So I was planning on doing a photo gallery of things I’m thankful for in my life, because today is Thanksgiving and I didn’t want to write a whole post.  But turns out, I don’t take that many photos — and also, I had a different idea.

1. I’m thankful that I live in a country where we get to elect our own president and representatives, even if the results aren’t always what I wanted.  It hasn’t even been 100 years since women got the right to vote in the US, and here I am, never having lived in a world where I couldn’t.  Unlike many, many women all over the world, I got to voice my say in my own government on November 8.
2. I’m thankful I live in an area that has clean water.  As of this week, Flint, Michigan still doesn’t have clean water.
3. I’m thankful that I have the money to mostly pay my own way for my living situation and college education, and I’m thankful that my parents have the means and willingness to make up for the little I don’t have.
4. I’m thankful that I have a good chance of soon having enough disposable income to support the causes I feel strongly about, because I am tired of feeling and not doing.  I’m thankful that I’m privileged enough to have this be one of the things I’m thankful for.
5. Finally, I’m thankful for the ability to blog and the community I’ve gained from it.  Blogging and reading other blogs forces me to think through hard issues and exposes me to viewpoints very different from mine.

All these, of course, are in addition to the things you all know I love — my boyfriend, my parental units, friends that still love me even when I suck at texting back, books, coffee, and the fact that cats exist — just to name a few.  I could go on and on, and I probably should because thinking through all these things forces me to have a better attitude.  (Maybe that should go on my goals for the new year.)  But I’ll go ahead and sign off now, because I know there is Southern-style dressing and turkey waiting for me.

Have a happy Thanksgiving!

Oh — and don’t forget to #ShopSmallSaturday!