So many reasons to be thankful.

After the events that happened yesterday, I find myself pondering my life and every thing that I am grateful to have. The events from yesterday felt eerily familiar to what happened after my Physiology exam in December. I remember hearing about the shooting at Sandy Hook school before walking in to write my exam and let me tell you it was hard to focus after that. My heart ached for all those precious lives that were robbed from them, very similiar to the way I feel right now for the runners in the Boston Marathon. I got out of my Religion exam yesterday around 4 p.m. and got a call from Brandon. He asked "have you heard about what happened in Boston yet?" and of course I hadn't since I was in my exam. When he told me, my heart just dropped and it hasn't stopped aching since then. I'm aware that there is more going on in the world than just simply what happened in Boston and my heart aches for all those lives lost too. It seems there is always devastating and heart wrenching news! There are awful things happening in our world everyday but it doesn't make it any easier to swallow. Today I am choosing to recognize all the things in my life that make it amazing. I am so fortunate in so many diverse ways.

Today and everyday, I am thankful for...

 

Food. Homemade warm, fresh bread (made by Brandon) and Chinese food which were consumed yesterday. 

Time spent with Sarah (Brandon's sister) before we move out at the end of April. Whether it be long walks, nail dates, or working out together. I will truly miss spending time with her once we move back home.

Brandon who is so loving and thoughtful. He truly has a huge heart and is constantly thinking of how to make others happy before himself! He is one of a kind. I am also thankful for our goofy memories and all the time we get to spend together. He makes me so happy!

In the fall road trippin' it home for Sarah's birthday!

For each and every chapter in my life. This Thursday, I will be done 3 years of University and Brandon and I will be moving home at the end of April. It's exciting and sad all at the same time. I'm not too sure whats going to happen in the future but I am beyond excited to find out. The future is so exciting!

Richard and I first year of University. I will miss UofW beyond belief!

My friends and the time we get to spend together. I find that it gets more difficult to find time to see friends as we grow up and get busier but I truly cherish the time I do get with my friends! Coffee or lunch dates have become a staple in most of my friendships. It is the perfect way to catch up and visit :)

My sweet little Maggie muffin. I know I talk about my cat probably more than you care to read about but I can't help it. She holds a special place in my heart. She is becoming more and more loving every  day and nothing warms my heart quite like when she cuddles up with me. I also probably have close to 300 pictures of her alone on my phone, call it obsessive, I just call it love. She's my sweet little princess!

Maggie cuddling me this morning. Her favourite spot= on our pillows :)

For new adventures each and every day. I can't wait for the Jets game this Saturday, a double date with Ash & Andy for thai food and bowling next week, a trip to Saskatoon with Ash & mom to move Steph home, finding a summer job, potentially going to the States at the beginning of May, and training for my first 5k once the snow melts. Basically, I have a feeling that amazing things are going to happen over the next few months and I CANNOT WAIT!

Finally, for my family. I know, I know I say that a lot but my family is truly the best. I am thankful for days spent crafting or catching up with my sister (which I will miss when I move home) or long phone calls with Steph in Saskatoon. I am so lucky to be good friends with both my sisters, to have amazingly supportive and understanding parents, and to have a huge, hilarious, and wonderful extended family.

Last week when Ash & I made beeswax candles! Post to come soon :)

So in other words, my heart aches for the tragedies that so rip precious lives from innocent people and their families. It's not fair and it's not okay. But instead of letting it bring me down and losing faith in humanity, I am going to take a minute and look at my own life and realize just how truly lucky I am. Today, I hope the good outweighs the bad. I urge you to hug your loved ones a little tighter and take the time once in awhile to really absorb how wonderful your life is.

Today I am linking up with Northern Belle Diaries for the Just Because link-up!