Today -- M.B. NdotS

Today I'm grateful for mbns. I've known mb since the early 90s -- back before Al Gore even intented the Internet. It all started over a TV show that has been off the air since the week before I got married in 1993, yet somehow we still go on. The group that we were a part of has all but gone their separate ways -- every now and then there will be a message, and some holiday cards but really not much communication in the group.

And actually I don't communicate with mb all that often - but we do keep touch and I did get to see him a couple of weeks ago -- his sister lives in the metro area, so whenever he visits her at Christmas time we try to get together (it usually works to except the years he goes and stays all week in Michigan with his mom). I've been lucky to meet his family and I think they seem completely abnormal. I do believe his is one of the 5% of families in the world that is NOT dysfunctional.

In addition to being an all around nice guy (the "NdotS" is an old nickname he earned, "net.sweetie") he has some strong points, and I'll touch on a few of them.

1) His faith is deep -- he's not one of those people that "phones in" his religion a few times a year. I have a lot of respect for that.

2) He gives DARN GOOD hugs. (In thinking of some of the people I want to address in this gratitude theme -- that quality seems to be pretty high on my list :} ).

3) If stuff happens (and stuff often happens) I know that calling mb is calling in the power of prayer.

Thanks MB -- you'll always be n.s to me. (Now I have to remember to send him this link :} -- why say nice things about someone if you don't share them with the person).

New feature

In an attempt to show a more positive view of life, I've decided that daily I'm going to try to comment on someone or something that I'm grateful for. And, the things in my life that I might be grateful for are important, but the people can appreciate the gratitude more, so while I might occasionally express gratitude for important things (like chocolate) I'll try to more often show appreciation for living things (like folks).

And, since it's the first day of a whole new year there's no time like the present so today I give you my first .....

I'm grateful for ..........

Now, some might thing I might start with something big and important and close to my life, like perhaps Spouse -- but his birthday is later this month so I think I'll wait on that, and I'll have a bit of a twist.

I am grateful to Mimi of The Family Blender. A few things.

1) She got me (and others on my on my moms list) started on this whole blog thing. It's a trip ...

2) If you've seen my last post she inspired me to do the pictorial music video, and also helped me figure it out.

3) She has a great philosophy of parenting. While I'm not sure I agree completely 100% of the time (though offhand I can't think of anytime I've actually disagreed with her) she always has insights. Mimi, your "blender tips" are not exclusively useful to only blended families. Most of us can use those ideas.

4) Back in October 2002, in a hotel room in Florida she made a short, yet powerful comment. I try to keep it close to my heart in appropriate situations.

5) Her "head and ass are wired together." (HEY -- her hubby said it first, I'm just quoting an old Marine). I'm going to try to make that one of my goals for 2007.

She might be a couple (or more) years younger than me. When I grow up I wanna be like her.

(And I'm not just saying that. Though if you read her blog you know that you do not want to be on her bad side.)