Last year I made a Gratitude List, where I took a moment to think of all the things I’m thankful for because, let’s face it, life is pretty good. Â And I mean that. Â Even when my life feels stinky, I still have so much amazing going on in there. Â So here’s this year’s list of reasons to be grateful:
- I have a new nephew on the way and I can’t wait to meet him. Â I am also looking forward to carving out ways to forge a special bond with Brooks. Â He is my godson, after all, and I don’t want him getting lost in the new baby shuffle.
- I don’t have student loans. Â I am fortunate that Georgia has the Hope Scholarship and I was able to go to school for FREE. Â I would have a more paycheck-to-paycheck lifestyle if I had student loans and certainly would not have been able to purchase a home at the age of 27.
- I have gotten really good at painting my own fingernails. Â It saves me a lot of money and I can do it in my bathrobe.
- I landed a great new job. Â Sure, the learning curve stresses me out a bit, but it’s exciting to learn and do something new that I am passionate about.
- I was invited to nine weddings this year and am anticipating about four for 2016. Â It’s nice to realize I have created so many close friendships that these people want me there on the biggest day of their life. Â And I am thrilled I get the chance to celebrate with them.
- I had a ton of unused vacation days when I left my job that I get paid out for. Â It basically amounted to an entire extra paycheck. Â It feels like free money and I love being able to do anything with it! Â I’m not the type to just blow it all (I am a saver by nature), but I am toying with the idea of saving half and spending half. Â It’s like playing that game “what would you do if you won the lottery.” Â Half is still plenty to work with. Â Should I buy a designer bag? Â Some Louboutins? A fun vacation? Â Dinner at Per Se?
- Unlike at my old job, my current office is open during the week between Christmas and New Years.  I was bummed not to be able to attend my family’s annual ski trip, but I am lucky that I have a wonderful beau with whom I can spend the entire holiday season.  It’s the first time we’ve been together for all of the holidays, and I am looking forward to establishing our own Christmukkah traditions.
- I was sick for a few days this year and it was miserable…but it was also the first time I’ve been sick in about two years, which ain’t such a bad record.  Cheers to good health!
- I am so happy Vitamin Water Zero exists and even happier when it’s on sale. Â This brand is totally responsible for my increase in water consumption…assuming it still counts as drinking water?