Thanksgiving

I am thankful for:

Captain. This thanksgiving he has his boys with him and gets to meet the newest member of the family, his little niece. He has been an undeniable source of support as I took on a new chapter in my life in a new city.

My job. Though I am constantly frustrated by it, through it I have been able to grow and seek out new opportunities that no other job would have provided me.

E. Without her, I would no doubt be miserable in Florida.

Ev. For always being something to look forward to when I come home. She is constantly asking when we can have time together so that I remember there are people outside of family and work that enjoy spending time with me in NE.

Family. They have been nothing but supportive of my move, especially KT and Jeff letting me crash at there place for 10 days at a time. They are already stressed with the remodeling of their house and have a small child, but always welcome me with open arms. Mom and dad are always willing to provide me with advice and support, which I'm sure has helped to prevent me from needing that part time job at the "Odyssey 2000" gentleman's club next door in Tampa.
Nikki and Mel also help me to feel that I am still important even though I am 1600 miles away.

My courage. I feel like I have taken on so much in the last year. Moving to an unknown town and taking control of my future. I am applying for my PhD and also managed to do something that never seems to happen, gotten rid of toxic people in my life. (Though I ran into X last night in GI....that story is for another day.)

Jacque. You know that person that you just happened to met through a random event that changed your life? Mine is quickly becoming Jacque. With her positive attitude and unshakable strength, she keeps me grounded and looking to the future when things look bleak. Knowing that she is a few keys strokes away always lifts my spirits when I think that perhaps my journey into the wild unknown was perhaps not as well thought out as I first imagined. :)

Enjoy the holidays with your families and eat plenty of Turkey. Though the average American consumes 5,000 calories on Thanksgiving, you have all year to work it off. And really, what's a once a year binge compared to your happiness.