Gratitude

As I've gotten older, I have come to love Thanksgiving more and more each year. Gratitude is so underrated. This might sound cheesy but the banner on my alarm every morning is "Start each day with a grateful heart." I think those little reminder go a long way.

So what am I thankful for this year?

My Family

I love these guys. We are a weird bunch and I wouldn't have it any other way. They make me laugh, they challenge me, and they encourage me. I'm going to keep this one short and sweet because I could ramble on and on about my family.

My Friends

I'd upload a pic or two but there's no way I could choose! I am so unbelievably blessed to have friends from every stage of my life. We are all so active in each other's lives after all these years and it is truly an amazing thing. My friendships with these women are something I will never take for granted. Any lunch or coffee date, any night we are drinking tea (or coffee) in our yoga pants on the couch, any text or phone call is really special to me. 

My Education

I am so proud of the school I went to. I am so thankful to have parents that encouraged me to apply "to at least one local school." Four years flew by and I left that school a changed individual. Changed for the better. 

My Workouts

Sure, you could scoff at the fact that I consider working out as something I am thankful for... but it's true! Working out is my way of being grateful for the physical health and ability that I have been blessed with. It is a very personal experience for me and I am grateful to have this space and this blog to share my experiences with personal fitness. 


Cooking

As someone who is very Italian and very French, I enjoy food. A lot. I have been cooking a lot more lately and I really love experimenting with new recipes. I am beyond lucky that I have the world's greatest grocery store that provides me with ingredients, a beautiful kitchen, and parents and friends who are willing to try whatever I cook. (I'll get my dad to like quinoa one of these days...)


Girls Group

A few weeks ago, I started volunteering with the Girls Group at a nonprofit organization that has been like family to me for decades. Girls Group is a chance for 5th and 6th grade girls who live in the City of Rochester to get together once a week and have a discussion and activity.

Even though I am only with the girls an hour each week, I am committed to my time with them. They are incredible individuals and show so much spunk and tenacity. They really inspire me. 

Marie

This is absolutely one of my favorite pictures of all time. My grandmother is the epitome of strength, humility, and grace. Her story and the life she leads is an absolute inspiration to me. She will be 92 in a couple of months and I am grateful for every visit and phone call. According to Nana Q herself, her family is her greatest accomplishment and I am proud to be her granddaughter.

As I lay here snuggled under the covers, I look out the window to see a fresh coat of snow on the ground. It is really a beautiful sight in the morning. I am really looking forward to a day consisting of stretchy pants, pie, cocktails, and football. 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!