So this is it. The last post of the challenge. That is not to say I won't keep posting on here. I actually find writing this a little calming. I wish I had better computer skills though, because I would really like to update my layout... haha.
My last Diane Challenge post. I am happy that I made it through the entire month, however I am disappointed I didn't have the chance to post everyday. Some days I didn't have time and others I was far too exhausted by the time I got home to even think about it. Yesterday I was on campus for over 12 hours without getting to come back to the house at all.
So, at the end of it all, what am I thankful for. My last four things.
1. I am thankful for this house I live in. It's sometimes a lot of stress and work, and everyday I feel like there are more stresses added on with making sure we fill it, and making sure we keep HCB and everyone living in happy, but we wouldn't be this strong of a chapter without our amazing house. I have lived here for two years now and I wouldn't change that for the world. I love living with 50 of my sisters, I mean, my closet is twelve times the size it used to be because I can just pick what I want. The other night four of us laid across mine and Katie's beds and laughed for a good hour. Mostly at KY and her new dating choice, and the fact that our boys couldn't get a bat out of their house. (They have since named it Petrie and given up on finding it.... awesome) But I wouldn't trade nights like that for anything. It's these moments I am going to remember forever.
2. I am thankful for my Greek Week Co-Chair Scott Turk. Yeah, he's kind of a shit-disturber sometimes, but he doesn't mean any harm, and he thinks he's really funny, so it's really alright. Besides that, we works really well together. We balance each other out really well, can get the things we need to get done, done and still have a lot of fun while we do it. There are times where I'll realize I forgot something and he has already done it, or I'll do something for him. We think we're probably too social with the rest of the Greek Community for our own good (maybe it'll come back to bite us.. oh well) but we have a damn good time and I am so thankful that I have him as my Co-Chair. With our pairing I think this will be one of the best Greek Week's yet!
3. I am thankful for the fact that I can give back to charity. Today is World Aids/HIV day. What are you doing to give back? I know I certainly don't have a lot of money to donate to a charity, but I want to give back as much as I possibly can, and on days like today there are so many different opportunities. I appreciate that I am healthy enough and fortunate enough to be able to donate instead of need the donations. If you are interested in giving at all here are a couple of different ways:
Make a pledge at World AIDS Day
Buy at Drink at Starbucks
Donate at World AIDS Campaign
Text BUYLIFE to 90999
And those are just a few of the ways you can give back. If you are fortunate enough to have your health and a little bit extra to give, make sure to give back today! I know I will be.
4. Finally, for my last post, I am thankful for the ability to sit here, and write this. I am thankful that I am free, that I have freedom of speech, and that I live in a country where my rights are not limited. I can grow up to be what I want, I can wear what I choose and be who I want to be. I am thankful that my family raised me to make smart decisions and be responsible so that in these freedoms I did not lose myself, but grew instead. I am thankful for every opportunity I receive, especially those that not many others do. I am thankful for the people who took the time to read these silly, long posts of mine, and to those who also wrote whose thoughts I have been allowed to follow.
So now that the challenge is over, what have I learned?
Never take anything for granted. Ever. I am so lucky, even when I don't realize it.
I miss writing and it's a great stress reliever, and I am happy to continue to do it.
I will be dedicated less time to the world of the internet and more time to the reality of life.
I am surrounded by the best people in the world. If I could have listed every single person I am thankful for, the list would have been hours long.
The ties to people and places are what make you strong, not ties to things.
I'm going to continue to try to find something to be thankful for everyday. Even if it's the same thing multiple times, it's something. I challenge you to continue to do that same.
