So Thankful

Every year at this time I start really thinking about exactly what I am thankful for in my life. I thought I would share them with you:

1. I am extremely thankful for my family. I know I am biased, but I really do think I have the best family I have ever met. My mom loves unconditionally and happens to be the best hostess of all time. My dad is the most generous and understanding father and friend. I have a brother that has a sense of humor to liven any crowd; he got dealt the hand of two sisters and still smiles! My sister is forever young and has somehow managed to stop time. Her figure and dance moves put me to shame! Finally, I am so lucky to have two nephews that I adore. Being an aunt is quite possibly the best gift I have ever been given.

2. When people find out I have been to eleven schools, they always say they are so sorry. Even my mom has said she hopes I forgive her for having to change environments so often during my childhood. The ironic thing is, I wouldn't change it for the world. I have more true friends than anyone I know. Because I moved so often, I was able to make a couple of quality friends in each place. I am so thankful that I moved frequently and was given the opportunity the meet truly special people in each city and school that will be in my life forever.

3. I am thankful for my health, education, and being from the South. Seriously. Not only did I win the lottery by being born healthy and in the United States, but even more so by being born in Tennessee. I have had the luxury of being raised in an area that promotes friendliness, hospitality, traditions, football, fried food, and cowboy boots. Southern charm has been part of my life from the beginning, and I couldn't have asked for anything better.

I hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving!

Stick To Your Roots

"No one comes from the earth like grass...we come like trees...we all have roots"

This is one of my favorite quotes from Maya Angelou. When I recently saw the movie, Everything is Fine, I was reminded of it. In the movie, Robert DeNiro plays a father that has four children all located across the country. Although I felt so sorry for him in the movie because he was so lonely and never got to see his children, I didn't think this was a very plausible situation. It turns out it is. Everywhere but here.

Honestly, the thought of being more than 3 hours away from my parents is almost unacceptable. I can't even imagine living states away. I know I am just naturally extremely family-oriented, but I think it's more than that. It's being raised in an area that believes in sticking to your roots.

I'm not saying I'm scared to branch out or feel obligated to stay close to my family. If I moved far from my family to try and learn and grow into a a better person for life or work or whatever, I firmly believe I would be going backwards rather than forwards. I can't get better as an individual when I'm missing a huge part of who I am--that's my family.

I did come like trees. My roots run deep.

It's Fall, Y'all!

I have lived in Tennessee all my life, (except for about 8 months in Georgia when I was a senior in high school) so I realize people could think I am biased when I say how much I love it. The thing is though, I have traveled to numerous states and I find something I love in all of them. Omaha, Nebraska was especially a surprise! Everyone should visit the downtown area and stay at the DoubleTree if possible...best cookies ever! I have even visited some states where I believe I could live and be very happy: Georgia, Indiana, Texas. I'm sure there are many more. The thing is though, around the beautiful months of October and November I realize I will never love any state like I love Tennessee.

If you haven't been to Tennessee, come. Now. Tennessee is beautiful throughout the year, but I realize that is only my opinion. Saying Tennessee is beautiful in the fall, however, is a fact. I love coming home from classes these days just to have the opportunity to drive under the breathtaking colors and interlocking trees that provide a canopy over the road before you reach my apartment. The air is crisp, the mountains are overlooking, each tree is in competition trying to outshine the other. It's hard to imagine anyone luckier than those who have the opportunity to live in Tennessee in the fall.