Semper USA: Top 10 Reasons for Giving Thanks

It's been a week since my last post... how did that happen?

I've been busy working and living and all of a sudden a week has flown by without even a blink of an eye...don't you just hate when that happens?

Oh well...

Today's post is entitled "Thankful" and that's the name of my newest creation. I wanted to come up with something to celebrate the Thanksgiving season. It seems to have gotten squished into almost non-existence between Halloween and Christmas, and after giving it some serious thought this year, I decided to spend more time on Thanksgiving than Halloween because really there are so many things I am thankful for... it seems wrong not to spend a moment to really appreciate all those things that make my life so bright .... so here goes... my....

Top 10 Reasons for Giving Thanks

1. My husband who is also my very, very, VERY best friend and soulmate. He is my better 3/4 and keeps me sane when all around me things seem to be terribly insane. He is the one person who understands me, accepts me, and most importantly loves me - even when I am having a terrible hair day, have poison ivy all over my face (with blisters), and am totally PMS. I love him with the very fiber of my being, and I am so, so, SO THANKFUL for his love!

2. My parents. My parents always accept, support and never judge (out loud :-)). They are my safe port in any and every storm, and the older I get the more I love them and appreciate them. I am so THANKFUL for them each and every day.

3. My children. My kids used to be the center of my existence. I look back at the time (over 17 years ago) when I had three under 3, and I wonder just how I did it. I had 3 in diapers and 2 on bottles - my evening routine consisted of preparing 13 bottles to make sure I could get through the following day with no bottle drama. Never got more than 2 hours sleep at a time, had three car seats, 2 strollers (1 double and 1 single), 2 diaper bags, and a minivan. We didn't have those cool car DVD players yet and the babes were too young to play with (and indeed these hadn't come out yet) gameboys. Now the babes are men, and I am thrilled to have them spreading their wings. I love that they are their own people now, and I enjoy them on such a different level. They all have their distinct personalities, and I am THANKFUL to be able to call myself "mom" and them "friend."

4. My health. I've been relatively lucky in this arena. With the exception of a stint with melanoma 9 years ago, I've been extremely healthy. I've spent some time lately with wounded warriors and have marvelled at their resolve; I have absolutely no reason to complain and every day a reason to be THANKFUL.

5. My husband's job. Sad to say, we were a victim of the economic disaster. Our manufacturing business totally failed, and we were forced to close the doors with a huge financial loss... we're the ones who you hear about who lost their savings, their retirement, blah, blah, blah. We can both attest to the extreme difficulty in the job market - both "professionals" and both unemployed for over a year. I knew it was bad, but the defining moment came when I wasn't able to get hired as a cleaning person and my hubby couldn't get a job as a mechanic (even though he's like the best mechanic ever and has over 30 years experience building, rebuilding, and working on cars). We kept to our Faith and to each other and FINALLY he was able to obtain a job where he could use his 25+ years of engineering and management experience. His new job keeps him travelling a good part of the time, but we're both so THANKFUL that God took care of us and for a regular pay check.

6. My Faith. It is me and keeps me going... nothing more to say.

7. My dog. My dog is a huge pain in the @$$, but he is absolutely the MOST loyal dog I've ever had. He follows me relentlessly, is by my side constantly and loves me no matter what... I will ignore that one instance when he bit my face and keep him on my top 10 :-). I'm THANKFUL to have my puppy love.

8. The water. I live for and love the open water.... bays, lakes, oceans, creeks, rivers... you name it, I love it. I am THANKFUL that each day, I wake up and get to look out at the water as it ebbs and flows. It is ever-changing and constant... like me :-).

9. The seasons. I love every season, but I think I love fall the most. I love to see the changing colors of the trees, feel the breezes as they bring in cooler air and smell the scent of burning wood. I think I love the fall because it brings closure to a year and with it new beginnings in Spring. I am THANKFUL for new beginnings and the promises that they bring.

10. Each new day. I am THANKFUL for each new day because it gives me another opportunity to try to be a better person - to be a better wife, mother, daughter, friend and woman. I love having new chances to say "I love you" and to smile and laugh...