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?

Birthday Thanks!

I really feel special.  Much love goes out to everyone who wished me happy birthday and thought of me on that day.  It's really just another day, but I had so many people do so many kind things for me yesterday that I'm utterly shocked.

At work, they had cake and brownies!  It was actually a non-stressful day.  I don't know if it just seemed that way because I was in a good mood because it was my birthday, or if it was actually a slow day.  Either way, I didn't get yelled at by any irate customers, so that's a score!

Then my mom fixed me dinner.  The whole family even showed up (my grandma, my uncle and his wife, my sisters, etc.)  My mom really surprised me and made me steak AND lobster!  And she only bought lobster for me (because I'm the favorite daughter, DUH).  And of course, there was cake there, as well!

Andy was kinda bummed because he had class that night, he had to go because they were taking a mid-term.  I can't blame him for that anyway.  But a few weeks ago he bought me a little laptop (so that I could blog anywhere!)  And to top it all off... he went to our favorite bakery, Sweet Surrender, and had a cake made, of my favorite flavor... Tiramisu.  Isn't he sweet?  And of course, we'll go out to eat this weekend.  Where, I don't know, but I'm sure you all will hear about it soon!

So, it's really good to know that I haven't been such a terrible person, that people don't think of me on my birthday.  I think if that were the case, I'd be really depressed.  But instead, I'm quite happy to know that much love comes my way!