Thanksgiving with friends earlier tonight.
I started this list on my 35th birthday last week, but never finished so instead I’m revising it to 35 things on my 35th Thanksgiving.
1. My parents for their endless support even though I’ve decided to live halfway across the world. Not once can I remember them questioning my decision to do this, they’re just there are supportive.
2. My siblings who I adore. It was so much fun being altogether for my sister’s wedding in September, reminding me why biennial trips with my sister is part of my 17 Before 2017 list.
3. A job that I am good at and that I am passionate about.
4. The fellow producers of Maseru Players Company for following through with our (half) drunken dream of creating a community theatre group. Our productions this year have been among the biggest the highlights of my time in Lesotho.
5. My life in Lesotho. I am not a big-city person so the lifestyle including house parties, sundowners, and just generally making our own fun suits me perfectly.
6. Earning enough money (in a job that I love, see #3) that allows me to live a comfortable lifestyle.
7. Commuting against traffic going to and from work.
8. Living in a country surrounded by South Africa so that when I need a break I can easily get away. (Yay for seeing Lady Gaga and Skyfall next weekend!)
9. The addition to Pioneer Mall (even though I complain about their parking), and the new mall that is nearly complete, which will significantly reduce my need to go to South Africa for things that I want/need.
10. The local movie theatre that I try to keep in business buy getting VIP tickets, popcorn and a drink every time I go.
11. Being healthy enough to enjoy things I love like hiking, and camping (and to a lesser extent, running).
12. Playing the piano again regularly after a long, long gap.
13. The CHAI Lesotho team – both past and present – for being awesome to work with and for the friendships that have developed from being on the team together.
14. Having internet that is strong enough to Skype and download episodes of Glee (but not at the same time, of course.)
15. Facebook that keeps me connected with friends all over the world and from all facets of life – neighborhood, elementary through graduate school, old jobs and Peace Corps.
16. Travel. I love new adventures and travel is one of the comforts I get to enjoy living abroad and working in a good job.
17. The 25 days of leave per year plus almost 2 weeks at Christmas, that I get as part of my job. Reason #1,578 it would be hard to live in the U.S. again.
18. Getting the day off today.
19. Celebrating Thanksgiving tonight with my closest friends here.
20 – 33. For the friends who came out to celebrate my birthday last week over dinner. I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again, I am lucky to be so loved. (Okay, I’m cheating a bit here.)
34. The fact that I won’t have to move after all thanks to a landlord who understood that if I left they REALLY wouldn’t have the money to put towards repairs because nobody would move in after me.
35. An affordable spa just across the border with a fantastic aesthetician that I have a lot of respect for. I’ve been seeing her regularly for 2 years now and I like that we can talk about anything – even topics that are difficult.
