of Date Night with my husband Jon has turned me into a teenager again. Holding hands on a long walk, dining at great restaurant without having to pay and colorful conversation with my true love makes me giggle. So do the Appletinis, because date night always comes with a designated driver.

A black-nosed, pooping in the house, underwear eating pug puppy has brought calm to a stressed hubby, compassion to a teenager and responsibility to a young boy.

Healing: physical, spiritual and emotional.

2010 began with a new job after twelve month journey of unemployment. Entering the workforce again, I had no expectations, no desire to climb the corporate ladder and a mission to maintain balance in life. What I hadn’t realized when I walked through the door was a refreshing group of real people and work that I love. Yes it sounds corny…but I have a job that pays me, yet I’d do it for free. And a two mile commute.

Just two days ago we met with Amanda, our son’s fifth grade teacher. He is fortunate to have her for the second consecutive year. What’s amazing about Amanda is not only that she is a fantastic educator, but she also has a rare talent of uncovering the unique gifts within her students. I couldn’t help but sniffle when she proudly showed me a short story that Eli had written. “He has a voice. This is something you can’t teach.”

A husband that takes care of me.

The look on my fourteen year old son's face when he made the freshman basketball team and then the look of disappointment when his best friend had not. It was clear, I’d raised a good person not a ball player.

Discarding the Glucogon kit. Expired and unused.

So as I stuff myself with turkey and pie today, it’s easy to think of the big things in life to be thankful. But it’s remembering the small things that really matter.