Happy Thanksgiving! (Belated)

I'm back! Did you all have a good Thanksgiving?

I ate so much food in the past two or three days that I think I may actually be suffering from a food coma. All that turkey, stuffing, potatoes and pie. So. Much. PIE. And of course, I got to see my family and friends. I mean, isn't that kind of what that holiday is all about?

Well, I had a splendid weekend with my mom, dad, and sister. We got our Christmas tree earlier today and we had our two separate Thanksgivings (as we do every year) for both sides of the family. At the one, I enjoyed the company of my three uncles who live in-state and my Aunt and cousin. At the other, I got to see my cousins that are grown now with families of their own, but are still my favorite cousins ever, and my uncle and grandpa (not to mention spouses, children, etc).

This Thanksgiving I wanted to take the time to reflect on what I am most thankful for, and I realized that that is a lot! I mean, I have friends that are kind, generous, caring people who love me and have some of the best personalities of anyone I've ever met. I have excellent health and have never had any serious health-related issues (knock on wood). I can afford to go to college and prepare myself for a better future. I have a roof over my head and food and drink everyday, sometimes too much! I am an intelligent person, who is not afraid to be herself and who is capable of great, great things.

And I am most thankful for my family.

My family is not perfect. Far from it actually. We argue, and yell, and often get on each others nerves. But I know they love me, and at the end of the day, family is everything. Not everyone is as blessed as I am to have a family. Not everyone has parents that can help them afford college, or support them in their endeavors (no matter how stupid), or buy them presents for their birthday and Christmas. Not everyone has that. And I think sometimes I forget how important it is to account for these blessings I've been given. My family may not be perfect, but I love them just the same.

It's easy to get along with your friends; you chose them after all. It's not so easy to get along with your family. But they're all you've got, so you best realize how blessed you are, before what you've got is gone.