reverb11 day 14: grateful? oh yes.

Today’s prompt asks: What five things are you most grateful for from 2011?

Isn’t it nice that a bunch of things popped into my head?

1) Number one, always and forever, is the health of myself, family and friends. Cliché, perhaps, but it couldn’t be more true. My mother-in-law is a fairly spiritual person, and she says the only thing she will pray for is health. Nothing else matters, really. And certainly, it is the most important thing - losing my father 11 years ago (almost 12, now) taught me that. I have found myself focusing on health a lot this year – and really beginning to recognize what makes me feel good, and, more importantly feel gross (and avoiding the gross-making stuff - see, I'm a total health nut!).

2) The wide, diverse, and awesome group of friends I have in my life. Last night, on the Twitters, I complained about writing out all of my Christmas cards, and how my hand hurt, and blah blah blah. But you know what? I can look at that stack of 50+ cards and know that they are going out to people I truly love and care about, and that – hopefully – on the other side are people who care about and love me. No matter how snarky and sarcastic I can be with my friends, at the end of the day, they are hugely important to me. I never, ever express that enough. And, on that note, I am so grateful for all of the friends I’ve made through this blog, and Twitter, and reverb, and what not. You guys have made a big difference in my life, whether you know it or not.

3) I had the opportunity to direct my favorite comedy, Rumors. Recently on this here blawg, I've talked a lot about the show I did last week (which was total amazeballs, if you haven't heard), but back in the spring, I had the chance to direct what I consider to be one of the absolute most hilarious shows out there. What a treat it was to work with such talented performers, and laugh night after night at rehearsal – and get to stand at the back of the theater during the performances and watch the crowd respond oh-so-positively to our hard work. I truly love directing. I don’t know if it’s a control thing or what, but I love it, and can’t wait to do it again. And, boy, was I a lucky director with the cast and crew I had - I couldn't have hoped for better. One of my top-three favorite theater experiences to date.

4) I got to go away on two vacations with Greg and Jane this summer. The first was to my in-laws’ cottage at the beach in Connecticut (sure, it was only 45 minutes from our house, BUT STILL, it wasn’t OUR HOUSE- oh, staycations, how I loathe you) and then we rented a house in Rhode Island with some friends in July. That, in particular, was an especially awesome trip - it was like a week-long party with a view of the water - and we have plans to do it again in 2012. Can. Not. Wait. Also, for my previous gig, I got to go on two particularly awesome trips with my girl Beth - to LA and NYC. 2011 highlights, both. *NOTE: I will painfully miss trips like this when they come around for Beth and I can't go. I believe I shall hide in her suitcase. Do you think she'll notice?

5) I am incredibly grateful that during this reverb project this year, I am having a hard time thinking about times I’ve struggled and been sad, things I want to change, difficulties I’ve endured – this has been a GOOD year. And for that, I am profoundly grateful.