Grateful!

Ok, it’s time (a few days late) to recount all of the things in my life that I am grateful for – here goes!

 1. Three Thanksgiving dinners this year!
One at my house with two special guests, the guest of honor being the fabulous Martha, the wonder dog. Second one co-hosted with as group at a friend's house. It was so much fun to cook with all my girlie friends! Third one – on Friday with family friends. (Didn't have to cook for the third one - thank goodness!)

2. Fiddle lessons!
I started taking fiddle lessons this month from a gal who performs in a few bands around town. It’s SO much fun, and I’m getting better at it every day. Sadly (!), my fiddle teacher is moving, but she’s going to be back for gigs and lessons here and there, and also gave me the number of another awesome fiddler to seek out in the interim.

3. Cute Black Skinny Jeans!
Hello superficialness, BUT…as mentioned, I gained a handful of pounds this year and finally broke down to buy some better-fitting pants, but when I tried on a larger size, the jeans were too big! I ended up ordering a pair of “curvy-styled” skinny jeans in my original size instead of the straight-leg/no hips style. They’re roomy! And yes, I realize that this doesn’t make me any thinner, but they look super cute and don’t squish my booty into a converted muffin top.

4. Money! 
Picked up a high-dollar client this week for a four month project with some FUN subject matter. Now I’ll be able to pay my taxes, have guaranteed work during a potentially lean holiday period, pay down my student loans and maybe save a little bit! Yes!

5. Mo' Money!
One of my other clients REALLY likes me and wants to up my amount of hourly work starting in January!

6. My Dog!
Martha remains the best doggie, best guard dog, and best cuddler in the world. We had another attempted break-in this fall, and Martha saved the day…AGAIN.

7. Baby Sista!
My baby sister moved to AUSTIN from the West Coast in September. I’ve gotten to see her several times and she spent Thanksgiving at my house. I’m so loving getting to spend time with her as an adult and having a family member fewer than several thousand miles away.

8. Little Sister T-Day Bonus 
My baby sis’ favorite T-Day food is stuffing and after attending the three dinners she announced that mine was the bestest. Awwww! For the record, my stuffing isn’t fancy and goes like this: Chop up a variety of vegetables (celery, onions, mushrooms, broccoli, whatever) into larger-than-normal-stuffing-sized pieces. Sautee in butter until reduced/softened. Throw veggies into chicken broth; add stuffing from out of the bag. Pop into uncovered casserole dish and heat in oven until the top layer is crispy.

Hope y’all had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well!