What I Am Thankful For

All this month on Facebook, I have been seeing daily “today I am thankful for..”status updates. I assume this is in response to some internet based challenge to post everyday in November that I missed the boat on, but I think it’s a great idea. Since I am not a huge FB status poster, I figure I can list out mine here, on Thanksgiving. Happy Turkey Day, America! How I wish I was home enjoying my Mom’s amazing cooking, yummy cream puffs, and football!

P.S. This list doesn’t even scratch the surface, but its a start!

1. I am thankful for my amazing family and friends who are always so supportive of me. Being away makes me appreciate them even more than ever!

2. I am thankful for the opportunity to be here in India. This experience is truly life altering and I am very fortunate to be surrounded by people who are so willing to welcome me into their lives and their homes.

3. I am thankful for my health. I see a lot of sickness here and it makes me appreciate being well, consistently, year on year.

4. I am thankful for a private toilet. I stole this one from my friend Gayatri, but the fact is 50% of people in Mumbai (9 million + people!) and 58% of Indians nationally do not have access to a private bathroom.

5. I am thankful that I have access to and can afford, clean water. Tens of millions of people, out of India’s population of 1.2 billion, still lack access to clean water.

6. I am thankful for freedom of speech. A 21-year-old woman was arrested this week for posting something on Facebook. While people here are outraged and it’s slowly getting sorted out, Americans are truly fortunate to not have to worry about issues like this.

7. I am thankful for finding a group of friends here so quickly. Some are Americans or other ex-pats and some are Indians, but they are all wonderful and making this experience that much more special.

8. I am thankful for my amazing colleagues in India (also friends!) for helping me navigate work and living in this beautiful/crazy city and country. I love constantly being able to laugh with them, even when I can’t understand what is being said!

9. I am thankful for my iPad. Whether its music, books, blogs or Skype it’s been my little lifeline to normalcy over the last few months.

10. Speaking of technology, I am thankful for the Side Car App which allows me to call home for FREE as long as I am connected to the internet. Best. App. EVER.

11. I am thankful for my job. It’s a tough economy out there and like everyone else it’s not an easy time for our business either.

12. I am thankful for Nike; I have been in a big exercise rut and all it took was a new pair of kicks to get me out of the rut!

13. I am thankful for Zee Cafe, the TV network in India that plays American TV. I have become addicted to the Vampire Diaries…don’t judge, it’s actually pretty good!

14. I am thankful for the people who take care of me everyday, from my wonderful driver Jajgeet to the doorman Interjeet, to Tariq the GM at my apartment and all the other people who work there, I feel very well taken care of.

15. I am thankful that I have gotten to travel as much as I have in the last few months. I likely won’t get an opportunity like this again.

16. I am thankful that I grew up in the Northeast, getting to experience four different seasons, as well as access to the mountains, the beach and the city all within a few hours drive.

17. I am thankful for books, there are so many great books out there on as many topics as I can imagine and more. I have always loved to escape into a book and I love knowing that no matter what there will always be something to read.

18. I am thankful that my wonderful Mémère taught me to knit so many years ago. It’s an activity that both relaxes me and makes me feel creative.

19. On that note, I am thankful that I had her in my life for as long as I did. Just thinking of Mémère brings a smile to my face, and when I am having a bad day/week/month it is usually remembering time with her or what she would think about what I am doing now that picks me right back up.

20. I am thankful for all the babies and kids in my life. I love that my friends and family are constantly posting pics and sending updates about all these amazing (and really adorable!) little people.

21. And I am thankful for their Momma’s being in my life too!

22. I am thankful for this blog and for the blogosphere in general. I get a lot of enjoyment writing my little blog and reading countless others. The inter-webs provide a constant source of creativity and inspiration from all over the world.

23. I am thankful for my cozy home in DC and for the Harlow’s who own my place and are taking care of my mail, plants, etc. while I am away.

24. I am thankful for the constant availability of samosas, naan, gulab jamun, spicy/crispy corn and all they other yummy Indian dishes I get to enjoy on a daily basis.

25.  I am thankful for Amul in our office who makes me the BEST chai everyday.  He works in our office here all day and then goes to high school at night. He represents the future of India in a great way!

26. I am thankful for documentary film makers.  There are so many fascinating, untold and TRUE stories out there and I admire the ingenuity of people who go out and tell them.

27. I am thankful for music, all kinds of music.  How often do we find that a song captures our emotion in a way we never could.

28.  I am thankful for endless possibilities. As much as it seems that time flies and life gets in the way of doing all the things we want to do, there is always the possibility to do more.

29.  I am thankful for faith. Having faith has taught me that no matter what I am never alone and I am grateful that I was brought up to believe in God.

30. I am thankful that the holidays come every year!  It’s such a special season filled with so many traditions, especially spending time with loved ones!

Happy Thanksgiving!