11.19.09

I am grateful for …

My mum.

Who turned 56 today and has taught me everything I know about being classy. And strong. And loving. And, well, kind of, almost, perfect.

11.18.09

I am grateful for …

Having someone to say goodnight to.

11.17.09

I am grateful for …

Good luck from the parking gods. And kind acts from mortals. Like the woman who let me into my building after I locked myself out.

11.16.09

I am grateful for …

Night walks through the Presidio to watch meteor showers. Especially when it’s cold and the air smells a little like snow and firewood. Even if you forget your mittens. Even if you never see a single shooting star. It’s still kind of nice to just stand in the dark next to someone who doesn’t mind standing in the dark with you.

11.15.09

I am grateful for …

San Francisco cab drivers – the nicest cabbies in the world. If you can actually hail one, chances are pretty good it will be the best conversation you have all day. They also return luggage certain people leave in the trunk on the return trip from SFO. (Not that I would know or anything.)

11.14.09

I am grateful for …

My dad.

Who turned 59 today. And doesn’t look a day over 45. I am hopeful I inherited those genes. (He is also pretty darn smart too. Or as Nana used to say, First there’s God, then Larry.) Happy Birthday Dad!

11.13.09

I am grateful for …

Crisp fall evenings, good whiskey, and watching girlie movies with your mom.

11.12.09

I am grateful for …

My Nana Dot.

She died Monday at 82. We buried her today. She worked hard every day of her life – from cooking clams to pulling ribbon candy and stuffing newspapers in the printing room of the Patriot Ledger. And she worked hard after her retirement when she struggled to just breathe. And she never complained about her condition. She just continued living and loving the people around her. I am grateful she allowed me to participate in her last days. For the meals she let me cook her, for the naps we took together, and for the private moments I was able to steal with her and my mom and my aunt Dot and my sister Jen when curtains were drawn and no boys were allowed in the room. I will treasure those moments always.

11.11.09

I am grateful for …

People who show up. Even if you didn’t ask them to.

11.10.09

I am grateful for …

Being part of a family that speaks my language. When you say ‘Do you need more coffee?’ it means ‘How are you?’ When you say ‘I got a job for you,’ it means ‘I want to spend time with you.’ And when you say ‘You’re something else,’ it means ‘I love you.’ Although, we say that too.