Arriving in the United States in 2006, I really had no idea what the whole fuss was about over Thanksgiving at the end of November every year. In reality I just thought this was just another holiday that was celebrated and folks used this as an excuse to be off work for a few days to celebrate with their family.
Maybe I still don’t appreciate the holiday season over here that I am not completely familiar with as much as US citizens do, but one thing this holiday does is make me think about what I am thankful for. I recently turned 30 and although I am an advocate of this just being a number, it’s interesting to look back over the previous decade and realize just how many things have taken place during my 20’s.
I graduated from the University of Manchester with my Bachelor’s degree, later graduated with my Master of Business Administration from Arkansas State University, got married to my wife and soul mate Heather, lived in four different places (two countries/three USA states) and the list goes on.
I think it’s almost impossible to be thankful for everything that has taken place in the past and I am sure we are all guilty of taking some things for granted, but here is my shot at some things that spring to mind when I think about Thanksgiving.
- I met Heather, my wife, in 2008, married in 2011 and formed the most amazing partnership every! She is the best thing that ever happened to me.
- My mum and dad (and other family) have supported me with every decision that I made, in particular their unbelievable encouragement when I made the move out to USA in 2006.
- Having a great job that I enjoy getting up every day for and helping students achieve their education goals.
- Our love for travel and our ability to take so many trips every year.
- Being able to play golf still as much as possible (trivial I know but it’s still a huge passion).
- Our home – it’s only a townhouse/apartment but it’s ours and we have made it our home!
- Proximity to Kandela Mexican Restaurant! One thing I am thankful for since I arrived in USA is finding out how good Mexican cuisine really is. Plus it’s even better when it’s authentic.
- I am still able to follow the ups and downs of Ramsbottom United (my local football team in England) via Twitter.
- I became an avid Apple fan! Despite stating several years ago that I would never become an Apple addict, I now own an iPod, iPhone, iPad and MacBook Air. I will let you decide for yourself (oh yes, and I plan on buying an iPad Mini later today on Black Friday!).
- I appreciate England even more now that I don’t live there. Whenever we travel over there on our annual trip, I really enjoy visiting places I probably took for granted before.
- The folks that I have met here in USA that have made me feel welcome and don’t discriminate that my nationality is different. Americans sometimes get a stereotype attached to them around the world but I can truly say they are a friendly bunch (for the most part right!).
- That my Green Card and Visa process is coming to an end (hopefully will achieve US citizenship within the next few years!).
- And finally, to repeat my first point, I am thankful for having Heather in my life who helps me every day become a better person and the fact that we have so much in common and enjoy life together!
When you think about Thanksgiving, what are you most thankful for?
It may be something obvious or something really trivial that most folks probably take for granted, but sit down for a few minutes and think about this.
You’ve done a lot of great things!Enjoy the holidays!:)