Dear Thanksgiving:
You're truly one of my most favorite holidays. What with all that yummy food, and delicious desserts. But I don't believe people really give you credit for what you are...the day to give thanks. To be thankful. Now I for one, am not of the "Give Thanks on Thanksgiving ONLY" camp. I actually make a concerted effort to show my gratitude daily...by the moment if it's necessary. A while ago, back in my Red Mountain days, the folks over at PL&L wanted us to carry "Gratitude Rocks." I never did. Not because I didn't like the idea, but because I think if you need a rock to remind yourself to be grateful...you've got bigger issues. Sure, it'd remind me...but I should be reminding myself. And frankly, no I did NOT want a damn rock in my pocket or purse. I aspire to be someone who is thankful all the time, not just on your day. So while I do enjoy the food that comes out in hoards (but not the dishes that I inevitably help in cleaning) and the thankful-ness in the air on the last Thursday of November, I do wish you'd come around more often. Like every day. Ok, ok, not the food part, but the thankfulness part.
Regards-
Anna
With that, and in no particular order...and NOT on Thanksgiving...here are some things I am thankful for:
- My health, and my legs. As much as I sometimes hate running, I really do appreciate that I can.
- My freedom. And the people who are protecting that.
- My family. As dysfunctional as we sometimes are, those people are part of who I am. Part of who I will always be. And honestly, the holidays just don't seem the same without them.
- Stella. It took me dropping her off at Michelle's to really, REALLY see the impact that she's had on me, my life and my sleeping patterns. Her love is unconditional.
- Speaking of Michelle, I'm thankful for her too. Your friendship, support, and generosity in taking care of my baby while I'm on my journey means the world to me. I can only hope the rest of you have people like her in your life.
- For the Gurski's. Without you guys I'm not sure Orange County would have ever become home. Thank you for inviting me into your home and your family.
- Facebook. Yes, I'm thankful for that. For keeping me connected with friends through status updates, messages and photos. You allow me to keep tabs on just about anyone who's path has crossed mine in the last...oh, 30 years.
- For Eric, who compassionately laid me off from Red Mountain, and freed me to do the things I want to do. Have dreamed of doing.
- For Sarah, whose friendship seems to grow as days and years pass. For your daughters who have reminded me to slow down, and cherish the moments I have with them. I only wish I could get time with you more often.
- For the little angel on my shoulder the last week who has prevented me from being in 3, yes, three accidents on the freeway, that happened...right in front of me. I'm not sure why, but someone is making sure I'm safe and sound.
- To Chase and the rest of Team USA...for being the raddest travel companions anyone could have. South Africa was amazing BECAUSE you were there with me.
- I'm thankful that there is Cholula here in California. Any state that doesn't have this, is not a state I wish to be part of, Tapitio...sorry...you're second.
- To Manus, honestly -- you're one of the best people in my life. You've taught me to wait patiently, love strongly, stand up for what you believe, to have integrity and honor, and how a man should treat a lady.
- To the people who sat next to me at the hockey game this week...for reminding me what I'm waiting for. I want the love like you have. And I'm ok waiting for it. Thanks for the reminder.
- And lastly... leggings, internet access, Trader Joe's amazing black bean dip and dark chocolate covered pretzels, for the ocean, my amazing friends and opportunities to travel to see the world, explore, and find myself and discover what my dreams are and how to reach them.
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