{Thankful Thursday Link-up} #30DaysofThanks

I am not usually an early morning blogger so it’s weird to have to focus on blogging (and quickly so I can get to babysitting!  Okay I did finish this while the babe was napping…) before I’ve even had my peanut butter toast and diet dew.

As promised in yesterday’s WIAW post and on the Semi-Healthy Facebook page, I’m holding a link-up today for all posts having to do with being thankful for my 30 Days of Thanks Challenge.

I’ve been challenging myself to focus on what I’m thankful for and for my personality, it has been just that, a challenge.

But I’m so glad I’ve been sticking with it. 

Here’s what I’ve been focusing my thankfulness on thus far:

Day 1: Nebraska fall weather.

Day 2: The opportunity to pursue higher education.

How often do I complain about school?  A lot.  I need to recognize the fact that not everyone has the opportunity to go to college.  I am very blessed to be able to pursue my dream of helping people achieve their semi-healthy life.
Day 3: My awesome Daddio.

Seriously, how can I describe how awesome this guy is?  He has been kind enough to let me and my messiness live with him for two years rent free.  He also gives me super sweet presents like my favorite apple (Honeycrisp!) and caramel on Halloween.

Day 4: The best and most handsomest boyfriend ever Dave.

Something else I frequently complain about is how often Dave is gone for work.  He basically lives in a hotel 4 hours away during the week and sometimes on weekends so I miss him and begin to resent the fact that he’s gone so much.  But I am SO PROUD of the fact that he is driven and pursuing his career and he does a darned good job of continuing to communicate with me even when he’s gone.

Day 5: My car that gets me places, keeps me warm and entertains me.

I drive an hour to and from school right now, so I am super thankful to have a new (to me) comfortable car to live in drive on those long drives.  It has a CD player that I have been playing Chronicles of Narnia on to keep myself entertained.  I know that not everyone can afford a car and I a so thankful I was able to purchase one.

Day 6: The freedom to vote for our political leaders.

Backwards “I voted today” sticker for the win!

It was a challenge to make myself vote after a long day of babysitting Tuesday.  I love the little sweetie I watch, but often times I go home smelling a little like baby spit-up and just want to crash.  But I got some dinner in me, changed clothes and stood outside about 20 minutes waiting for the chance to exercise my right to vote.  Because not everyone is able to do this and darned if I’m going to pass up this opportunity and regret not voting this year. (This doesn’t mean I’m a fan of politics.  At all.)

Day 7: My strength training class.

I get to participate in a strength training class at school and although I don’t want to get up to go some mornings, I am so thankful that my muscles work and that I can improve my fitness with a friend.

Day 8: For the people I’ve met through blogging and social media (for YOU!).

Original photo credit: Ashley at The Edible Perspective

I had no idea that when I started blogging a couple of years ago that I would actually make friends through it.  I just thought that I had a few healthy living ideas to share and that I would do it by starting up a free blog.  I attended Blend 2012 this summer and it changed the way I think about blogging and reminded me that my readers are people.  Unique, wonderful and talented people that I want to get to know more.  I’m not just blogging to an open void on the interweb!

I am so appreciative of the friends I’ve met thus far through social media and blogging.  (Including you!!)

What about you?  Let me know what you are thankful for here on the blog, Facebook, Twitter, or link up as many thankful posts that you want!

Make sure to link back to my blog before you link-up and I’d love it if you put my 30 Days of Thanks photo on your post as well to spread the word!