Thankful.

I'm still working, even though it's almost midnight. I guess you could say I was a bit distracted today. I watched Jaxson's Christmas play and was cleaning because I thought I was going to have Michael over tonight to work on his portfolio. I've been in a bit of a rut lately- Jackie and I talked about the coming new year and how that forces one to re-evaluate. A new year for annie is quickly approaching and I have to admit that I have been thinking about the changes that I have made this year, and if I really did accomplish the goals that I had set for myself at the beginning of this year.

The change that I am most proud of was the one that scared me the most, and that was getting my new job. I was terrified and excited. I can tell you that I cried the whole first day, and most of the day after, and if it wasn't for Jackie telling me to, "Go to work!" I would have given up the best career opportunity that I have had yet. Who else lets you leave at 2:45 pm to get your kids, gives you a laptop, and lets you work from home when your kids are sick. I mean, for the first time in 4 years, I am able to take vacation time for what it was intended for. I love my work, it's challenging and creative, and the B2B team is good people. The best people. And I am learning so much.

I'm thankful for you, Jackie, for always picking me up and giving me the shove that I need, and for just always being there for me. You are the best friend that anyone could have. You would never lie to me, and you tell it like it is- and for that I am thankful.

I'm also thankful that I was able to follow through with my Lenten Sacrifice this year. I didn't give up candy or soda- I gave up my time. Sometimes when I used to drop Zoe off from school, I was in such a rush to get Jax off to school that I didn't wait to see her walk through the school doorway. I would drop her off at where the principal stands to greet the kids, even though I knew that she would usually give me one last wave or kiss when she reached the doors to the school. So starting on Lent, I waited every day until she walked through those doors, and I didn't care how late I was. This was so fulfilling to me.

I'm thankful that I'm learning to accept that I can't be everything to everyone, that I can't be everywhere at the same time, and that my house will never look like that West Elm or IKEA set up where everything is in its proper place and clean and perfect.

I'm thankful that Zoe and Jax were so brave and well behaved on the airplanes to and from NC, and in the airport as well. I'm proud that Petunia knows how to sit when I ask her. I'm proud that my sisters have bought homes. I'm thankful that everyone I love has their health. I'm thankful that I won a 37 inch flat screen TV. I'm thankful for our new Christmas Tree. I'm thankful for my new UGGS. I'm thankful for my life.