I have been a terrible blogger. I have been so busy lately, I haven’t had a chance to write any new posts. I was hoping something interesting or funny would happen with my family over the Thanksgiving weekend, giving me some fresh material, but no such luck.

My wedding anniversary is just after Thanksgiving, so this time of year and the change of season makes me reflective and contemplative. I have always considered myself incredibly fortunate to have been born in Canada. When I look at how many people in this world live in poverty and war-torn countries, I am grateful that by pure chance of birth, I have been given so many opportunities that they will never even know exist.

I am grateful that I have such an awesome husband who lets me be who I am, without expecting me to change. He tolerates my nonsense with a smile on his face. He knows what I like and dislike. He tries his best to make sure that I have what I like and gets rid of as many of my dislikes as he possibly can. I am very lucky to have a person like this in my life.

I have two beautiful children that have only suffered mild childhood illnesses and are capable of anything that has been put to them to this point in their lives. I am grateful that I can raise them in a healthy, safe environment, with good health and education systems.

I am appreciative for my extended family and all my great friends that love and support me. I have a good job and nice home, full of pretty things. I have a large selection of shoes and clothes to wear, and don’t have to worry about dressing in a manner that is considered appropriate for my culture. I have freedom of choice.

Canadian readers, I know Thanksgiving was a week ago, but think about all the wonderful things in your lives. American readers, this is an opportunity for you to think of some fantastic things to say when your Thanksgiving rolls around. For readers from the rest of the world, pretend you are celebrating Thanksgiving (without all the yummy food) and think about what you have in your life that you are grateful for. I think most of you will be surprised at how full your lives are and how lucky you really are.