How to be Thankful

Here is my list of what I am thankful for this coming holiday season:

1.  That North America has an abundance of vegetables.

Spending time is Asia recently I have had to adjust my diet quite a lot.  In the Philippines in particular there seems to be a lack of vegetables.  With wilted and moldy vegetables in the market and no vegetables in the restaurants I wonder if vegetables are ever consumed here.  This is super hard for me to swallow and back home my life revolves around organic hearty vegetables. 

2. The amount of Mango sitting on the shelf next to me

Mango from the Philippines is the sweetest most amazing mangoes  I have ever had.  I can not get enough of them and eat at least 3 a day.  With their rich flavor, soft texture, and very sweet taste these mangoes are to die for.

3.  The existence of queen beds.

A little space never hurt anyone.  With a bit extra room to move your sleep is improved.  Some people say that larger beds are impersonal, but really they do not know how to roll to their partner’s side of the bed.  You know that common motion where you twist your body and move to the side.

4.  The person who invented the fudge brownie.

Best invention ever.  Thank you to the person who was fiddling with cocoa in the kitchen and decided to make little squares of goodness.  Adding walnuts in them as well was more than genius.

5.  I am grateful for my ability to choose.

Living in a world where choice is the abundant and so many directions you can take your life is an outstanding gift.  When you are able to choose what you take in college, where to travel to, what life path to pursue, or all those tough decisions life throws at you remember that it is always your decision.

6. My family.

They have to make the list.  My immediate family is amazing.  There are no words to describe how well they take care of me and support my interests.  A simple thank you to your family will probably do the trick and are the exact words they have been waiting to hear.

7. Raw cheese and raw milk.

I will let that one speak for itself.  There is nothing more amazing than fresh milk or creamy rich cheese.

8. Outdoor activities.

I will sum this up in one tranquil photo.

9.  The word no.

No I do not want pork in my vegetarian meal.  Here is the Philippines when you order a vegetable dish somehow half of it is always meat.  The word ‘no’ has come in handy; although, sometimes when you say no you do not want meat, your meal still consist half of meat.

10. The male species.

Sometimes they eat all of your food, never flush the toilet after they shit, and leave a wet towel on a nice fresh clean shirt; unfortunately, you have to love them.  There is nothing like a good cuddle that warms you up when you are cold.  Nothing like a kiss on the forehead after you have made an amazing meal.  Life without them would be less stressful but also less exciting.

11.  Biking dates and mouth watering dinners.

That is right I said it.  I love going biking them coming home and having an amazing meal with friends.  There is nothing better than to share a sport that you love combined with stuffing your face with hearty food.  Life revolves around sharing good times and these moments are truly what I am thankful for.

12.  New discoveries

Trying new things.  Being in new places.  Meeting new people.  This is what makes life more exciting.

13.  Dragon Fruit.

14. Wind and waves

Two years ago I was terrified to be in the ocean.  I took a scuba diving course that sparked my love for water.  Wikiteboarding and my new love for surfing I can not even imagine my life before taking to the ocean.  I am thankful  for that  diving course that really sparked a love for water.

15.  My home and life.