Thankful for All Things.

This year has been a crazy one, but one that I wouldn't change for the world. Thanksgiving always makes me really reflective - to me, it's a time where I consciously think about all the amazing things that my life is holding, and just take the time to be extra vigilant and aware of all of the amazing things, big and little, that I have in my life that keep me going.

Blogger friends. I've been lucky enough this year to have some phenomenal blogger meetups, turning virtual friends into real-life friends, which I'm kind of obsessed with.

With Christina and Leeann in Central Park.

Kari (my laundered spirit), B, Pam, M, and Kristen at our NYC blog brunch.

Netflix/Hulu/HBO Go. But really... nothing can make me unwind more than a lazy ass Friday night spent watching too much television.

Red wine. Obviously.
Vodka. Also, obviously.

Pinterest. Guys, I would lack inspiration for so much - recipes, blog posts, fitness tips, zen guidance and inspiration - if it wasn't for this site that sucks up my time so beautifully.
Shifting family dynamics. I used to never believe it would be possible for me to have a positive relationship with my parents and brother, yet I find myself now calling them just to say hi, to invite them over for dinner, and schedule time to see them in person. It's become important to me to have them involved in my life, and I'm so grateful for that.

Okay, so when my parents met Anthony for the first time, we went to a tapas place.. one of the desserts was a zepole tree, which came out with a cloud of cotton candy. My parents could not even handle themselves.

Influenster.
Influenster and the Influenster App are pretty fantastic - you get the opportunity to connect your social media platforms and then have the chance to qualify for VoxBoxes - which are these awesome colored boxes filled with new products from various brands. Last year alone, I received the J'adore VoxBox that had face masks, Hershey's kisses, tea, etc. and the Victoria's Secret VoxBox, which came with a pair of yoga pants AND a sports bra. How many companies do you know that will send you all of this just to review?! I'm a fan and will continue to use it and reap the rewards.

Travel.
New experiences, new foods, new places. I'm all about travel and am so grateful that I've had the opportunity to see so many new and beautiful places this year.

Troyes, France.

Our Airbnb apartment in Philly!

New friends. I've met some awesome people, mostly as a result of dating Anthony, and I'm so thankful for the ability to blend in easily and for them all being so accepting and warm.

Old friends. I have the greatest people ever in my life, who are so filled with positive energy and encouragement, but who are also willing to totally kick me in the ass when I need it. I really can't ask for much more, friendship wise.

Reunited for the first time since Costa Rica in summer of 2012!

Good books.
I've read so many great ones this year, and I love how teaching gives me a window to share some of my favorite books/ones that really impacted me with a younger generation.

Avocados.
I eat these by the dozen, for real. And they encourage me to eat more salad, so I mean, how could I not be thankful?

Coffee. And honestly, everyone else I encounter should be grateful for coffee too, because otherwise they would have to deal with a real bitch on a regular basis.

Home ownership. Listen, I cry about mortgage payments. I cry about how expensive electric bills are. I cry about the fact that the on-premise laundry is absolute shit and my clothes come out dirtier afterwards. At the end of the day though, my home is my happy place, and where I control the flow of how things go. I am so thankful for the fact that I have a roof over my head, and a pretty perfect one for me, at that.

Aveda Facials.
I originally had it as just "facials," but thought that you might think my new job was a little more x-rated... I've been going to a phenomenal Aveda facialist for the past year, and I'm telling you, she's a miracle worker. Not only that, but she recommends holistic methods that I can be doing to improve my overall health, and skin. Acne is something I've struggled with for a very long time, and adult acne is a real bitch, so I'm extra appreciative of her helping me with my number one insecurity.

Cute animal pictures.
Because really? How could you not feel happiness after seeing some of these?

Yoga/running.
Two polar opposites, but two of the most powerful things where again, I'm in full control. I love seeing my body stretch more, push harder, and look better after consistent effort and practice. This summer, I really pushed for speed and for improving my overall run times and I was able to really improve my overall times.

New relationships.
They say things happen when you least expect them to. Never did I think that Instagram (seriously) would bring two people together, or that I could have a relationship built on communication and mutual respect.
I'm ridiculously happy, which is terrifying because it's been so easy and natural, which is not what I'm used to, but am unbelievably grateful for the change for the best. I'm so excited about things and to see how everything continues to progress.

Cole Haan.
Seriously, my feet thank you and your Nike Air inserts. My bank account isn't too thrilled with you, considering you consist about 75% of my shoes, but my feet, which are more important, are so grateful.

Music.
Always.

New job.
I'm officially breaking up with teaching in a classroom and obtained a position as a credit recovery services trainer for a corporate position. Basically this means more money (a LOT more money), PTO instead of summers off (so I can take off ANY time), have 30% travel, and am totally on the forefront of this new division within the company, so I get to create the curriculum and everything from the ground up!

Yoga pants.
Particularly when I'm on my couch watching Netflix, drinking wine (and particularly when they're free from Influenster).

Dessert.
Always dessert. Always.

All the things I take for granted so regularly.
Running water, Internet access, heat, electricity, literacy, a college education, grocery stores, clean drinking water, the right to vote, people who love me deeply, the ability to speak my mind and bullshit as much as I want on this blog, and a future that is still so bright.

What are some of the things - little and big - that you're most thankful for?
Currently listening to: Runaway (U & I) Kaskade Remix - Galantis