naughty or nice?

i've been a 'naughty' blogger. i just looked over my blog and realized my posting rate is in severe decline. i know why, and i've drafted several posts in past weeks to explain myself, but it feels like pity posting and there's nothing i hate more. so, with no emotion at all i will quickly fill you in on what has been occupying my time and energy.

in early october, i reported to my new job (remember the work-from-home graphic design position) and the guys who hired me acted as if they'd never given me a job-meanwhile i'd been replaced in the call center. so atlas "let me go." they haven't paid me since august and we've had to hire an attorney to try to recover unpaid wages, which includes a pretty hefty bounced check for my summer bonus, and hopefully a little more to cover damages-i'm having the worst relapse of MS that i've ever had. that combined with the fatigue of pregnancy and trying to raise a one-year-old is making the job hunt more than challenging.

i've been bitter and emotional and just barely shy of insane for the past six weeks. thanksgiving was rough. anderson family thanksgiving involves a tradition of going around the table and each person listing three things they are thankful for. i was last and by the time everyone else said they were thankful for their health, their jobs, and the family i was in shambles and had to pass on my turn. i don't have good health, i don't have a job, and i can't be with my side of the family this christmas.

but now that thanksgiving is over and done with and christmas is in the air, i'm feeling a new hope and vigor. plus i'm entering the second trimester which is the best feeling one! so i'm here to declare: i will be a 'nice' blogger all season. and a nice person too!

here's a start: since i didn't post about my thankfulness at thanksgiving, i will post about it now. five things....drum roll....

1. brad & gina. steve went to high school with these guys and i've finally had the chance to really get to know them since we've moved to salt lake. they are nearly always game to hang out and are so thoughtful-always dropping by treats. it's hard to find married couples that we love, and after losing ance & lali to the heart of texas, i was feeling like we'd never find another one again.

2. laura & diane. nothing makes me happier than to see these two. i don't think anyone knows or understands me better than they do, and it makes me comfortable. plus, i have to admit that i am dang funny when they're around. they just bring me to life!

3. baby graham. i haven't even met him yet but something about his new little life just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. plus i love getting lali's random texts about being a new mom.

4. all things christmas- smells, sights, sounds, tastes-but namely the smells. i'm in love with my christmas spice wallflowers and cinnamon diffusers. they warm up the whole house. (come on, i had to have one "item" and at least it wasn't tv!)

5. and of course, family. namely stevie and nash. stevie has been so patient with me lately (there have only been a few minor blow-ups where i was called lazy or other such names). he even carried me to bed last night despite his hurt shoulder. and nash is just so cute i can't stand it. his favorite thing right now is the song "sleigh ride." he laughs his head off when he hears it. i love that little things i never would have guessed can thrill him the way they do.