Thankful…

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Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

One year ago I was full of dread concerning 2011. I knew my husband would be spending the year in a war zone halfway around the world, I was frustrated with the seemingly stand-still status of my writing, and overwhelmed by family stuff that seemed too big to ever improve. In my mind, 2011 was nothing to get excited about. And, looking back, 2011 has had some incredibly trying moments. This deployment has, in fact, sucked. My writing still has its challenges. A few members of my family have gone through some very scary health scares. But, 2011 has had some amazing moments as well, and in hindsight, the good far outweighs the bad.

This last year has given my so much to be thankful for:

1) My husband, who’s brave, selfless, loving, and forever supportive of me and my writing. He’s also the world’s best daddy. And my daughter, who makes me smile every day–no matter what!–and is the sweetest, funniest, smartest little girl around.

2) My family, the people who love me no matter what and endlessly remind me that things will be okay–good even! On a daily basis, my family members reassure me that I’m capable of getting through anything, but without them, I’m not sure I would be!

3) My friends, those I’ve known for years and those who’ve come into my life more recently. You (if you’re reading this, you know who you are!) make the days go by quicker and add great heaps of fun to the most mundane activities: Project Runway, dinners at Red Robin and Los Pinos, long bike rides, shopping trips, and so much more! Thanks for being there through thick and thin!

4) My agent, who believes in my work  like I do, envisions it on bookshelves in stores everywhere, and works her tail off to get it there. She also has excellent taste in books and food and accessories. 🙂

5) My generous and gracious CPs and betas, who’ve slaved over my writing with their metaphorical red pens, gracing it with their genius. I’m a better writer (and a better reader!) because of you. Thank you for your time and support and brilliance!

6) Books, because they’re equal parts professional development and escapism, and I can’t go a day without spending at least a few minutes lost in a good one.

7) My writing friends, the lovelies I’ve come to know through blogging and Twitter. I love talking books and social media and writing and healthy food and hot boys with you. You make this wild ride so much more fun, and you make me feel just a *little* less crazy. 🙂

8 ) My wonderful blog readers, who take a moment from their days to drop by, read my ramblings, and leave thoughtful comments. To echo the eloquent words of Alison Miller, I HEART you!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

I anticipate a little blogging break over the long weekend, but before I go, here’s a friendly reminder to check out the football-inspired book giveaway Sarah Enni and I are having this week! Sarah’s prize pack includes copies of The Daughter of Smoke and Bone and Shatter Me, and I have copies of Anna and the French Kiss and Lola and the Boy Next Door up for grabs. All you have to do is guess the TOTAL POINTS SCORED for Saturday’s Apple Cup football game (the combined score for both the Washington State University Cougars and the University of Washington Huskies). Sarah and I will pick a winner from our respective comments–whoever came closest to the actual final total score. (This means you don’t have to know anything about these teams or football to have a great chance to win!). Enter to win HERE!

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23 thoughts on “Thankful…”

  2. Alison Miller says:

    I am super thankful for Katy too! And I can’t even imagine what you must go through with your husband being deployed. Since I live right near Camp Lejeune, many of my married friends experience similar dread and fears. My heart goes out to you and to your family and I pray he will always return home safely. And it’s wonderful that he is so supportive! I feel the same way about my husband (who is a vet and former Marine – met him after the fact). Even though he doesn’t always get it, he is VERY supportive of the writing, the blogging, the reading – and is very okay with me taking time for it. So, YAY for supportive hubbies! And adorable children! And…okay, now I’m absolutely sure I need more coffee – way too wonky. 🙂
    Oh, and I don’t know how eloquent I was (haha), but I heart you too!

  6. Colin says:

    Bless you, Katy, for the support you give to your hubby in his work. He’s a brave man, but you are brave too for letting him do what he loves even though it scares you. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

  7. Angelica R. Jackson says:

    2011 was not a banner year for me either, but the good things are there if you look for them. I’m glad you have good support around you, it makes all the difference in the world. Here’s to hoping that 2012 is even better!

    • katyupperman says:

      Thanks so much, and I’m definitely looking forward to 2012! And you’re so right, Angelica… there’s always a silver lining, even though finding it can sometimes be a challenge. Have a happy Thanksgiving!

  8. Mrs. S says:

    I’m thankful for your optimism and humor! Your blog is such a source of joy and inspiration, so knowing that this has been a rough year for you is actually quite a surprise. I’ll keep your husband in my prayers–hope he is home safe soon.

  9. Jessica Love says:

    Colin said exactly what I was thinking as I was reading this post. You are such a strong person to be able to give your husband that kind of support. Thank him on our behalf for his service…and thank YOU for all that you do.

    Have a fantastic Thanksgiving!

  11. Eye Floaters says:

    The stock market is no longer a place to invest, rather a place to wager. You aren’t investing in the future of a company, you are simply trying to make a quick 3% and then sell. There is so much volatility in this company that putting your money into it is just too risky. Buy bonds instead and wait patiently.

  12. Carolina Valdez Miller says:

    So much to be thankful for. What a lovely family you have. It must make for some very difficult moments in your life to have your husband deployed. I’d imagine it requires significant strength for the both of you. But it seems to me that of all people, you can handle something like this. It’s obvious you love each other very much, and that you keep him as an active part of your lives even while he’s gone. And look how well you’re managing, too–your daughter has about the coolest, most attentive mom in the world, and career-wise you’re rocketing forward, while still making time to send amazing care packages to your husband. You guys will get through this time and be all the stronger for it. But until then, lots of positive thoughts and prayers that he’ll come home safely…

  13. Erin Bowman says:

    What a lovely post, Katy! I was traveling over the holidays and very late to the “thankful” party, but I share a lot of the sentiments you listed out here. This community is a truly wonderful one, and I am so thankful to be a part of it and to have drawn out some amazing friendships because of it. And to think I haven’t even met many of those friends in person yet! (I’m looking at YOU!) I hope you and your family had a lovely Thanksgiving!

    • katyupperman says:

      Same to you, Erin! I don’t know what I’d do without my YA friends some days, and I can’t wait to meet you and the other lovelies who’ve been so supportive and wonderful over the last year.

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