Friday, November 28, 2008

Thankfulness

Booking Through Thursday, one day late for the holiday:

Today is Thanksgiving here in the U.S.

Now, you may have noticed that the global economy isn’t exactly doing well. There’s war. Starvation. All sorts of bad, scary things going on.

So–just for today–how about sharing 7 things that you’re thankful for?

This can be about books, sure–authors you appreciate, books you love, an ode to your public library–but also, how about other things, too? Because in times like these, with bills piling up and disaster seemingly lurking around every corner, it’s more important than ever to stop and take stock of the things we’re grateful for. Family. Friends. Good health (I hope). Coffee and tea. Turkey. Sunshine. Wagging tails. Curling up with a good book.

So, how about it? Spread a little positive thinking and tell the world what there is to be thankful for.



This is a good one! Here is my list:

1. Thankful for my family, including my boyfriend and cats, and friends. They're always there when I need them, and always make me feel better about things. We have a lot of fun together and share a lot of things. Even when things aren't perfect, they're wonderful and we always work them out.

2. I'm thankful for my mentors. I met them by pure chance several years ago. They've helped me so much, serving as graduate school and professional references, and getting me involved with a local professional organization. Right now, they're all doing well, and I'm not. This would be a perfect time for them to turn their backs on me. It happens to people who lose their jobs all the time: people who have been friends and/or mentors for years suddenly look at them and see not their longtime associate, but their worst nightmare come to life. But my mentors are still there for me, providing as much advice and moral support as they can, and still offering to serve as references for me whenever I get a glimmer of hope. There's nothing in it for them at all. They're just excellent people and I'm lucky to have them in my life.

3. I'm thankful for orchestra. It gets me out of the house a couple of times a week, it helps me connect with something I love doing, makes me feel like a part of things and keeps me sane.

4. I'm thankful for Barack Obama, more specifically, that he got voted into office. The country needs change, optimism and a fresh outlook. He's got a lot of challenges ahead of him, but I think he's up for them.

5. I'm thankful for the libraries. My area has lost a few of them over the past few years, and may lose a few more in the near future. Libraries have always seemed almost too good to be true to me, though, and I'm glad they're still around, in any form.

6. I'm thankful for my apartment. Low rent, spacious, decent neighborhood, offstreet parking, porch, dishwasher, garden, free heat and laundry -- it has everything. I'm glad I opted for a cheaper place, too.

7. I'm thankful that I don't work at my old job anymore. I've been thinking about them more lately for some reason.And every time I do, I almost laugh out loud, I'm so happy not to be there anymore. I will continue to feel that way even if the next best job I can get is cleaning bus station toilets with my tongue, I'll laugh between gargles. And be glad that I'll never have to go back there or deal with those people ever again.