Move over Scrooge!
In the spirit of the McKennas, I'll spend my last few minutes before dinner articulating my 2009 thankful list. In no particular order:
1. My parents. They are full of candor, livelihood, and love for each other every day. No matter what good or bad winds blow their way, they always stand strong with a smile.
2. My siblings, Jenn and David. Somewhere along the way they grew into these talented, unique adults, and I am in awe that I am related to both of them.
3. My faith. Even if I haven't been the most sparkling-clean Catholic, God and His Church hold me firm. He reminds me that all of my worries are dust in the wind, and for this I am truly thankful.
4. My friends. I don't know where I'd be without the people who listen to, adventure with, commiserate with, and care for me. Even from afar. Thank you for being who you are and for enriching my life the way you do.
5. My awesome job. I am so blessed to have found my calling in teaching. Even when the feds and the fat cats are against us, I still feel very lucky to be able to work with children every day.
6. My colleagues. They make me laugh and keep me sane throughout the year. It is so fulfilling to work with down-to-earth people who share my love of teaching.
7. Health.
8. My (lack of) love life. As much as this year has had its share of let-downs, I've become a stronger person because of them, and I've even learned to laugh a little bit.
9. Food.
10. Traveling. Neither of my parents had vacationed internationally until they were in their 40s. I am 25 and have been to more countries than I can count on one hand. I'm thankful to live in a world where pretty much anywhere is just a plane ride away, and to have the means to get there.
11. Music. The list was going to be just ten items long, but I'll squeeze an eleventh on here. I'm so glad to have the opportunities to play piano and sing in a choir once in a while. It's hard to find a hobby that challenges you and keeps you wanting more. Music is both.
//
When I look at it this way, I've got it pretty good. It's kind of funny how the things on this list are not necessarily the things on my brain day in and day out. (Except for #9, who are we kidding?) With the hustle and bustle of life, it's easy to be a grump and forget how nice I have it. Thanksgiving always seems to come at just the right time.
Aaaaaand it's dinner time. :)
1. My parents. They are full of candor, livelihood, and love for each other every day. No matter what good or bad winds blow their way, they always stand strong with a smile.
2. My siblings, Jenn and David. Somewhere along the way they grew into these talented, unique adults, and I am in awe that I am related to both of them.
3. My faith. Even if I haven't been the most sparkling-clean Catholic, God and His Church hold me firm. He reminds me that all of my worries are dust in the wind, and for this I am truly thankful.
4. My friends. I don't know where I'd be without the people who listen to, adventure with, commiserate with, and care for me. Even from afar. Thank you for being who you are and for enriching my life the way you do.
5. My awesome job. I am so blessed to have found my calling in teaching. Even when the feds and the fat cats are against us, I still feel very lucky to be able to work with children every day.
6. My colleagues. They make me laugh and keep me sane throughout the year. It is so fulfilling to work with down-to-earth people who share my love of teaching.
7. Health.
8. My (lack of) love life. As much as this year has had its share of let-downs, I've become a stronger person because of them, and I've even learned to laugh a little bit.
9. Food.
10. Traveling. Neither of my parents had vacationed internationally until they were in their 40s. I am 25 and have been to more countries than I can count on one hand. I'm thankful to live in a world where pretty much anywhere is just a plane ride away, and to have the means to get there.
11. Music. The list was going to be just ten items long, but I'll squeeze an eleventh on here. I'm so glad to have the opportunities to play piano and sing in a choir once in a while. It's hard to find a hobby that challenges you and keeps you wanting more. Music is both.
//
When I look at it this way, I've got it pretty good. It's kind of funny how the things on this list are not necessarily the things on my brain day in and day out. (Except for #9, who are we kidding?) With the hustle and bustle of life, it's easy to be a grump and forget how nice I have it. Thanksgiving always seems to come at just the right time.
Aaaaaand it's dinner time. :)