Hey y'all!
I've been feeling a little sentimental lately. Could be the holidays coming up? Anyhoo, I wanted to put into words (and I guess, out into the universe) a few of the things big and small that I am thankful for. Thanks for allowing me to gush:
#1:MY JOB. In July I left I job I held for over ten years and started a new one. It was scary, not really my choice, and has been (truthfully) more challenging than I could have ever imagined. All good things, and I am so so blessed to not be among the thousands of people out of work right now. I've also learned so much in the past few months, that's always a good thing. The best part? I LOVE what I do. 80% of the time, I LOVE my job. I look forward to going everyday, and.....I get to do things like this:
My and a few other peeps set up at a craft fair, selling artwork made by our clients.
#2:MY FAMILY
I'm sorry...I should have warned you about the cuteness about to come your way ; ).
I've talked a few times on the ole' blog about my family. They are a big blessing to me. Especially these two heartbreakers and their two older cousins. Being an aunt is by far one of the best things in my life, and all four of them are so special to me.
#3: MY HOME. That's a wide category for me- my condo, Louisville, Cincinnati (where I was born and raised), and my country. I would be a completely different person if I lived in another part of the world. Especially as someone with a disability, my life could be a 1000 times harder if I was born an another place. I'm a Midwest girl at heart, and I would be completely different if I was born in another part of the country.
This collection of signs was outside my church the week before Election Day. I thought it was a really lovely sentiment, and the kind of thing that people get persecuted for in other countries.
#4: TRAVEL. Being able (and willing) to travel has been a huge blessing for me. Nothing makes me happier, more inspired than exploring a new city. I love everything about travelling, and I am looking forward to many more stamps on my passport.
#5: TECHNOLOGY. Or, in my case, adaptive technology. As a wheelchair user I am more then grateful for my wheels. They are strong, lightweight, easy to maneuver, and.......covered by insurance ; ). I went on a mission trip several years ago and passed out wheelchairs to people who needed them. There were several adults who had never had a wheelchair. Until then they had to be carried or used a wheelbarrow, etc. That trip was a huge eye opener for me. How lucky am I to live in a country where this vital piece of technology is available? I feel the same way about the hand controls in my car. I would be a completely different person without the ability to push myself where I needed to go or drive where I want. Completely.
#6: FRIENDS. Hands down, I have the BEST friends. We've been through pretty much everything .....births, deaths, boyfriends, marriages, vacations, job losses,.... turning 30. I have assembled a really wonderful group of friends and for them-I am truly thankful. This is me with my friend Tiffany on our summer trip to Europe.
#7: THESE YAHOOS
They are the best roommates.
#8: PEOPLE IN MY LIFE THAT I LOVE ENOUGH TO MISS.
Somedays (especially around the holidays) I miss my mother like crazy. Some days it still breaks my heart. But today I am really thankful to have had her in my life for as long as I did. How lucky am I that I had someone who loved me enough (that I loved so much) her loss still leaves a hole in my heart? So many people grow up without their mothers or a positive mother figure, and for her I am forever thankful.
A few little things I am so thankful to have in my life:
an artistic spirit.
My iPod Touch
My DVR
Silly pictures with my wonderful Grandma:
Clinique 3-step System
Neutrogena Hand Cream
Big pots of chili
Not being allergic to chocolate.
There's my list, thanks for stopping by and allowing me to gush! Leave me a comment, I would love to read what you're thankful for (big or small-whatever pops into your heart!)
Happy Thanksgiving!
M.
