Gobble gobble, readers! Question: why are you online today? Go spend time with your families, you weirdos! BUT FIRST, read this post and comment. Please and thank you.
This is my very first solo Thanksgiving. Super solo, as Steve is in Vermont helping his brother get settled into his new place and won’t be back till late tonight. So I am completely alone this year.
Because of this, people have expressed pity towards me. They feel so bad I’m spending the holiday alone. And while they mean well, it really isn’t necessary. Why? Because spending a few days a year alone, no matter which days they are, is not a reason to pity someone.
I spend approximately 360 days a year (probably underestimated) with at least one person who cares about me. This is usually Steve, but also my friends and family. This year, I even spent 4 days with a bunch of strangers at FinCon who became my friends within hours. I have an extremely fortunate life, and for that, I am grateful.
I love this holiday and what it represents. But I truly try to appreciate the life I’ve been given every single day. Thanksgiving is just another day with better food, because I KNOW how good I have it. I don’t need the fourth Thursday in November as a reminder to be thankful.
So today I give thanks. Specifically, for the following:
I am thankful for Steve, my wonderful husband, who somehow loves me and my many flaws. I’m not always an easy person to live with, but he makes me feel like the greatest person in the world every single day. The truth is, he’s the greatest person in the world. I am so lucky to have found my person so early in this life.
I am thankful for my family, including two amazing parents, three siblings, three grandparents, eleven aunts and uncles, and fourteen cousins, who for whatever reason, continue to love me through everything. They have seen me at my worst and continue to claim me as a member of the family. They have been a constant source of support and I appreciate every one of them.
I am thankful for my friends, who are not legally or genetically obligated to spend time with me, yet choose to do so anyways. While they are scattered all over the country, I can pick up with any of them right where we left off every time we see each other. I am grateful for every one of my ridiculously weird friends.
I am thankful for you guys, who continue to read this blog and interact with me via social media, email, and even texts. Many of you have become friends IRL and the rest of you would be if we had the chance to meet. I am grateful I started this blog seven months ago. The relationships I have built are extraordinary and I truly appreciate your support and friendship.
I am thankful for my work, which not only provides me with wine money, but is also fulfilling. I absolutely love my job and my clients. How many people can say that? Not many and I feel fortunate to be one of the lucky few.
I am thankful for my financial situation, debt and all. The debt led me to this blog and while I still owe quite a bit, I never feel like I am in financial straits. I am by no means rich, but I have enough to cover my basic expenses and also enjoy my life. Isn’t that the point of money anyways?
I am thankful for my health, which can be a crapshoot from one person to the next. I am fortunate to have been dealt a very lucky hand.
I am thankful. Because when all is said and done, I have a wonderful life with wonderful people in it. I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world.
Yes, I am spending Thanksgiving alone this year, but I am still grateful. I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday and don’t stop being thankful for your lives after the turkey is gone.
And for your viewing pleasure: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSBq8geuJk0
Because 12 years olds totally cook and celebrate Thanksgiving together with a random adult none of them are related to. Oh, and rap during prayers. You’re welcome for getting this stuck in your head for the rest of the day.
Happy Thanksgiving! What are you thankful for?
