Oh, wow...I'm not even going to get into how long it's been since my last post. It's actually almost shameful! It's not that I haven't had things to post about, because I definitely have, I guess I just don't always make my blog the top priority...my bad!
Anyways, the reason for this post is because of a wonderful holiday I like to call(as does the rest of Canada) Thanksgiving! Yes, this is a humble post about a holiday that's a gateway to all things fall! What started out as a simple instagram post turned a tad too long, and resulted in this post. Besides, not everyone has such a medium to express their gratitude towards all things good in their life...may as well take advantage! So, as I watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving I will explain to everyone why I'm one lucky little lady!
(Please keep in mind, none of this is in any particular order.)
#1:
My Bad Cooking Skills
I know this is a rather unusual thing to be thankful for but honestly, I'm proud of every last burnt grilled cheese I've made, all the soggy macaroni I've over boiled, and the pancakes I've misflipped. My inability to cook will always remind me to laugh at myself and not take myself too seriously. I mean, it's a pancake...worst case scenario I can whip up a pretty tasty bowl of cheerios! Plus, when I do get that recipe just right, it's one the greatest feeling...even if it is just a dangerously delicious deviled egg!
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| Have you ever seen someone actually turn spaghetti brown? No? Well...now you have! |
#2:
Bacon
I feel like anyone who doesn't fall on the side of a vegetarian understands why this has made this list. I know all my family and friends aren't shocked to see this on my list at least. To say I've had a slight bacon obsession for many years would be an understatement! I'm sorry, but that crispy, salty goodness just can't be beat!
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| I'm sporting an ugly cry because I'm so happy I've been given a bouquet of bacon roses...future men of my life, take note! |
#3:
My Photography
The main reason I started this blog! I honestly don't remember what I
did without my camera. It's been an amazing creative outlet for me. My
camera makes me so incredibly happy! I honestly don't need to make
another penny on a photo shoot, I just need a smiling face in front of
my lens! (But I'm not giving out free shoots...ha!)
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| Pearls and Polka Dots all the way! |
#4:
My Passport
I guess this can sound like a stupid thing to be thankful for but truly, I am so blessed to have been given the means and opportunity to travel. Not everyone has the chance to explore different parts of the world and witness first hand the cultures and way of life in other countries and continents. I'm not necessarily talking about flying down to Cabo and spending a week getting drunk on tequila(even though this isn't a terrible vacation...)
, I'm talking about actually walking in the same shoes as the locals. From my first trip abroad (many, many years ago) my eyes were completely opened to how different life can be outside of the tiny bubble I grew up in.
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| In Cyprus |
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| In Dubai |
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| In Qatar |
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| In Cyprus |
#5:
My Friends
These are the people who have seen me at my best, my worst and my downright crazy girl moments! I'm so incredibly thankful for each and every one of them supporting me on the path I'm on right now. Fairy tales talk about everyone's 'one, true soul mate'...please, I've got 12 soul mates in my life...beat that Cinderella!
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| What? We like dressing like crazy golfers when we go out! |
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| My one and only Ginger! The Will to my Grace! <3 |
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| The 'miley"...more like the 'hoover'! We rocked this look long before there were grinding teddy bears! |
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| My Toronto bestie...this transition would have be near impossible without this lady! |
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| Alaina, my bestie from college! One of the only ladies I can literally shop until I drop with! |
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| These two ladies are so crazy they make me feel a little sane sometimes! My Le Chateau ladies...(soon to be my Toronto ladies...right Renee? Ha!) |
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| Deah: I'm thankful she introduced me to tripe! Yummy! |
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| I may not talk to these two as often as I'd like to but it's like a day hasn't passed when I do see them! Miss you!! |
I apologize if someone is missing from pictures...y'all know I love you!
#6:
My Puppies
Who
else can melt your heart with a slobbery kiss? Who can remind you how
out of shape you are with a little jog around the block, or cuddle you when
you're having a bad day and suddenly turn it all around. Is there really
anything better then knowing no matter what there is always someone
waiting for you at home that will love you unconditionally (no matter
how naughty you may have been...).
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| Pepper...my princess back in Edmonton! |
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| My little buddy Norman! |
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| Keiko, my brother's shiba back in Edmonton..hands down the smartest dog I know(sorry Pepper and Norman)! |
#7:
My Roomies
Even though these two people technically fall under #9, I think they are owed a special thank you! As most know, I moved to Toronto a couple months ago. What started as a plan to live with my sister and her husband for a month or two turned into a bit longer. Things definitely have not gone as perfectly as I had envisioned with this move and some days can be frustrating, but I've had the most understanding and patient couple to live with. While some might have kicked me out for rent being a week late, or for not always cleaning my dishes, they have been extremely helpful in doing what they can to help me out.
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| Britty and I...with Tyler creepin' in the background! |
#8:
My Niece & Nephew
I'm being slight bias here, but these two rock! I know everyone says
this about the little ones in their family, but trust me when I say that
this is the truth! I do not have any children of my own yet but if this
is the kind of love one has for their own children then I can't wait to
have a few little Courtneys running around! I honestly didn't realize
it was possible to have a little kid as a legit friend. My niece has so
much charisma, charm and personality, I often wonder how why I'm so
lucky to get to call her family. She makes me laugh with her wonder and
amusement with the world. Her creativity and imagination makes me
jealous of her carefree life. I love our facetime dates when I can hear
all about anything and everything that's currently running through that
little mind of hers. I'm pretty sure I can talk to her longer then some
of my friends...but that might be because half our 'talk time' ends up
being "watch me play with my barbies!'
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| Precious <3 |
#9:
My Family
I don't even know where to begin! I can't say enough about how amazing
my whole family is. The sacrifices they have made to benefit my life,
well I don't think I could ever express my full gratitude. Everyone has
gone well out of their way to make sure I could get the career I always
wanted, and make sure those dreams I had as a little girl would become a
reality. Not to mention all the laughs we've shared over the years, or
all the daily phone calls with my mom, or all the amazing adventures
I've been on across the globe with everyone. It isn't always said enough
but I honestly don't know what I would do without my family. And now with my move out east I've collected a new family as well! My sister's in laws have been so warm and inviting to me since I got here and I feel like I've now got an Ontario family as well! With invites to big family dinners, to helping me with my golf game, I appreciate each and everyone of them and all their generosity!
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| The Fam Jam |
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| Britty and I |
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| The bro and I |
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| Mom and I |
#10:
My Awkwardness
This one probably sounds a big self centered but I think it took 25 years for me to be finally be happy with how 'un normal' I am. I may say the wrong thing at the wrong time, pose for too many selfies(in public), laugh until I cry, or just flat out pull out the ugly cry. However, that's what makes me different and that's what makes Courtney...Courtney! I think most people spend their teen years running from what makes them different, and then spend their early twenties searching for what they were running from. I wish I knew in high school what I know now. I wish I hadn't spent so many years being ashamed of what made me different.
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| I`m the kind of lady who rocks the worm during a wedding reception dance off in an itty bitty dress...ok so it was more like a flopping fish...but my dance skills are pretty epic! :) |
Wishing everyone a very happy thanksgiving filled with plenty of turkey! I hope everyone takes a little time to reflect on the great in their life!
xoxo
Courtney
