Thanksgiving Thoughts

Last year was a lengthy list of people for whom and to whom I was grateful.

This year's will be more eventful than listful.

The basketball team made it to the Final Four of the state tournament, despite extremely little contribution from the 5th coach on the bench. How many coaches have had a better seat at a high school game?

I've had several mysterious injuries creep up in my back and on my skin. Sliver-shaped bruises, pinky-sized knots, insect-like bites. Not to mention Grover's disease. And all of them were managed or healed to nothing. The body's a wonderful machine, as long as you figure out how to operate it without a manual.

Dena got a new job. And just yesterday, a spectacular first performance review. It's her best work situation in years. Yippee, and ka-ching!

The 25th reunion of my St. Matthew elementary school class was a hit. It felt like family. Who does this?

Jack got his first stand-up comedy gig. Then one at a bigger club. And then another. He's been elevated to pitcher of his softball teams. Made a truckload of new friends. Started dating again. Nice!

Our condominium association had a successful summer cookout and clean-up day. Our finances look solid. Sold a couple of units this year to break a drought. Neighbors rock.

We discovered Nashville for the first time. And not the last. The weather was perfect. What fortunate timing and means to get there!

Kurt got engaged and Zina got wed. Dena's whole family (seven kids in all) will be married by the end of 2012. What are the odds of a perfect record?

The reunion with Vacation Bible School was a roaring success, a musical party. It was a blessing to be invited by such a cohesive and fun group of people.

This summer was clear and not overly scorching. Lots of pool time. So relaxing. How often can you count on that?

Mom had two flawless cataract surgeries and got a new easy chair for the living room. She's bionic, she's comfy, she's awesome.

My first year of math tutoring has been educational (no pun intended). This career seed is growing. In this field, nothing makes me more thankful than being thanked.

Likewise, Hidden Blog continues its surprising run at world amusement. 2,500 page views a month suggests that it's making a positive difference to someone. I started this blog as a personal journal, but am thrilled if it's brightening others' days as well.

I've made many new acquaintances, more than the ten I aimed for in my new year's resolutions.

Oh, and I got a new camera. I like it. Can you tell?

Happy Thanksgiving to all Hidden Bloggers, thanks for popping in, and keep the faith. We have computer access and time to use it. That makes us extraordinarily wealthy compared to most of humanity. Can't wait to celebrate all that trappings of that again next year.