thankful and grateful

this post is coming a month earlier than it should, but i figured it never hurts to count the blessings in my life and remind myself just how lucky i really am.

today was one of those really wet, stormy, gross new york days. the rain never stopped since 9am this morning, and only foreshadows a cold and long winter looming in the near future. and despite a tiring work week and another one creeping up just around the corner, i am thankful for having a job that i enjoy doing, a loving and healthy family, good friends that are practically family, and for living in a city that embraces endless possibilities.

tomorrow is the 3 year anniversary of a friend's passing. she pops into my mind every so often, and although we had fallen out of touch since hs, she was one of the few people that i know that just LOVED life. she was always that girl who laughed too loud, but her laughter was so infectious and everyone who knew her would agree with me that you couldn't help but want to be a part of that energy when you are around her. the strange thing is her name randomly showed up on my facebook homepage tonight - facebook had suggested that i should write something on her wall. the years have passed by so quickly that i had forgotten the date that she passed. as i read through her fb wall, memories and emotions from the day when i found out to her funeral all came rushing back to me. the funny thing is, i didn't feel sadness as i scrolled down the page, but rather, felt a desperate need to really live my life to the fullest and hold onto the things and the people that matter.

RIP A.N. you were truly an example of life, love and growth, and we are all very lucky to have known you.