Two days worth of thanks

1. I'm thankful for NOT sliding down any hills in my car or having to cancel any weekend plans since the snow we were supposed to receive never quite materialized.

2. I'm thankful I was able to get together for a fun night out with the ladies.  As the saying goes, "When the cat's away, the mouse drinks bellinis with friends." Well, that's my version any way!

3. I'm thankful for Facebook which offered speedy confirmation that I was indeed one of the, hopefully, few saps to hand over money today to a complete stranger. Yes, that's right, I fell for it. After all, it was only $3 so I truly thought I was helping out a fellow female. In the brief moment before suspicion set in, I imagined her buying her child a coveted Big Mac, or whatever $3 can get you at Mickey D's. I've been called naive (tonight, in fact, by my oh-so-sympathetic-and-supportive husband) but I'm embarrassed to admit I'm still quite shocked I hadn't heard of this before since, come to find out, it's apparently quite common in this particular Home Goods parking lot in Danbury, CT. I'd like to believe by posting my experience here on my blog that I might prevent another trusting, non-suspecting person from doing the same.

4. I'm thankful I only gave away $3 and look forward to being "tested" in a similar manner again so I can look them in the face and say, "fool me once...." Then again, maybe I'll just leave my window rolled up and drive on by waving a twenty at them through the window!

5.  I'm thankful for a great afternoon spent with my dear friend, Tracey, who I will forever remember as the caring 10-year-old girl who refused to take part in "Let's Be Mean to Amy Day" on the school bus. Sadly the meanness of girls remains throughout our lives but if you're lucky, like me, you'll be surrounded with a few true friends to get you through the BS.

6. I'm thankful to be spending Valentine's Day with my two greatest loves: my children.

7. I'm thankful the holiday is approaching when it's socially acceptable to sit around popping one chocolate after another!

8. I'm thankful I found my favorite pair of gloves which I misplaced for a long, and cold, 24 hours.

9. I'm thankful for Overstock.com where you can buy ANYTHING and pay only $2.95 shipping! I can't wait for my new chair to arrive!

10. It's been a tough few weeks in our town. First we lost 13-year-old Julia Malsin, and this weekend we learned a beloved teacher, Pat Warde, had an unexpected heart attack and passed away as well. In these days of sadness I'm thankful for the sweetness of my daughter who asked me today, "Mommy, why are so many people dying in the month of joy?" Good question, sweetheart.