Thankful.....

As I sit here during my lunch break, reading through other blogs, it got me thinking.....what am I thankful for this holiday season? First and foremost, I am thankful for my fairly and legitimately happy mood today! I know that sounds silly, and to others I do look pretty happy all of the time.....but some things have been challenging lately. So, today I am thankful that I am actually happy (at the moment), and don't feel anxious or stressed. Now, that could always change in the next hour....but..... :-)

Okay....so onto what I am thankful for this season......
1. My health! This may sound silly, but I have certainly learned how quickly your health can change. After the bowel obstruction surgery I had back in 2002 (that could have killed me if I let it go much longer).....to watching my brother be diagnosed with cancer at the age of 24, I have realized to never take my health for granted. So, this is why it is one of my top reasons to be thankful!! I am thankful everyday I am able to function normally and able to exercise! After my surgery, I realized not to take for granted the small movements you can do, like laugh, or sit-up or get off of a couch.
2. My family! Of course, I am thankful for my family. :-) I realized when I moved to Seattle in 2004, that it was waaaaayyy too far away from my friends and family. It is nice to have them close if only for a quick visit, or for the inevitable, a tragedy or death. I was in Seattle when I learned of John's suicide, which made it challenging to plan to get back to Ohio ASAP, and then made it very challenging being away from those I love during a difficult time. That same year far away.....I learned my Grandpa had cancer (but thankfully made it home right before he died). So, needless to say I am thankful to be back in Ohio. I am also thankful that Abby, Shane and I are now pretty close....now that we are adults. :)
3. My friends! Oh, how I could not make it through life without friends. I am an extrovert...and clearly an emotional one, so I am thankful for my friends. I have met so many people over the years, especially through working in Residence Life. So, I thankful for those I only keep in contact with via email. I am thankful for those I see 1-2 a year, and I am thankful for those I get to see more often. I really appreciate those friends that love you and accept you for who you are....and walk through life with you.
4. My cats! Yes, I know......I am a bit crazy for mentioning my cats in my list of what I am thankful for........but I am thankful for them. I love seeing their heads watching in the window for when I get home. I like how they run to the door and want to be pet. Though at times annoying, I love that Hopie is always on my lap if I am sitting on the couch......even if I have the laptop on my legs too...she finds a way to nestle between my stomach and the laptop. I love animals all around and get really upset when I hear of animal cruelty......or think of the way farm factory animals are raised now days. Animals are so precious and innocent....I hate to ever think of intentionally causing harm to one of them. I love you Hopie and Little Boots! :)
5. My job! Though, I have been a bit stressed this Quarter at OSU because we have been understaffed, I LOVE advising students. I worked in Residence Life for 5 years! I loved the opportunities to mentor and work right along side of college students. Though....I do not miss responding to a suicidal ideation in the middle of the night.....or underage drinking (thank you Res Life). :) I love this time in a young person's life....a time where they truly find out who they are. Some may learn the hard way....but they nonetheless learn. It is amazing to see the learning and independence that takes place. I am also thankful for my Franklin University teaching opportunity. It is nice to have a little "on the side job" of teaching adult learners both online and face-to-face. I have had a lot of great experiences with that too.
6. My education! I am thankful that I was able to go to college....and who knows....I may always go back for a Ph.D. I never planned to go to college until Christmas time of my Senior year.....but I am so thankful I did. I LOVED my time at Malone, it was such an amazing experience. I know my grandparents talked often of how important our education is.....for this I am thankful. I am also thankful that I finished my Master's Degree. I remember being afraid of applying for a Master's Program.....afraid I wouldn't get in.....or be smart enough to finish, but I did. I am thankful for the opportunity to have went to college....and now be working with college students.

Well, my lunchtime is almost finished. I know there are many more things I am thankful for.....perhaps I will continue that tomorrow. :)