THANKSGIVING!

Now I know this is a bit premature to offer up my list of things for which I am grateful but I always run out of time when I want to write my blog. For example, I was going to come up with 30 things I was happy about in my life for my 30th birthday and that came and went without even a thought of writing them down. So here I am, days before Thanskgiving but ready to start the thanking. :) Here are the top ten (in no particular order) things I am MOST thanksful for this year. I'm trying to avoid the obvious ones but they'll slip in here and there I'm sure....for your reading pleasure:

1) my piano teacher: more than ever I am so grateful for him, he is the first (and only one of two) teacher to actually believe that I am special, the first to push me to perform, the first to believe I can perform, the first to encourage me to compete, the first to believe I can win, the first to never underestimate me and most importantly...the first to stand up for me and take on people who did doubt me, underestimate me and dismiss me. Steven, you rock.

2) Laska: i know, it's silly to include a pet, especially one that isn't even mine but if you've met her you would know what I mean. She truly makes my day. No one comforts me like she does. It's amazing--pets don't judge, they don't care if I am overweight or not wearing makeup or say the wrong thing. She LOVES me unconditionally and I'm pretty sure she replaces both children and men....what's not to love?

3) Little Laura: well, it goes without saying that she's my second, my BFF, my buddy, my whatever you want to call her. The truth is that I have learned more about loving someone from our friendship than I ever did from being with Mr. Garner. I always find myself wanting to do things for other people but rarely do I feel like they reciprocate--but she does! She is the cream of the crop, best of the best.....I hope we will always be friends but I know people and things change. I try not to think about that yet...

4) Weight Watchers: so far I've lost 13 pounds plus a bit and although no one's really noticed I have and ultimately it only matters what I think and how I feel. I just hope I can keep with it!

5) 2-inch heels: sometimes I forget how damn short I am when I'm surrounded by people who on average are only a few inches taller than me. But dating someone who's six-four has taught me a strong appreciation for the perfectly heeled boot or dress shoe and although I'd prefer higher heels my bulging disc ages me well beyond my 30 years so......2 inches is just right.

6) My parents: sure everyone is grateful for family at this time of the year but I realize that my parents are anomalies among parents.....they are happily married at the ripe ages of 67 and 72, they own their own home, they pray for me everyday, they are healthy and happy. I owe my overwhelming sense of self-respect and most of my good decisions to them. Now if I could just convince them abandon their Republican ways....

7) Men: what a strange entry, I know, I know. But after Mr. Garner I thought I wouldn't want to date and the truth is that it's still very difficult for me. I blame Mr. Garner for that. However....I cannot hold me accountable for all of my problems. Nevertheless, I've dated a couple of guys this year and it's been a lovely reacquaintance with the idea. Now we'll see where it takes me but right now I am damn happy. Do you hear that Matt? DAMN HAPPY. With my marine I mean.

8) Obama: He's not George Bush. Need I say more?

9) Privilege: I know this isn't a fair one but I feel like I am extremely privilege and although that encompasses a number of categories the idea as a whole is what I am referring to....I have no immediate problems, I am well-fed (check out my ass), have health insurance (shitty as it may be), own my own car, live in a safe, warm apartment in which I will most likely never be shot, robbed or evicted. I am getting an education, I have a really damn good job, I have a patron, I have everything I could possible need or want. Except a new cell phone...that will come.

10) Auntie Sue: I've never really had a lot of family around but Auntie Sue has changed that. I'm starting to understand what a familial relationship is and how vital it is to feeling loved. Not that I didn't feel loved before her but there's something about an aunt that is so different than a mom. Auntie Sue is always there to help me, cooks for me, shops with me and just plain gets me. In a way my mom doesn't. Sorry. So I love you Auntie Sue! I will always be your fan!

Well, that's a wrap folks. So many more things for which I am grateful but that list could be endless. And I need to get ready for bed now. 8 a.m. workouts come so damn early. Love, me.