Sunday, November 19, 2006

This morning in a sermon illustration, our pastor asked us when we were last grateful for plumbing and sewage systems. I leaned over to my friend Laura and said, “Probably the last time it stopped working.” I hate to say that, but it’s true. It’s like the only time I realize how effortlessly I breathe is when my nose is stopped up. I just don’t notice things until they’re gone. I forget to be thankful.

I looked back through the last three years’ worth of columns and realized I’ve never written about Thanksgiving. It gets lost in the Christmas shuffle. So this year…28 things that make me thankful. Some big, some little. All wonderful. One for each year of my life. I’ll give you half the list this week and half next week – just so you don’t have to take a nap in the middle.

1. Aldi’s. I’ve been told I have a pathetic grocery budget – which is probably true. I love to cook and bake, but I couldn’t make my tiny allowance stretch without Aldi’s – even if I do have to keep a quarter on reserve for my cart and ferret out my own boxes to hold my groceries.

2. Digital cameras. Being the picture lover that I am, I appreciate being able to immediately redo the shot until I get the perfect angle and lighting. It came in extra handy when trying to do a photo shoot alone while holding a sleeping baby the other day. The end result was worth every single redo.

3. Blankets and pillows. Whether I’m snuggling down on the couch to watch a movie on a Sunday afternoon or snuggling into the middle of the bed at night to read a magazine, I love being sandwiched between pillows and blankets. It probably takes me twice as long as it should to make my bed every day just because I have all the pillows and blankets to deal with. But nothing beats being toasty and comfy on cold nights!

4. Straightening products. If you don’t know me very well, let me just introduce you to a little known and mostly useless fact about myself: my hair has ATTITUDE. It has significant wave. Too straight to have the adorable curl that my “niece” Hannah has – and much too wavy to be the adorable straight that most people can achieve with a flat iron. And while I’ve learned to love my hair, I have learned to love it more in the last two weeks. My niece, Cassie, told me about Herbal Essences new “Dangerously Straight” line – shampoo, conditioner, mousse, hairspray – the whole nine yards. I don’t like forking out 3 bucks a bottle, particularly, but the 20 minute reduction in flat ironing each morning has made it more than worth it.

5. Kaegan and Braeya. I know – some of you think I really am becoming the crazy cat lady. And maybe I am. But hey…they’re the ones who greet me at the door when I come home. And alongside making me crazy (and this month, broke!) they make me laugh after a rough day at work. They don’t seem to mind when I cry over silly things. And though they can’t really hug, a big purr and a nose nuzzle can definitely make a sad moment glad.

6. Dad’s healthy recovery. He’s had more than his share of surgeries during these last couple of years – and I’m just really glad he’s still here. Who else would I pick on without getting into trouble? Who else would help me turn my house (and the neighborhood) upside down when Braeya came up missing? Who else would play me a song on the radio just because? I may be 28, but I think there’s some Daddy’s Little Girl still in me.

7. Stamps. One of my friends was over here this afternoon and while borrowing my computer, looked through the open closet door and said, “What’s all that?” I didn’t even think twice before answering, “Oh those are all my stamps for card making and scrapbooking.” I’ve never seen eyes get so wide so fast. I know – you don’t all understand the rubber stamp frenzy. But I love my stamps – and I’m thankful that I was able to use my years of selling them to build a great collection.

8. Books. I feel guilty even putting more on my Christmas list when there are so many on my shelves that I haven’t read yet. Books are great – and someday I’d love to have a library just like the one on Beauty and the Beast. Clear to the ceiling – with ladders and a fireplace and a big comfy chair.

9. Music. Savannah was in the car with me tonight when I went to church and the first thing she wanted was the music to be turned off. What a silent ride to church!! I mean it was nice to talk – usually there’s no one to talk to in the car. But there was nothing in the background. I love my music – when I get ready in the morning…when I work…when I drive around…how did people make it before the days of music at the press of a button?

10. Dollar bin fabric. I have a whole new sack of it just waiting in the upstairs closet. Time for new curtains and seat covers in the dining room. I love curtains and just would not be able to afford them if it weren’t for the great treasures I find in the dollar bin. And if I’m going to be entirely fair, I should be thankful for a Mom who can help me sew in a straight line – which sometimes proves challenging for me.

11. Hair dye. I am now a shade of mocha. It’s a lot better than the shade of white I was becoming right at the very front of my head. I’m too young to be gray!!! And while I aspire to never be the shade of neon orange that I accidentally was earlier this year, I’m so thankful that I at least have the option to not grow visibly old before my time!!

12. People who clean out their closets. It’s always good to get new clothes. It’s even better when you don’t have to pay full price for them!! I’m thankful that God has kept me well supplied with friends my size who love to shop – and can afford it! And then I’m thankful for their rummage sales that keep me well stocked with new-to-me things!

13. Roses. My favorite flower. And this week I got one! What a fun surprise to return to work and find a rose on my desk. Sarah (from my office) knew I was having a rough day and thought she would brighten it up for me. Thank you, Sarah!! You are a blessing…and the rose is right here, still smelling and looking great!

14. Surprise notes from friends. My friend, Julie Crandall, stopped by my house this afternoon and handed me a little scrap of paper she’d drawn on. A little “I’m glad you’re my friend” poem, complete with pictures. I put it right up on the entertainment center to remind me that I have the best friends – so many of them!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all – I hope this week is filled with moments where you’re aware of those things you take for granted. Be thankful for them…they are gifts.