Thankful For – The 2009 Edition

I think it is a pretty safe bet that most of us have food on our mind on this special holiday, but if you are like me, you are equally focused on some of the things you are thankful for. I don’t think there is any question that I have A LOT to be grateful for. We are talking a ridiculous amount. From food, to travel, to once in a lifetime experiences, I’ve been blessed with it all.

So here goes my list for 2009. Of course there is plenty more, but you likely have some eating and napping to get to!

The opportunity to live outside my home country. It is impossible to explain the value of this experience in only a few sentences. I’ve changed and grown in ways I never new possible.

Food blogs! I have discovered so many foods and so many people through food blogs. It is truly unbelievable.

Seeing a new part of the world. This goes for both Brazil and Southeast Asia. I never get tired of discovering what this world has to offer – food, people, culture, etc.

The ability to exercise. This one always ranks high on my list. One of my favorite quotes is: Exercising can actually be a form of prayer, a thanksgiving for the privilege of having a body and for simply being alive. – Regina Ryan and John Travis

A new career path. I love writing and blogging. It brings me joy and excitement that I’m not sure I truly felt in my previous work. I enjoyed that time in my life too, but working from home and being on my own schedule suites me so well and I feel I reach so many more people.

Another favorite quote of mine: It is never too late to be what you might have been. – George Eliot

How good my friends and family make me feel when they say, “We’re so glad your back!”

A full size oven, hot water in my kitchen and laundry room, a dishwasher and a very fast washer and dryer. Certainly not necessities, but not having them for two years helps you realize how awesome they really are!

You! Thank you for reading, for your comments and discussion. You always help me keep my thinking and ideas in check while offering me new ones at the same time.

Oh, and last but not least, guess who’s coming home with us after Thanksgiving?!!!