Thankful.

​Thanksgiving has always been one of my favourite holidays to celebrate. Taking the time to reflect on what we are thankful for is something I feel is so important… plus it is often supplemented with some delicious food so what is not to love?! I decided to write this blog on 3 things I am so very grateful for- friends, family, and my guy. 

Friends: Roomies and friends far from home
           
Some of you may have read my roomie appreciation survival guide blog, but I would like to take a moment to reiterate my gratitude for the four lovely ladies I live with. These women are smart, caring, and inspirational. They inspire me each day to be the best version of myself, and for them I am forever grateful. Jill, Rachael, Sydney, and Anna, I am grateful for you fine ladies this Thanksgiving. Thank you for making home away from home as homey as I could ever imagine. Happy Thanksgiving roomies! Hope your bellies are full from whatever the vegan alternative to turkey is! (Yes Jill, I know you are full off of turkey!)
Haile, if you are reading this, I am thankful for you. Haile is a dear friend of mine, who moved to England. Hails, you may not be here, but you are always here for me. I miss you so much and I hope Ross helped you cook a yummy meal for the two of you! Canada misses you and I hope I will be out to visit you shortly. Happy Thanksgiving Hails, come back and enjoy some Timbits soon.
I cannot express how grateful I am for all the people I have in my life. These friendships support me, always bring me the upmost joy, and teach me to be kind. Thank you to all my friends, I appreciate you all so much. Thank you. 

Family: Neive chose dal and met some great dal pals
 
My family means the world to me. We are here for each other no matter what. Sharing this weekend together was so special as it was the first time our family has been all together for Thanksgiving in years.
My sister, Neive, and I have been inseparable our whole lives. With 2 years between us, moving far away to go to school was one of the hardest things I ever did. With over 2000km between us Neive and I went months without seeing one another. We wrote to each other frequently, and she sent me mix tapes that were always suited for whatever mood I was in when they arrived. Thank you for those Neive, they kept me going.

When we were kids, Neive used to answer, “same as Annie” to every question she was asked. As she grew older, with more independence she made her own decisions. With dreams of going to school in the states, I tried to accept the fact that the distance between us would be even further. Neive applying to schools made me miss the days when Neive used to say “same as Annie”. With offers pending from schools in the states, Neive’s dream was her reality. Little did I know that Neive had applied to Dalhousie!! After much thought, Neive accepted her offer at Dal and before I knew it, I had my best friend with me in Halifax.
Since being at Dal, Neive has met some amazing friends. Some of her Dal pals shared this Thanksgiving weekend with our family. I am thankful that Neive decided to come to Dal and that she has met some awesome people. Neive, I am thankful for you and your new pals. Thank you Kate, Emily, Mary and Yosef for making this a weekend full of laughter and fond memories. Thank you mum and dad for cooking us a delicious meal in our new home. Kyle, thank you for always helping me eat the cookies I impulsively bake- my waistline is forever grateful. It was a weekend I will never forget.

My guy: My partner in crime
 
For those of you doing distance, I feel for you. Being apart from friends, family, or your special someone is anything but easy. This Thanksgiving, I am grateful for Dan- my partner in crime. Dan, I am grateful for your encouraging words when I doubt myself, for always sending me pictures of whatever yummy food you are trying when I am not there to try it with you, and for always propelling me forward (metaphorically and physically on my skateboard). I am grateful you make saying goodbye so hard. Thank you Dan, for everything.  I miss you so much. P.S. 52 days left until we get to eat the yummy food together- and I get to kick your butt in go karts!

What a Holiday!

There are so many people and things I am grateful for each and everyday, and I unfortunately couldn’t squeeze them all into this blog post. I am grateful for this holiday- an entire weekend dedicated to self-reflection, gratitude, and family time.
 
With more thanks than words could ever express,
 
Annie