it hasn't been easy being me lately

but there are things i am thankful for:

my wonderful husband;

my distant but still much-beloved family;

my sweet chocolate lab, an endless source of amusement;

my fabulous friends, who are hosting a lunch for me tomorrow.

The usual things: health, intelligence, not-ugliness, multiple talents.

There are so many things I envy about others' lives, but most would preclude the type of blissful evening I spent tonight: quietly making tiramisu from scratch -- my contribution to tomorrow's potluck gathering. I even had time to whip heavy cream the old-fashioned way: with a whisk, because I (thought i did but apparently i) don't know where my electric hand mixer is.

Time is a luxury most people don't seem to have anymore. It is a gift I guard jealously, and for which I am most grateful.