top ten things i'm thankful for

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, where we all get to exercise our OCD tendencies and come up with bookish lists.  If you’d like to play along, check out this post.

This week’s assigned topic is a familiar one on social media – things we’re thankful for, right around Thanksgiving time.  Most of the items on my list are book- or blog-related, but from there it goes on to general living (well, reading IS a part of my real world…).  I know how blessed I am, but this is a great opportunity to put it into words and realize the wonderful reality all over again.

Top Ten Things I’m Thankful For

1. Generosity of friends and blogging buddies – My sister Virginia (Ginny) teaches 9^th grade English in Washington State.  When her classroom library was decimated by flooding, I wrote a post about it.  Several people responded with recommendations, and a few sent their own books to fill the gap.  It made all the difference!  Ginny’s students again have a great selection of YA fiction to choose from for self-directed reading.

2. Resources so that I could contribute to Ginny’s classroom library, too – I’m so thankful that I was able to buy a selection of the suggested titles for Ginny’s collection!  Thankful for a steady job and the chance to help out.  Thankful for used books for sale online, too! It is great to know that I could help, even from afar.

3. CYBILS award reading list – I needed a reading challenge that would get me excited about great books and give me deadlines to meet.  Participating in a CYBILS first round panel is introducing me to new and wonderful books!

4. CYBILS co-panelists – My lovely co-panelists in Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction share great insights about the books they’re reading, In addition, their dedication and drive inspire me to read more, faster, and better.

5. Well-stocked local library – Speaking of the CYBILS, there’s no way I could make all of the reading work if I didn’t have access to a wonderful library system.  Arlington County Library, I’m looking at you!

6. Weekend Cooking meme – Beth Fish Reads hosts a weekly feature on Saturdays and Sundays that celebrates recipes, cookbooks, and anything vaguely food-related.  Semi-regular participation helps me keep things fresh, and ensures that my mother sometimes visits my blog (she’s not a reader!).

7. Holidays that revolve around food – Thanksgiving is the first thought, of course, but in my family Christmas runs a close second.  I love holidays that involve the family cooking and coming together around a table.  You can talk, bond and nourish the body at the same time – perfection!

8. Friends (who step in to help when you sprain your ankle) – I had a mishap this weekend and sprained my ankle.  My friends are setting the ibuprofen by my water glass, buying groceries, taking me to the library, and generally being helpful, wonderful people.  I’m lucky!

9. Family – I can’t stress enough how much the support and love of my family means to me.  They talk me through difficult times, provide a place to just be, and inspire me with their energy and ability.  Are we even related?!

10. The freaking internet – I love it.  Where else can I access cat content, sarcastic twitter feeds, parody music videos, and online shop for all of my holiday gifts?  Oh, and blog and connect with wonderful, nerdy people like you.  That’s right.  I’m thankful for you.

What are you thankful for this holiday season?