I know, I know, I don't usually do the positive stuff, but this one got me thinking. I do gripe a lot and I don't want everyone to think that's how I always am. I really do have a lot to be grateful for and it wouldn't kill me to acknowledge that.
1. My Family. By family I mean the whole clan. I have a fairly large extended family and we're all pretty tight. When you ask my kids the names of their best friends, their cousins are always at the top of their list. We get together a lot. "If it's Wednesday, then it must be the 5th anniversary of Uncle Larry's gall bladder surgery. Let's all celebrate with dinner at Mimi's Cafe!" We have no qualms rolling into a restaurant and asking for a table for 25. Sure, we fight and get on each other's nerves, but at the end of the day, we're family and you don't mess with my family.
2. My Kids. Yes, my kids are part of my family, but they're the only two members of my family I'm willing to take a bullet for. Sorry, Hubs, you're on your own - we will miss you, but I know you'd want it that way.
My kids are the two best things that ever happened to me. They make me laugh, they make happy, and they make me tired (it can't all be rainbows and sunshine, people). They teach me unconditional love and they encourage me to be a better person - or at least look better. I can't remember my life before them. That's not true, it was pretty nice.
3. The Hubs. Again, sort of part of my family - but different. (I'm going to try and not get too sappy here.) By now you've all realized that I require a special sort of person to love me. I am not the easiest person to love and I am grateful I found the Hubs and that he could see past my overalls and continues to think my Crocs are a fashion statement.
He makes me laugh constantly with his weak attempts to woo me and his pickle-like features. Now that he has his own page, I know you guys can see what I'm talking about. He's a fantastic dad and he's a great partner in life. Not only do we share a home and kids, we share a real estate business and he's really involved behind the scenes with the blog. I couldn't do any of my jobs as well as I do without him. He's my lobster.
4. My Friends (IRL). I have many acquaintances, but very few close friends. I am difficult for the Hubs to love and I am also difficult for my friends to love. I know they put up with a lot and I appreciate their efforts. Nothing makes me feel better than to go out with my friends and have a good belly laugh.
I am grateful that my friends and I can be honest with one another - like my friend who got a boob job and let us look them over and give our honest opinions (fabulous, btw - ALMOST made me want to go under the knife) or my OAM friend who is a mess maker with her Elf and proud of it, yet still manages to find the humor in what I write. We can be honest about our kids and not bullshit each other about what a "wonnnnnderful and amaaaaazing leader" Jane is in her Pre-K class or how Michael is destined to be a golf prodigy (see, my friends don't give their kids weird names either).
5. This Blog. I know I said I'd only take a bullet for my kids, but at this point I'd take a bullet for the blog too - my third child. I am grateful that I have the time, energy, flexibility and desire to write on this blog (couldn't be done without the Hubs and family). It keeps me sane.
6. My Sense of Humor. I have always been a funny person and there have been times in my life that are darker than others. Those were the times that I forgot I had a sense of humor. Those were the times when I let myself take things way too seriously and when I forgot to have a good laugh at myself and those around me. I'm so glad that I've found it again over these last several years and I vow to never let it go.
7. Eddie Bauer. I've said it before, but it bears repeating: I wear a lot of Eddie Bauer and EB-type clothing. Without Eddie Bauer I'd probably wear plastic bags.
Trends come and go and I never know what they are, but I know that Eddie Bauer will always have something for me to wear. There is nothing better than getting a new Layered Scoop Neck shirt in Watermelon to go with my Backpack Ripstop Capris in Pumice. I am grateful to you, EB, for always keeping it real for me and always selling comfy shoes.
8. The Readers. I am especially grateful for the thousands of you who read this blog. You cannot know what it means to me when I read an email from one of you or a comment from one of you and know that you took the time to sit down and read what I wrote and then took more time to let me know what you thought of it. I even appreciate the ones who disagree with me - at least they read it. Plus, I know that if I have an especially crappy day where I get a lot of negative comments I will have a positive, uplifting email in my inbox from at least one of my new friends.
9. My Community. I joke a lot about the Stepford Community that I live in, but I am grateful to live here. I'm grateful that my children have excellent public schools with teachers who adore them and inspire them. I'm grateful that we live in a safe community where housing is affordable and rates are low and my listings are selling in an average of 10 days. (Yes, that was a gratuitous real estate plug.) I'm grateful that our community is so well planned out that I have 3 Targets in a 5 mile radius. A true blessing indeed!
10. Nutella. Before I found Nutella, I was feeding my kids fruits and vegetables and then I watched the ads on television for Nutella and realized I had a miracle food in my pantry. It's weird, because when I read the nutrition label, it didn't sound terrific, but the television ads convinced me I just couldn't read very well. I think it has broccoli or something in it, but it's just listed by it's scientific name on the ingredients. Now my kids eat this healthy, delicious chocolate spread morning, noon and night without a fuss. Thank you, Nutella, for being so wholesome and nutritious. (You knew I'd never make it to 10 without being a smartass, right?)
Your turn. What are you grateful for?
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105 comments:
I m grateful I kan reed end rite komments. Luv to awl of yoo !!
Just wanted to say I enjoyed the "friends" reference about the hubs being your lobster. Love it! I recently found you blog and love it! Thx!
I, too, am grateful for Nutella (I can't believe you listed that!)
I'm grateful that my fiance and I have jobs. Seriously... with the economy the way it is, all of who are employed should be thankful! We are especially thankful since he has been laid off since 2009 and we have 4 kids! That has been really difficult, but in actuality... I'm also thankful for that. It taught us how to be frugal and we found some of the coolest FREE things to do around our area!!!
Mmmmmm..... NUUTEEEELLLLAAAAA
Who are you and what have you done with the bitch?? :) I'm grateful for this blog. xoxo
I'm grateful for the library. I love books and reading, but being on a budget, I certainly can't afford to buy as much as I'd like to read.
I'm grateful for Facebook because it allows me have found you and to highlight my life. I'm really the whole package. Some would say a cross between Gillian Michaels and Betty Crocker! Also, nutella, thanks for reminding me.
My fam, my job that I love, my dog, friends, etc.
yoo mstu half gawn too publik skool lice me!
Jen, you are always so funny and spot on. I love reading your stuff!! You're one of the few bloggers I follow and have helped inspire me to enter the blogosphere. I even mentioned/linked you in my very first post. :D Keep doing your thing!
So...you made millions suing the Nutella makers? I loved all of them, but laughed very hard when I read that broccoli was just on the label under its scientific name lol
Grateful that you were brave enough to start a blog so that others could be inspired to find their voice too. I have so much admiration and love for you. Thank you for being you. Xo
I am grateful for my common sense. Especially today when I saw a lady who didn't have any. I was in Target with the Hubs and we were going down the escalator and watched a woman go up the escalator while her cart and BABY went up the CARTS ONLY escalator. You have seen these right? The cart gets its own escalator while the HUMANS take the other one!!! I hope that lady is grateful her baby is still alive!
If you hang out at the Scary Mommy Confessional it sounds like so many people hate their life, especially their life partner. I love hearing when people are happy and in love. Thanks for a breath of fresh air that I can relate to.
Excellent, Jenn! Great list! Loved it all!! And now I'm going to check out your Hubs' page. <3
I am grateful for you! Your humor make me laugh and who doesn't need to laugh everyday? Thanks!
I am grateful for my sometimes-amazing, most-of-the-time-perfectly-good sex life.
After 13 years of marriage, two kids, a mortgage and two full-time jobs, we still find the time and energy for great nookie every week. From what I hear from a lot of other married women/mothers, I'm one of the lucky few who still enjoys her husband!
Me too! I miss friends! Seeing you reference the show makes me love you more! Thanks for always keeping me sane.
Love! 10 wonderful things to be grateful for Jen! I'm grateful that I can be a stay at home OAB (over achieving bride) and plan my wedding full time, and blog and craft and be a domestic goddess.
I'm so glad you did this! Even Punchers are grateful!! Loved reading it and I am with you on Nutella and your sense of humor. Thank YOU for making me laugh on a daily basis!
awe, it is very nice to see and know what you are grateful for. I am also grateful for my (crazy) family, my kids, friends (which like you, I have few, but are true friends). I'm also grateful for the way my parents educated me, they taught me that I could do anything I wanted, to try and not give up. Sure, I have my moments, days, weeks...where I just want to give up, but then I get up and try again.
I enjoy reading your blog, thank you sharing with us!
Kids, Husband, House, Friends, Costco, Sav Blanc, Target, PIWTPITT, MacBook, & Nature's Glory.
I'm grateful for many of the same things,although I must shamefully admit that I've never tried Nuttella(I know,I know..but I'm a little afraid that I could become crack like addicted and will need an intervention).
I am also grateful for taking the leap to learn martial arts five years ago.It has given me loads of confidence and the ability to break almost any bone in the human body. Learning karate and MMA also taught me how to really stretch well and has added an inch to my short self(now I'm a staggering 5'2",lol).The best part-I get to spar every week and actually punch people.It completes me.
Your blog is the best! Thanks for writing. I gufaw everytime I read it, you make my vocabulary better, and I swear, without the eloquence, I'm you.
I love that you ended on a sarcastic note, and Nutella...I'm so glad that someone out there sees their commercials the same way I do. My favorite part is where she says,"...with just a hint of chocolate." LOL
Love the FRIENDS reference! :D so glad to here the Hubs is your lobster <3
Yes, family, hubs, kiddo, ditto on those. But honestly, just grateful to have a JOB. We have had a tough go of it in the last 4 years. Layoffs, savings tapped, we had to move and things are finally looking up. If you are hanging on by your fingernails, keep laughing and have faith it does get better!
Nutella is awesome (they are being sued for misrepresenting that their product is "healthy" btw). I am thankful for my family, that I have a job, that my job will be over for the summer in a few weeks and I can once again sleep (and drink...beer or Sangria, anyone?) whenever I want. I am thankful for things that make me laugh (your blog is one of those things)and my sister (who will be deploying to Kuwait at the end of the month).
Today I am thankful for improved phone communication across great distances, and healthcare insurance that covers things when I really need it to. And for friends. Always friends.
www.bluntcards.com and www.someecards.com
Very rare is it that I find cards of this nature that are brazen and sassy and say what I'm almost always thinking but sometimes too chicken to say, at least out in the open. ANd more importantly the favored and FEW friends I can send them to without offending the shit out of them.
You forgot to add OA Moms to the list - they provide you with such fodder and - let's face it - without their Elf...
I freaking love this blog! Oh, and you can also get $4 from the Nutella people :) big news this week!! Grateful for funny blogs like yours and the time to read them. And Nutella ;)
This was a great post. It was positive, but still had your unique style to it. I'm grateful for my family and those little moments that happen that make me realize all the hard stuff we deal with every day is nothing compared to the good stuff.
Ha!
#1 - Love the lobster comment. I find my self saying this and doing the interlocking "lobster claws", followed by a round of "Smelly Cat".
#2 - I keep a jar of Nutella in drawer at work and would happily dump some of my Peanur Butter Cheerios and eat them with a spoon if I knew no one would judge me.
I'm thankful I read this. Brightened up a crappy afternoon.
Jen, I was just going to ask if you were going to shake down the nutella people for your piece of the lawsuit pie! We are all entitled to up to $20 (compensation for 5 jars @ $4 per jar) for those bastards pulling the wool over our eyes like that!!! We don't even have to prove we bought the nutella...but all you gotta do is take one look at my ass and you know I'M not lying'!!!
Wow, just wow.
Right.there.with.you. Much love, Mrs. Nutellaass.
Yes, are you aware of the Nutella lawsuit? Also, you forgot to mention Honda!
Nutellaass...that mental picture made me think of a whole different chocolate nuttiness and not the good kind.LOL
I am grateful I can laugh at myself. I am more grateful that I am not an idiot. Not just any kind of idiot, but the kind that sues people and/or companies because I can't take responsibility for being an idiot and have to blame them for my idiocy. BTW...I am also thankful for spell-check.
That is funny that every once in a while you feel compelled to post a happy non-judgmental blog like I do. I too am quite snarky and love to say fuck over and over, so I do have to balance that out with something positive. Mine won't ever be this sappy though, usually I just brag about my home improvements, in a non-douche way of course. :) Love your blog, and I am glad that you have things to be happy about. Now, I've been trying to sell my house and I could use some help...
You had me until #10. If I had any spare time on my hands, I could have written this. (Well, obviously, I'm busy with stupid stuff b/c I have time to READ this blog regularly!) I can't buy Nutella. It's like buying the chocolate pop-tarts. At least if I buy the strawberry kind, I feel like my kids are getting fruit.
I'm laughing about the Nutella! I saw those ads saying that Nutella has 'a hint of cocoa' and I thought 'who are you kidding?" You know someone is suing them for that, right? I feel bad for her intelligence if she actually believed the ad, but she's right that the ad was misleading.
My daughter loves Nutella, but I ration it, because it's on the same level as candy (and I try not to stick my spoon in the jar too often!)
Yeah! Libraries are the best! We'd go broke if we had to buy all of the books our family reads.
hukt on fonix wurkt fur me!
I am thankful that no matter how many times my husband has deployed to a war zone, he always comes home to me and our children. I couldn't ask for anything more. <3
My fiance. The man is amazing in every way. I wouldn't have been able to do a book launch while being ridiculously pregnant without all his help.
And he gives the best cuddles. Yeah, I love my guy.
I appreciate being healthy despite all the abuse I put my liver and brain cells through in my twenties.
I am happy that I am alive for so many reasons, the crazy youngster days when I had no fear, and the days that I was just stupid and now for the days when I am happy I made it across the street alive, and hopefully will be back in the US in this year and then who knows what will happen ! I might live in the woods with bears.
and I will have my hubs too but I don't call him a lobster. If I did, I would have to call him a Clobster, that is the way our little one said it.
and I am happy for Jen N. and her husband, may he always come home safe !!
Love it Jen! I may have to make my own list on my blog! (I'm still having issues about what to write about, so borrowing others' ideas works for now!)
Oh, I and I especially love the "he's my lobster" quote!
Thanks for always making me laugh at the end of a crappy day!
OMG freaking NUTELLA. I rue the damn day I ever introduced this into our household. Cracker? Put Nutella on it. Toast? Nutella! Tuna salad? What the hell, put some Nutella on it! ARGH. Good list btw. :-)
Awesome to know there is a midwest Eddie Bauer wearing version of me. When I need something fast I run through EB and grab something and know it will fit and be just right. Keep on bloggin
Your awesomely awesome Jen! I'm grateful for your awesome blog where I know I can ALWAYS get a good laugh =) I'm glad you don't let the idiot haters get you down, they are way too wrapped up in themselves to enjoy anything. Keep on keeping on lady and rocking the crocs and EB, we love you just the way you are!
I am laughing my butt off about the Nutella - cause I too have thought that! great blog, keep it up!
I realize this isn't the point of your post, but...OH, MY GRAVY!! You have a Target big enough for an escalator????
These little beings that I call children who I GREW in MY body who AMAZE me every single day ... my husband who drives me insane but is ALWAYS supporting me ... chocolate (cuz who doesn't like chocolate?) ... for resigning from the PTO one month into the school year so I don't have to conform to their 'code of conduct'...and for funny bitches like you who tell it like it is so we all know it's 'okay' to give a voice to the ideas in our head :)
Ok, this post had better make the best comments list this week because it is hilarious! Seriously? Did this really happen?
Also, I agree with dpowers92, a Target big enough for an escalator???? Awesome!
Someone may have said this already, but I heard on the radio that people are suing Nutella. They said Nutella made misleading claims that it is a healthy food choice. A patient of mine just bought me a jar, because I had never tried it...I shouldn't have tried it...it's evil!!
Love you - sweetheart. From the "Bubba". So proud of you. You and yours are tops on my list too.
Yes! Isn't the whole point of Nutella the chocolate? Otherwise it'd just be Jiff peanut butter, only made with hazelnuts instead of peanuts (sugar check, preservatives check, nuts check).
Still, pretzels or bananas dipped in Nutella - divine! And if you're eating a banana that's kind of healthy, right?
Thankful that my brother and his family are safe after a horrible house fire. Thankful for the woman who was babysitting my twin nieces when the fire started and saved their lives!
We have one of those too. The Target is regular size, but hooked on to a huge shopping center that has a parking deck on the end where Target is. So, they have a cart escalator for those who have parked on the upper level. I have noticed that this Target is better stocked than the others in my area.
All I could think about when reading "he's my lobster" was Phoebe's voice saying, "Do the claws again!"
Oh so thankful for Friends reruns that never stop making me laugh. I already knew you were my hetero soul-mate, but this just seals the deal. Come live in NC with me please. I know a lot of ppl who could fuel your blog (myself sometimes included)
Oh, and for all those who love Nutella, Justins makes a passable stand-in whose main/first ingredient is not sugar. You can also check out ChocolateCoveredKatie to see how to make your own, if you are domestically inclined :)
I was reading your blog while my husband lathered a banana with nutella. He had all but finished it when I got to #10. I almost died. Loooove your humor, btw. :)
I am thankful for yoga pants and push up bras...
we have a two floor Target too! I keep waiting for the day when I see a kid go up the cartscalator but alas it hasn't happened yet.
I was gonna comment on through "FRIENDS/lobster" comment as well... but seen that you had done it I realized it was a moo point.
I'm grateful for the handicap placard I got today after my left knee totally betrayed me. :)
Always thankful that at the end of the day when I tuck my three kiddos in bed I can crack open a cold beer and read this blog and laugh until I have tears in my eyes!!!
Costco Rotisserie chicken, $4.99 and feeds the whole family, throw some carrots on there and it's a balanced meal! Thanks for such a great post - loved it!
I want a two floor Target !!!
My favorite part was "I can't remember my life before them. That's not true, it was pretty nice." I totally get what you mean. My hubs and I keep dreaming of an adults only vacation but can't bring ourselves to take the time away from the kids. I guess I will put "Happy to have had a chance to enjoy adulthood without kids before having them" as one of the things I am grateful for. :)
Same as you, my big, extended, eff'd up family - do not mess with them! My kids and hubs, you said it LOBSTER! Sense of humor is also a good one, I've never really though of it as something to be thankful for, but you're right, some people worry all the time, and some people are up-tight. Life is short, you gotta be able to laugh and make jokes.
I'm grateful for the ability to be able to read your blog. Thank you for all you do. XOXO
Jen, I am so grateful for your blog. It has given me and the hubs many a laugh and laughter is the best medicine, right? I was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer last September. I am also grateful for the many many advances in breast cancer treatment and the amazing support of my church and community. I think I must live right down the street from you as I too live in OP, KS with a bunch of other stepford moms. I am also thankful for tattoos and boob jobs, two things I never ever thought I would be doing in my lifetime. Ok...so the tattoos are just 8 little tiny dot tattoos that they gave me for radiation, but its still fun to say I got 8 tattoos last week. The boob jobs are a perk of the diagnosis. I no longer have my post pregnancy saggy boobs that hang down to my belly button. Thanks for the many many laughs Jen. Love Love Love your blog.
mmm nutella.
You can't end with that and expect me to think of anything else.
take the crack-like leap!!! you'll so love it!! quick recipe-get some sliced french bread, nutella, bananas, and butter. bread butter on one side of sliced bread, put in pan to grill, spread nutella on the other side, and then put some cut bananas on the other side. grill butter side until golden. when done, enjoy! it's yummy as a full dessert sandwich too. i got this from a bobby flay recipe out of cosmo a few years ago-will i get punched for this?
Enabler!!!LOL
Aww man,now I can't stop thinking about Nutella.
Oh, Jen....these comments are so great! You are well-loved, my dear! Keep up the great work and I am happy you wrote this one. It is great every once in a while to shake off the snark and show some gratitude. Great post!
Coffee next week! Let's catch up!
Like a cows oppinion, it does not matter. :) LOVE!
Love it Jen! Love you and am thankful I found you! Loved the "Friends" reference and the broccoli comment - hilarious! I have Nutella but just don't care that much about it. I've only eaten it a time or two. I just had a very hard time believing it was THAT healthy. (not that that keeps me from eating tons of other bad crap!) Anyways, thanks for this!
wait, what? a 2 floor Target? My familly may never see me again..... I'd be thankful for that, for sure & broke ( broker lol)
Thanks Jen - nutella is in just about every lunch that goes to school with my son, I'm lazy & he's picky....
Sounds sappy, but grateful to live in the US and not some war raveged, woman stoning country. Also grateful for my family and our health. Thanks for writing and for reading!
I called mine, "Things That Make Me Smile" http://justanotherdayinparadiseforme.blogspot.com/2012/02/things-that-make-me-smile.html
but I think it could double as my "Things I Am Grateful For" post.
Shouldn't you have Tina Fey somewhere on this list?
-Linsey
I love that you can be both a smart ass and positive. I think many people think you have to be either rainbows/unicorns or negative!
The benefits of a mutually satisfying sex life are all too often overlooked! This is definitely on my grateful list as well.
You are one lucky b%^&* (and I say that with love and a whole can of green envy!). Hold onto that goddess status as long as you can!
Dooo it! There's a wonderful recipe floating around for Nutella rolls... think cinnamon roll, with Nutella instead of cinnamon and sugar. DIVINE. You're missing out woman!
Yes this really happened and yes the Target has 2 floors complete with an elevator too! That is what most families use when they have their children riding in the cart but I guess this woman couldn't be bothered. It IS a long 20 ft walk from the escalator to the elevator :p
Nutella crepes! OMG crepes with nutella, banana, and whipped cream. Yum!
Two words - Nutella S'Mores.
I'm so thankful for nutella smores.
Agreed! Jen... I couldn't read this whole post because it was too happy. Wasn't what I was looking for. But I'm all up to date on your other posts, which were admirably crabby!
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A two floor Walmart would spark a whole new world of Walmart jokes. People may get their moo-moos and bunny slippers caught in them. Imagine those photos...
I see nothing wrong with your #10. nothing wrong at all.
in fact, I add peanut butter to mine -- because all that protein makes it even more healthy and nutritious!
10 day average sale time?! Awesome!
Is your new name Suzy Sunshine? BARF!
jen, i'm grateful for your blog!
i found PIWTPITT while looking for a gift for my best friend who was pregnant with twins. i bought "i just want to pee alone" and giggled hysterically through the whole thing before wrapping it and sending it to her. as soon as i did that, i looked up your blog online and started from the very first post and read everything. although i've never had kids (and don't plan to) i SO enjoy your posts. they are well-written, insightful, and ALWAYS hilarious. thank you for sharing your life with us readers, and sharing your wonderful humor. you are so appreciated by many more people than you think. why, i've thought to myself so many times "you know, you should really comment and give jen some validation" but until now, have never followed through. but to be sure--reading PIWTPITT is often a high point in my day. thanks again!
oh…. here's where... (now that my true techless colors show…) Love both sides of you!! Hearing you on the radio, you'd never imagine how freely you let your woman inside your head live outside your head. (I try to stifle mine and it's EXHAUSTING). Thanks for doing it for us because it's hilarious!! -Clarissa
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