Every year before Thanksgiving, I come up with a list of at least 100 things that I am thankful for. Some of them are really specific, others are broad. Some relate directly to me and my family, others relate to the world. In no way shape or form does the order they are listed in represent how thankful I am for that specific thing. A time-honored family tradition is sharing a handful of things that you are thankful for before we dig into the Thanksgiving feast. Hopefully my list will inspire you to think about all the good in your life!
1. I am living off campus.
2. That my roommate this year has become like family.
3. I have a kitchen of my own and can cook for myself instead of always eating on campus.
4. My roommate likes to cook and try new foods with me.
5. My dad found a job.
6. My brother, Nickalaus got to go to Germany for a month and experience all the amazing things I did.
7. My mom had a successful back surgery.
8. The back surgery was actually approved by insurance.
9. I finishing writing another novel.
10. My dad got to start coaching soccer again.
11. Nickalaus recovered from his multiple concussions.
12. Getting a summer job working with kids.
13. I get to feed and play with orphan kitten at least once a week through Tiny Paws Kitten Rescue.
14. My brother Oliver getting confirmed.
15. My family being able to come from Wisconsin to help celebrate Oliver's confirmation.
16. My family from Chicago coming down for a week this summer.
17. An amazing first year of college.
18. All the people I have met in college.
19. Having great professors, who really care about me as an individual.
20. Having an opportunity to help plan and organize a philanthropy event to benefit "Feed the Children."
21. The chance to write another novel in November.
22. The opportunity to go home and see my family more this semester than any other semester.
23. An amazing church family to call my own.
24. A savior who died for me and loves me no matter what.
25. Oliver getting into the a Capella choir as a freshman.
26. Living closer to campus.
27. My German class filled with three other students and hours of laughter.
28. Being free to choose my path in life.
29. The men and women who fight to protect my freedom.
30. Men and women who help those going through natural disasters.
31. First responders.
32. The chance to write articles every week and work on developing my writing skills.
33. Friendships that last even when you hardly ever see each other.
34. My seasonal friends.
35. Exchange students that become family.
36. Being able to speak another language.
37. Technology that connects me with friends and family from around the world.
38. Starting another Bible study with my mom.
39. Short breaks from school.
40. Having a doctor who believed me when I said something was truly wrong.
41. An almost pain-free Endometriosis year.
42. Being able to connect with women all around the world who have Endometriosis.
43. Fuzzy blankets.
44. Being so incredibly close with all my family.
45. The smell of old books.
46. Peppermint hot chocolate.
47. A beautiful home in Texas and a wonderful apartment in Oklahoma.
48. Being a student at Oklahoma State University.
49. My creativity.
50. My lovable dog, Zora.
51. My pretty kitty, Katie.
52. My kitten, Charlie, who really isn't a kitten anymore.
53. People bringing meals to my family after my mom's surgery.
54. For the doctors and nurses that took care of my mom.
55. The chance to be a part of the staff at an undergraduate online publication.
56. The opportunity to work with some of the best minds within my college on the student council.
58. Oklahoma State University football games.
59. Fall weather.
60. Movie nights with loved ones.
61. Waking up every morning.
62. Vacation Bible School.
63. Youth group lock-ins at church.
64. Parents who instilled in me good values.
65. Two brothers that can always make me laugh.
66. Family game nights.
67. Home-cooked meals.
68. I have gotten to support Nickalaus and his soccer team, even though I live a state away.
69. I got to see Oliver in concert, even though I live a state away.
70. Family who comes down to take care of you in emergencies.
71. Friends who drop everything to be there for you when it counts.
72. A team of prayer warriors.
73. A smooth transition back to school, even among the hectic nature of life.
74. Meeting new people every day.
75. Getting to pick my next semester classes before anyone else.
76. Having a large extended family that lives literally all over the world.
77. A Papa who inspires me to work hard, provides more than I could ever ask for, loves me no matter what, and gives the best hugs in the world.
78. A Mama, who is my best friend, an inspiration, and supports me through it all.
79. Nickalaus, for getting to watch him grow into an amazing young man and leader on his soccer team, in the church, and in his business academy.
80. Oliver, for being able to geek out over all things fandom related and for his love of music.
81. Rocking out with my siblings in the car to the music of our childhood.
82. Modern medicine.
83. Oliver's smooth transition to high school.
84. My faith.
85. Bible verses for every experience and hardship.
86. A second church family in Stillwater.
87. Day light savings and the extra hour of sleep it brings.
88. Being exposed to so many pieces of literature in all my classes.
89. Being on track to graduate as a double major in four years.
90. The chance to reconnect with exchange students through school projects.
91. Being able to help a friend through tough times.
92. Late night talks with my roommate.
93. Long talks with my parents.
94. My health.
95. My family coming up for the last home football game.
96. The chance to recruit potential OSU students.
97. Music of all genres that inspire my soul.
98. A community of writers to help encourage and inspire me.
99. Getting to volunteer with "Into the Streets."
100. Too many specific friends to name-you know who you are.
101. The Cowboy family.
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