Thursday, November 23, 2006

Thursday Thirteen, Thanksgiving Edition

I haven't checked the blogosphere yet, but I'm sure this is the theme for this week's TTs. Not wanting to be left out, here's thirteen things I'm thankful for in no particular order.

1. My parents. They sacrificed tremendously to send us all to Catholic schools and make sure we went to college. While other families were taking cruises and jetting off to exotic vacations, we did road trips and things around home to save money to provide for our futures. Second honeymoons and private vacations and nights out were rare for them as they chose instead to give to us.

2. My parents. I was chronically ill as a child and went through a couple of major surgeries. My mother was always home to take care of me and pretty much home schooled me through first grade as I missed over 50% of the school year. My father sacrificed a huge career advancement that was in a location that would have been bad for my health and chose instead much worse jobs in places better for me.

3. My mom. She is an outstanding cook and she taught me to try new dishes and experiment with cooking. She took great pride in making a warm and loving home and while I can't manage to do all the things she taught me, I remember and cherish all of them.

4. My father. Well-educated, he tried to impart all manner of life skills to me. Thriftiness, planning for the future, bravery in the face of adversity, love of literature and art and honing my writing skills. Even when it doesn't seem like I've taken the lessons to heart, they're a part of me.

5. My son. He's had some very hard times and through it all he's shown tremendous strength and courage. He works hard to help his little sister be a success.

6. My daughter. She had a rough start in life and has gone through some bumpy times. The word that best describes her is irrepressible. Good cheer and loving support is what she gives us all.

7. Our Maximum Leader. Just look at this picture. What more needs be said?


8. Believe it or not, I'm thankful for Jacob the Syrian Hamster. When I sit with him and read, he teaches me to find joy in the simplest of life's pleasures. I recently changed his food from pellets to a mix of seeds and dried fruits called Fiesta Mix. I thought his head was going to explode. It was just a bowl of seeds and fruit and he practically levitated and orbited the room with pleasure. "Savor life" is his message to me.


9. Comments on my blog. This blog has been an exploration of ideas and technology for me. When people leave comments it affirms my existence in the blogosphere and makes the writing more worthwhile.

10. Living in San Diego. As I write this I'm looking out over Mission Bay and the Pacific Ocean. There's a bit of haze so I can't quite see Mission Beach, but the day is lovely and full of promise.

11. My mother. (You thought I was done with that line, didn't you? I told you this was in no particular order.) She is an outstanding gardener and taught me to cherish plants. My efforts to raise my garden from seeds follows the example she set for me.

12. My friends. I never seem to have to ask for support, it just shows up. Through some rough patches I've had friends who just call out of the blue to ask how things are.

13. You. You took the time to read this post. That's time you could have spent in other ways and instead you chose to visit my little corner of the web and see what I had to say. Thanks.


Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!



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14 comments:

Unknown said...

This is a great list. I love the picture of your cat! They really do run the house don't they. :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Anonymous said...

Great list happy turkey day.

Sonny said...

Very nice list!
Have a save and happy Thanksgiving!
Happy TT from Germany,
Sonny

http://sweetlikekitty.blogspot.com

Leah said...

You have a wonderful family. Something to be really thankful for.
Have a happy thanksgiving.

Anonymous said...

Hope you are having a delightful day of thanks. Great list.

MISYEL said...

Nice list... I like your hamster :)
Happy Thanksgiving!

Domestic Goddess said...

I love the list. Your comments on your hamster made me laugh.
Thanks for stopping by.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Smurf said...

You did a great job really thinking through your answers and it was really neat to see you truely do appreciate all the things and people you have mentioned. So San Diego... what a beautiful place! Thanks for stopping by!

Unknown said...

I'm so jealous of your view!! I love your city! Great list, it's always good to voice what we're thankful for.

Norma said...

How thoughtful that you included all of us in your blog. Thanks! A great list.

Thanks for visiting my TT.

Southern Girl said...

What a wonderful list. I have no doubt that you would appear on the lists of those who you name on yours.

Hope you're having a wonderful Thanksgiving! :)

Jennie said...

What a wonderful list! I agree about the Southern California love--it's been an absolutely gorgeous week here! Love the cat, what a fantastic picture!

EHT said...

Thanks for visiting me!

I agree with you about comments. I'm always thankful for them especially when it's a piece I've put alot of time in. It does make the writing more worthwhile!

Melessa Gregg said...

I hope someday my kids are just as grateful for me and my DH. Thanks for visiting my TT!