Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Thankful

I know I've probably been driving everyone on Facebook nuts with my gratitude lists (only two more days) but this year I am realizing I really do have a LOT to be grateful for so I thought I'd make one more list.

1. Being alive. Since 1/3 of people who get pulmonary emboli die, almost immediately, I feel very, very lucky to even be alive this Thanksgiving. Thanks to the hospital and doctors and especially the NURSES who worked very hard to not only save my life but keep me stable. I say especially the nurses because they were saints and took great care of me and are so under-appreciated.

2. Unemployment Benefits: Well, it's the first time I've truly been totally out of work in over 10 years and well, thank god for SOME money, right?

3. My mom. What can I say? She's a saint for helping me, encouraging me, being there for me as much as she has been. We disagree on a lot socially and politically but she's the best friend and mother a person could ever hope to have.

4. Meds: Yes, I'm thankful for the drugs that keep me from jumping off a cliff (or at least out of my second story window), and the Ultram that lets me function with the fibro, and the Lyrica and well, Tylenol and everything else that keeps me going from day to day.

5. My beautiful cats: Let people mock me, make fun of me, call me the crazy cat lady but I've been so lucky to have these two gorgeous felines for the last 14 years. They act more like dogs and follow me around the house, greet me at the front door, sleep with me, cuddle with me, comfort me. Animals are one of God's greatest gifts, IMHO.

6. My brother, sister-in-law and niece Ella: Family. Crazy, fighting, loving, wacky family. Can't live without them.

7. OA: I don't have a job now, so OA has kind of been my job. It's not only helped me lose weight, it's really brough me a lot of peace and a little sanity. What else does that for practically free?

8. Friends: Cheri, my friend here in L.A. who is also out of work, has been a Godsend and I mean that in a literal sense. I like to think we help each other get through each day. We are both teachers and both want to be teachers again and I know someday we will be.

Tara: Reconnecting with you has been the highlight of my year. You are wicked smart, funny and make me feel like a million bucks. God gave me another blessing by hooking me back up with you.

Veleska: You are the sweetest, kindest, most caring chick I know. And I know you're going through some tough times now. No one deserves a break more than you. Well, maybe you, me, Staci, haha...I treasure our friendship and still can't wait until the day we actually meet.

Staci: You have been through hell and seem to keep going no matter what. I admire you more than you will ever know. You are one of my heroes. Your friendship means the world to me. I hope in 2010 I can find an excuse to get to Arizona because if you can't come to me, I'd like to come to you and see you again. You rock.

Sandy: You are also one of the kindest, nicest people I know. I'm sorry we missed each other when you were down here for the Church. Your ability to cook, sew, can things, etc. amazes me because I can barely boil water. Oh and you do hair too! I think you are marvelous. Just mahvelous darling. Don't ever change.

Holly: Eek! I'm still waiting for the rest of your Church tour on your blog. You are the St. Francis of Ohio, loving all animals and giving so much of yourself to them. You are also one of my heroes. Why aren't all you people on that CNN Heroes show! It's beyond me. You're smart, funny and do so many nice things for SK - what's not to love about you?

Thomas: Fifteen years! I know I owe you a visit. BIG TIME. You are supremely great. A true Renaissance man. A butcher, a baker, a lawyer...OK, I'm not sure about those first two...but you know I love you and think the world of you. You're witty, charming, smart as a whip, well-read, well-educated, musically talented. You make me sick. No! I'm kidding. I miss you.

9. All the basic but truly important stuff: a comfy bed to sleep in, a sturdy roof over my head, MORE than enough food to eat (been eating less and less of it, yay!), a running car (this baby is going to 200,000 miles!), clothes to wear (getting looser all the time), etc. Without the basics I wouldn't be able to sit around having existential angst. THAT is a luxury - nihilism. Heh.

10. God. It's kind of personal. Yow know how it is.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!