Thankful

On Facebook it seems like almost everyone I know has kept up with their days of thankfulness. I am not one of those people, but I do have a lot to be thankful for.  This post is just that, a list of what I'm thankful for.

1. I am thankful for my family. They have made life fun and interesting for the past 23 years and I would not trade them for anything.

2. Whitney: One of the few friends I have kept from college. She has seen me through good and bad.  This girl has pulled me from rock bottom and celebrated when I'm on top of the world. We nerd out together, she goes to see superhero movies with me even when she's already seen them, and doesn't get mad at me for breaking her washing machine.

3. Lauren: The first friend I made at work on that fateful day when we were both attempting to make a tree and needed brown bulletin board paper. Who knew that that small adventure would turn into gaining one of my best friends? She's seen me through a lot of ups and downs, talked me into buying a pet rabbit that I clearly didn't need, and is my favorite shopping buddy. Lauren does not sugar coat anything which is one of her finer qualities, and I can always trust her to tell me how things are.

4. Amy: My life twin! We both like weird vegetables, Backstreet Boys, and a million other things. Amy and I look just alike and confuse all of the kids at school (so fun!).  What I love most about Amy is she is so not judgey at all, and I know I can go to her to ask questions, vent, cry or laugh.  She puts up with my nonsense and never complains. She is so wonderful!

5. I am thankful for having a wonderful job.  I know there are people in the world who would complain about what teaching entails, but even when things get difficult I find myself being rewarded. It may not be the highest paying job, but a room full of smiles and laughter makes up for it.  I love my students and I could never see myself doing anything else. I am grateful for the opportunities I'm given to comfort, and to teach life lessons. These kids make me laugh all of the time and make me realize how blessed I am to be a teacher.

6. I'm thankful for my itty bitty shoebox apartment.  It's not much, and I have some ratchet neighbors....but I have a place to come home to everyday.  It keeps me safe and warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It's a place where I can relax when I'm tired, recharge when I'm sick, and a place where I can enjoy my friends.  This apartment has served me well....we once crammed 6 people in here for an entire weekend when I graduated. I like my little apartment!

7. I am thankful to have a car that works.  Love me some Little Blue.  My car is so cute and runs and is just perfect for me.  Plus the trunk fits lots of shopping bags ;)

8. I am thankful to be alive.  There are plenty of times I could have lost my life, and I was spared.  Life is tough, but I have help getting through it.  I'm glad that I get to live out the best and worst parts of it because it helps shape who I am and hopefully shows others that if I can make it through certain trials, then so can they.

9.  I am thankful for my relationship with the Lord.  There are days where living for Him is difficult, but I remember all He has done for me and I know that I can make it through any challenge I face.  I have been blessed beyond belief, and I don't deserve any of it.  I am grateful for those who helped me towards my walk with Him and for those who continue to help me.  There are times I ask questions that a 7 year old would probably ask, and none of them judge.  They answer with open minds and open hearts. God has placed many amazing people in my life, and has helped me through so much.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving! Remember that we don't need a day or a month to be thankful for the things in our life.  Everyday there are things we should be thankful for :)