Soggy, Grateful Thursday

Yesterday's driving snow has been replaced by bucket loads of rain today, and this evening winds of 50mph plus are predicted for the area. In fact I can already hear the gusts picking up outside, and in the basement the sump pump is making a gurgling racket as it attempts to displace some of the frigid, muddy water pouring in through the stone foundation. Only one year did the basement flood until we had to call the volunteer fire department to pump it out. Men with big muddy boots clambered down the stairs, dragging hoses behind them, the flashing red lights of their idling trucks swirling on the walls. That was exciting.

I know many of you set aside Thursday posts for being grateful, so despite the New England gales and torrents, I thought I'd take a moment to do the same.

Tonight I'm grateful that it's Thursday, which marks the start of my weekend. I'm grateful that I have nowhere to be tomorrow except at home. I'm grateful that I had a safe car to commute to work in today, because the slushy, rutted, slippery, winding, hilly roads that take me to the office definitely required it. I'm grateful that I wore a waterproof rain coat and waterproof boots today, despite the raincoat making me look like a garment bag with a head. I'm grateful to have had a mom who would buy me such a practical item of clothing. I'm grateful that J beat me home tonight and kindled a fire in the wood stove, then listened to my rants and raves about work day frustrations while I warmed myself in front of its heat. I'm grateful that everyone seemed to like the rice balls I made for the bridal shower. I'm grateful that despite their popularity, there are still plenty left for dinner. After watching "The Loneliest Animals" on Hulu.com last night, I'm grateful that there are people willing to make their life's work saving endangered species. Finally, I'm grateful that I can come home from work and sit peacefully in front of my computer thinking about what I'm grateful for. There are far worse things I could be doing.