Day 21, Today I am thankful for new holiday traditions. I’m thankful for the time off to spend with GCB picking out an ornament for OUR tree this year. This year’s ornament is a little Sully and Boo figurine from Monsters Inc. I am thankful for being able to have the time to pick up some presents for our nieces and nephew, to set up the tree (yes, it’s before Thanksgiving, but we both had the time off), and to, for me at least, bask in just how incredible spending the holidays with him will be. I’m grateful to have presents already wrapped and under the tree, to have grand plans for the ones I have left to get.

Day 22, Today I am thankful for, phew, SO VERY MUCH. I’m a big ball of happy lately. In the past, this time of year was really difficult, for various reasons, but this year? Oh man. I spent a good chunk of the day yesterday on this absolute high, and that just seems to have carried over into this morning. It’s left me on the edge of these crazy, happy tears, which I know sounds ridiculous, but seriously, things are so good, and I haven’t ever been this happy.

I have THE most incredible family, one that has supported me nonstop. They might be crazy at times, but hell, aren’t we all crazy? My sisters, my brother, my in-laws (and pseudo-but-might-as-well-be-in-laws) are all amazing. Even though we don’t always see eye to eye, these are some of the most important people in my life. My aunts/uncles/cousins/grandparents….there are so many of us, but seriously, we have more fun when we’re together than I think a lot of families do. I’m so lucky to be so close to them. My niece and nephews are the cutest kids on the face of the planet. And then my parents. Oh man. I’m lucky I still have them around. I’m lucky that I get to see them as often as I do. I’m BEYOND lucky to have a mom who has always been my support system, always wanted the best for me, always been in my corner. She’s pretty incredible.

I’m damn grateful for GCB’s family, for how accepting and welcoming they’ve been of me. I love that we get to spend today with his family, that they’re close enough to see on a regular basis.

My friends are for real second to none. Real life friends, online friends, old friends, new friends. I am so blessed to have maintained friendships from years and years ago, blessed to have been able to cultivate new friendships even past college when making friends isn’t as easy.

And most of all I’m grateful that I have GCB. To spend my days with, my nights with. To have him for holidays and birthdays, good days and bad days. To have him as my best friend and my favorite person. I’m grateful to feel so loved, every single day. To have someone who accepts and loves me for exactly who I am, someone who encourages me and motivates me and is my biggest cheerleader. Guys, I absolutely hit the jackpot when I found him. For that I am SO grateful.

And as an added bonus, plus all of this?

Mashed potatoes. The mashed potatoes.

Happy Thanksgiving, you guys! I hope your days and holiday seasons are blessed and filled with as much joy as possible.