Giving Thanks

Today is Thursday, November 26th. Today is also Thanksgiving. So...here are 26 things I'm thankful for:

1.) My mother, sister, and nephew, because they are the most accepting, gracious and loving family I could have ever hoped for. I know if no one else is there for me, they are.

2.) My stepfather, who came into this family and made it his own, and who loves us as though he's been with us his whole life.

3.) Knowing my dad's side of the family--my biological father, and especially my two sisters. I don't talk to them near as much as I should, but I am beyond grateful that I know them, and that we keep in touch.

4.) My stepmother, who acts as the bridge to that half of my life, and always takes time to check up on me even though we've only met twice in real life. Really, though, I hit the step-parent jackpot.

5.) My aunt Arie and Uncle Robert, who helped raise me more than any other people not called Estella.

6.) My cousin Derrick, who is probably the closest thing to a blood brother I've ever had.

7.) My family as a whole. The best part about being me is having them behind me.

8.) My boys Vallejo and Tyler, the people who get to see the absolute best and worst of me, yet continue to be there for me no matter what.

9.) My Lubbock friends, including the ones who don't live there anymore. Good grief, each and every one of you bring out the absolute best in me. It doesn't matter how many times I say, you'll never know how much I miss you all, and the adventures (grand or mundane) we had. Whether you're in Lubbock, Chicago, Dallas, Houston or St. Louis...you're in my thoughts always. Always.

10.) My travel companions Joey, Sophie and Alyssa. Going on these trips is always the highlight of my year...but really, I'm thankful that you guys can put up with me for a week and a half straight. That's great, because when these trips end, I'll still be making efforts to see you guys.

11.) Actually, all my friends. I've said it plenty of times, of course, but I'll say it again: I am blessed with absolutely incredible friends. Friends who have driven hundreds of miles to visit me. Friends who have flown THOUSANDS of miles just for an afternoon together. Friends who have put up with me for days on end and spent hundreds of dollars to share an adventure or two with me. You people aren't ordinary...you're extraordinary. Other than my family, you folks are by far the greatest part of my life

12.) The friends I've lost contact with. I'm thankful for you guys anyways, because if you're reading this that means we haven't completely drifted apart. It also means that I meant enough for you to decide to become friends with me in the first place. Feel free to drop a line, even if it's been ages since we've spoken!

13.) The time I spent working at Main Event...both Lubbock and Austin. It was never "cool," but I looking back, I learned so many practical skills, dealt with the best and worst of bosses, and overall got a feel of how the real world operates. Not to mention I met people who I firmly believe will be with me my entire life.

14.) My current job at HotSchedules. I enjoy the work, and they pay well enough for me to not live paycheck-to-paycheck for the first time in my life (well...I wouldn't if I had better spending habits). I have actual benefits, they pay for my gym membership, and they even feed us. But much like Main Event, the best part about the job by far are the people I work with. Lifelong friends in the making, hopefully!

15.) The city of Austin. I never, ever realized that a city could so completely match a personality until I moved here. I love living here, even with traffic being horrendous. I like that there are a myriad of things to do. Also...

16.) The food culture in Austin...especially food trucks. This place'll make me fat yet.

17.) My car.

18.) My current roommate, Sergio. We don't see each other enough, but when we do, we tend to have some deep conversations that change my worldview a bit.

19.) Re:Views Magazine, because it gives me a creative outlet and allows me a chance to record podcasts, which I love doing.

20.) Sam, the owner of Re:Views, for not firing my ass yet for not having written anything in the past six months or so. I will one day, I promise!

21.) Fantasy Football, because it gives me a brand new appreciation for the game. I pay attention to players and teams I wouldn't otherwise care about. Also, I'm in first in at least one of my leagues :D

22.) Cities:Skylines, because that SimCity itch has been waiting for years to be scratched, and it's finally been doing it properly.

23.) Black music in 2015, because between Kendrick Lamar, D'Angelo, Killer Mike, Flying Lotus and Kamasi Washington, my soul is satisfied this year.

24.) My ambition of becoming a Voice Actor. Having that dream in front of me gives me something to work for, and gives purpose to the things that I do.

25.) God. Thank God I'm alive, thank God that I have been able to sustain myself after college, thank God that I live the life I live. Thank you God for everything I have and don't have.

26.) You, for reading all the way through. Bonus points if you read it on my blog ;-). Happy Thanksgiving!