Thanksmas

Now Playing - You and Me by Rosie Thomas

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Hey All,

This is gonna be a short and sweet one. Last week I had the pleasure of spending the day with family in Wauwatosa for an early Christmas Extravaganza. The day involved eating til I couldn't fit anymore in my mouth, drinking a few Old Milwaukees and Manahattans, and watching the Packers get spanked by the Kansas City Chiefs (WHAT?!). Anyway, it got me feeling a little bit regretful that I hadn't been very receptive to extended family until I became an adult. The fun I had yesterday made me think of how I used to avoid family functions.

My brothers both live incredibly far away; one in Florida (soon to be South Korea) and one in Tennessee whereas I find myself in the upper half of the Midwest. I never appreciated what good friends I had in them until they were eons away. Nowadays, there are times when I break out in tears in the blink of an eye just thinking about how much I miss them. With this, it gets me thinking about every single person that's watched me grown up and been there for me and I've never been overtly thankful for their commitment to me.

To my extended family: my apologies on not reaching out to you until as of late. I only wish that we could be as close as some of my friends are to their aunts or uncles or cousins. And to my immediate family: you're the best thing in my life. If I could take you up to Milwaukee with me and give you a warm place to stay, I would in a heartbeat. And to my friends (family) in Bloomington: I never have forgotten you if I haven't seen you in a few years. You've all personally shaped my life in one way or another, and for that I can be nothing but thankful. I can only hope that I did the same for you.

Anyway, ALRIGHT! Merry Christmas (late) on a light note! Hope your smiles are as wide as my ass is today after eating almost to the brink of death yesterday. Love you all (even my random Russian and German readers)!

FAMILY!

(minus Ryan. I'll put him on the bottom, looking sassy, of course)

Until next time,

erika