It’s Never Too Early

November 5, 2012 by Natalie @ Free Range Human 20 Comments

Happy Monday! I hope that extra hour made getting up this morning a little easier. Between that and the fact that John and I were asleep by 8:30 last night, I felt full of energy when the alarm went off this morning! I love this time of year. I am one of those rare people who doesn’t mind the extra darkness. Mostly because it gives me an excuse to go lay in my bed by 7:00 every night 😉 Yes, I am internally 75 years old!

I’m so glad you guys enjoyed the pictures from our hike. I can’t stress enough how beautiful the colors were this weekend. It really made my desire to be out on the trail 98% of the time go through the roof! We’re planning on doing our much anticipated backpacking trip this weekend. There is a small chance for rain so everyone keep your fingers crossed that it doesn’t cancel our plans for the third time! I haven’t been backpacking since I started this blog, and I’m itching to show you what it’s all about.

I’m actually really glad it’s Monday because it’s been two weeks since I’ve participated in Friend Makin’ Monday! I love these informal surveys that allow me to tell you all a little about me and the tidbits I learn about you in the comment section. Please go check out Kenlee’s blog and find a few more new friends today 🙂

Instead of ten questions, the theme of today’s Friend Makin’ Monday is Thankfulness. In honor of the start of Thanksgiving month, I’m going to list ten things that I’m thankful for. Even though Thanksgiving is a few weeks away, I hope this reminds everyone that being thankful is something we should remember to be all year long.

1. There is nothing in this life I’m more thankful for than my husband. Even though I don’t necessary believe in “meant to be” or fate, I do believe that there is not a person on the planet that would make a better match for me. You know I don’t like being overly emotional so let’s just say that this is something I never forget to be thankful for.

2. Of course my family runs a close second on this list. I come from a very close-knit family, and they are, quite simply, the best people I know. One of the reasons why it’s hard for me to make friends is because I’d rather hang out with them than just about anyone. I struggle with living away from them because I truly don’t feel quite right unless they’re around!

3. This is going to sound silly and cliche, but I am so grateful for the beautiful world we live in. The hike this weekend is just one of many opportunities I’ve had to be out in nature, but I’m amazed each time by the joy it evokes in me.

4. On a similar note, I’m thankful for a strong body that allows me to do what I love. I am brutal to it at times, and I often don’t talk about it very nicely but it continues to perform in ways I never thought possible.

5. I am thankful that I worry about the scale being too high even if it is just 3 or 4 pounds. It means that I am safe, taken care of, and have plenty to eat. So many people are not so fortunate.

6. My parents always made travel a priority, and, although I often took it for granted, it’s something I have thanked them for many times since I’ve become an adult. Travel has allowed me to broaden my worldview, and make me the person I am. Never underestimate the power of getting out of your bubble and experiencing the world!

7. On a related note, I’m thankful that John and I have the ability to travel. It’s something we both love, and something we’ve committed to making a priority in our marriage. In the three years we’ve been married, we’ve already had the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C., Vail, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, the Grand Canyon, Memphis, Colorado several times, and Glacier National Park. We’ve already got big plans for 2013 as well!

8. I am thankful that this little face is a part of my life everyday. He makes me laugh about twenty times more a day than I would otherwise!

9. Blogging! This endeavor as been a wonderful creative outlet for me, and it’s beginning to open doors that I wouldn’t have imagined. I can’t wait to see where it takes me, but, mostly, I am thankful for the new friends it has given me. You guys make me smile everyday, and have filled a little something that was missing!

10. I am so thankful that I live in a country where what I think matters. As an American, I have a voice and a vote, and I am ever mindful that it is not a right everyone in the world enjoys.