Thanksgiving is upon us, and it’s the time that you are reminded about what you are thankful for. This year has been marvelous for me. For the past three years (2006-2009), I dealt with the worst things ever: depression, drama, losing love…twice, and family issues. I thought that I would never be happy again, and I’m glad that I was wrong. I am so thankful that I am finally happy and having a wonderful year.

This year I am thankful for having a wonderful family and friends who are always there for me when I’m in need. My children are getting bigger, cuter, and better companions each day that passes. I still watch them when they are sleeping in amazement that I had them. Having children is definitely one of my greatest achievements, and the one I am most proud of. I’m not going to lie that there are times that they drive me insane. However, when they cuddle next to me, and look up at me, I melt and forget about the rest.

My sister finally returned from Afghanistan, and I am so happy that I got to spend a few hours with her before she headed back to Okinawa. I also met Jeff, her boyfriend, who is a wonderful guy, and I know that he will make my sister happy, now and forever. This is the last year that my parents are here before they head back to Panama. We have definitely become closer, and I am glad that we have.

My older sister, niece, and nephews are near me. I am so happy that I did the Maryland Breast Cancer Race with my sister this year. I know that her weight was something that she was struggling with, so I am glad to have been with her while she achieved a great feat, and I saw how proud she was that she was finally got rid of the excess weight.

The rest of my family who I don’t see as much, but I still love like crazy. You are all amazing, especially my cousin Ana Cristina. I love you all.

I am glad for my wonderful friend. Bridget, ,who heard me cry every day in LA, and she didn’t mind. I am so glad that she is back in DC cause now I can see her more often. Ruma is great. I met wonderful people through her, and she has made me do things that I never thought I would ever do before: a ten-miler race, century ride, camping, hiking, rock climbing, etc. Shauna and Tish, who have been with me since I was in high school. We definitely have changed. My friends Amani, Pea, Derrick, and many others who I met on FriendFeed, met in real life, and now I consider them true friends. I hope my friends know how much I adore them.

I am thankful for me. I overcame losing people I loved more than anything. It’s something that I never though I would ever get over. I also overcame depression, which is the worst feeling in the world. You feel like you are in a cage, and unable to get out. But I did it.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving, and has some thing to be thankful for.

I woke up on Monday, and I was extremeley happy.  Life seems way too perfect for words.  All the pieces are starting to fall into place, and I have no more drama.  I think that out of all the things that I am getting for Christmas, peace and happiness are the best gifts that I could have received.  

1. Family - I am finally getting along with all of my family members.  It also helps that I have two of the cutest, greatest kids who I could have ever asked for.  My mom irritated me with her “I’m not watching the kids,” but then I found out her reasoning, and I understood.  My little sis is coming in January or February for a month, so I get to have one of my favorite people ever around during the cold, dreary days.
2. Friends – My friends are the best.  After spending the night at D’s house that one night, I feel totally inspired.  She really opened up my eyes about a lot of things, and I can’t thank her enough.  Another thing I realized is that we are way too alike.  What’s up with that?  I also have my friends Bridget and Tanya who gave me great advice when all the L. drama was going on.  This weekend I am suppose to hang out with Dawne and Shauna, and I can’t wait.  I am going to take tons of pictures with my new camera.  
3. New Friends – I have met some great people this year who I hope I can get to know more.  Bernadette and Heather are so sweet, and I hope that I can become closer to them.  Heather and I are suppose to head to the movies this weekend.  I hope she doesn’t think I am such a movie snob.  
4. Love Life – TBD
5. Trips – LA, Italy, and Panama are all coming up, and I am more than ready to venture out.  I might have to go to LA twice next year, so I can go when Tanya can.  Bridget, her, and I are going to drive to Las Vegas.  I love traveling, especially with people who know how to have a good time.  
6. Career - My career is going great, and my freelance writing is picking up.  I hope that in the next two years to turn that into a full-time gig.
7. Health – I love my body now.  It’s so strong and muscular.  I wish my stomach was a little tighter, but oh well, I can deal.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful holidays and that you think about the great things in your life, and the not the bad.

The kids will be with me for Thanksgiving. I am so happy for that because I was just going to spend the day moping around while helping my mother cook. It probably was the fact that he had nowhere to go, so he probably wanted to eat some Thanksgiving dinner.

I feel that I am finally getting everything that I have always wanted, and so all I can hope for is my own business. So now the list of what I am thankful for:

1. My children are number one. They have been the reason that I have all the successes that I have, and I keep trying to achieve more. When I thought about having kids, I wanted a boy who had the skin tone of the guys from “POD,” and a little girl who looked exactly like Miette from “City of Lost Children.”  I got my wish both times.  They are the greatest companions ever, and with them, I will never be lonely.

2. G. is really amazing, especially to put up with such a complex creature as me, and I hope that he knows and understands that. I love him dearly, and I hope we are able to escape to NYC next weekend.

3. My family have always helped me through everything. We bicker, but we are always there to back the other up. If it weren’t for them, I don’t think I would have finished college with two babies on each hip. Thanks you guys. I adore you dearly.

4. I have great friends who have listened to me whine, cry, and bitch about life, and still love me. Hopefully in the future, we can take more trips together. Aruba with Bridget was one of the best trips and experiences of my life.

5. Life in general. I sometimes go through this self-pity mode. However, I am slowly getting out of this victim way of thinking, and becoming a stronger person every day. It might be one of the reasons that my life is finally falling into place.  I’m finally starting to think positive and live in the present.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, and think about the present, your loved ones, and the food. Everything else is obsolete.

Happy ThanksgivingFrom Isabelle and Shevonne