It is Thanksgiving weekend. Things have started slowing down and the holiday season is on us. Amidst non-stop news of recession and economic crisis life moves on. I look back to the past year and it has been a journey. Here are all the small things I am thankful for,

• Our family for everything and especially my brother – for his visit last November and bringing along his wit, trademark carefree attitude, love and happiness
• The spectacular trip to Hawaii with the men in my life. (You can read all about it here)
• New year, new job, new hopes
• Aaradhana – the dance recital helping me reach another level as a dancer. To Surabi and Lekshmi – my co-dancers who laughed and cried with me. To Sunanda – my teacher for her patience, passion and confidence in me.
• The quickie trip to Seattle and the joy of meeting Navneet after years.
• Tamil Mirchi – being an RJ is so much fun
• The trip to Dubai – for the unadulterated joy of shopping and bargaining
• For the time spent with family in India. 3 weeks of good food and the best company. For the memories we created, for the contentment we felt, for all the gifts that were showered on us.
• For the amazing recovery of loved ones and health.
• Our jobs in the world of lay-offs and economic crisis.
• Our home – our pride – our haven that protected us during Ike and kept us safe
• The two weeks of teaching kids attempting to teach kids and the experience

There is so much I can complain about but it is my “early new-year resolution” not to crib but to accept life as it is and enjoy every moment of it. As I complied this list, I realize I am blessed and it is time to say a heartfelt thank you to all friends, family and random strangers who taught me lessons of love, hate and anger this past year.

I have also changed since the past year. I guess I am more cynical these days. Do I like the new me? I am not sure…. as I embark on another season of giving thanks I am grateful and thankful for everything life has given me and has in store for me.

I hope you and your loved ones have enough reasons to be thankful for this year!