Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving is my very favorite time of year.  I love to celebrate this holiday focused around family and togetherness.  I look forward to Thanksgiving Thursday for the quality time I get to spend with my parents and brother, for the amazing meal that forces us all to pause and be thankful for the many blessings we have in our lives, and let's be honest, for the opportunity to watch a little football besides.

This year my family is heading down to San Diego to spend the holiday with my grandmother, because she is no longer interested in making the long drive up the coast, even with a chauffeur as entertaining as my brother.  I have been practically counting down the days until my flight leaves.

This year I have an additional reason to be thankful. I was invited to a new friend's house for a pre-Thanksgiving Thanksgiving dinner last night.  Jill prepared an unbelievable spread for twelve people, and aside from providing a perfectly executed holiday meal, from the roasted turkey to sweet potatoes without marshmallows (another reason to be thankful!) to the sausage stuffing and gravy, she hosted us in the most warm and welcoming environment that to me truly epitomizes the essence of Thanksgiving.  While I certainly helped myself to seconds, what I really hope for more of is some additional time with these great new friends.

This year I am giving thanks for every moment I get to spend with my father, mother, brother, and grandmother.  I am giving thanks for the many wonderful friends, new and old, that I am fortunate enough to have in my life.  Thank you all for laughter, smiles, and love; Happy Thanksgiving everyone!