Thankful For...

I've mentioned before, numerous times in fact, that I am not a rabid fan of most (ok, almost all) holidays that are celebrated here in the US.  I'm more of a 'seasons' celebratory gal.  It's my personal preference and I certainly don't mind if other folks fall into the experience of Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc, etc with their whole heart.  Really, I don't.  Well, maybe just a bit when I've just heard Dashing Through The Snow for the 15th time in 2 days and it's still November.  And killing turkeys isn't my thing.  But I love lights, snowflakes, pies and aprons so I'm definitely on board with some of the aspects that fit into the late year celebrations.  See, I'm not too much of a curmudgeon.  Now, get off my lawn you meddling kids!

The truth is that I do love what the integral parts of the holidays entail - kindness, generosity, goodwill towards others and being thankful for what you have right now.  That last part is something I'm trying to do right now in my life.  Daily.  Sometimes hourly.  Being thankful means being present and aware and knowing when to stop adding shit to your new house wishlist and just be grateful you have a house during this incredible cold snap.  That's my first unofficial 'thankful for' item - having a roof over my head (that isn't covered in 9 feet of snow)...

Other things I'm thankful for:

1. Fluffy kitties and old chihuahuas.  The love they give.  Oh y'all.  The love.  I'm so glad I have them all...


2. Friends/Family.  I'm lucky enough to have a supportive and loving group of people that tell me often how much they believe in me.  It's like my own Stuart Smalley segment but with them giving me thumbs up from behind the mirror...


3. That Athens is my current town.  While we have definitely toyed with the idea of moving, and still are thinking of it a year or so from now (maybe), I'm really glad we moved here when we did.  We've changed our lifestyle drastically (no more visiting bars every night of the week or smoking or drinking constantly or searching for myself in all the wrong places) and have set some great goals during our life here.  I'm traveling more, photographing more stuff, reading more and have found a career that I adore.  Brady is finishing his last semester, thinking of graduate school and has found a (tentative) career path he'd like to try out.  It feels like we're new people 'round here.  We know some great people and we have been lucky in so many ways since we've become Athenians


4.  Comfy shoes.  I'm almost 40.  Two months and counting!  I need them and I'm so glad that I have them.  My feet/back/mind are super happy.  It's the little things, eh?


5.  My health.  It hasn't been great thanks in part to genetics and part to some stupid lifestyle choices but I'm still thankful for what I have.  And hopefully the better decisions I'm making in regards to food and booze will help in the future.


6.  My job/career.  It's a double mention from #3 but it bears repeating.  10 years of higher education, 1 master's, 1 almost (1 semester lacking) 2nd master's + a move to Athens = finding what I love in the form of baked goods.  Seriously, I love what I do and I hope to always have my hands in flour or sugar.


7.  My ability to travel.  My job, my personal desire to explore, my partner's willingness to join me and a doggy/kitty sitter (hi Mom!) who's willing to watch our critters for days, weeks and even months at a time = us traveling locally, nationally and soon-to-be internationally.  It's my passion (besides photography and reading) and I'm so grateful that I can indulge in it.

What are you thankful for today and everyday?