People, Potties and Pets – Oh My!

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.  – William Arthur Ward

I’ve always shied away from the typical “Thanksgiving” post because, well, let’s face it I am the world’s most intermittent blogger so I usually think to do it around Valentine’s Day of the following year, and also because it seemed a little cliché…isn’t that what everyone does?  But then, the more I got to thinking about it, everyone doesn’t do it, but everyone should.  Myself included.  Let’s face it, the vast majority of us have much for which to be thankful this year, and yet it is so much easier to express our ire with life’s everyday annoyances than it is to convey gratitude for all that is marvelous and well in our worlds.

So, without further ado, my not-all-inclusive-because-I’m-sure-I-will-forget-something-much-to-be-thankful-for-list…

My Nolan.  My charming, hilarious, kind, gifted, stubborn and exceptional little boy.  I’m so very fortunate to be your mommy.  You are, far and away, the best thing I have ever done in my entire life. 

My Parents.  I know so many people who have issues with their parents.  Personally, I adore my parents.  They are the best.  I would challenge anyone out there to a “Parent Duel.”  Mine would win.  Period…and they would probably let me dress them in Braveheart costumes too.

My hubby.  People have asked me more than once, when they find out what kind of zoo I am running up in here, “What does your husband think of having that many animals?”  He goes along with it.  If having three dogs and two cats sleeping with us on the bed every night doesn’t prove how much he must love me, I’m not sure what does…except maybe for the fact that he doesn’t mind that I pack my own bedding when we go on vacation.

My animals.  Oh my sweet little furfamily.  Sure, they make me crazy when I trip over a cat going down the stairs, or have to clean up Sally-Confetti when she gets a hold of any sort of paper product.  But losing Apples this summer taught me that I only get them for a little bit of time…and I have to love them up all I can while they are here.

Our new home.  Better neighborhood, bigger yard, better school district, more than one potty.  It might not be the biggest or best house in the entire world, but it’s all ours…and we love it.  Did I mention more than one potty?  It’s like heaven, but with commodes.

My kick-ass friends.  I am so fortunate to have such an incredible circle of friends from all my different walks of life, 98% of whom share the same warped sense of humor that I possess.  And to the other 2% – thank-you for providing some levity to situations in which my inappropriate laughter is not welcome.  This includes all of my blogging and online friends that I haven’t met in person – who needs face time when we’ve got screen time?

My health.  Oh my friends…every morning I still wake up and panic that I won’t be able to see when I put on my glasses.  And every morning that I realize I can still actually see the world, I don’t take it for granted.  At all. 

My job.  I’ve been here a year now, and I can honestly say I’ve learned a great deal in this whole “throw Angelika to the wolves” experiment.  It’s been sink or swim, and I’ve strapped on my goggles and my kicky swim cap and headed toward shore. 

So when you boil it all down…in addition to my health, my job and my home, I am most thankful for the people and pets in my life – and potties.  Lots and lots of potties.

Happy Thanksgiving my friends!