Turkey Day!

Well it is Thanksgiving time once again. Last I checked, it was summer, but now it is the middle of the holiday season. For the past two weeks, I have felt the absence of friends and family grow and grow. The holiday season is my favorite time of the year. I love winter scarves and seeing my breath when it is cold outside. I love that every year all the Georgians wish for snow, and yet, when they get it they don't know what to do with it. People can't seem to drive when there is a little snow coating everything. Well, as it is Thanksgiving I will write the usual "I am thankful..."

Today, I am thankful for kindness. It is a gift, freely given.
Today, I am thankful for children. Their souls are innocent(ish) and their love is pure and simple. Even when they are acting like monkeys.
Today, I am thankful for politeness. I know, not one I even expected to make this list, but it is true. Being polite is important in Thailand and though sometimes it can be frustrating, I think I value it more now.
Today, I am thankful for selflessness. Stranger or not, going out of your way to help someone always touches them.
Today, I am thankful for hugs. Thai people don't do this nearly enough. There is comfort in a hug.
Today, I am thankful for surprises. A sudden burst of happy that is unexpected is like a seeing a shooting star when glancing up at the night sky.
Today, I am thankful for smiles. They are universal. And a child's smile is a treasure.
Today, I am thankful for laughter. It is scientifically proven that laughter is good for your health. So laugh! And make others laugh too!
Today, I am thankful for taking things in stride. Come to Thailand and you'll understand.
Today, I am thankful for natural beauty. The world has so many beautiful things. It is up to you to see them.
Today, I am thankful for air con and fans. No explanation is necessary. If you don't understand you obviously have not been hot before for extended periods of time.
Today, I am thankful for dancing in the rain. It is fun, that's all.
Today, I am thankful for music. It helps explain feelings in a whole new way. It also unites people regardless of nationality or background.
Today, I am thankful for motorbikes. I really enjoy riding on the back of a motorbike.
Today, I am thankful for waterfalls. It is refreshing and feels almost like a baptism, like washing away all bad things and leaving a sparkling new thing in its place.
Today, I am thankful for toilets and toilet paper. Squattie potties are not fun and having to remember to bring toilet paper everywhere is a hassle.
Today, I am thankful for group dinners and meals with family and friends. This has always been special to me.
Today, I am thankful for sleepovers. Having your friends nearby is always comforting.
Today, I am thankful for the internet. I am soooooo thankful for internet. It lets me search, get music, books and talk with friends and family.
Today, I am thankful for being able to talk to someone in English. Communication is important.
Today, I am thankful for farang food and beverages. This includes in no specific order: real spaghetti, Mexican food, sushi, wine, good Italian homemade bread, potatoes, potato soup, deviled eggs, casseroles, barbeque salmon, snap beans fresh from a garden, bell peppers, berries, yogurt, real pizza, she-crab soup, nachos, burritos, waffles, oatmeal, apple cider, mac and cheese, cornbread and buckwheat pancakes.
Today, I am thankful for friends and family. That is an understatement, but you should know that you are valued and appreciated.
Today, I am thankful for mail. There is something special about getting a letter, card or package.
Today, I am thankful for massages. Ahhhhhhhhh.
Today, I am thankful for dancing. Dance with me!
Today, I am thankful for adventures. They are challenging, fun, cause you to grow, and give you a story that will last forever.

I think I have finally run out of things to be thankful for. I am thankful for so many things these days. Happy Thanksgiving y'all!