13 Things I’m Grateful for

I don’t think I did a Thanksgiving post last year, but I think it was because I was busy planning and executing my parent’s 25thAnniversary Party on the same weekend. This year I decided I should do a quick post, as it’s nice to count your blessings.

So here are 13 things I am thankful for in 2013:

13. Intelligence. I deal with a lot of different people on a daily basis, and you see a variety of people walking through a hospital. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the person I am and I know this sounds silly – but the brain I’ve been born with. Yes there are always things you would like to change about yourself (some have been pointed out to me), and I try my best to always improve, but at the same time I am grateful for many of the traits and common sense that I have. It amazes me how something’s that make complete common sense to me (like the simple equation of how life works – if you want to play hard you need to work hard too) don’t compute with other people, and then they complain about how their life sucks. I get to do some amazing and fun things, but it comes from a combination of hard work and opportunities. I like to surround myself with the same sort of people and I am so proud of some of the amazing accomplishments that my friends have achieved and I love how we all cheer each other on.

12. Calgary. I love living in Calgary. It’s such a beautiful city that offers so many opportunities. Nick was able to attend an amazing school, I have a good job, and all our immediate friends and family all live relatively (except Bev – but she’s ensured me that she intends to eventually move back) close to us. Quite often I will be driving around and think how stunning Calgary is. We have no intentions on living anywhere else, and agree we want to raise our family here. Sometimes the thought of living somewhere warmer crosses my mind, but seeing the seasons is something other people would die to see, so as much as a pain that snow can be, I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.

11. Clothes. Yes this is on my list. It’s amazing how a beautiful new dress or shirt can make you feel like a million bucks. I definitely cut back a little on my shopping this year (Nick may disagree), but I would indulge from time to time, and sometimes a reward is completely justifiable when you earn it.

10. Holidays. Nick and I didn’t get a whole lot of time together this year or do any big trips, but I still managed to squeeze in some weekend getaways through the year. We had the ski trip in March, our Anniversary in April, and the camping trip in August. We have one more little trip up to Edmonton in December for my cousins wedding. I had a couple other trips with friends and family without Nick, but the ones with Nick are always my favorite. Work has been so crazy for the both of us this year, that I literally countdown the days until our next getaway.

9. Technology. If you know me, my cellphone is never too far from my side. It allows me to stay in contact with the most important people to me. It also allows me to make party plans and set up coffee and dinner dates with those I love. I am getting better at not touching my phone when Nick is around as he really doesn’t it like it when I am on my phone all the time, but I still have some room for improvement!

8. Good Food. Though Nick was a full time student, we didn’t have to live solely on mac n’ cheese (though I do like to have it from time to time). We are able to buy decent groceries and make some delicious meals (let me clarify – Nick make some delicious meals). We also get to go out for dates to some amazing restaurants and enjoys some amazing dinners.

7. Health. Nick and I both work in the health industry, so we see daily the repercussions of bad health. We both don’t have any health issues, for which I am grateful for. I know one day health eventually fades, but until then I will take advantage of the life I have and  not waste it.

6. Our cats. Shmoo and Freddy bring a lot of entertainment and laughter to our home, and so I guess I am thankful for them too. Freddy is constantly doing something funny and he has such a big personality.

5. My job. This year it was kind of hard for me to put this on the list due to some frustrations, however it’s teaching me some patience. Plus I am grateful that I do have a job, as it’s something I know you should never take for granted when you hear about the financial struggles that other people go through. It’s allowed Nick and I to live relatively comfortable while Nick was a full time student, and allowed us to continue to accomplish our goals.

4. Church and the gospel. Can’t say enough about the gospel. We just had conference last weekend, and there were some amazing talks. I am also grateful to know that Nick and I will be together for eternity along with our families. The past year, church on Sunday’s wasn’t always the easiest with Nick’s schedule, but I am still grateful for the Sunday’s we do get together, and cherish them a little more.

3. Our home. Sometimes I catch myself wishing certain things were different about our home, or that it was bigger, but I know Nick and I are blessed with what we have - and considering our age, we are doing just fine. No matter what, people are always going to compare themselves to others and wishing for something more. I know eventually Nick and I will buy a bigger home, but I just need to be grateful for what I have now and know that goals take time to accomplish.

2. Family and Friends. I put them together, because most of my close friends I consider my family.  Nick and I have such great and supportive immediate family that care for us and I know we can count on them. We have also been blessed with some great friends whom are just as supportive.

1. Last, but definitely not least is my husband Nick. I am a lucky girl to have such a wonderful, hardworking and loyal husband. He is always there for me, and does everything possible to provide me with a life of happiness and comfort.