thankful.

My first Thanksgiving away from home is now over, and as hectic as it was, I can honestly say that it was also probably the first time I actually realized the things that I am giving thanks for. A funny thing about human nature-- it's almost impossible to appreciate anything until it's taken away from you. I'm trying to overcome this flawed way of thinking and truly begin to count my blessings while they're still there.

I missed my loved ones so much today. From my dog Fifi, whose bark I've been hearing since my elementary days, to my beloved mother, whom I always used to regard as overbearing, to my closest friends that I spent my latter years with, living carelessly in a bubble known as college. I am so fortunate to have a family who cares about me and supports me unconditionally. I couldn't have asked for better friendships with genuine and good-hearted people who have helped to form me into the person I am today. Every teacher and employer I've ever had has afforded me with such different and rich experiences and perspectives; without them, I could not be the well-rounded person that I am today. Thank you to all the people that have touched my life.

I grew up in a wonderful county-- educated, safe, and teeming with opportunities. I will never stop singing its praises, because I could not imagine a better place to grow up in. Thank you Fairfax, Virginia.

I am proud to be a part of a rich culture and speak a difficult but beautiful language. I am lucky to be of a gender that allows me to participate in the miracle of childbirth. And with those two, I appreciate being born in an era where these two qualities don't hold me back in any way, but rather, make me a more unique candidate.


Although I am hesitant to give any credit to the city itself, I must also thank LA. It is difficult for me to isolate any other time period in my life where I've been as happy as I am today. From the very first days of arriving, I already have so many things to be grateful for. Thank you for being a destination that inspired a road trip buddy to accompany me on my trek across the country, without him, I would've never made it here. Thank you for being the home to a couple of hospitable friends who in turn helped give me a temporary home while I was still looking for a roof to put over my head. Thank you for being a on demand location for those who want to feel better-- thereby providing me with an amazing job that also pertains to what I enjoy and studied in college. Thank you for attracting transplants from all over, introducing me to so many interesting people that I have learned so much from already. Thank you for being a place that instills in me a hope that I can achieve the dreams that I have harbored in my heart for as long as I can remember.

I am happy here. Thank you for helping me be happy here.

With all of these amazing things that have happened to me in the past 8 months since I've moved, I must admit that some days I find myself scrambling to pinpoint the negative things that have occurred. I look for upsetting setbacks or insurmountable obstacles. I feel that I've been so blessed that there must be something that I'm overlooking, or, perhaps I should prepare myself because these fortunate happenings may end soon. But now, I realize how silly this thinking pattern is.

Of course there are many less than favorable circumstances that exist in my life right now! There is no way I could be as happy as I am if everything was actually going my way.

I want nothing more than to improve the lives of those I care about, including my own. And there's nothing I enjoy more than striving for a goal seemingly out of my reach.

I know now that I'm happy because my life is far from perfect, and that gives me something to live for. Thank you God, for that.