much gratitude

i've been in a sour mood as of late.....well, just moody in general and in my current sickly drug educed state it occurs to me that i have a hell of a lot to be grateful for these days and i just wanted to share that with everyone out there.

i have the most amazing best friend in katie b who is willing to put up with my whining, encourage me when i'm kicking myself in the gut, listen when i need an ear, find a tissue when i need to break down into tears, high five when the run gets tough, beach cruise even when the drunkness prohibits it, and make soup when i feel terrible even though i'm sick enough i can't sit and enjoy it with her. she has endless patience with me and for that i am forever surprised, grateful, and overjoyed. i am blessed to have her in my life and i'm SURE she knows that her friendship and love mean the world to me :0)

i have another amazing best friend in b.gunn who has endless patience and will stay up to the wee hours of the night chatting or watching heroes with me. he is my gps when i get lost, my 411 when i need a number, a willing ear to listen when i just wanna gab, and a great training partner who is willing to hang out with me when i'm having a bad training day. thanks b.gunn!!

i have phenomenal co-workers who keep me sane through this ever stressful work environment. we help each other when we need a laugh, we help each other find a solution when it seems impossible, we pour on the vodka when someone can't taste enough, and we are strong support when someone is down. they are a wonderful place for support and laughter and i am blessed to have found such a crew to become my family!!

i have a truly amazing family who is as diverse as the rainforest!! we are well traveled, we have our bumps and bruises, we have the gnarliest of fights, yet through it all we stand as a family through thick and thin. they may not always seem present though they are there should i actually decide to pick up the phone. i don't know that i tell them often enough how much they mean to me.

i choose to surround myself with the utmost loving, hilarious, steadfast, and most unpredictable crew of friends who constantly keep me on my toes and a smile on my face. and in that crowd there is one that keeps me grounded more than most. he reminds me that a little trouble in my life is a good thing and that there is a world beyond that which i ball my stress and frustrations into. he reminds me that it is a good thing to let go and just relax sometimes. i can completely be me with him and i cannot express my gratitude to him. for the others in the crowd, they are as much my support as i hope i am for them. i know that at times i am not the best at keeping in touch though i am always here for a laugh or a hug :0)

i hope that this post finds all of you well and happy on this day of rememberance and thankfulness. i know that this day can be very touchy for some though i like to think of it as a day to be grateful for those who are here with me now.

with much love,
~danban