Grateful

It's been way too long since I paused to write something down in here... really. For me, it's a kind of intense therapy to get feelings and thoughts out. Expressing them, whether in writing or sincere discussion, makes them real.

Anyhoo, I don't have much time 'cuz I'm at work and should be doing boring work stuff, but I took a minute to look at our family blog.

I was overwhelmed as I looked at the wonderful pictures Amanda posted. We have absolutely stinkin' BEAUTIFUL children. Incredible blessing #1 (as in most obvious from reading the blog).

Incredible blessing 2 is #1 in my mind and that is the wonderful mother who posts the cute entries, her adorable character and charisma that comes through the words, her love and devotion to family, her excitement for life, her good attitude toward doing some things backwards (like living in a house first then getting it ready to live in -- see "paint"). She has a zest for life that makes me believe it's worth living to the fullest. I look at friends and co-workers who lack a companion in life like Amanda is to me, and they just don't have the same richness I do. Some of them have more money, more things, travel more, and what not, but I wouldn't trade her love and companionship for ANY amount of those things that so appeal to the natural man.

A good job, that's blessing #3. In spite of feeling that it's not necessarily my vocation in life, I really, truly am fortunate to be in a good place (I love working downtown), working for a boss that appreciates me and acknowledges my abilities, a paycheck that pays the bills and offers enough stability that Amanda can be a full-time mom (and a 5% raise today after my 1st year! woot-woot!), challenges that allow me to hone certain abilities, practice new skills and gain new knowledge, and a GYM in the BASEMENT!!

A new attitude towards health, exercise, food, and weight management. This is an area I really am gaining passion for. I'm happy to be as healthy as I am and to be seeing results based on my tracking of food and exercise. I'm excited about where I plan to be just weeks and months down the road.

Life is good. I have plenty of weak spots I want to make strengths. But for now and always, I'm simply grateful.