Acknowledging of all the good things (and some not so good things) in our lives should happen all year long, not just at this time of year. Every year I put together a list of things I am thankful for. Last year was the first year I published it on the blog, here. So here’s my list of all the good things/not so good things I am thankful for from my journey in 2015. (In no particular order)

1.Crossfit

MCCF gave me exactly what I needed when I needed it when I walked in the door in January of this year. After running the marathon in late 2013, I was burned out from running, but kept pushing through in 2014. I needed a change of pace, new goals, and something to challenge my mind and my body (like running use to do). I also wanted to meet new people, young people. This past year I have lifted heavy shit, learned to climb a rope, and did my first pull-up, ever. I have also met some great friends. Although I am taking a break from it right now, Crossfit and MCCF has been an important part of my life this year.

2.Work friends

I never really expected to make friends at work. I went in with a plan to keep business separate from my personal life. But in public accounting, when you spend 15+ hours a day with people in a tiny conference room your personal life and work life become one in the same. And even though I’m not working crazy hours these days, there’s not a shortage of work BFFs that make my job a fun place to be. I’m thankful for the work friends I’ve made at each job I’ve had. I love this article on work BFFs, here.

3.Winning the Parent Lottery

I am thankful for my parents every year. They are my biggest supporters and the two people that I can always count on, no matter what. This article was posted on Elite Daily last week, and it sums up my childhood, because my parents were not the “cool” parents, ever. But, as an adult I can appreciate their “uncoolness.” The link to the article is here

4.Saltwater

This year has been full of saltwater.

One of my favorite songs from the summer is Chris Jansen’s “It could buy me a boat.” I find that my favorite place to be is out on the water. Thank goodness my dad has the boat and the truck to pull it…..all I need is a yeti.

5.Country Music

I don’t know where I would be without country music. My life relates to so many songs that I’ve lost count. From “I’m in a Hurry” to “Reckless” to “The House that Built Me” to “Drive” to “Riser” to “Take Your Time,” the list goes on and on. What I love about country music is also going to concerts. Hanging out with friends, tailgating, and singing along to your favorite song made for a great summer.

6.All Guys I’ve been out on dates with in 2015

I went out on a lot of first dates (and second, third…and…ehhh not so many more) this year, so many I had to start a spreadsheet because guys started having the same first name. Ha! My conclusion is that dating sucks, but each guy taught me something and I grew from the experience. If you know me, you know I am not a glass half-full kind of girl. BUT, I’ve learned so much about being more open minded, and not judging so quickly. I’ve also learned the standards I am NOT willing to compromise on. That wanting an emotionally available, kinda got your shit together, honest, can make plans in advance, man isn’t unreasonable. So thank you to all guys out there who I went on a date with, you know who you are.

7.Furniture projects

This year has been a challenge when it comes to projects. Some have gone amazing and my vision was perfectly executed, others were a struggle, but this is life. My favorite project was the corner bookcase from the door at my parent’s house. It’s something I’ll treasure for a long time.

8.Elite Daily/Thought Catalogue Articles

Elite Daily/Thought Catalogue Articles are one of my guilty pleasures. I find it comforting when I read the thoughts of others on such random subjects that completely mirror my life. It’s nice to know that others are dealing with the same bullshit in life.

9.Yoga

I hate yoga. It feels like the LONGEST hour of my life. BUT my mind and my body feel so much better after each time I go to class.

10.Life Long Friends

There are people in my life who I don’t necessarily talk to every single day. Some weeks go by where we don’t see each other or hear from each other. Other weeks it’s constant chatter. They are the person that the TMI line was crossed a long time ago, who I can ask a dumb question without feeling dumb. When you tell them a crazy idea you have. They don’t question it, but ask “How can I help you achieve that?” They are the true definition of the quote: