Top Ten Tuesday: I’m Thankful For . . .

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. This week, I’m talking about things I’m thankful for. I’ve done this topic several times in the past (because Thanksgiving comes every year, and I’ve been blogging for way too long), so I’m going to challenge myself. No repeats! These are all things that have not appeared on my previous thankfulness lists. A few of them seem insignificant, but whatever. They make me happy.

I’m Thankful For . . .

1. Baby Brooklyn! My niece (and relentlessly noisy roommate) was born in February 2019. I love her! She’s small and ridiculous and keeps life interesting. Also, I’ve trained her to clap whenever she sees me, so I’m finally getting the applause I deserve.

Yes, I realize that this is the wrong holiday, but she looks so misleadingly innocent in her Halloween costume.

2. Grace @ Rebel Mommy Book Blog. Some people say that internet friends aren’t real friends, but those people are full of nonsense. You weirdos are for sure my real friends. I love you all. I “met” Grace online in 2015, and her blog quickly became one of my favorites. For years, we chatted several times a week in comments or on Twitter. I know she was a real friend because I don’t think it’s possible to miss a stranger as much as I miss Grace.

3. My job. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve probably seen me whine about my job because I’m an introvert. Working with the public . . . occasionally tests my will to live. But, honestly, working at a State Park is pretty freakin’ cool. Park rangers are the best coworkers ever, and I get to see wildlife every day. Not many people can say they love their coworkers and their workplace.

4. Game of Thrones. I have many thoughts about the final season. Most of the thoughts are not good, but this show gave me life for years. I’m glad Game of Thrones (and the memes about it) exist.

5. Being a bookworm in the US. When it comes to books, I’m super privileged because of where I live. We have libraries, bookstores, massive publishing companies, subscription boxes, book clubs, conferences, good internet access, endless giveaways. There’s no shortage of bookish stuff. I’m grateful to live in a place where I can surround myself with books.

6. My library. This year, I tried to make use of my local library whenever possible. I discovered the Libby app, which I love. Audiobooks got me through boring workdays and bad bouts of insomnia. Of course there are massive waitlists for everything I want to read, but I don’t mind waiting. I’m happy that libraries exist.

7. Chocolate. It’s yummy. Enough said.

8. Living in a place with walking trails. One of the best things that happened on the blog in 2019 is my Reading & Walking posts. It’s fun to wander around the wilderness while listening to a book. At the end of my street, there’s a path that leads to a 40-mile-long walking trail. That 40 mile trail has offshoots that lead to miles, and miles, and miles of other trails. How cool is that? I could probably walk nonstop for months if I was bored and impractical.

I came across this while wandering last summer.

9. Everyone who donates to my Ko-Fi. When I started this blog, I never thought anyone would read it. That’s why I’m shocked every time someone donates to my Ko-Fi. I’m thrilled that people actually enjoy my book blathering, peculiar graphics, and questionable advice. The donations are used to fund giveaways, like this giant giveaway that’s happening right now. (You should totally enter it. That would be good for my self-esteem.)

10. Harry Potter movies. I’ve seen these movies so many times that I can follow the plots without using my full attention. For me, they’re kind of like comforting background noise. Having them on my screen while I go about my day makes me happy.

Pretty sure this is an exact quote from the movie.

What are you thankful for?