In many ways 2006 has been harder for me than 2005. 2005 had Katrina, the flood, and all that jazz but that stuff didn't hit until August.

2006 has felt like Katrina, Katrina, Katrina. The financial woes brought by the storm have hit hard this year. The realization of the years that recovery will take has hit this year and it has hit for the Entire Year. All year we have cleaned up debris, cared for folks that are displaced, and watched our favorite backyard city flounder. In addition, two of my very close friends have been diagnosed with life threatening illnesses this year.

So what are my blessings for this year?

My kids are healthy
My husband is healthy and has lost 30lbs to stay that way
We had no hurricanes this year
The office is busy again
My immediate community has made incredible recovery since
Katrina
The Saints are in the Playoffs
My sister and I have gotten close

There are more, but those are good enough to change my outlook.