I'm Thankful

This year I participated (and actually kept up with!) the #30daysofthanks - mostly via Facebook, because I usually forgot to do it on Twitter, but regardless... I've kept up with it so far. I wanted to share some of my favorites (via  a really awesome Paint-made infographic, ha!), but also talk more about some of the things I really am thankful for.  Some of these will come up via my Facebook over the next week before November is over, but they deserve a blog post all their own, too.

30 Days of Thanks 

the abridged version!

Mom, dad, Coke Bear and I. June 2012.

Family - My family's all over the place - parents and paternal grandparents are all in southern California, little sister is in New York. This year has been hard with losing my grandmother very unexpectedly and though not as severe, we lost both family dogs to boot. Seeing my family at the beginning of this month for my cousin's wedding was so great, as it was a happy reunion (as was the cruise in June, but this felt more real). I'm so thankful for my parents' constant support in all that I do, ridiculous or not, but that I know they always have my back and will encourage me every step of the way. My little sister means the world to me and I know she's kickin' tail all over NYC and I'm so proud of her in all she does. I can't wait to go visit again (I should make that happen), but love even the few days I get with her at home at Christmas. Family's everything, point made.


My Health - Throughout undergrad and continuing into grad school and into Texas, I fought with some pretty nasty sicknesses (colds turn into bronchial infections overnight thanks to sickness-induced asthma) and allergies in Texas would always kick it up a notch. I haven't been crazy sick since moving here and I'm super grateful! I think my new level of activeness helps that too. I'm thankful that my body has been working with me over the last several months as I've transitioned into training and running a crazy amount and that my knee(s) don't hate me.

Running - Running has done a few things for me, and I wish I could do a post all for its own, as it deserves that much. Running is stress relief. It's an escape from a bad day. It's a reminder that I can do whatever I set my mind to. It's a reminder that I'm healthy and alive. It's the way to allow my competitive self to keep competitive when I'm not in a team sport. It's introduced me and re-connected me to so many amazing people, both in real life and online in a variety of communities. I'm thankful it's given me something to aim for each and every day, to keep bettering myself in all I attempt to do.

Omega Phi Alpha - My sorority has given me so much, and more than I realized even when I was an active sister. Moving around as much as I have, OPA has always connected me with sisters in a new area, given me ways to get involved, but also to ensure that I feel like I belong somewhere. Attending our convention this summer rejuvenated that love, passion and commitment that I made nearly 9 years ago to my sorority and I feel so happy and honored to be serving in a national position to be able to do that. I owe a lot to this organization, and aim to give back whenever and however I am able for as long as possible!

Friendships - After moving around enough, I've had enough friendships come and go that I've held on to a handful that have mattered. I'm lucky to have a couple from undergrad, a number from graduate school and a few scattered ones in-between there. I'm thankful for technology that has allowed us to stay better in touch, as admittedly, we all can get lazy in keeping in touch. Guilty as charged, I'm not one to point fingers. But regardless, I'm thankful to those that have stayed so close in my life, who are constant reminders of how much we've grown, grown up and grown together in friendships, love and life. Thankful to those that have stuck around, supported me in my efforts and have encouraged me all along the way.

This Guy - Definitely not last and far from least, this is Doug, the amazing, wonderful, far away (sad face) boyfriend. He's currently in California (yepppp) while I'm 3 time zones ahead out here in Georgia. I'm thankful for this guy - for having the patience and heart to let me wander around, get jobs where I've been able, and though it's been far from easy, for putting up with me for so long! Secret, y'all: we've been together since high school. True story! I'm thankful for the weekends we get together, for the times he's come to visit, for the random adventures we've found ourselves on, our trips to baseball games and Disneyland at Christmas (my favorite), and for all he brings to my life. Not easy, not always fun, but long distance has taught us a lot and we've made it amazingly far, all things considered. I love him immensely and can't imagine having come this far without him. Grateful for you, love.

What are you thankful for? Anything out of the typical friends, health, and love?

Happy Thanksgiving!