On this Thanksgiving Day, here are some of the things I'm most thankful for, even if sometimes I'm not very thankful for them:

* A big family -- My husband and I each come from a family of five. All but one brother live in the Erie area. Family gatherings -- on both ends -- include at least 25 people and, oftentimes, mind-numbing noise from shouting kids, blaring Disney movies and raucous laughter. We wouldn't have it any other way.

* Two little girls -- Nothing against boys, but, deep in my heart what I wanted most in this world were two little girls. God came through for me on that and I'll be forever grateful (or at least until they hit puberty, so say moms of older girls).

* My father's gall stones -- had he never had gall stone surgery 20-some years ago, my father might never have gotten on the health kick that started him running and probably saved his life. My mother started running, too. I was a snotty teenager and laughed at them as I scarfed down microwave popcorn. Ten years later, when I was ready to get healthy, I ended up running because my parents has set that example for me so long ago.

* My high school buddies who meddled in my life -- Had they not decided I needed a man (and, decided that their cousin, Dan, was that man), I wouldn't be who I am today.

* The core values my parents instilled in me -- work hard, believe in yourself, treat other people nicely, you decide how people treat you and what you have to say always matters (even if my parents NEVER listened to me when I was a kid).

* EUP professor, Bill Schopf, who knew that I didn't belong writing ad copy -- He encouraged (pestered) me to pick up a journalism minor because it would be a "good compliment" to the great P.R. career I had all planned out. He knew the real me would have to come out eventually and that I'd hate P.R.

* Mommy friends and co-workers -- I truly could not make it through life without other mothers/friends to confirm that I am not insane, it will get better, this too shall pass and it's all worth it.