A Lot of Reasons to Smile

Thanksgiving is only a few short days away and the anticipation is killing me. I just want to pack up my stuff, pack up my tiny infant George, and head home. However I can't do these things because: a. I still have class next week, unfortunately and b. George isn't "allowed" to come home with me because everyone in my family is "allergic" yeah, yeah. Poor baby George.

Seeing as how I don't have time to blog when I am home (my time with mommy consists of eating, shopping, eating some more, and shopping some more), I figured this work-free Saturday would be the perfect opportunity to verbalize what I am thankful for this year. And blogging really gets the creative juices flowing, which I will need for the rest of the day while I work on my thesis... Envious of my Saturday now aren't you?

First and foremost, I am thankful for my wonderfully supportive, caring family. Having such a close relationship with my Mom is something I value very highly. I know I have said this before, but without her guidance and support there is honestly no telling where I would be today. The other members of my family have also helped me become the person I am today. Blessed is such a cliche word, but it's the only one that comes to mind when I think of family. I can't wait to spend some qt with them and eat some of my grandpa's delicious Thanksgiving feast. Here we all are on his 70th birthday last year. Like Elton John down there on the end in the green jacket?

Secondly, I am thankful for such great friends in my life. Modern technology has made it so easy to keep in touch with one another. Whether it's blogging, skyping, group texting (thanks to my inventive friend Louise), or the old-fashioned way of calling, we are all able to keep in touch with one another. Given our hectic lifestyles and sometimes differing time zones, it is so special when we are able to forget all of our cares and just be ourselves. I love you gals! And I love your rockstar bangs Ash, and wish that you would bring them back.

I am also thankful for the opportunities that have been afforded to me throughout my life. One of my classes has really opened my eyes to the opportunities (or lack thereof) available to human beings everywhere. Do you ever think of your life in other terms? Like what your life would be like if you had been born in a different country or into a different, more oppressive culture? Sometimes it is easy to forget how lucky we are. And although I may not be part of the "1%", I am rich in all the ways that truly matter.

So smile, life is what you make it. What are you thankful for these days?