I'm so thankful...

I'm so thankful...
Current mood: thankful

Wow, so it's Thanksgiving Eve. :) I'm sitting here today at work thinking about Thanksgiving's past and tomorrow's events. I have so much to be thankful for. I think there is more this year than ever before. Here's my top ten for this year:

10. Beautiful weather. I am thankful for God's green earth and the many chances that I have to get outdoors in the hill country.

9. Food, water, and shelter. Living in a city that is so heavily populated with homeless people, I am thankful that I do not have to worry about where I am going to sleep or how I am going to afford my next meal. At the same time, I feel compassion towards those who do have these worries. Also, with the onset of hurricanes, many refugees came to Austin. I am glad that I was not unfortunate enough to lose all of my belongings in such a tragic event. My heart goes out to those who did.

8. My car. It runs, it is mine, and even though I hate paying for it, i am thankful that I don't have to walk or ride a huffy to work.

7. lucky number seven is: my beautiful Lola. Though she is not with me in austin, she is always, always, always in my heart and I miss her like crazy.

6. My relocation. It has been hard at times. At times, I'll admit I have been bitter. I will admit that at times I felt defeated. I will admit that I have wanted to escape many times. But, I can honestly say that this is where I am supposed to be. Since I have relocated, I have been given many new opportunities (which have made this list). My favorite opportunity and change has been that I am now of GREAT influence on my neice. I have been given new opportunities to get to know her, and seeing her grow on a daily basis has been so humbling. Seeing things through the eyes of a child is one of life's great blessings. She is so clever and so so so smart. There is nothing like waking up in the morning to her smiling eyes (i think she gets them from me). She helps bring me into focus.

5. My bills. I know this sounds funny, but in some way they are a testament to my personal development. I have grown in so many ways in this last year. And though I am broke and can only afford Boones at times (hehe), I am grateful that I can pay my own bills.

4. My job!! I am SO sosososossososo blessed. God truly blessed me with this great job and this great company who cares about each and every employee. I have never felt so welcome or so spoiled in any workplace. I can't believe I was lucky enough to run into my good friend Allison the very 1st day I moved to Austin. Without her, I surely would have been looking for a job to this day!

3. My friends. Through this last year, I have felt so much. So many different emotions have run through my little head. I can't believe the amazing amount of support that you all have given me. You have held my hand, wiped my tears, picked me up, and given encouraging words through everything. You few are my super-duper-support system. It's hard to seperate any of you from family, so read number 1 and know that you are included in that speech also.

2. This wonderful feeling they call "love." I never thought I would feel it again. So imagine my surprise when I felt it so soon! Thank God for all the wonderful times that I have had as of late. I truly do feel that if not for Him, i would not know "him." I am truly blessed just by knowing you, and I want you to know that you are my angel in disguise, my knight in shining armor, my frog prince, and my security blanket. I am where I am today because of what some might call one of "life's tragedies." But, I am all the more thankful for that because my circumstances have led me to you. I love you with all of my heart.

1. My family. They have been there for me for many, many, many years but this year seems to be their shining moment. They all really stepped in and took control of my life when I felt like I couldn't steer my way through the fog. Then, when I was brave enough to take the wheel, they lovingly let me take control again. I will forever be in debt to their efforts and actions. I am truly, truly, truly thankful.

So, go out and eat turkey (or tofurkey) and all the trimmings! And also be thankful for the many blessings in your life, big and small!