giving thanks

as thanksgiving day is coming to an end i thought it only right that i post what i am thankful for. like many people there are so many things that i am thankful for. my health (even more so now, right?), a roof over my head, a good job, and the most amazing family anyone can ask for.
tonight we had thanksgiving dinner at my house. after the family left i spent some time thinking about how lucky i am to have them and all the things that they have done for me. since i try to keep this diet oriented here are my thanks to them in regards to the diet, but know this is only a small part of what i am thankful for with them.
my dad is so enthusiastic with every milestone that i reach. i can't wait to tell him because i know that he will be just as excited or even more so (i mean who else gets batman to comment on their blogs AND via text?!?!?!). he also provides those words of guidance when i start to struggle. my mom watches my day to day actions with and provides that much needed ear to listen when i have frustrations. she tries not to let me stray from the diet too much but also recognizes that a little "cheating" may be necessary (just maybe not dq). my sister provides that motivation, even from so far away. with our talks of the future, my better health for a longer life, and just the excitement about feeling better about myself... she reminds me of them. when i start to get discouraged she picks me back up and reminds me of why i am doing all of this. she also seems to make the hard times not so hard with her twisted yet positive attitude (cold food today would be a good example, right jen?). finally, while many of my aunts are very supportive and i am thankful for that, ila has been such a hoot through this process. my phone calls to her and her comments on the blog make things so much lighter. her excitement about things like new clothes and recipes (even if the green beans weren't great) makes those joys that much better. she also helps to remind me that it isn't just about losing weight, i am learning to live/eat better as a whole. the benefits thus far are amazing!
there are so many more things i could say about them and others, but i don't want to make this a novel (wait for the book for the rest). i hope that everyone in my life knows how much i appreciate them through this process, without you i think this may have been another failed attempt at a diet. the funny thing is i thought i started out doing this for me, and for the most part i did. however, looking back i see that it is for them too. this diet means that i will be healthier, happier, and around longer to enjoy many more thanksgivings with them! granted that last thing may or may not be a good thing with my dry turkey! :o) next year will be better i promise!
i hope all of you were able to share the holiday with the ones you love and when you go to bed tonight your heart and bellies are both full. i know mine is! *and i even stayed on plan (minus the wine and a bite of creamed corn).