Barefoot in the Kitchen: Giving Thanks

For me, Thanksgiving has become a reminder of the importance to think about all the great aspects of your life. It's easy to let stresses and worries bring you down, whether major obstacles or everyday interferences, but sometimes all that's necessary to uplift you is remembering what's so great about your life. Whether Thanksgiving or a random day of the week, always remember to take a moment to remind yourself about what you have to be thankful for.

And on this Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for:

Grandma Pizzo, who has surrounded me with amazingly strong women, homemakers, and cooks, without whom holidays just wouldn't be as wonderful. And who, even after passing, continues to inspire me with her unoffending honesty and willingness to show sincere emotion rather than hide behind a wall of discomfort.

My husband, the yin to my yang, who makes me want to be a calmer, happier person and allows me to be comfortable as my completely goofy, lunatic self, knowing that he doesn't just love me despite it, he loves me for it.

My best friend, the Thelma to my Louise, who teaches me everything about life that I'm completely clueless about; has taken me on adventures in travel and food; listens to my craziness, shares in it, and just laughs with me about how screwed up we truly are; and who I know will be in it with me to the end, whether we make time to see each other or not.

My brother and cousins, who at times have felt more like siblings, some of the most awesome people I know without whom life growing up would not have been as fun or interesting.

My parents, who have taught me generosity, how to welcome people into my home, how to be strong, and that you always love your kids no matter how much they drive you insane.

My crazy, hyper, loving, lovable daughter who teaches me to always show physical and emotional affection, to not give into fear or weakness, and to openly laugh life in the face.

And Grandma Dorothy, who I didn't get to know very well, but who gave me an awesome clan of six aunts, an uncle, and a dad...

...and who not only passed on her affinity for good shoes, but her apparent knack for creating children with the snap of her fingers. Three days trying...twelve weeks and counting...