The Economical Eater: 10 Things I Am Thankful For

'Tis the season to reflect on what we are thankful for and, this year, I am feeling especially grateful. With that being said, I wanted to share just ten of the things I am thankful for this year with all of you. I could go far beyond ten, but I'd rather not bore you all to death.

10 Things I Am Thankful For:

1.) My health. This is probably an obvious one, but without our health, we seriously have nothing. I am grateful to wake up everyday feeling healthy mentally, physically, and emotionally (despite the random, normal illnesses and moods that creep up every year).

2.) My family and friends. This year, my family has officially extended to include Z's family, and I couldn't be happier. I seriously lucked out. His family has been nothing but welcoming and warm since the day I met them. My family also rocks, and it's so fantastic (and fun!) to be an auntie. Z and I are also so lucky to have a group of friends - near and far - who we can always count on and have a great time with.

My youngest niece gorging on a cupcake.

Me, my other niece, and my nephew jumping into a leaf pile.

3.) My job. Remember when I quit the corporate world a year ago? It was horrifying and incredibly exciting at the same time. Today, I am doing nothing but writing, eating, cooking, and marketing for food-centric companies for a living. I will provide a longer update soon, but I am so, so, so thankful to do what I love every single day.

4.) Bagels with cream cheese and tomato. My favorite breakfast treat of all time (Cafe Rustica turned me on to the tomato addition). There's seriously nothing like a crispy bagel slathered with cream cheese and topped with fresh, juicy tomato. I am only not thankful that I don't have one sitting in front of me right now.

5.) Our home. I refer to our house as our "little slice of heaven in Somerville." We put a lot of work into our place, and we truly appreciate it every single day. I'm especially grateful for our home, our security, and our warmth when I think of the many people who have recently lost their homes, like in Washington, Illinois, the Philippines, etc.

Our white picket fence, right after it was finished.

6.) Debt. Sallie Mae and I are not friends (let's just say I owe her a lot of money), but the debt I have was well worth it. This may sound really odd, but every month when I go to pay her, I am grateful for the experiences I had in college, and all of the friends I made. I am still so close with many of my college friends today, and I would have paid double what I did if I had to go back and do it all over again.

7.) Traveling. My job allows me the flexibility to make my own schedule, which makes taking vacation time dangerously easy (thankfully, my bank account makes it not so easy). But having the freedom and finances to travel several times throughout the year - whether it be a short drive from home or a plane ride - is something that I really cherish.

Me and Z on a bike ride in Chianti.

8.) Boston. We've had a rough year here in Boston, but - as expected - we came out on top. It's been amazing to see the city come together in times of tragedy and success (hey, Red Sox!), and I really have a new appreciation for this city. I'm also thankful for all of the heroes - police officers, doctors, civilians, etc. - that helped save so many lives the day of the Boston Marathon bombings. If it weren't for them, a lot of people would have been much worse off then they already were.

9.) Craft beer. This stuff just makes my life better, and I'm so glad Z (a self-proclaimed beer geek) got me into it. I would much rather drink a stronger, delicious stout vs. 10 light beers any day (apparently, I am not in college anymore). Having the financial freedom (and a healthy liver) to try a slew of delicious beers on a regular basis is pretty fantastic.

10.) Z. I know it's cheesy, but I saved the best for last. I mean, it's pretty darn awesome to get to spend every single day with your best friend. I am beyond grateful I found a guy who's not only wonderful himself, but is perfect for me.