the girl who is thinking

Perhaps it's the spirit of Thanksgiving, but as I was reading the paper today, I was struck by how good I have it. Civil war is about to break out in Iraq, a 63 year old GRANDMOTHER blows herself up in Pakistan and her family is "proud." A guy takes two women hostage in Chicago on Thanksgiving--it ended badly. The usual "human face on the problem" stories about hunger, loss, abuse.

I have it pretty darn good.

I have three beautiful, smart children.

I have a husband who loves me (even if he doesn't clean house without a cattle prod)

I have a hobby that I love that allows me a creative outlet as well as a little bit of recognition.

I have friends who support and encourage and yes, gossip (we all need that!) with me.

I have a family in Florida that isn't by blood, but treats me as if I am.

I have a family in Texas that I miss so much, but who loves and supports me as if I was still under the same roof.

I have a job--it may not be the best, I may not be happy, but I am employed. And, I'm pretty confident I can get something better when I really pit my mind to it.

I have a place to live that is pretty nice (regardless of what my kids have done with it) and a pretty good landlord besides.

I have toys. These aren't "necessities" but I have them and they make me happy. A nice stash of sb'ing supplies, a dvr to recors shows so dh and I can watch them together, and a puter to surf the net.

I am thankful for all of these things and more. When I think about what I DON'T have, I am thankful too.

I don't have a terminal disease. I don't have an abusive relationship. I don't have an addiction (unless you count sb supplies) I don't have frostbite from sleeping on the streets. I don't have war in my front yard. I don't have danger in my life.

I am truly thankful for what I don't have.

And I pass that little nugget of philosophy on to you.