thanks

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving this past week! I was lucky enough to fly home last minute and surprise my mom on Thanksgiving morning. Originally leaving for Australia on Thursday, we postponed our trip for a week and my dad and I were able to pull off an amazing Thanksgiving surprise. I think it was mostly exciting since my mom tends to be on the nosy side, making it near impossible to surprise her. Anyway, Little brother and I came home from the airport around 11 AM with mom already in the kitchen prepping for the feast and I literally saw the color drain from her face as I walked in and said "Mmm, what are we having?". Yes, that was the best line I could come up with during the 2.5 hour flight. The aftermath went kind of like this: first shock (speechless, a first), then shrieking (I think glass shattered?), and finally hysterical crying which forced her to take a seat where she continued a combination of all three. The whole thing felt kind of comical since I'd only been gone 6 weeks, but it would have been my first Thanksgiving away from family so I guess that's a big deal. Definitely thankful for that opportunity and am SO thankful for my wonderful employers who allowed me that luxury.

The rest of the trip was a whirlwind of food, wine, family and friends. But mostly wine. Wish I could have seen everyone but it just wasn't in the cards this time.

This year I am thankful for everyone in my life. Yes, really everyone. Everyone I have encountered has ultimately led me to where I am now (and where I'm about to go) and that's a pretty exciting thought. And although I don't always see you as much as I would like, and even though I'm horrible at keeping in touch, it does not mean i do not love you and think of you often. i am thankful for every experience, every laugh, and every love. Hopefully the important ones know that.



On another note, Australia TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!

Well, Friday really.

But I leave tomorrow!