Inspiration: Following in my father's footsteps, I read the obituaries almost every day. Today there was a particularly touching tribute to a man who grew up in Ohio, made a lot of money, and spent the rest of his life sharing his good fortune with others. On the first day of Chanukah, and as I get ready for Christmas in the City this weekend, this is a touching reminder of how wonderful the world can be.

Two Weeks Late But...: List five things you are thankful for and tell us why.
1. My community of family and friends. I have been truly blessed with a family that are also friends, and friends that feel like a family. I am thankful for this each and every day.
2. My sweetie. He is loving, fun, thoughtful, communicative, honest, kind and a great friend.
3. My health. Although I have more headaches than I would like, and my back causes me quite a bit of pain, overall, I am sooo fortunate to be generally healthy and strong. When I really feel like complaining, I think about all the people who REALLY have a right to complain but don't. When you are healthy and loved, there isn't much more to ask for.
4. Living in a free country. Now, at other times I would complain (RIGHTFULLY) about our President, the decisions that this nation is making, and the direction in which we are moving. But again, when I look at the ways some others are living, I am very lucky.
5. Self-esteem. I am thankful that I generally feel good about myself, who I am, who I continue to become, and where I am heading. Always room for improvement and reflection, but there is a lot of peace and happiness in overall feeling good about my life.