Thanksgiving Edition

Happy Thanksgiving indeed! After six months of looking for a place, we had almost given up on 2012...thinking it wouldn't happen until spring. But the inspections yesterday went great. No show stoppers. We are kind of in a daze and I suspect we'll be a bit on pins and needles until we close at the end of December. My pile of paint chips grows.

This year, I am so thankful for:

• The many wonderful people in our lives including long-time friends who are some of the most creative, engaged, inspiring people ever--and new friends like Darraugh & Bob and Nate from Turner Center for the Arts.
• Lindsey's new job and my continued employment at a place that offers me so much flexibility. My three day work week has allowed me to spend extra time with Audrey, a luxury I do not take for granted. 
• Really great healthcare coverage. My employer offers outstanding healthcare benefits and we've never had to worry. I have friends who haven't been as lucky and it is heartbreaking. 
• The re-election of Obama and the fact that universal healthcare will become a reality.
• Losing fifty pounds and feeling healthier physically, spiritually, and emotionally than I ever have at any point in my life.
• Our vacation to North Carolina and the beach this summer. I wish we were able to visit Lindsey's family more often because I truly love spending time with them. Our trips are always special, this one, no exception.
• My girl's weekend in Chicago this fall, which was so rejuvenating.
• Having a husband who is 100% awesome in every way. Totally supportive of everything I do, encouraging, nurturing...just amazing. And such a wonderful dad. We are two lucky girls. 
• My baby girl. This little sweetie who is about to turn five, teaches me something new about myself every day. It is impossible for me to express the joy she brings without tearing up.
• My family. Always. My family. Constant. Again. Tears. Can't do it. Love beyond words. 

I say a prayer that more of us (including self) remember that we are all more alike than we are different, that we can practice compassion more often, and that we slow down, savor more, and nap more. (I heartily believe in the restorative powers of the nap.) On the other hand...there is so much to do, change, work towards...I love this quote from Molly Ivins.

"So keep fightin' for freedom and justice, beloveds, but don't you forget to have fun doin' it. Lord, let your laughter ring forth. Be outrageous, ridicule the fraidy-cats, rejoice in all the oddities that freedom can produce. And when you get through kickin' ass and celebratin' the sheer joy of a good fight, be sure to tell those who come after how much fun it was."
Happy Thanksgiving! Let's enjoy the rest of the year and kick ass in 2013.