A fantabulous friend of mine and fellow blogger, Renee, has been doing list after list all month of things she is thankful for.
So, today, in honor of Thanksgiving, I give you a list of 10 things I’m thankful for.
1) First and foremost, I am thankful for the my family, both biological and chosen.
My family has been an incredible support system, especially my Dad and my Aunt. I would not have gotten where I am today without them. They did anything and everything the possibly could to help me get here. My step-mom, brother and grandfather have also been a huge support this year. They have been so incredibly supportive and positive all the time. In the many conversations before my grandfather’s passing he made sure to let me know how intelligent, special and important he thinks I am. Though he gave me a tough task to take on, I know it is for my own good. I’m trying, Papa.
My step-mom is absolutely one the most positive, loving, kind encouraging people I know. My brother, throughout our lives together, has been the most unconditional, nonjudgemental, sweetheart. No matter what idiocy I got into, he always loved me through it and was always there to make me smile. His girlfriend, who has been an incredible addition to our family. His friends, who are always bringing laughs, smiles and witty banter into the mix. Viv and the Lungas for being the amazing sisterhood I need in my life. I would not be the same without you girls. You spice up my life. Also, my Georgia family that is always making me laugh until it hurts. I love that anytime Justin, Danielle and I get together we turn into crazy 8 year olds. Can't forget my weekly Glee gushing with Krista. The warmth with my biological family up here has only grown, for that I am thankful. Speaking of Twi-Gleeks, I can't forget Alli and the Shawvers. What an amazing women to be raising 3 amazing boys (4 if you include Blake, which we do...teehee)and making it look so effortless. We have so much fun everytime we get together, even if we are just sitting around doing nothing.
My best friends Erin and Aixa who have gotten me through anything and everything. We laugh together, we cry together, we scream together. I don't know what I would do without either of you. My mentors and dear friends Connie, Melba, Greg, Donna, Leanne, and Richard who are constantly encouraging me to confident in who I am and to strive to be better. The Langas for becoming a huge part of my chosen family. I definitely would not be where I am without them. They have kept my life happy, exciting, and full of joy and love.
2) What I do for a living.
I feel like I get paid to be a part of a family that I love being a part of, anyhow. The Langa family has brought so much to my life. For the first time in my life, I’m excited to get up in the morning. I look forward to everyday.
Richard, Melissa and everyone at Chrysalis Experiential Academy have encouraged me to go back to school. This place has given me back my love of teaching. I have been subbing at this school for a few months now and I have to admit, I love being there. The faculty and the students alike just absolutely make my day. There’s a lot of love there.
3) The wonderful people I am surrounded by.
In my day to day, there are so many wonderful people that I am blessed to be around and in communication with. My dad, my aunt, Petie, Karla, Melba, Leanne, Donna, the Langas, My C.E.A. family, Erin, Aixa, my IQ family, all of the people who make my life the joy that it is everyday.
4) Music
Most of you that know me, know the huge roll that music and musical theater has played in my life. I always loved dancing and singing. I dabble in piano, guitar, drums and violin and remain pretty mediocre in them all. Music is something that has always been in me. It was like shaking the cat food bag to find the cat. Dad, Tia, or Abuelo would pick up the guitar and start playing and I would show up in the room within seconds. Still to this day I find myself gravitating towards everything that has anything to do with music. It feeds my soul and takes me on wondrous journeys. Music is absolutely my drug of choice.
5) Inner Quest.
Inner Quest Metaphysical Church had taught me so much and brought me to much needed healing growth and a spiritual family. That place is always full of love and hugs. It’s a place where I have found wonderful people to journey with.
6) Personal growth.
I have been in certain situations throughout the year that have shown me the huge change that has happened within and the things that are continuing to change. I am more myself than I have ever been and I continue to grow closer and closer to who I am meant to be. It has been very exciting.
7) Lessons learned.
I can’t even begin to tell you everything I’ve learned this year, but I can tell you it is a lot. I’m constantly learning. The more I learn, the more I realize how much more there is to learn.
8) My new apartment.
I have to say, I am loving where I am living right now. It’s close to everything and my life has taken off since I moved here. A big THANK YOU to Dad and Tia for coming up here and getting me settled in. I don’t know how I would have done it without you.
9)The internet.
I love social networking, especially Facebook and Twitter. They keep me in contact with people I wouldn’t normally be able to keep in contact with. We all live busy lives and these sites help keep us all linked together and in the know. We can comfort people or celebrate with them, where we would not have been able to otherwise.
Then you have Youtube and Hulu for entertainment. Email, paperless billing, online billpay, email newsletters, blogs, vlogs, you can shop online, but tickets online, there is nothing you can’t so with ease. You can even buy a lock of Brad Pitt’s hair on eBay, The possibilities are endless.
10) My car.
I didn’t realize how much I really loved Boy Blue until I got rear ended and had to leave her at the body shop. I am currently in a rental car and can not wait to get her back.
Well, there is my ten things I’m thankful for in no particular order. I hope you enjoyed them and are encouraged with your own attitude of gratitude to create your own list of 10 things you are thankful for.
Happy Turkey Day! And in the words of the amazing Ellen Degenerous (which is someone else I am thankful for), “Be kind to one another.”
