Merry Holidays and Blessed People

Now we all love the holidays.

We get endless tables of food, an abundance of presents and even the steady flow of money, more than likely. I thought about this though, and I feel like there are people that take all this for granted because "it's what we do for these days". I feel like the true meaning of these holidays is slipping away from us.

     Thanksgiving is awesome because there is. so. much. food. Like, food coma-the fat kid inside us loves it all-status. Christmas is great because we get so many new things and presents, and New Years brings us a lot of parties to go around!

But wait...

That's not what it's all about?! WHAT. 

     No! If this is your base thought for these holidays, you're doing it wrong! That endless amount of food you're eating was made from your family, home-made, and not bought from a store! Those presents that you're receiving, is exactly that! They're giving them because they love you and they care for you. Those parties that you're turning up provocatively at, is bringing everyone together to celebrate the past year and bring in the new year. This is what the holidays are about.

   

 These days are the most important of the year, because all the people you love the most, come together in one place. You get to spend time with those that were the best to you throughout the year(s), It gives you a fresh reminder what life is really about and what it would be like if they weren't there with you. The holidays bring the humble friendship & love that exists in your life to light, and personally, it's the best feeling that anyone could have.

     You get the chance to be able to give back to those people, and see the happiness on their faces, even with the fact that you got them something. That's the best part. It's not about what's in the box, but more of that you actually got them something in the first place. People just sitting together and sharing gifts with one another. Literally, the entire basis of this day is not only celebrating the the birthday of Jesus Christ (for those of religious likes), but to give to one another. Quite basically, to share the love. 

     Lets think about Thanksgiving for a second. the best part about that day, is when you sit at the table with everyone of your family, and maybe even some of your friends, surrounding you and enjoying that time together, whilst filling your faces together. Togetherness and peace is the essential basis for most people on this day besides the historical meaning for it. Breaking the name apart explains it all. "Thanks" and "Giving" - giving-thanks. being thankful, for those that you love, for those that love you, the opportunities you've had, the memories you'll never forget, and the experiences that will live on forever. 

     New years, New Years, New Years. Simply, the ending of the current year and the renew of the next. This to me, is the most refreshing holiday. For a lot of people, this is a fresh start and a new slate for them. Try again for something better, a retry if you will. I love this day because you end the adventure-filled year and start the brand new year, all with the people that have been through the same year with you. To me, that's a little mind-blowing, but yet reminiscent at the same time. Such a grand thought. 

This post is also for those I am thankful for, because that's what is most important to me - being thankful for everything you have and the how lucky you are for the people in your life.

There are more than several people that I am thankful for, but I will post a few here.

   

 My mother, Janet Tabor and her soon-to-be husband, Tracy. My mother is my best friend and has been there for me when I've needed help in life the most. She's been the best mother and provider I could ask for. She's helped me be successful and confident in everything I do in life, and that is the best thing I could ever ask for. I love her more than anything. Tracy may have only been here for a little while, but he has done a lot to show that he cares for my mother and our family. His kids are pretty cool too, we will definitely give the Brady Bunch a run for their money. We all have a lot of fun together, and we have a lot of laughs. The wedding will definitely be one to remember!

     Haley Groves, or Minnie. We have gotten so close this year, and I couldn't be happier about it. There were times when we laughed so hard we cried or to the point where we were sure we were going to get kicked out of class. We've been the best of study buddies this year and we got a lot done... and we also took a few fun breaks too. Hehe I don't know why we haven't been this good of friends until now, but I am certainly glad we became that way. It's been amazing having you in almost every one of my classes this year; hopefully next semester, we'll still be in two together. Thank you for being there for me throughout the year, I can't thank you enough. Thank you for being you. #FourHorseman

   Sam Weaver, or BamBam. Ever since I gave you your initiation gift, I knew we would be great friends and I definitely wasn't wrong. We like to be stupid together and be foolish, and it keeps me happy throughout the school season. We've also gotten a bit closer this past year, and I'm glad you were one of the people that I got close to. You're an amazing person, don't ever forget that. It was incredible getting to visit each other in Italy and Ireland in the summer, that was more than a dream come true. It still feels like a dream, but they were experiences we will never forget and will always be able to keep. Soon, we will be graduating too, so I can't wait to spend the remaining time to be crazy and fun together until then!

     Bianca Saab, or Bitch-Face Bianca (still laughing at that). I think everyone will agree with me, when I say you are truly one of a kind in this world. Nobody has the same thoughts as you, my dear. You get crazy when everybody needs to be crazy. You do your own thing and that is something nobody can ever take away from you. You are one of the most determined people I know and won't stand up to anybody's shit. that is something I'll always love and admire about you. I know whenever I need a laugh or a good time, I can #Always count on you to carry it out. 

   

 Michelle Cottrell, or Shelly. You are truly one of the greatest people I know. You have so much ambition and you are so confident with everything you do. Even though you pick on me (constantly), I know it's out of love. I'm glad that I've got to know you better this year than before. You are someone I can #Always count on for everything. I have so much fun with you when we hang out or when we went to our usual Mexican dinners with Katie. We're definitely a trifecta of awesomeness. It would be an understatement, to say that someone would be lucky to have you as a friend or as a significant other. Even though the trip down to Cedar Point is what brought us closer, I couldn't be happier that we have. My circle wouldn't be complete without you.

                                                        Katie Sypniewski, or Ginny (Still love that). Along with the trifecta, you help complete the trio that we are. You're one of my favorite people because you don't care what people have to say about you or anyone else. Not to say that you don't care about people, but you're confident with what you think, and that's something I love about you. I don't know if I'd be able to laugh as much as I did this year, if it wasn't for you. You've said some of the most ridiculous things, that I don't think I've ever laughed as hard, as when I heard them. If people don't have you as a friend, then they are truly missing on someone incredible. You are definitely one of the people I'm grateful for having in my inner circle; I don't even know what life was like beforehand. 

     Dani Godin, or Princess Carlos (I literally gave this a second-glance). I have known you for what seems like decades. We have had so many amazing experiences together. You have been there for me at every turn, and you are someone I've always been able to count on. You are truly one of my best friends and a one-of-a-kind person in my life. Life would not be the same if I didn't know you. Period. You are someone I've connected with on a whole different level than most others that I know. To say that you were an amazing person, would not even be fair to you. Your ambition is unlike any other, your will to be an incredible friend to people is on a whole different level in and of itself, and just the individual you are is beautiful. I am and will forever be thankful to have you in my life - anyone would be a fool not to want you by their side. You may pick on me sometimes (...or all the time...) but life wouldn't be normal without it, honestly. I would probably think something is wrong with you. We will #Always be there for each other, and never differently. Thank you for being everything that you have been to me.

     Sonia Da Silva. AHHHH!! SONIA!! I miss you so much. I just happen to have gotten lucky to have met you in Italy when you were travelling. From then on, we connected very quickly, and it was like we've known each other for years. To me, that's a sure sign that we were meant to meet. It's breathe-taking how deep we connected in that short of time. I love it more than anything, though. We stalked Kimye's wedding together, and met some more cool people there; we even got serenaded by the legend of legends - John Legend. I'm so ecstatic I got to visit you in Jersey after our European travels were done. That's what really topped it off for me. You are a wonderful person and probably one of the most free-spirited and happy people in my life. That may be why we get along so well. I can't wait to see you again soon! We can hang out and enjoy life! Be prepared for an adventure when we do! See you soon. 

These are definitely not even close to all of the people that I am very thankful for in my life. These people I couldn't be more happy to have them where they are in my life and in my circle. They are #Always there for me at every turn of my life and bring be never-ending happiness. Life wouldn't be life without them, put simply. These are the most beautiful people, in every way. I will forever love all of them  and there will never be a time when I won't be there for them. All the adventures, memories, experiences, laughs, & the amount of love make me who I am, and it's all because of them. I appreciate every single person in my life, and they make every day one worth living. Thank you for being you.

Gra, Dilseacht, Cairdeas

"Books! And Cleverness! There are more important things - Friendship and Bravery"

"It is our choices, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities"

"We've got both, light and dark inside of us; what matters is the part we choose to act on - that's who we truly are"

"Things we lose have a way of coming back to us in the end, if not always in the way we expect"

"It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be"

"After all this time? #Always"

Never forget these people that surround you, 

for without them,

life is not as you know it.

Live free. Be kind.   

Stay loyal. Smile often.

#Always