I know it is not thanksgiving, but here are my top 10 things I am thankful for

I recently read a post on Eric Collard’s blog about his top ten things he is grateful for. Inspired I commented on the blog agreeing with his entire list.

He then replied and asked me to share my top ten things I am grateful for. Well, being a blogger, I took this as a challenge to write a post and share with everyone my list.

Number 1: My partner in crime and life

There is nothing I am more grateful for than my partner in life, Alain. He has never missed a race; he never complained when instead of working I took an extra two years in school and thus adding to the pile of student debt we have; even if I am having a bad day, coming home to him makes all the bad stuff go away.

Number 2: My family

My family has always been so supportive of everything I have done in life. When I was accepted to Queen’s university I needed to pay $500 to officially register, which I didn’t have. Even though my mother didn’t have a lot of money, she found a way to pay for it and guarantee my spot at one of Canada’s top universities. Four years later, I graduated with honours.

My dad has been through a rough few months this year, yet he always lends a hand with babysitting one of our dogs, Bandit the Weiner dog. Even if it is last minute, he has volunteered to take Bandit and give Alain and I the chance to be able to go away for the weekend.

My brother recently applied to Algonquin College for the Architecture Technician program, I am so proud of him, and I am so lucky to have a brother who never stops shooting for the stars.

Number 3: My friends

I am very lucky and very grateful to have such a great network of friends. I am especially thankful for my best friend Natalie, who has been there through thick and thin. She never hesitates to lend a hand or help out when times are rough. A few months ago one of our puppies were in the hospital for a few weeks, which put a lot of stress on Alain and I. Natalie and her wonderful boyfriend Jeremie showed up one night with a HUGE container of spaghetti. If you know me at all, the way to my heart is through my stomach. Needless to day, the simple gesture meant more than Natalie will ever know.

Number 4: My health

I am very grateful for my health. I grew up with very severe asthma, which meant monthly visits to the hospital. When I was young, I would have never imagined I would be a runner and triathlete today. I have completed two marathons and three triathlons.

Number 5: My education

Nowadays, getting a Bachelor degree from a Canadian University just doesn’t seem to be enough. Although I am very thankful to be a Queen’s graduate, I am also very lucky to have had the ability to continue my studies and get a second degree from Algonquin College, which ultimately led me to my current full time job and career. I currently work at Thornley Fallis & 76design.

Number 6: My job

And that leads me to my number 6 reason to be thankful, my job. I am very fortunate to be working at one of Canada’s top public relations, communications and creative design firms. I have only been with Thornley Fallis & 76design for under a year, but I have acquired more experience than I could have possibly imagined.

I am also very lucky to have the chance to work on some exciting projects; for example, Inside PR. Currently, I am the producer for Inside PR and I get to work with some very smart PR professionals. With each episode I produce I expand my PR and social media knowledge.

Number 7: My mind

I know it may sound weird, but I am thankful for an open mind. I love having an open mind and open outlook to life. It allows me to truly experience life in a positive matter. My open mind has introduce me to new people, whom today, I couldn’t picture my life without.

Number 8: Being a nerd

I am thankful for being a nerd. Nay, I am proud to be a nerd. Being a nerd has aloud me to open my eyes to this vast world of technology we live in. Yes, I must agree at times technology can be very difficult and stressful, but ultimately, technology is a good change for our society. We must all learn to embrace the new technology that helps make our lives easier, while continuing to respect the traditional methods of doing something. For example, embrace the complexity of a computer, it allows you to connect with loved ones half way across the world, but don’t forget about handwritten letters, which are personal and shows someone you took the time to think of them.

Number 9: Nature

After a weekend of camping, I am very thankful for nature. We are very lucky in Canada to be able to drive for an hour or two and escape the high pace and busy world of work and relax in the tranquillity of nature. However, I still have to get used to bugs, especially spiders.

Number 10: My life

And finally, I am very thankful for my life. I know it seems vague, but it is true. There may be a few kinks in my life I would like to iron out one day, but in all, I am very content and happy to be where I am. And that feeling of being content and happy is something to be truly thankful for.

So, now that I have shared my list, it is your turn. Leave a comment with your top 10 or top 5 or even top 3 things you are thankful for.