Post-Thanksgiving

This is the time of year that I want to run away and join the foreign service corps. They're more forgiving than the French foreign legion anyways, and don't mind that I'm a girl. But I will be positive

Ten Things I'm thankful for this year:

1. The health care reform bill passed. And J's surgeon agreed to a smaller monthly payment than I was afraid we'd have to do. Starting payments in December, we will officially have paid the sawbone off in 12 years and 2 months. Like I said before, reform is a good thing (even if it won't apply to us).

2. J is settling into his new position. It's exciting to have more cash flow in than out! Yes Virginia, we CAN have a little christmas! (and pay off debts).

3. We are fortunate to have local family who will let us stay at a house rent-free.

4. My advisor hasn't sent me a guilt trip email in 4 weeks now. I'm hiding from my email, and trying to work work work.

5. My nephews are getting through the storm of the divorce ok. But I wish that the 4 yr old didn't have to go to a counselor for anger management issues, and didn't think daddy 'gave him up' on Thanksgiving (he did though).

6. I have been very grateful for being on the recieving end of a lot of selfless giving this year. It may be a viable adage that it takes a village to raise a child, I also think it is entirely accurate to say that no man is an island, and despite the disconnected layers of current society (how far away we all are from one another, and how the internet intercedes)-- it takes a community to help us all live. When in need, its your friends who will help you, not corporations or insurance companies (but never borrow money from your family).

7. I will go see my family this holiday, and my mom and sister need me around for awhile. Plus, its pretty official that I will live in this town for the next 4 years, so I want to break away for awhile. I want some snow. And a bathtub.

8. J and I have been married for 1 year and 4 months (almost), and have experienced hardships and blessings along the way. We've really seen more hardships than good, but instead of getting cranky and losing the sparkle of what you married people call 'the honeymoon phase,' we are still silly in love together. Seriously.

9. Ambien. I know its a crutch, but it's very awesome. On Thursday night I dreamt that my to do list was a monster, trying to eat my face. I didn't take ambien then-- I had to get up early to shop for my sister. But I took it last night, by god!

10. coffee.

post deleted because I was being a bitch about in laws issues. Must stop that. now.