#206 - thanks

it's almost the end of thanksgiving day. i am feeling a lot of thankfulness and this will be a rambling rant. i am thankful for being alive. there is fresh air (though a bit humid) and i have a roof over my head. i have been eating non-stop for days and don't think i will stop anytime soon. my family and friends are always here for me when i come home and its like i never left. tomorrow i am going surfing (hopefully) while other people run around like chickens without heads, trying to find deals on stuff at stores. all i want to do is sit on my board out in the ocean and be one with it. catching waves is great and an amazing thing on its own but just being out there is so perfect. when i am out there, that is all there is. there is nothing else. i am thankful for being able to have that peace once a year. i could have it more by coming more often, moving here, or even surfing in oregon but maybe having it just once a year makes it that much more special. i am thankful for the oregon state football season and having the civil war be so incredibly EPIC this year! i have a chance to go to the rose bowl. although i'm not living what others may see as a successful life, i am amazingly happy. i have a great relationship with a wonderful person who i am missing a lot right now. although i don't really have a job, i never go hungry. i am in great health. i have a pass to the gym which i want to use more often. back in portland life goes on but i will jump back into that life soon. i will have a fun visitor and it's gonna be great! the only thing i need/want right now is a full time job but if i had that i wouldn't be here, wouldn't be able to spend as much time with friends and won't be able to go to rose bowl. the right job will pop up at the right time and i will welcome it with open arms. i am ready to work! but i am enjoying right now. i am thankful for the ability to appreciate the moment.

#33 - thanks

as i procrastinate the studying of two exams and dream about stuffing to come tomorrow...i also think about how lucky and thankful i am. i am thankful for:

• you - someone actually reading this!!!
• thanksgiving - can't go wrong with loads of food!
• life and everything that comes with it
• my family - in hawaii and my adopted family in portland
• nursing school - even though it's my biggest pain at the moment, it will be worth it some day (that's what i have to keep telling myself)
• the many friends i've made this year through school and dodgeball
• having a job even though it frustrates me at times
• the old people at my job who make me laugh and smile about the silliest things, and being able to make them laugh and smile about the silliest things
• having money enough to house, feed and cloth myself
• being healthy and able-bodied and minded
• dodgeball, even with my multiple injuries/mishaps
• $2 drink specials (broadway grill anyone?)
• music and my ipod with its massive number of songs! i'd die without it
• have i mentioned stuffing yet?
• good roommates and new best friends
• old best friends
• nature, beauty, love (sunsets!)
• OSU football - go Beavs!!
• having met and enjoyed the company of some wonderful people who are no longer with us. sharing friendship, games, food, laughter and stories to last forever - RIP