Join Me in Snarkville

Yes, it is that time again for the sappy post on all the things I’m thankful for. We will have to be waiting for a bowling update, which includes more hours of practice in the alley, a new ball, and other fun. We will also be holding off on a serious discussion of what treasure means to a 3 year old. And finally, we will not be discussing any cat puke (because I know you love it when I do).

Without futher ado. Here is the short list of what I’m thankful for this year.

1. Prince. The single most frustrating man on the planet to me and yet I love him. Don’t ask, it is complicated, but let’s just note, I’m posting at 4:30am for a reason, a steal the covers, don’t lay still, and snoring reason, but that’s ok, I needed to get up to think about cooking anyway.
2. Duke. Seriously, how can you not be thankful for the little boy who is both a constant reminder of how awesome life is and how much you have to learn as a parent. In addition to being my biggest challenge, Duke is also a great joy. And seriously, other than his stinky, boy feet — he smells pretty good too (if you catch him post bath and not post school).
3. My family — I’d list them all, but then the list would be my family tree and not the various other things I’m thankful for. Of note is of course the Queen Mum and Dad. They are wealths of experience, advice, and reassurance. They give all three freely and without expectations that I’ll do it their way. In so many ways they still challenge me to grow into a woman of honor and strength.
4. My friends. When I think back over the last year, the mere 365 days that have just past, I see such rich friendships that have bloomed. It blows me away that so many of them put up with me (and I’m trying…seriously, I’m trying). While I could spend hours typing out how each of them is pretty and wonderful, I’ll call out three and the rest of you know who you are. Know that I feel blessed to have you in my life. Niki, one of my closest, though 3,000 miles away, has proven that she’s really as close as a phone call. Erin, my newest fiber friend and partner on the various fiber cruises, my only regret here is that I didn’t meet you when I was still in the Baltimore area. Mir, the one who thought this whole blog thing wasn’t nuts and encouraged me from the beginning, but also this amazing woman who is starting a new phase in her life soon.
5. My Knit Night Gang. While they firmly belong in number 5, I wanted to call them out special. I said last week, as I say often, Knit Night is my therapy. I love coming to laugh, chat, and occasionally eat chocolate. I have such respect for everyone there, we all come from different places and yet, we are all friends.
6. For the roof over my head, in all of its Frankenhouse goodness. In the same vein, I’m thankful that my cupboards are full and that I’m not facing the business end of a Hungry Man Turkey TV dinner today.
7. For the collective health of the family. I can not express in words how I go to bed every night with words of thanks for this. While we all get the routine colds and croup, we are a healthy bunch and this is good.
8. For milestones, for potty training, for red tennis shoes, for pancakes, for Red Bear, for Blanket, for Monkey, for Thomas, for Nemo, for portable DVD players. These are all things Duke has discovered and loved this past year and I’m thankful for each and every one of them. They bring him joy, which in turn makes me happy. Duke has discovered many, many things — but these currently top the list. I sit back and am thankful that Duke is growing and maturing into an amazing little boy.
9. For bowling. Yes, I’m thankful for finding something that Prince and I can do together, especially since it doesn’t involved a computer or have us IMing in the same house. I’m thrilled with the folks we bowl with because above all things they don’t take themselves too seriously.
10. Finally, as I wanted to try to keep this list to 10 things, I’m thankful to all of you who read me, comment, send encouraging notes. I never would have expected this when I began and love the responses I’ve gotten. This little endeaver was a whim at best — and is proving to me daily that whims can be good sometimes.

I can’t leave this list without offering my in print thanks to God for making every single one of the above possible. I believe without question it would be foolish and short sighted of me not to place the thanks in His hands.

Now, while I attempt to find the normal levels of snark, irony, and funny that I’m 90% sure I left here somewhere, I must also begin to think about cooking this year. Photos of the folly into food will soon follow, I’m sure. Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Enjoy your turkey.