Thursday, November 11, 2010

Being Thankful

November is that time of the year, at least in the U.S., where families start to put their heads together and decide who's having Thanksgiving, Christmas, and what all is going to go down.

Thanksgiving has always been one of those holidays that I hold very special.  Of course, the major consumption of food is amazing, but the feeling of being together with my family (especially when these things just DON'T happen), is what puts great excitement in my heart.

And it's odd that we save a holiday for giving thanks for things we love.  We should always be thankful for them, and not take them for granted.  So today, I thought I'd run through a few things that I'm truly thankful for...

My family.

They are cooky. They are crazy.  But they are my family. They have never let me down.  They've never disowned me, despite the many temper tantrums I've thrown throughout my years.  They love me and I equally love them back.


Andy.

Why wouldn't I be thankful for this goober?!  He's one of the most amazing people I have ever met (please don't let that go to your head, babe!) and I wouldn't be the person I am today without him.  And I'm glad we don't have our lives all mapped out, that we slowly live by the edge of our seats, and take every surprise that comes at us!  (And he's earned bonus points because I came home to a completely clean pantry and kitchen!)


Mocha & Zappa.

The dogs drive me nuts, but I love them.  I was never much of an animal person as a kid.  Dogs, specifically, always freaked me out.  So I suppose I deserve to have the most in-your-face, I want attention 24/7 kind of dogs.  I'm sure they've caused me to have high blood pressure at times, but I wouldn't trade them in for replacement dogs.  No way.

How could I not love a face like this?

My friends.

Every one of them is different in their own way.  Every one of them contribute to who I am in their own way.  And through everything we've been through (I mean, it's been 7 years since I graduated high school!), we still remain the same friends that we were from the get go.  And I hope that never changes.

I couldn't help but die from laughter after finding this picture: our homemade "flag" for Bonnaroo from 3 years ago!

The 3 amigos in New Orleans!
The bounty of unique food we get to enjoy.

I really am thankful to have experience food in such a different way.  I mean, not many 25 year old people can say that they've mastered cooking duck breasts, or say that they cook 90% of their meals instead of getting take-out.  Hell, I know grown adults that can't even say that!

And you guys!

Without you guys, I wouldn't smile after every blog post.  I wouldn't be posting these recipes on this blog.  I wouldn't be having fun.  You guys brighten up my day when I see comments flooded (okay, not flooded, but even 1 comment makes a difference in my day!) in my inbox.  So thank you guys for still sticking around and putting up with my goofy self!

What about you guys?  What are you thankful for?

19 comments:

  1. that was a lovely post:) it's always easy to hurt someone. sorry and thanks are the only two words that comes deep from our hearts. you have a done a wonderful deed by thanking all your loved ones. and my thanks to you for sharing your delicious recipes:)

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  2. This post put a smile on my face...too bad we think about these only when a holiday comes around or if something happens to someone we love and we all of a sudden realize how we take things for granted...then...we start doing it all over again!
    Thanks for reminding the beauties!

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  3. Aaawwwww.... now, where is the Facebook "Like" button when you need one?!!

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  4. Yes this post made a smile on my face. Nice writeup.

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  5. What a great post. We all need to think a little more about what we're thankful for. My list would be very similar I think...my fam, my hubby, my pets, good food, fun times...
    (And I know exactly what you mean about 1 comment making you happy. I get giddy with every one!)

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  6. I loved this post. You and your family are beautiful. And of course, Andy is pretty darn handsome :-) I'm thankful for my family, my sweet husband, my friends and all the wonderful memories I have. Thank you for sharing...I hope your Friday is delightful!

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  7. Very sweet post. You are very fortunate to have such amazing people in your life. Times like this makes being an expat hard, but I do cherish my immediate family. Really makes you think, and you obviously cherish them throughout the year from reading your posts about your family and friends!

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  8. Wow, you've just reminded me a lot of what I am thankful for, too. Thank you.

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  9. It is great to be among people who love you and make you feel happy. I wish to you to feel that way through your entire life.

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  10. I guess pretty much what you are thankful for: those things we take most for granted and probably shouldn't.

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  11. Aww, that was so very heart warming. Great blog Sis and I wouldn't ask for a better one at that. Yes our family is cooky and crazy, wonder where I rank? hmm...but family is always there when you need them even if they do live far away, have temper tantrums, bit glasses, or wear cabbage patch clothes, to remember all the nonsense of growing up,oh of course me the problem child HAH! But in the end we all love each other and take care of what is more important in life, YOUR FAMILY!! Love Ya

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  12. Why wait until Thanksgiving? Good thinking to practice gratitude now :-)

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  13. What a BEAUTIFUL family you have!


    We all have so much to be thankful for, don't we?

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  14. I'm grateful for all the things you mentioned -- and good books, and good health.

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  15. What a great post!! Thanks for the heartfelt reminders.

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  16. This is SUCH a super sweet post! It's definitely nice to take some time to be thankful for the people we love and to look back at how proud we are of ourselves too. You rock girl!

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  17. Sweet post! I love your dogs... but I am a HUGE dog lover, so I love EVERY dog! I have two in-your-face, need attention 24/7 pups myself, and I wouldn't have it any other way. What breed are your dogs? I also feel 100% the same way as you about fellow bloggers. This whole experience just would not be the same. It's a great community of people to be a part of! Happy Thanksgiving early!

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  18. Came across this from Consuming Louisville. Like the blog, and this post. The single most important thing in life is to be happy. Cheers!

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  19. Such a lovely post..beautiful write up n pictures..loved it!

    US Masala

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