I Give Thanks

I'm not sure if this is an annual thing of mine or not, but here's a top-of-mind list of stuff for which I'm currently thankful.

It is not a list of obvious things -- of course I'm thankful for my boys, my husband, my health, my family, my friends. That all goes without saying. This list is about stuff that goes with saying:

• Funny people. I cannot live without them. The list includes my husband, my sister, my girlfriends and a very select handful of people on Facebook.
• Facebook. How else would I know when former high school classmates have bagged an 8-pointer or when someone I barely know is thinking of buying new boots?
• The way Ian (now 18 months) calls milk "gook." And the way Finn (now 7 years, 9 months) says, "Got gook?" Heh.
• People who write crafty blogs. I don't craft stuff, so I don't know why I love to read about their homemade confetti, kitchen demolition or glittery gift tag projects, but I do. Blogs that I read regularly include Marta Writes, Young House Love and Oh Happy Day.
• People who write funny blogs. Tom and Lorenzo make me chortle on a daily basis. Their sense of humor is wicked.
• Temporary tattoos for adults. I had a big rainbow circle on my forearm for a week that made me happy every time I looked at it. I have one left and I'm saving it.
• The speed with which my Jetta heats up inside, within a minute or less. I am frequently thankful for that. I do not like to be cold.
• A size smaller jeans. Thanks, Weight Watchers and treadmill.
• Truffled brie and hot bread and white wine.
• Hotel rooms.
• "Boooooop." -- What Ian will say if you touch his tiny little nose. I am thankful for it.
• Boots and jeans and t-shirts.
• Not having to shovel snow.
• Bright blue.
• Blue nail polish.
• Sunset magazine.
• The moment after I finish a lunchtime run at the gym. And the hot shower afterwards.
• The hour of time after both boys are in bed for the night.
• How Jon tells me that I shouldn't try to lose any more weight because I look good now. Isn't that awesome? I am very, very thankful for that, and for him.
• A really great sandwich.
• The possibility of Bigfoot.
• Watching Finn play goalie or swing a bat. The kid is a natural athlete and it is beautiful to see.
• Doritos for breakfast.
• Girls' night.
• Apple-cinnamon candles.
• Nighttime neighborhood walks with my first born. We haven't done this in awhile, so it's time to start 'em up again.
• "Survivor," "The Amazing Race" and "Top Chef." Oh, fine, I am also thankful for "Top Model," there, I said it.
• Friends who are willing to giggle through the latest Twilight film with me.
• Robert Pattinson.
• When Ian likes a new food. Anything other than cheese, noodles and ham seems like a nutritional victory.
• The way Finn now thinks it's cool to try new foods, after years and years of nothing but mac and cheese.
• Our red oak wood floors. I am thankful we had them installed, because they are totally worth it and beautiful. And if you spray just a tiny bit of Pledge on them, you can slide around in your socks like you're ice skating.
• This here blog. I hit the 4-year mark last Monday. Thanks for those of you who keep coming back, for whatever reason.