Thanksgiving Thoughts

As I was driving home for the thanksgiving holiday down the 101 freeway, I stared out into the ocean and could see all the way across the Santa Barbara channel to the Channel Islands. Both Anacapa and Santa Cruz were clear in sight. The sun was glistening perfectly off the waves and it was just incredibly gorgeous. Sights like these make me so happy that we are an ocean planet, and I am thankful every day for the resources and happiness the ocean provides us.

Throughout experiencing the competitive field I'm in... these are the experiences that make me love that I am following my dreams.  I know that I am doing the right thing and I know that I will end up happy.

Here is a little appreciation list to say what I'm thankful for, as cliche as it may be.  I'm thankful for...

- My parents- without them I would never have reached the success, happiness, optimism, and love of life that I have.  I owe everything to them.  For pushing me to do well in school, teaching me about life, supporting me in college.

- Matt- he is always there for me through thick and thin.  He loves me unconditionally (though he may be embarrassed of me sometimes!!), wants me to succeed and supports me, laughs with me, listens to me even when I'm being crazy, and is my best friend.

- My friends- they let me just have a good time and let go of all of the stresses in the world, and are goofy! with me.  Dancing to crazy music in the Denny's parking lot and riding in grocery carts through the neighborhood really make me happy.  We have a true, lasting friendship that even distance couldn't break.

- Nature- it inspires me and takes my breath away.  The level of detail, the way every piece fits... it's just incredible.  Ecology is possibly the most mind-boggling thing on the planet.   It is my passion and I devote my life to it because I know that without most of the things on this planet, I would not exist.  We rely on nature and the outdoors- it renews us, provides us with air, food, recreation, happiness.... good times with friends, incredible creatures... I hope everyone can appreciate nature in this way, and I hope it continues to be appreciated throughout the generations as technology, computers, video games and the like progress

What are you thankful for? Let me know!