Things for which I am Thankful.

So, Melvin and I have survived the first Thanksgiving dinner hosted at our house. There were 24 people who attended --- our immediate family (Melvin's parents, Melvin's brother Joe and his girlfriend Jenny, Melvin's other brother Wil and his wife Cara and Melvin's youngest brother, Timothy), our extended family (Melvin's maternal grandparents, Melvin's maternal aunt Ranae, her husband Ron and children Ayanna, Sadat, Brian and Cedric, Melvin's maternal aunt Sharonlyn, her daughter Vanita and her boyfriend, and Sharonlyn's granddaughter Kye) and my very good friend, Jackie. A few people stayed at our house with the last of them (Tim) leaving on Sunday morning.

Pre-dinner preparations were exhausting and post-dinner clean-up is just as tiresome (and yep, I am STILL cleaning!) I'm just glad I didn't have to cook! Bless Sharon for preparing such a wonderful dinner :)

So, what are things for which I am thankful? *Drumroll*

1. My health: I work as an RN in a Trauma/Surgical ICU and everyday that I work, I see some really messed up sh*t. I am so very glad that I don't have anything artificial to help keep me alive (eg. tracheostomy, feeding tube, etc.). I am also glad that although I could definitely be healthier, that I don't suffer from anything serious.

2. My husband: I'm happy that I have a husband. I'm glad to be sharing my life with such a wonderful person --- one who cares for me and who understands me. Our relationship is far from perfect and guess what? It probably will never reach the point of perfection. But I appreciate that Melvin realizes this and is often willing to work on improvements.

3. My cats, Melanie and Tiffani: They love me unconditionally. Enough said.

4. Our ability to live in such a beautiful house: Melvin and I are truly thankful that we are able to live in a house we love so much. It has become a sanctuary for us, a place where we feel safe and at peace.