Happy Thanksgiving: 5 Things I am Thankful For

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and your families! I wanted to take this opportunity to express the 5 things I am most thankful for (besides my blog, which you all know means more than anything to me).

1) My Parents: Where would I even be without them? I literally don’t think I could have more supportive and loving parents. I am so proud of the way they have raised me and l can only hope to raise my kids half as well. They’ve always believed in me, talked to me like an adult (even when I was 5-years old screaming in the middle of a restaurant) and supported my dreams. Their firm belief in tough love has taught me to be a strong, independent woman who can take on the world wherever I go.

2) My Sister: My best friend, my other half and my go to girl when I need to talk. I don’t know how I’d survive this crazy world without you to help me navigate it. You single handily have gotten me through some of the most difficult times of my life by reminding me that no matter what happens in life or who turns on me, we will always be best friends. You’re the most beautiful, smart and intelligent woman I know (besides Mom obviously) and I couldn’t be more proud to know you.

3) Daniel (my boyfriend): You defy everything I ever thought love was and changed my mentality on what it should be. You embrace my independence, support my dreams and are the level head to my insanity when I need it. I couldn’t be more thankful to have you (and your incredible family) in my life. Thanks for nudging me to move to Chicago. Hands down it was the best decision I’ve ever made (besides going to grad-school since that is where we met).

4) My Friends and extended family: I’m not sure I’d survive without you. Through out my crazy life, I’ve moved around a lot. Despite my crazy ride, a few of my friends have always just been there for me. Although the number of true friends have dwindled over the years, there are a few who have stuck by and have been my rock (no matter how far apart we are). I won’t even try to name names (since if I forget someone I’ll feel terrible), but you know who you are.

I am also so thankful to have such a loving and supportive extended family. While we’re a small bunch, we are always there for each other and I couldn’t be happier to have you in my life.

5) My Career: Most of you probably know, but in addition to my passion for food, I have a day job that I love just as much. I am the Director of Operations for an amazing Chicago based real-estate company, Luxury Living Chicago. With-in a few weeks of moving here, I met Aaron and Amy Galvin and they believed in me enough to create a HUGE position in their company for me. I couldn’t be more thankful to have met them and to be working with two people who are supportive when it comes to achieving my dreams. 

I hope you all have the happiest Thanksgiving. What are you thankful for this year?

Love always,
Erica