This year, I’m THANKFUL for…..

‘Tis the season to be thankful!  There is so much I take for granted… Today is the day to list out and recognize some of the things/people I am most thankful for in 2010.  I am admitting, in advance, some items on the list are heavy, but others are pretty light hearted.  Please don’t judge!

I’m currently 29 years old, so that sounds like a great target to hit….  It’s enough to get past the obvious answers, but hopefully not so long that you don’t finish the post.  Please note, the list is just that – a simple list.  This is in no way a ranking of importance or an exhaustive inventory.

1) God – I am in no way worthy of God’s unconditional love and forgiveness, yet there is no one more consistent and generous.  He is my provider, my rock, and my salvation.

2) Nathan – My dearest husband and best friend. He’s the strong, confident leader of our family and a brilliant architect.  I’m proud to call myself his wife!

3) Miles – We waited so long to have little Miles, so remembering to be thankful for him seems easy. He’s been the perfect addition to our family and I can’t imagine life without him. In the words of Dave Ramsey, I hope to, someday, “make another one just like him…”

4) Family – Nothing helps you remember to be thankful for family more than distance.  After spending time more than 1200 miles away from (most) family, I am very thankful to have lots of family. Parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins, cousins who may as well be siblings :) aunts, uncles, and 1 niece – Wow!  Life is great and having family a little closer is comforting! I love that my family can also be classified as friends. (ooh.. and I almost forgot – I’m also thankful for those friends who will hopefully legally become family someday!)

5) Friends – the list of friends continues to grow – which just reminds be how bad I am at keeping in touch with them all.  Friends span many states and countries: IA, CA, IL, CT, NY, NC, WI, MN, GA, MO, TX and more…  (sorry if I forgot to list your state – and I’m afraid to get started on the countries – but we love you, promise!)  REALLY GOOD FRIENDS are hard to find…… I’m bummed about the distance, but thank you – thank you for reaching out and keeping in contact!

6) In Loving memory of……  We have loved and lost many people. We know they are in a better place, but it doesn’t always help us miss them any less.  We are, however, very grateful for the time we had with them and the memories we’ve been left with.  We miss you: Grandma and Grandpa Banwarth, Grandpa Klinge, Grandma and Grandpa Meyers, Grandpa Briden, Aunt Kay, Great Uncle Whitey…..

7) Cooper – He has his moments, but we still love him.  He’s our 5 1/2 year old pound puppy.

8) Health – Luckily, we’ve all been very healthy this year! (knock on wood NOW)

9) Tea – there is no better escape from a tough day….

10) My Resume – With my recent lack of employment, my resume and I have become buddies.  I’ve met a lot of people and received a better education than any institution could have provided. Thank you to my past (and future) bosses, colleagues, mentors and friends!

11) Cameras – Life goes by way too fast!  When I remember, my camera does a great job of catching life’s greatest moments for safe keeping (or the life of my hard drive, whichever is shorter! please use this as a reminder to back up your digital photos!)

12) Prayer – I love knowing that I’m not alone in my daily struggles and that He wants to carry my burdens and anxieties!

13) Talent – I have little, but I have a network of generous people willing to share theirs! Thank you!

14) Job Postings – I have applied for multiple jobs, but at least I know that a job exists going in! I feel like my rate of rejection is better than if I was just applying blankly to companies or firms hoping to land a job out of thin air.  Also, I love the companies that update the “status” of my application. 
At least it gives me some hope…..

15) Sunshine – its really cloudy and rainy here today. 

16) Google – My go-to search engine! I would be lost and uninformed without you!

17) Fall – football, bright colored leaves, pumpkin flavored desserts and beverages, bonfires, hooded sweatshirts….

18) Research – It gives me a way to contribute to society. I love digging into the unknown with an educated guess and finding new solutions.

19) Sarcasm – I find it humorous and a great way to break a tense moment.

20) Architecture – I know– its weird that Architecture falls right after sarcasm, but I really mean it this time.  Not only is it our sole source of income for the moment, it’s also beautiful (when done right) and a shelter from the elements.  I’m grateful for our current space!

21) Running – oh, how I’ve missed you, but still love you! Since the move to Chicago, we’ve lost touch, but I hope to reconnect very soon!

22) Music – I can’t get enough of it!  It’s a precious noise when the house is quiet! It gets us off the couch and active! It helps us learn and remember (ie. ABC’s)! It aids quick recall of special memories like a first date or a wedding! It’s even a way to pray and worship!

23) My iPhone – I know - I sound very materialistic, but this may as well be a truthful list. Big city living has made me rather dependent on that little device. So sad while so true…..

24) All Things Spicy  -  hot wings, my chili, Mrs. Renfros Habanero Salsa, really good Thai, authentic tamales

25) Mascara – I used to wear it because it helped me look older.  Then, I used to wear it because I thought I had to. Now I wear it because it helps me look my age… Yes, I feel it makes me look younger. There, I said it!

26) Flip-Flops – working in a lab setting requires the wearing of closed toe shoes at all times.  I love my flip-flops!

27) Hot Chocolate, Marshmallows, and PJ’s – enough said!

28) Long, Hot showers – cleanliness is next to godliness, right?! I can relax in a nice hot shower. Sitting in a tub of water kind of grosses me out a little.

29) Lip gloss – Chapstick, fruity gloss, shimmery gloss, Burt’s, lip smackers – I embrace diversity! Proper lip care is a critical winter survival skill.

 

Thanks for the suggestion of today’s topic – you know who you are!

So now I ask you _ What are you thankful for in 2010?

Posted in: Kelly