Giving Thanks

I know...I know...it seems like my holidays are mixed up. But they really aren't.  What better time than the start of a new year, a new decade (to some...to others you'll have to come back in another year) to think about what you're thankful for.  Here are a few things I'm very appreciative for these days (in random order):

• My health, which allows my body to do some pretty amazing things, even if I do them more slowly than the majority of the other participants. And even if, as I told my PT, I don't believe in maintenance (stretching, the exercises he assigns me, etc.).
• My husband.  Even if his super-power is finding/having the most expensive stuff/habits. Yes, even more expensive than triathlon.  Hard to believe, I know, but true.  There's a money pit in the garage to prove it.  But the only kids we have are one furry, four-legged girl, so why not throw some money away on toys.  And besides that, it keeps him busy while I'm out swimming, biking, running, etc.
  
• My family.  No matter how different our political, religious, or any other ideological views may differ.  There's no one who will support you like family and keep you grounded at the same time.  After all, most of them knew you when you were in diapers.  And after a couple of co-workers each lost a parent just before the holidays, I'm even more thankful to have my family for as long as I can.
  
• My job.  I work in an industry that I like, at a job I like.  And I'm thankful it pays me (over-pays some, *cough* Jeff *cough*, may say) enough to do what I want, when I want.  (Although I do tend to be surprisingly frugal about most things....I prefer that to 'tight' or 'cheap', thankyouverymuch.)  I may bitch about my work but really am extremely lucky.  I get paid vacations, paid holiday shutdown, health insurance, and sick time.  I work at home a couple days a week, have decent hours and work with decent folk who appreciate me.  Yes, extremely lucky indeed.
  
• For my friends.  I am not a social butterfly by nature, and as such, don't have a *lot* of friends.  But I'm thankful for the ones I have.  Add in a special thanks for Facebook, which hooked me back up with my high school best friend.  Tip o' the hat to technology.
• The weather.  Yes, after a week in Illinois in winter, I am reminded yet again to be thankful for the weather we have here in the bay area.  Bicycling outside in short sleeves just today was yet another reminder.
• My coach.  Yep, I'm working with her again in 2010.  She got me through 2 iron distances races last year and as I age up this year, we'll see if it's possible to get a bit of speed in these old legs of mine.

Just a few things I've been contemplating lately and working on reminding myself to appreciate each and every day.  I'm excited about what this year may bring.  I'm sure some of the 'same-old same-old', but I know there will be a lot of new challenges too.  So, here's to a 2010 that is everything you want it to be!