Forty-Six For My Forty-Sixth

Yesterday, I turned forty-six. I remember a time in my life when that sounded like such an old and wrinkled number, but now that I am here, it doesn't feel that way at all. The past few years have been amazing, difficult, challenging, incredible, magical and infuriating to use but a few adjectives. I have decided to start this year off with a list of things, people and events I am thankful for. Instead of going into the year on a slippery slope, I want to start from a base of thanks and then go on from there. Here are forty-six things I am thankful for, some on-going, some just happened once, but they are all amazing and valued... And in no particular order of importance.

1. Ulco
2. Getting to know my sister Laura and her amazing family
3. Meeting David
4. Learning to ride a bike again
5. Being able to hike in the Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion, Arches, Valley of Fire and Joshua Tree
6. Long talks that begin with “I have a question...” or “If you...”
7. Sharing red wine
8. Feeling inspired again to pick up my camera
9. Taking pictures with my talented niece who I hope falls in love with photography
10. Early morning Garageband sessions with my young nephews
11. Spending a week at my sister Ava's house
12. Losing thirty pounds :-)
13. Being able to drive again
14. Walking to the beach from my front door in just a few minutes
15. Seeing dolphins while walking on the beach
16. Thrifty ice cream
17. Having a beer under the stars in the desert
18. Having people who believe in me, especially in those moments I don't
19. Falling in love
20. Reconnecting with people I had lost touch with like my Godmother and my aunts, who I can't wait to see again in person
21. Impromptu morning dances and plays performed by Christina's gorgeous daughters
22. Feeling like myself again
23. Being able to say “I'm sorry” and rebuild relationships
24. The realization that an old dog (me) just might be able to learn new tricks
25. Being Uncle Robb - Officially and unofficially
26. The people who have been there and helped me, even when I was too embarrassed to ask
27. Learning to ask for help
28. Rooftops
29. Friends around the world
30. Life – I have had a close call, but I'm here
31. Being able to laugh at myself
32. The courage to let someone else see who I am
33. In and Out... How I have missed you all those years!
34. Having a marvelous kiki in the car
35. Skype and FaceTime – So I can see the people I miss
36. My health
37. Weekly calls with Laura
38. Feeling good about the future
39. Learning to be more me
40. Caring less what other people think
41. Better music selection on my iPhone – Thanks David ;-)
42. Warm summer beach days followed by cool evenings
43. The moments I can sit calm and just be
44. The ability to stop and really look at things, not just pass them by in a hurry
45. Having more than forty-six things to be thankful for
46. The knowledge that there are a lot more things to be thankful for heading my way