Today was another snow day. And after all of the staying inside and Netflix watching I've been doing lately - I might have had a mini breakdown on the phone with my dad this morning (being cooped up in not one of my favorite things). And after this breakdown, I received this text message:
And after giving it some thought, I thought I'd follow my father's advice. And without further ado..24 Blessings and Good Things In My Life (24 because I'm 24 for a few more weeks!):
1// God's grace - and I know that probably sounds like a cliche first answer, and it might be - but there's truth to it. Without faith and love, my life would spin out way more often than it does, and life would be so much harder.
2// Mom and Daddy -
Without my father's prompting, they would have been at the top of my list anyway. In my twenty four years, there have never been bigger fans, bigger supporters and best friends.
3// My brother, sister, sister in law, nieces and nephew -
These people are all the above things, and more! I couldn't even begin to tell you how much I love them and really can't imagine life without every joke, every hug and every day that I'm reminded that in this world I'm never alone. And I like that.
4// Mallory -
Eighteen years: many Sunday afternoons, one move out of the country, one bout with cancer, and four thousand times that I've missed you and loved you! I'm thankful and blessed to call you my best friend - and I look forward to the day when we live closer than 15 hours from each other. (you hear that Austin? ;) )
5// My extended family -
These aren't pictures of all of my people - but you all know who you are! And I love each and every one of you very much.
6// Austin, Amanda, Caitlin and Justin -
College wouldn't have been the same without you four. My own little college family, and I'm so glad that we've stayed friends. It's kind of a for life thing, so I hope you all know that :)
7// The Man Friend - You keep me on my toes, you make me laugh and it's weird to think of life without you now. And I look forward to annoying you for a while. It'll be fun!
8// Art -
I can hardly remember a time in my life when art wasn't in it. I remember being perfectly happy at around four years old with a big easel and paints. And then from there it was winning small ribbons in high school competitions, and murals on walls. Life is good with art in it people. Life is good.
9// Running - You should all know by now that I know you think I'm crazy for running a million miles, and I still don't agree. When I was a junior in college, my life needed something. And even with the deep, deep hatred for running in the past - running it was. My life and my body have only good things to say about running..you should all do it!
10// Books, libraries, Barnes and Noble, and Half Price Books - I never thought that I was much of a reader..that was always my sister's deal. But ever since I moved to Fort Worth, I found myself going to one of these places fairly often. I love the quietness and really - being with all of those books makes me happy!
11// Dara -
Many miles, many talks. This girl is the best - a fabulous friend who listens to all of my chattiness at 6:30 in the morning and has the best advice. I'm thankful for you, pal.
12// Walks through my neighborhood - I've fallen in love with the neighborhood. Okay, not really my neighborhood per say (partly because my neighborhood is part college, part high school - and really too many cars and frat parties to enjoy it), but the one next to it. I frequently go on walks and look at the houses - and dream about owning my own house. I can't wait to one day.
13// Avocados - ha, you thought I'd go through this list without mentioning something fairly silly. I'm obsessed. I eat at least 3 a week.
14// Runs with my dad -
Crossing the finish line of my first marathon with a man who was undertrained for a marathon, but ran the marathon because it was my first - was one of the greatest, if not the greatest, moment of my life! And the culmination of years of runs with my dad made it even better. And I look forward to many, many more runs with him!
15// TV shows with my mom - one of my favorite things is watching "Say Yes to the Dress", "The Amazing Race" or an HGTV show curled up next to my mom. We have the best time chatting about the tv show and laughing.
16// Donuts - I feel like this explains itself. Especially with sprinkles.
17// The Denver Broncos -
Some of my favorite memories have been in and around Broncos's games. My whole family and I are fans, and for six months out of the year - I only tweet about the Broncos. Sorry I'm not sorry!
18// Movie soundtracks and Candy Crush - it sounds funny, but it's one of the things that calms me down in the evening - especially when my anxiety has gotten a hold of me. "Dances With Wolves" is actually my favorite soundtrack..if you were wondering.
19// Popcorn, Twizzlers, and Reeses Pieces at the movies - growing up my dad always bought us popcorn, Twizzlers and Reeses Pieces at the movies, and it always reminds me of childhood and my sweet family. Yum.
20// My relationship with my Grandma -
I've been fortunate enough to have strong, independent, hard-working, beautiful women to look up to in my life. My grandma Scott (the lady on left!) and I have always had a great relationship, and I'm so thankful for her constant support in anything I try. I only hope to be as great as her when I grow up. (and any of the women in that photo! I come from a long line of badass women, y'all.)
21// Netflix - everyone knows my love for Netflix, but seriously - I love it. I love having tv shows and movies at my finger tips. And I am so thankful that my parents have it and I can mooch off of them. Hi mom and dad!
22// Letters -
I love the written word. Words are my love language! Especially from my niece and nephew. They really make my heart so full!
23// Music -
I love music. More than many things in life. (and for the record, ZZ Top and James Taylor are AMAZING y'all.) And silence is always difficult..music is better.
24// Texas -
I love living here. The warm weather (most of the time!), the cowboy boots, the country music. I never thought I would like this place as much as I do. And really I don't want to live anywhere else right now.
And I hope you all remember that you can always do this yourself when you're feeling blue! It's a good time, and you're always reminded that you are loved.
My grandpa always used to say that he was "great, but getting better."
Life can always get better.
- C
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