Thanksgiving 2011

This year, inspired by Jimmy Fallon's "Thank You Note" segment, I will write my 2011 Thanksgiving list in Thank You note form.

~Thank you, God, for creating and providing all of the following.

~Thank you, family, for welcoming me home, housing me during my unemployment, and spending a whole year's worth of holidays together. Are you sick of me yet?

~Thank you, friends, old and new friends, at home and afar. I'm a better person for knowing you all and darn lucky.

~Thank you, world, for being so lovely, beautiful, and interesting. 2011 shout outs: South Korea, China, Mongolia, Siberia, and Russia.

related...

~Thank you, Couchsurfing, for being the greatest idea of all time, for all the wonderful, gracious hosts I've had and for several delightful hosting experiences since I've been back in Iowa.

~Thank you, CIEP job, for supplying me with sufficient funds, friendly co-workers, funny students, joyous moments and moments to vent about.

~Thank you Egypt, Tunisia, etc. for inspiring change around the world and in the U.S.

~Thank you, private hospital assistance program for the uninsured, for saving me a second trip to the hospital from relieving the stress of a $15,000 bill.

which leads to...

~Thank you, Obama care, for allowing me to go back on my parent's insurance for the next 6 months, even if it was one month after my surprise hospital visit.

~Thank you, Cedar Falls family (Prat, Kat, Kayla), for being awesome and fun and good cooks.

~Thank you, professors (and teachers everywhere), for inspiring and challenging students everywhere despite the lack of respect and money you receive in return. And a HUGE thanks to my UNI profs for the scholarship next semester.

~Thank you anyone who has given me a ride this last year: for graciously sharing your gas and time. I will re-pay you with all the rides you want in my new car (starting tomorrow).

~Thank you Conan O'Brien: for still being funny.