Counting The Blessings of 2009

I like to count my blessings. Doing so reminds me that I'm indeed blessed, no matter what my circumstances.

Here they are for this past year, as they come to mind:

• Losing 23 lbs and keeping off 18 (I'm shooting for another 30 in 2010!)
  
  
• Celebrating 18 years of marriage
  
  
• Witnessing the celebration of my in-laws' 50 years of marriage
  
  
• My oldest son getting great grades in his first year of high school and attending the Phenom camp in San Diego and a few local basketball camps, leading to his name popping up on a few national lists for his class and his first Varsity games
  
  
• My middle son getting accepted by lottery into the Science Magnet school of his choice and exploring his "Mad Science" yearnings
  
  
• My youngest, prekindergarten son showing an artistic bent in photography and drawing
  
  
• Not sleeping a day on the streets nor missing a meal despite coming painfully close at times as we await the release of God's blessings for us
  
  
• Continued employment
  
  
• My critique partners
  
  
• A used laptop from one of my critique partners who heard my cry
  
  
• Millions of words, in the form of the 130+ books I read
  
  
• Free books from publishers, publicists, review sites enabling me to indulge my voracious reading habit in exchange for my opinion
  
  
• Writing encouragement from fellow writers, bloggers, critique partners, agents, family, and unexpected places
  
  
• Creditors who would normally not give a flying fig about my circumstances who offered me options and on occasion prayed for me
  
  
• The health of myself and my family
  
  
• My mother's continued life; 88 years and going strong
  
  
• Reconnecting with old friends and making new ones through Facebook and Twitter
  
  
• The smiles, hugs and laughter of my children
  
  
• The love and respect of my husband
  
  
• A determined, if, on occasion, deterred spirit
  
  
• A renewed, less fearful, more patient faith
  
  
• An ever faithful God

For these things, and many more, I'm thankful as 2009 draws to a close. I look forward to the promise and blessing of 2010.

Happy New Year!

For what are you thankful?

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia