Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope on this Thanksgiving morning you have a few minutes to reflect on all of the blessings you have in your life.

To really sit down and take count of all my blessings would take an eternity. I don't know what I did in my past lives to be so lucky this time around but I am thankful for every bit of it.

1. Joel
In Joel I have a boyfriend, a roommate, a rock, and a best friend. What more could I ask for?

2. My parents
I lucked out here - which is funny, because had you asked me if I had "lucked out" when I was 17, I'm sure I would have answered with a dramatic eye roll. I am so proud to have these 2 people as my parents. They are crazy and fun, and have been such a great example of how to work hard for a well lived life and how to live that life well.


3. My sisters
We couldn't be 3 more different girls; we drive each other crazy, make each other cry, and laugh, and bleed, but at the end of the day, it's pretty fricken cool to know that I have 2 girls for the rest of my life who know the in's and out's of everything that make's me, me and still love me for it.

4. My friends
I have a great circle of friends and I am so lucky for them. It's funny to think that the same group of girls from my Freshman year of college have stayed my best friends. I miss them and love them so much.
And my best friend Claire, all the way in Italy. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about her, and miss her terribly.

Freshman year

Sophomore Year

Junior Year

NOW!


Cbear

5. My cousins
I have an insane number of cousins, and from some stroke of luck, we all get along like the best group of hand picked friends. How did I get so lucky to have this many amazing cousins? I mean, really - that can't happen all the time, right? These people, my family, are my best friends. I can call any one of them at anytime and know they will be by my side no matter what it is I need. We have a great time whenever were together and I am thankful that my grandparents have instilled such a strong family ethic and I know we will always be a tight knit group. I am so blessed for in this area that it honestly blows my mind.

[that's us...twenty years ago]

6. Jobs
Joel and I each are working and have jobs that are going to lead us to even bigger roads of success. How lucky.

7. Wine and Dine
I am so thankful that I get to enjoy good wine and good food whenever my heart desires. I have the pick of the litter when it comes to restaurants in Chicago and it's awesome! I am thankful that Joel enjoys going out to dinner and that we can afford to do so.

I love enjoying red wine. It relaxes me and gives me a sense of comfort.
I am loving learning about different kinds of wines and what goes into the process of making wine. Joel and I joined a local wine club and get to meet winemakers from all over the world and its been really fun learning how to taste and smell wine.

8. Running
Ew. I can't believe that I am saying this but tomorrow morning I am running an 8k Turkey Trot, and I am thankful that I can do that. I have a love-hate relationship with running but at the end of the day I need it in my life. It keeps me sane and I am lucky that I am able lace up my shoes and go outside and just run.

Running is a rewarding aspect in my life and allows me to set goals and eventually reach them. Even though more times than not I say a lot of choice words before dragging myself out to run, and I love the feeling of accomplishment and knowing that I am keeping myself healthy.

9. Luke Shields
Joel welcomed his first nephew this year and we are so thankful for him and his health. I am so excited that I get to share in this little pumpkin's life. He is such a good baby and has provided so much joy for Joel's family. I can't wait to watch Lukey grow up into another handsome, kind, smart, good-hearted Shields.

10. Haley's Comet
This year my family lost our dog Comet. We grieved him for a few months and after a while felt like we could bring another puppy home. We decided to name our new dog Haley (get it?) and she made our house feel normal again. She is a crazed beast but I am so thankful that we have her at our house. Dogs have a unique way of turning a house into a home and she makes everybody feel loved each time they walk into the door.




There are so many more things that I am thankful for but I'm going to leave it at a nice, clean number 10 and go get ready for the Joshua Radin concert.

I sincerely hope that you have a family filled, happy holiday!