Update

In a voicemail from one of my best girlies, I was reminded today that I have been absolutely slacking with this blog.  A lot has been going on since I last blogged... and all good things :)

First and foremost, L and I are still dating.  I love spending time with him and am constantly being taken aback by his sweet and genuine comments, guestures, and what a great person he is.  I feel very lucky to have met him and am excited about where our relationship will go.  While at a drive in movie last week snuggled up in sweatshirts and blankets, L asked me to be his girlfriend.  And I couldn't be happier.

Also, I started my new job at my same company last week.  I'm only a week and a half in but I already know that it was the right move for me.  Not only did a extreme weight get lifted off of my shoulders on the last day of my previous position, I am excited about the career change and the opportunity to learn a new side of retail.  I miss my team, but I know that we will stay in touch and a couple of them have already reached out to me for career advice, brainstorming, or just to say hi.  I have been welcomed with open arms by my new team and I'm enjoying getting to know them.

Fall is arriving in Minnesota... The leaves are begining to change, the air is getting more crisp, and sweaters, hoodies, and boots are making a come back. 

Thankful and hopeful

I'm in a good place... I'm elated that I've officially been promoted to a new position at Company T and I start in a few weeks.  My new position will challenge me in a whole new way and will offer me travel and other experiences that will help me grow individually and in my career.  I've been working towards this move for the last nine months and I can't wait to get started.  I feel very blessed for the opportunity and proud of myself for getting to this point

I'm also coming up on date #3 with L.  I haven't been on a 3rd date in 2 1/2 years and I've had a lot of fun with L thus far.  He has a great sense of humor, is very thoughtful, and can handle my sarcasm. We have a lot in common and I'm looking forward to continuing to get to know him.

I have great family, great friends, and tons of things to be thankful for.  It's times like now I'm reminded of how God rewards us and follows through on His promises after rough times.  Here's to many good days ahead....

I got a feeling

Interviews are over and I have a really good feeling that they went really well :)  I got a few hints from my boss on Friday that I should start getting ready to make the transition with final word coming early this week.  I can't wait for this new opportunity. 

I also finally went out with a guy (L) that I've been talking to for a while on Tuesday of last week.  Our date was great, and then last night he joined some friends and I out at a sports bar and bonfire for a few hours.  So far so good....

Blessed and super pumped!

So much to look forward to in the next few weeks... I'll give you some highlights cause I know you're dying to know too.  ;)

-Wednesday and Thursday I'm traveling to ChiTown for work.  I love Chicago.
-Friday is my fantastic Mom's bday and the beginning of a fantastically crazy bachelorette weekend at a resort up north for one of my best girlfriends.  I cannot wait!
-Monday I finally am going to see Magic Mike (who doesn't love Channing Tatum + stripper role) with my girlie Lyn.
-Next Thursday I'm off to Vegas for 5 days to celebrate my bday and help my brother work a convention
-Next Sunday is my 30TH BIRTHDAY!!!! AHHHHH!!!
-And the following day is my baby peanut's first birthday! 

After that I have 4 weddings, 2 bridal showers, another bachelorette party, a Rascal Flatts concert, a Twins game, and lots more birthdays to celebrate.

And to top it off, I found out today that I'm on a list to interview for the next position that I want at work... And interviews start in 2 weeks! 

I feel blessed.... Blessed for the opportunities I have, for the family and friends that are like family, and for the gift of another birthday quickly approaching.  And for the amazing growth I've had  in the last 12 months.

30 Days til 30

Wow.  I can't believe I'm entering my last month in my 20's.  Not necessarily becasue I think that 30 is "old" or anything like that.  But because a 30th birthday seems so iconic.  

It feels like I shouldn't be approaching this birthday, yet I have grown and experienced so much when I look back.

Age 20 - Recovered from a traumatic incident and found my strength through friends and family.  Conquered mono, changed majors, and completed my sophomore year
Age 21 - Roadtripped with my best college friends to Vail over the summer, traveled to London on spring break, and completed my junior year
Age 22 - Completed an internship, lived in a small house with 4 other girls throughout senior year, Graduated college
Age 23 - Bridesmaid in my 2 Bennie's weddings.  Started work at Company T in a great job; Post-college/"real world denial" partying began
Age 24 - I bought my first house and became an Auntie to beautiful AJ.  Post-college partying slowed down.... 40-50 hour work weeks and the "groundhog day" effect of the bars lost its luster
Age 25 -  Promoted at work; Bridesmaid in my best friend's wedding
Age 26 -  Promoted at work; Dated B and then a few months later M
Age 27 - Promoted at work. Anxiety disorder diagnosed and treated.  Met and started dating my would-be boyfriend
Age 28 - Stood up as a bridesmaid as my brother married an amazing woman.  Promoted to manager at work; Reached a relationship high when I fell in love and a relationship low sending my boyfriend off to Iraq
Age 29 - Baby R came into my life and I became a very proud Auntie again.  Broke up with boyfriend upon his return to the US and found my independence and confidence as a single woman again.   Took a trip of a lifetime to Europe

But it's the pieces in between each of those events and birthdays that have made my 20's something special. 

It's hearing the newborn cries of my nieces, my heart melting the first time they smile at me, and being dubbed Auntie Syssa. 
It's watching my siblings become loving and amazing parents, standing up for 5 of my dear friends as they've gotten married. 
It's finding my place, confidence, and capabilities at work and being able to support my self independently. 
It's about the amazing friendships I've made along the way.... through work, high school friends of my high school friends, and college friends of high school friends' high school friends :). 
It's about the close relationships formed with my family, celbrating holidays, enjoying afternoons on the lake, and numerous happy hours on patios.
There have been kickball, flag football and broomball leagues, crutches and a torn ligament in my foot, vacations to Florida, trips to cabins up north, and girls' nights galore.
There have been experiences I looked forward to and things that I thought would break me. 

I've definitely had my fill of tears, hurt, and a broken heart. 
But more importantly, my 20's have been filled with hysterical laughing, smiles, more blessings than I could count, an overwhelming amount of love, and a true feeling of self confidence, purpose, and faith. 

With all of these amazing experiences, I can't help but to look forward to what new adventures, experiences, and people that 30 will bring me.... but not for another 30 days :)

Grateful

I don't have the best track record with New Years Resolutions.  I go into them with the best intentions.  But let' s face it, I never really wanted to follow through beyond the first couple of weeks.

This year, as 2011 was coming to a close, I challenged myself to start a gratitude journal at the first of the year.  My only task is to write down one thing I'm grateful for that day.

Some days are more of a challenge than others.  But keeping this journal has helped me stay grounded... It's a constant reminder that I need to look through the fog and the noise of the day to day antics and see the things in my life that God has blessed me with.  Here are a few random entries over the last 4 months:

I'm grateful for:

1.4.12 - for hearing Baby Reese's giggle
1.6.12 - for the relationships I have with my parents... that I've grown to know and love them as people and not just Mom & Dad
1.14.12 - hope... In myself, in others, and in the life God has planned for me
1.24.12 - dad's melanoma being caught early and for faith in his recovery
2.7.12 - for laughter
2.11.12 - for the curiosity and love that seeps out of Anna... and for a fun girls sleepover
2.14.12 - for my surprise valentine from  my mom on my steps when I got home from work
2.18.12 - for a weekend full of friends and laughter.  I feel very blessed
2.29.12 - for getting to and from work safely
3.2.12 - for perseverance and drive to push through
3.16.12 - for a weekend up north with some of my favorite people
3.22.12 - for my friend and coworker Christy - she always has great advice and is a great friend
3.25.12 - for mom's generosity and for feeling a little lighter
3.29.12 - for my resilience
4.2.12 - for my best yoga practice yet... for peace and confidence
4.5.12 - for my sister-in -law and our friendship
4.8.12 - for a blessed Easter with friends and family... for forgiveness and a new day to live the life I'm meant to
4.15.12 - for a fun afternoon (dinner & a movie) with Anna & Jodi
4.16.12 - for being able to wish Grandpa K a happy 87th birthday
4.25.12 - for a beautiful spring day
4.26.12 - for being able to support and inspire others
4.30.12 - for a random catch up phone call with a great friend

What are you thankful for?

Happy Easter

What a week!  I wish I could say that things at work have gotten better, but they've instead gotten worse.  I find myself constantly having to step away to regain my composure, and I'm begining to weaken my "front" with my team.  I'm at the end of my rope but holding on for dear life.

Despite that, there have been a few good things that have happened this week:

Sunday I got to spend a few hours with Reese baby.  My precious little niece is getting so big and I can't believe how much she has changed.  Whenever she bursts into a smile her 5 tiny teeth peek out and it makes me smile.... And man does she "talk"!  This little girl will blabber and ramble on as if she has the best story to tell (and she probably does, for that matter).  Even with her gaining strength in her adorably chubby little thighs, finding her voice, and becoming more alert and mobile, the one thing that melts my heart most is when she recognizes me and her face transforms into a grin.  It's the best. 

I also went to a couple of yoga classes and they were amazing.  I feel like I have my focus back when I'm in the studio and I can feel the difference in my body and the way I'm able to get into the postures.  It feels great... emotionally and physically. It's my saving grace after a tough day at work.

Finally, I bought a bike on Saturday.  I've been thinking about the idea for about a year now and took the plunge.  I have always wished myself to be a runner so I can exercise outside; but when I try to put that into practice, it does not work out well.  Not only is it hard on my body, I'm also really self conscious about the fact that my face gets a deep red when I work out really hard.  Enter cycling. I can be outside, get a good cardio workout in, and not have to worry about people judging my change in complexion because they don't have long enough to see me (I'm that fast!  Just kidding... :) ).  I went on a 8 mile ride on Sunday just to get comfortable biking again and I can't wait to explore all of the trails around the Minneapolis area.

I'm looking forward to Easter this Sunday to spend time with my family and re-ground myself in what is truly important.... love and faith.  Wishing you a peaceful and rejuvinating Easter

Who's plan is it really?

Another tough day at work today.  But instead of telling you about why and dwelling on what I can't control, I'm going to be thankful. 

Because I have a job. 
A job that allows me to support myself financially and that has introduced me to numerous good friends. 
A job that just gave me an annual raise which is hard to come by these days. 

So I'm not going to dwell on the negative today.  Instead, I'm going to continue to pray for strength to approach each day with a positive attitude and continuing resilience.  And I'm going to continue to have faith... faith that He has something planned for me that I don't understand, but that I don't have to. 

Reality Check

Life is sneaky how it creeps up on you..... As I mentioned a few weeks ago, my new year's resolution was to start a gratitude journal.  Every day I have to write down at least 1 thing that I'm thankful for, and Monday night I was thankful for my health.  Ironically, Tuesday night I found out that my dad has Melanoma on his leg.  He's only in stage 1 and the doctors and surgeon are confident that they'll be able to move the cancer with a 95% success rate.

However, it scares the crap out of me.  And the nervousness I sensed in his voice when I called him didn't help. More than anything, it's just another reminder of the fragility of life.  However, today I'm thankful that the cancer has been discovered at a fairly early stage, and I'm thankful for the compassion and reassurance I've gotten from friends and coworkers.  It truly helps put me at ease.

This was one of my go-to quotes when Scott was overseas.  It's interesting how it resonates again with me so strongly, but for a completely different reason. 

Faith

Proverbs 3: 5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He will make your paths straight

2012

Well hello 2012.... Nice to meet you.  So far, you seem to be very similar to 2011, but I have hope that you are going to be ten times better! 

Tomorrow afternoon I'm off for a much needed trip to Florida for a week... I have no plans other than sleeping in, laying by the pool, and not working.  It sounds fantastic and I cannot wait.

Hope you all had a safe and happy New Year. 

In reflection

To anyone who still reads this blog, thanks.  And sorry that I've been such a bad blogger lately.  I feel like I don't have anything good to say, or anything to talk about, and my days have kind of just gotten lost in the shuffle.

But now that I think back, it's been a month full of new beginnings, reminders of the gift that life is, and a time for new traditions. 

Beginnings.... I'm an improved me.  I don't like the phrase "new me" because I'm the same person deep down... I still laugh at my own jokes before I finish them, still adore my family and friends, and still have all of my bad habits.  But I feel stronger and more confident that, in the last month of the year, I'm being true to myself. 

I have completely moved on from my last relationship... It's interesting to me when I think about it... That my year and a half with Scott was my most serious and longest relationship, but I got over it the quickest (a few months).  What I've concluded is this:  I loved him with everything I had.  I put all of my trust, faith, hope, sweat and tears into our relationship and into him.  When we broke up, although I was sad, I knew that I had absolutely no regrets.  I knew that our relationship wasn't going to work because he couldn't give me back what I needed.  And thus the healing process began.... There was no should've, would've, could've... Our relationship had run it's course (probably more so than it should have) and it was time for that piece of my life to come to a close.

Which brings me to the new beginning.  I had 2 first dates this month.... I know, I know.  2 dates probably seems like nothing to most of you... but it was a big deal to me!  It's been good for me to meet other people, learn about them, and see if I think we're remotely compatible.

December also brought my favorite holiday... Christmas!  Not only did I geek out putting all my lights and decor out (ahem... the weekend before Thanksgiving), but I also hosted my first annual cookie exchange party.  As the years go by, my friends and I see less and less of each other.  It may have something to do with us getting older, some starting families, or maybe just that our hangovers have gotten too bad  :)  Whatever the case, I was excited to get everyone together for some sugar, frosting, wine, and much needed talk. 

And then there's yoga.... thank goodness I found something that is actually a legitimate work out that I enjoy.  I try to go 3 times a week (some days I've gotten up to 5) and I think I'm officially addicted.  I look forward to going everynight and crave it when I'm trying to get out of the office at the end of the day.  I feel better, I sleep better, and I'm more relaxed.  All in all, it's a good decision for me.

However, with all of the laughter, lights, music, and hope that comes with Christmas and December, God also took the opportunity to remind me (again) how fragile life truly is.  On Monday a friend of a friend died at the age of 28.  I had spent some time with her over the years at our mutual friends' houses for parties, birthdays, random nights out, and she was always such a genuine and sweet person.  Whenever I would see her, she would have a smile on her face and always strike up a conversation.   7 days before her death, she had a stroke while coaching a kids volleyball game.  She had been in great health and it was a total shock.  Her doctors did everything they could, but she left this earth on Monday to love her family from above. 

Based on the messages on her facebook page as well as the entries on her caring bridge site, this woman had more of an impact on a great number of people in her short life than many have in eighty or ninety years.  Why God took her from her family and friends, from the people that love her dearly, will be a mystery.   Each day truly is a gift.  We are not guaranteed anything.... not another sunrise or sunset, not another time to tell someone you love them, not another chance to make things right with someone. 

So, as we move forward into 2012, here's what I'm pledging to myself:

• To continue with making yoga a part of my life.  I need to be happy and healthy in my own skin.
• To continue to wear my heart on my sleeve.  Although this can sometimes lead to disappointment, it leaves me with no regrets.  Temporary disappointment is a much easier pill to swallow than a lifelong regret
• To take advantage of the time I have with the people I care about... tell them I love them, be kind, and put others first
• To start a gratitude journal.  365 Days and 365 things I'm thankful for.

Thank you to all of my readers for following me through this crazy, whirlwind, amazing journey of self discovery and change that this last year has given me.

Happy New Year.

Here's hoping...

Tonight I feel inspired, at peace, and happy with life as it stands.  Work is still out of control, my love life is non-existent, and I dont' have much for free time.  But I have an amazing family and friends, I have a job, I have love in my life, and I have my health.

About a month ago I started taking yoga with my sister-in-law.  We had an unlimited week for free at a studio near by and I was hopeful that I would continue afterwards.  However, a part of me figured it would be like any other workout that I had tried... Like when I was going to be a runner, going to do kickboxing at the gym, going to be a cyclist.  I'd do it for a few days, spend a ton of money on equiptment, a membership, etc, and then completely avoid it and find an excuse not to do it.  It just wasn't right and it didn't suit me.  But I love yoga.  Seriously. 

I look forward to it all day.... I make myself leave work on time and even go in early so I don't have to stay late wrapping up my email.  I love the way I walk out of a class, compeletly glistening with sweat and absolutely exhausted.... but at peace.  I haven't felt confident in myself or in my own skin in a while... and it's a feeling that I crave. 

I have absolutely no intention of falling off this wagon.  Not only is practicing yoga good for my stress levels and anxiety, it's great for my soul and it makes me feel like I'm 14 again, stretching and balancing and pushing myself as a dancer. 

I've also started to think more broadly about what practicing yoga has taught me about life in general.... I've dated a decent number of men.  I've gone into each relationship with the best intentions, invested everything I had, but it was never enough.  No matter how much I wanted to (or did) love that person, it just wasn't there.  I'm optimistic now that I will meet someone and it will just be right.... It won't be hard, it won't be a struggle, and that person will fulfill the void in my heart more than I ever thought possible.

So here's hoping....

Patience.

This week has been all about testing my patience.. both in my personal and professional life.  Work has been insanely busy and  I've gotten really frustrated over a few people and their lack of ownership.  It's hard for me to have the same conversation with people over and over again, and then have them still do nothing about it.  And what frustrates me even more is when their lack of drive and accountability starts to impact people's perception of me and my ability to do my job.

After an extremely difficult day on Tuesday, I had my best yoga practice to date.  It felt amazing and helped me put the day behind me.  And on my way home I reminded myslef that the only thing I can control is how I react to things.  No matter what I say or do, I can't do something for someone else.... they need to.  And at the end of the day, if I feel as though I've done everything I can, that needs to be enough. 

On a personal note, I feel as though I'm taking a few steps backwards with getting over S.  I miss being in a relationship and I miss being able to call him and talk to him.  I miss laughing with him and being optimistic about what our future held.  I know in my heart and in my head that our relationship is over.  Maybe its just this time of year thats causing the sadness to sneek back.  I know I need to trust that God has a plan for me and that I will meet the love of my life when I'm supposed to.  But in the mean time, I still miss my old relationship.

Return to Sender

I had a special delivery this week.... twice. 

The packages that I sent to Scott for his birthday showed up at my house two different days this week.  The boxes were beaten up, had multiple address changes, and then a big 'return to sender' note on them.  Can't say I was happy to see them.

When I got the first one last week, I opened it and went through it.  I took out anything I thought my brother would want (toiletries, socks, etc) and threw away the food.  I also came across the card that I'd writen him, and instead of reading it I tore it up and threw it away.  After I salvaged everything I wanted to, the whole package went outside into the garbage.

And today the second one showed up... This was the one that had the cake jars, a picture of us, and a baseball I got him in New York as well as a birthday card.  I didn't even open it this time.... Instead, the whole box went from my mailbox to my garbage can.  It bothers me that there are items in there that i could maybe use (paper plates and a picture frame) but they weren't meant for me.... And I can't use them without thinking about who they were meant for.  And I'm not going there.

I still think about Scott but I try not to... It's not going to do anything that will benefit me and I keep telling myself that piece of my life is over.  And the interesting thing is, I think I'm actually starting to believe it.

Namaste

My sister in law and I have been talking about taking Yoga classes for a little over a year now... this week the stars aligned (or we ran out of excuses...) and we attended our first class yesterday.  Oh.My.Gosh. 

I took a couple classes at a gym about 6 months ago but practicing at a Yoga only facility is so much better for me.  The studio is much more intimate and calming than a gym where I always seem to run into a coworker, previous classmate, etc. We have a free week as an introduction and I plan on using it as much as possible. 

I really think that Yoga will be good for me because thus far it's been more than just a workout.  Between my job and my personal life, I've been pretty consumed with stress and anxiety and I love spending an hour focusing on me only, my body, and my breathing.  Now I just need to take the class a few more times so I get in the habit. 

For good this time

I've held out hope over the last week that Scott and I would be able to figure things out.  That the distance that I felt when he was here last was temporary, and with him home, we could go back to the way things were.

But the truth is, you can never go back.  I can't change the fact that he's been gone for the last 8 months.  I can't change the events he experienced and the time that he spent at war and the impact on him.  I can't change the feelings that I felt as more time went on without him, and the uncertainty that began to creep into my head since September. 

Tonight I saw him for the first time since he's been back.  He looked the same, but he was much more quiet than usual and more reserved.  I only saw the smile that I knew so well sneak out a few times, and our conversation felt forced with me asking questions and him giving short answers. 

Towards the end of our Mac & Cheese at Noodles, I noticed his leg bouncing extremely fast and for a long period of time.   As he dropped me off, he told me that he couldn't do this; couldn't do "us".  He said that it was nothing I had done, nothing I had or hadn't said, but that he just couldn't be in a relationship.  As he's saying these words to me, I notice how sincere he is.... my focus was so much on his eyes that digesting what he was saying came second.  I said ok, that I appreciate his honesty, and that I'm sure we'd be in touch.  I wished him well, and got out of the car.  No tears. No rebuttal.  No regrets.

I'm sad that it's over, but I don't think I completely thought it was ever back on.  Two weeks ago, I was begining to move on; and then I got word that he was back and the "what if" game started up.  I appreciate that I have real closure now, and that as crappy as it is, I know he's changed, he's in a different place in life, and that he can't be what I need him to be. 

With that said, I have to wish him well.  He will always have a piece of my heart, but he can no longer have my whole heart.  It's time for me to move on -- for good.

And then my world flipped upside down...

So get this... I'm putsing around yesterday morning getting ready for work.  I was running late (because I made the mistake of laying down in my bed after getting out of the shower) when my phone rang.  I normally don't get calls at that time of the day, so I figured that it was someone on my team telling me that they're running late as well.  With that assumption, I wasn't in a hurry to get to my cell and right before the call went to voicemail, I saw S's picture on my screen. 

Seriously.  My heart almost stopped.  Why was someone using his phone?  Why was it activated?  And why, of all people, were they calling me (not a funny joke)?  I called him back, but just heard a bunch of noise and didn't get a voice on the other line.   At that point, my brain started spinning.  Someone must have stolen his phone.  He's not back until March, and pretty sure Iraq doesn't get US cell service.

I landed on the conclusion that someone must have gotten a hold of his phone and reactivated it.  So, I sent S's mom a text explaining the weird calls.  To my surprise, she texted me back saying it was  him and he was at the New Jersey airport. 

OH.MY.GOSH.  This couldn't be happening.  He is back?!  For good!?  Seriously????

He called me back about 30 min later to tell me that his mission is over, and they were all coming home. 

I'm floored.  I had so many different emotions running through me all at the same time I didn't know what to do/say/think. 

I am SO thankful that he is home; that he is safe.

I am relieved and in shock that this stage of both of our lives is over.  I had been dreading the potential news that he was going to deploy since June 2010.  And then the call came in and since then the last 8 months of my life has been held hostage by fear, worry, and sadness.  And now it's over.  IT'S FINALLY OVER!

And then there's our relationship (or what was our relationship).  I have absolutely no idea what will happen with us over the next few weeks.  There are definitely some conversations that need to be had between the two of us, but I feel as though a weight has been lifted off of me. I don't know if we will work out or not.  On one hand, I can see us starting to date again and slowly getting back to where we were before he left.  On the other hand, if we can't get a couple things worked out, we may go our seperate ways.  But we would do so with closure and with mutual conversation/decisions. 

No longer do I have to watch the news and have a pit in my stomach.  No longer do I have to send an email and wait up to a week for a brief response.  He's home.  And regardless of what happens next, one of my biggest prayers has been answered.

Escape from reality

10 years ago, I walked into a bare dorm room in a town I'd only been to once before, anxiously waiting for my randomly appointed roommate to arrive.  A stranger that I was going to spend the next 9 months of my life with from another area of MN.  What I didn't know at the time was how important she would be in my life and how much I would love and respect her as a friend for years to come. 

This weekend, I needed an escape from my reality so I roadtripped about 4 hours to visit that very person, Lyn.  The few days away were just what I needed to unwind, relax a little bit, and fall in love with another man... Baby Nolan. 

Words cannot describe how beautiful and handsome this little boy is.  Seriously, he has the most amazing blue eyes I've ever seen.  And it's so great to see Lyn and her husband as parents...  Sometimes when I see a friend as a new mom or dad, it seems wierd to me.  Not these two, though.  I think they were always meant to be parents and seeing them with Baby seems completely natural.

The weather was great so we took Baby to the park, she introduced me to my new FAVORITE home decor store (good thing there was room in the car for all my new treasures!), and we had some very tasty martinis and apps at a restaurant near her house. 

Thank you, Lyn, for letting me hang with you this weekend.... Your friendship and support means the world to me, and I'm so happy for you and your adorable family. <3

Reality Check.

I'm still having a hard time being "happy".  All I can think of blogging about is my failed relationship or the stress going on at work right now.

Times like now, as the days are getting shorter and my mind wanders to things I can't control, it's important for me to remember all of the amazing things God has blessed me with.  For these things, I'm thankful...

~My health.
~My AMAZING family.... Between my parents, my brother & sister (and their spouses), and my nieces, I'm truly blessed.
~My career.  Although there are days when it truly pushes me close to the breaking point, I do enjoy it and am thankful to have a job that can support me financially
~My friends!  From work, high school, college, or everything in between, each one of them is important to me and I'm lucky to have them in my life
~My SUV.  Man, I love that car
~My home.  I'm very proud of the fact that I've been a homeowner for 4 years and I'm thankful for a roof over my head
~Forgiveness.  Of me and of others
~Moments of laughter that come out of nowhere
~Generosity of others
~Reminders that life is yours to live
~Miracles
~Loving to love