Posted By janice on September 4, 2010

I’m back! I took the summer off from blogging, and the time off stirred up a bunch of great blogs and other writing ideas I’m planning to share over the next few months.

After a really bad day, a Facebook friend recently posted the Top 10 Things she was thankful for after reading a similar list in a blog.  I thought it was such a great idea that I had to steal it for my own. I thought it would be a good exercise to remind myself even though it’s no where near Thanksgiving. I am thankful for:

1. My Nieces, Nephews, and Godchildren. I have two nieces, four nephews, one goddaughter who calls me her Fairy Godmother, and two godsons, and they range in age from 18 to 11 months. They are all brilliant, funny, and unique individuals who bring me countless joy, inspiration and happiness. I love them all. I can’t wait to meet Number 10 in September (a new niece!).
2. My Really Cool Job. Given the freedom to create this unique niche, helping faculty and staff at MD Anderson Cancer Center with organizing, time management and productivity issues makes me happy. I like helping people, and seeing people look and feel less stressed gives me great satisfaction. In January, I celebrated 10 years at MD Anderson. Next year, I mark my tenth year as a professional organizer.
3. My House. Although it’s a work in progress, I love my house. It’s mine, mine, mine! I can paint the walls whatever colors I want. I don’t have to listen to neighbor’s running water, car alarms or arguments. What’s that sound? Peace!
4. Dark Chocolate. It’s a cure for a really bad day. I love it. My birthmother Nancy loves it too so I blame genetics. I like how scientists keep discovering that it’s good for you too.
5. My Super Fabulous Friends. The history of my life can traced through the friends I picked up along the way. I have pals from kindergarten who remember when I was a tall blonde before puberty left me short, curvy and brunette. I can’t imagine my life without my wide, supportive circle. It doesn’t matter if we don’t talk for a couple of months because our conversations pick right up where we left off.
6. Action Flicks. My friend Kimberly and I are unusual since we LOVE action movies. While our friends went to see the sequel to Sex and The City, we were eagerly awaiting The A-Team (bonus: shirtless Bradley Cooper), Robin Hood, and Iron Man 2. We have so much fun watching hot guys blow stuff up. Just ask us to talk about The Expendables. Our only critique of that movie was the serious LACK of shirtless Jason Statham scenes. I mean, come on. Are you listening to me, Stallone? We want shirtless Jason scenes in the sequel. 
7. Travelling. I still have a lengthy list of places to visit on the “bucket list.” Right now, both Ireland and Italy are calling me. After a trip to Hawaii five years ago, the islands keep calling me. While I listen to the places calling my name, I’m grateful for the places that I’ve been and the things I’ve seen. I’ve seen a volcano, sandy beaches, Stonehenge, Big Ben, the vast Pacific Ocean, ancient cathedrals at times filled with heavenly music, the Eiffel Tower, Disney World,  the rain-slicked, cobblestone streets of Bath, and Golden Gate Bridge stretching away from San Francisco – just to name a few places.
8. Books. Before I could travel, books took me to different places. As a kid, I always had my nose in a book. The adventures of Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, The Little Women, and numerous other characters sparked my imagination and fed my soul.
9. Pedicures. There’s nothing better than a fabulous pedicure. Add in a festive OPI color, and it’s pure bliss. My new favorite OPI color is a silver one called “Queen of Everything.”
10. My Two Families. Being adopted, I’m thankful for both my family and my birthfamily, who I met in 2001. I am thankful to have answers to genetic questions I had and the ones never knew I had. Since then, I have a larger extended family who adds continual richness to my life.

What are you thankful for?

Categories: Fun, Happy Thoughts, Life
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