Thanksgiving Came Early

So the past month or so, I've revisited the idea that a lot of us don't take enough time to recognize what we have to be thankful for. It mostly stems from how many times I've had mini-stress-out sessions over money and such lately, but it also comes from the people around me. I thought I'd take this time to recognize all of the people who have been there for me through some really difficult situations in my life. Not everyone can be mentioned, of course, or this post would be a novel of nothing but thank you's. But I am going to try to include every person I feel deserves thanks in some way, shape, or form here. Because you're all wonderful, you truly are.

I'd like to thank all of my family, of course, but there are a few people that I feel deserve a special shout-out.
First of all, my Grandma, who has taken me into her home for the past year when I didn't have any other place to call home. I appreciate all of her support and hard work to make sure that I not only make it through college, but that I make it through life without stressing out entirely too much. She's always willing to help me out when I'm financially stretched, and although I don't like accepting the help, it's nice to know that she's there when I absolutely need her.

Second of all, my other set of grandparents, who have provided me with the countless joys and lessons that come with owning a car. It has allowed me to go on so many adventures, have so much bonding time with my girl-friends, and go to so many shifts of work. Without my car, I would be lost.

To my second family, the Lampings. They've done so much for me in the past 7 months and expected absolutely nothing in return. They've welcomed me into their family, welcomed me into their home, and most importantly, welcomed me into their hearts. They never hesitate to remind me of how much they care about me; They never hesitate to make sure everyone has what they need; They never hesitate to be some of the most genuine, caring, wonderful people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. I am truly grateful that I can call them my second family. I don't know what I'd do without them. AAron, Dena, Zach, Alyssa, you're incredible. I love you.

And a shoutout to all of my closest friends, who have been there for either years and years of ups and downs, or have been there through the latest crazy adventures. So Stephanie, Rachel, Chelsea, Allie, Leah... Thank you for going on this bumpy crazy weird ride that I call life. I truly believe that you guys collectively are the thing that has kept me sane above all else. It doesn't seem to matter what happens in my life, I'll always have you guys to fall back on. It still cracks me up that some of you ask me for advice when my life is so clearly a wreck in and of itself. I love each and every single one of you goons to death.

I'd also like to thank those that have criticized me, hurt me, wronged me, or put me down. You may have thought that you were benefiting yourself, or making yourself feel better in some way, but in the end, I'm the one that got the most out of it. Sure, I may have been upset at the time....who wouldn't be?... But when all is said and done, you're the driving forces behind who I grew to be today. You're the ones that made me determined to be better than I was, or than you were. You're the ones that made me learn how life is out in the "real world," and how to respond accordingly. You're the ones that taught me to watch out for more people like you in the future, because I'm not going to go down the same exact pathway twice. And you can best bet that you're the ones that taught me to be careful of the bridges I burn. "How?" you ask?....well it's really this simple: When you wrong someone, they're almost guaranteed to remember it. So be careful who you wrong now, because someday, they may be the ones that are handing you your paycheck. So thank you for teaching me how to survive, because really, I don't believe that you will.

Thank you to everyone who has been with me on this crazy journey. I'm sure you'll stick around for the rest that will come.