Thank Full

In addition to the scrumptious turkey dinner and festive beverages that our family enjoyed today, there are countless things that I am thankful for as I lie on the couch, reflecting, amidst a dessert-induced food coma. I'll narrow it down to the top ten at the forefront of my mind before today slips away. I'm surrounded by sisters, adopted ones, blankets, and kittens. We're indulging, as is so fitting on this holiday, in one more luxurious treat: Gatsby. The thankfulness only just begins here.

1. My Mom & Dad. The ones who started it all; I'm grateful for their traditions, discipline, and insistence upon family-time. Now, it comes natural. 

2. My sisters, Kirb & Chlo. The youngin's are the accomplished and inspiring ones. 

3. My first friends: Britt, Bre & Jenn. No matter how many years, or miles, or weddings pass, we always have just as much fun.... and trust in each other.

4. My oldest friend: Chels. She's 400 miles away these days, but that's nothing compared to what we've endured since the age of 12. She's constantly there for me.

5. My USC fam: you know who you are. My inspirational six have been my rocks, and the ones I could both lean on for support and advice but also run to for fun, adventure and guilty pleasures. 

6. My newest family: at the Topanga fruit stand. I'm so honored to serve them as a manager, and have been so welcomed... So humbled since Day 1! We have so much talent, and great things ahead of us. 

7. My extended family: from my grandparents in AZ to my Dad's family all gathered in Andover, MA. Though we couldn't all be together today, I'm so happy to know that the newlyweds, the siblings, the puppies, and everyone in between can be there for my unbelievably strong Grandmother. She's fighting so many simultaneous battles with her health. Prayers abound.

8. My health. While we complain of the aforementioned food coma, how hard we work, et cetera - I am so fortunate to be able-bodied and free of any life-altering illness. I am strong, and always recover. When my strength is tested, gratitude helps my heart to remain full.

9. My years. With only a few months left at the ripe age of 24, I feel blessed by experience and also lucky to have so much ahead of me. Time flies, and I am dead-set on making the most of it. Stay tuned for my upcoming 2014 bucketlist. #25things@25

10. My home. However far my travels take me, California and LA call me back with their warm winds, green colors and blue seas. Today, despite a bit of gloom, we lounged in sunlight until our early evening dinner. We then took a neighborhood stroll, comfortable in mere scarves, though it is the season that some parts of the world refer to as winter about now. No where in the world rivals this place, and within it, Newbury Park isn't too bad a place to live either. I'm thankful for my strong (and tested) roof, my cozy room, my parents' support and all the people in it today. 

To thankfulness = happiness.


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