Unexpected Thanks

Thanksgiving is upon us, a day where we stuff ourselves not only with food and frequent flyer miles, but also stuff our families and friends with love and praise. I try to continually tell my loved ones how much they mean to me, because it’s not something that should be said once a year. With that being said, I would like to talk about 10 unexpected things that I am thankful for…and for the record, caffeine isn’t on the list, but is definitely an honorable mention.

1.      Fairytales

     Every girl dreams of prince charming, happily ever after, and a pair of shoes that can change her life. Fairytales give me hope and happiness no matter what kind of day I’ve had.

2.      The timer my family put on my internet use as a child…it forced me to use my imagination

         While I may have complained severely about this growing up, I am so thankful that my parents limited my technological distractions so as to force me to be creative with my time. I started to write, did a lot of reading, and bonded a ton with my younger siblings. Those things would have been stifled with hours of Farmville.

3.      Days that I can drive with my windows down

           Nothing puts a smile to my face faster, other than a sweet smooch from my boyfriend, than the days I can drive around with my windows down blaring the radio. In this moment I can be carefree and forget about whatever stresses are weighing on me.

4.      The family that I am building for myself (no I’m not pregnant!)

          I have a wonderful family, and as I grow older I am building one of my own. Myself, Jeremy, Jameson, and Jack share the best and worst of times together. Without them, I would not be the woman that I am today.

5.      To hear “good morning, I love you” every morning

         Okay, I may initiate this little ritual, but it’s a lovely thing to hear in the mornings! I am NOT a morning person (as most of you know) and will do as little talking as possible before a more appropriate time, like noon. Saying and hearing “good morning I love you” everyday though, is the only thing that can make me crack a smile at what feels like the crack of dawn.

6.      My connection to God

         I have been through a lot of ups and downs in life thus far, and I am sure I will have many more. One unwavering sense of relief and calm that I have though, is my connection to God.

7.      Tequila and red wine

      Both are great after a hard day…which one I drink really depends on just how hard they day was.

8.      The rush of endorphins after a great workout

        A lot of life is spent thinking “I can’t, I’m not good enough, I’m not capable” but in the gym, especially when working out with Jeremy, I push myself to limits I didn’t even think I could reach. The feeling of accomplishment mixed with sweat is one that cannot be mimicked.

9.      Mascara and lip gloss

          If you know me…you know I have a slight obsession with lip gloss. I probably have about 50 tubes. Mascara and lip gloss are quick, easy ways to make me feel put together and feminine, even on days I feel like I look like a dogs’ butt.

10.   The sounds of snores coming from my loved ones

         This may sound odd, but I get an overwhelming sense of calm from the sound of snoring. It means the ones I love are with me, safe and sound. Every night as I lay in bed I am able to sleep peacefully knowing my puppies and love are with me. **Side note…this does not include my dad’s snoring. I am so thankful for him, but his snoring is so ridiculous I can hear faint sounds of it from my apartment miles and miles away.