Bright side

I've been feeling so icky that I think I need to remind myself of the things I am thankful for. After all, even though it feels like my health issues have been completely miserable and consuming my life for the past year and a half, it could be much, much worse. I could have an incurable disease or a missing limb or the loss of one of my senses. That would be much worse.

And I am thankful for, every single day...

My husband. He's truly just a wonderful, wonderful guy. Loving, caring...he's my best friend in the whole world. I don't know what I'd do without him.

Harley, my old, persnickety kitty. When he cuddles with you, you know he loves you. He doesn't make nice with just anyone.

Gracie, my fat diva girl kitty, who loves to snuggle and is a total pet slut.

My sisters. We all still love each other, even though we hardly ever see eye to eye on anything.

My mom, who seems to be doing so much better than she ever was before (save for the smoking again thing).

Our lovely house.

Crafty things. Being creative. Having the opportunity (here we come back to Tony) to do things that I love.

Authors. For writing all of those lovely books out there that have kept me entertained, enlightened, and excited all of these years. I'm happy to be able to give something back to them now through my website.

Readers. Anyone who thinks teens aren't reading should pay attention to the kids that frequent the site and the forum. They are great. And really lovely people. They even email me get well cards when I'm sick.

Music.

Art.

I guess those are the big things. There are always more things. Little things, like seeing hippos swimming (at Busch Gardens, in one of those huge tanks where you can see them from the side -- it's just like in Disney's Fantasia. Hippos are just funnily graceful. That always makes me smile). Though, hmmmm, maybe that should rightfully be called a big thing.