Giving Thanks

As I woke up this morning with a list a mile long of all the things that have happened recently, and all the things that are about to happen, I almost had an instant-headache. Tests to study for, food to prepare, gifts to buy, laundry to do, a whole house to clean...the list seemed to go on for days. Then, suddenly, it hit me. The things that I stress about the most are the things that I am the most thankful for. What better time than today to express my sincere thankfulness and gratitude to the Universe, or the powers that be, for all the wonderful components of my life.

The number one thing that I am always thankful for is Mike. He is the reason I wake up smiling each and every morning. He challenges me. He teaches me. He guides me, protects me, and most importantly- he loves me. Almost four years later, the thought of seeing him still gives me the butterflies. This year, and every year, I am thankful for my wonderful Mike. 

For the first time ever, Mike and I woke up Thanksgiving morning in our own place. I woke up and started cooking and listening to Christmas music in our kitchen. The dogs woke up with me and came out and sat on our couch and watched me prepare our contribution to the Thanksgiving feasts this afternoon. It seems like something small to be thankful for, but living where we live - in the heart of Downtown - we see a lot of homeless people. There are sad, sunken faces on most corners holding cardboard signs that all have the same message. It's getting cold at night, and I get to come home to a place that is my own. I sleep in my own bed, I relax, I study, I cook, I eat, I shower. All in my own place. I am very, very fortunate this year to have what so many people don't. 

Toby and Boozer followed me out of the bedroom this morning to watch me start the coffee and the broccoli casserole. They are perfectly content all the time, just as long as they can be in the same room as you. The very first chance they get to cuddle in a lap, or snuggle under a blanket beside you, they will take it. The have few requests of us; food, potty breaks, treats, and snuggles. In return, we get unconditional love and someone who is always happy to see us. I don't know if there is anything better than that. 

This afternoon we will get to head out to our Thanksgiving feasts with our families. La familia es todo, or, Family is everything. Grandma Salazar had a mild heart attack earlier this week, and I am so grateful that she is out of the hospital and just as feisty as always. My family will be joining us, and it's always wonderful to see them. Mom and Dad are doing great, and I am breathing a sigh of relief that things are turning up for them. Haley and Bo make me more and more proud every day. They were great kids that are turning into great adults. Turns out, all that bickering and bossing them around for so long paid off ;) My family is spread out over several states, but I know that they are always there for me. I love them more than I can say. 

After Grandma's, we will head to the O'Brien's. I couldn't have asked for better "in-laws". Honestly. They have taken me under their wing as if I have always belonged there. They always include us in everything, and go out of their way to do the most thoughtful things for us. 

Today I will eat my weight in starchy, salty goodness and top it off with enough sweets to give you diabetes. I normally don't eat the best, I exercise when/if it's convenient, and I rarely get enough sleep. I expect a lot out of my body, and it really does a lot for me. I am thankful for a body that can roll with the punches. Myself, and my family for the most part are very healthy. There really is no substitute for that. 

Reading the newspaper or watching the news on any given day, you will see that there are millions of people out there with no jobs. Mike and I are both so fortunate to both be employed with really good jobs. We both get a steady, consistent paycheck, we both have insurance, we both LOVE our jobs and the people we work for and with, and we both are able to enjoy Holidays with our families and weekends with our friends. Sometimes I am frivolous and spend my money on things that aren't a necessity, but I am always able to cover my bills. We keep food on the table, the lights and heat stay on, and we are still able to do fun things. One day, I hope everyone is so fortunate.

When we go to work in the morning, or go out with friends, or drive out to visit family, we always know that our vehicles will get us there safely. I couldn't imagine the inconvenience of having to coordinate bus and train schedules, riding a bike, or walking everywhere. Our cars are both fuel efficient, so we are able to afford to keep gas in them to run our errands. That is something that I couldn't say honestly last year ;)

My work put me in school. I have been wanting to go back for so long, but there is always something that comes up that restricts my finances or my time. Having an employer that values knowledge, and cares about it's employees enough that they offer the opportunity means more than they will ever know. I will study hard, do my best, and prove to them that I am worthy of the opportunity. 

It's no secret that I love my friends. They are the family that I got to choose. We take vacations, we go to sports games, we go out to dinner, we do Christmas shopping together, and if I ever needed anything ever - I know with certainty that I could call them up on a whim and they would help me out. I hope they know that I would do the same for them. Having a support system like that is the greatest feeling in the world. I am never worried about falling down, because I have a giant security net just waiting to catch me. 

Well - I seem to have rambled on for longer than I had anticipated. In a nutshell, I know that I am fortunate. There are a couple of other things (in no particular order) that I am thankful for: Oprah, cheese pizza, toilet paper, cupcakes, pepto bismol, RSL, the 4th of July, cell phones, iPods, falafel, hoodies, fall boots, Sunday mornings, the music of Frank Sinatra & Bob Dylan, Pinterest, boxed wine, baklava, black and white photos, detangler, daisies, tomatoes, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, the Utah Jazz, Idaho, lotion, clawfoot tubs, and bottled water. 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!