Thankfulness and Another Project

And so I painted one of my kitchen walls black. I kind of love it. In fact, I love it a lot. A lot.

And it is. indeed, a chalkboard wall. My friend, L, says that it "creeps her out" but I love looking at it next to my awesome wall paper.

Then, next to the fridge, I installed a bottle opener. It also makes me happy. So there you have it.

Tomorrow I head to NJ to spend Thanksgiving with my family. I have a lot to be thankful for and, before dinner, we all go around the table and say what that is. I know it's not a unique tradition, but we do it every year and every year I get a little nervous when my turn comes.

I'm counting all the ways (that I'm thankful) and I hope you are, too. And I wish you the happiest day filled with your favorite people.

I have a lot to be thankful for this year.

If you had talked to me a month ago, I probably wouldn't have said that. I probably would have just started crying and ran away, leaving you in stunned silence, but I'm feeling differently right now.

At Thanksgiving, my family has a practice that makes me cringe, but it's sweet in its way. Before we can eat, we go around the table and everyone says what they're thankful for. With nearly 13 of us gathered around the table, it can take awhile, and I usually get all shy and can't think of anything thoughtful to say.

This year. This year, though, they won't be able to shut me up. For real.

I have an adorable new apartment and an amazing roommate and a really, really good job, which I love and a cousin who survived cancer and a soon-to-be sister-in-law who I adore and tons of friends who would do anything to make me smile and THE MOST FANTASTIC FAMILY, who loves me more than I can explain to anyone.

So, yeah, I have a lot to be thankful for this year.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.