Happy Thanksgiving!

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. This time last year I already knew I would be moving that coming summer. I was relishing my time with my friends and family, along with the once trivial things like the trampoline in my back yard and warm winter coats.

This year though is filled with new experiences, some big, some small. For example I didn't need to wear a coat today! Back home in Pittsburgh, it is cold! I've also found my older (step) brother a blessing in boat shoes. I've got him wrapped around my finger. :) We've both been able to help each other out in a jam.

I've always had a lot to be thankful for, but you what makes you realize that the most is when it is ripped out of your clutches, like some of it was when I moved.

Here is what I'm most thankful for and appreciate the most:
-My Family- This Thanksgiving meal is being held at our house with my step family's family. It will be difficult to celebrate the Holidays without my family, but I'm open to meeting new people. I have to be...
-My Friends- Both old friends and new friends, I'm thankful for all my friends. Everyone has been so supportive of me this year and you guys make me so happy.
-Food-Everyone is my family is kind of foodie; get-togethers revolve around food. When surrounded by three types of cranberry sauce, seven desserts, a huge turkey, and enough mash potatoes to feed the whole neighborhood, it is hard to remember some people don't have food at all. God has truely blessed my family.
-My Health- I hate the fact some people have to spend Thanksgiving at the hospital. If you are healthy, you should be thankful.
-An Education-I've always loved school. I've always loved learning. Sometimes I forget it is a privilege to go to school.

Here are some other things I'm thankful to this year:
-Books- I don't think I could get through the week without an escape to a setting in a book. Whether it is the island of Guernsey post WWII (The Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society), Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry (Harry Potter Series), Forks, Washington (Twilight Saga), or the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland during a smallpox epidemic (The Demon in the Freezer), sometimes it is nice to just get away.
-Music-I've come to live by the quote, "Life is too short to listen to bad music." I no longer listen to music that everyone else likes, but strictly music I like. This week it is all about: John Mayer, Brad Paisley, and Kate Nash. My taste isn't specific to one genre, except "the good kind," which is left all up to me.
-Facebook- I always said I wasn't going to get one, but it is just one way I keep in touch with my friends and family both near and far.
-Shoes- Wouldn't it be dreadful to not have shoes? I have a whole closet full of shoes...over fifty pairs at last count. I'm so glad I have shoes.

Thanksgiving decorations on top of the piano.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!