Lauren Unscripted

Just wanted to share a bit of Thanksgiving cheer today. This is a holiday that boils down to 2 things, food & family. For my family, it is never a huge ordeal. No 30-person gathering or big to-do, but just a chance to sit down and share a good meal. We’ve got our traditional dishes and family favorites, but for the most part just being together is what makes it thanksgiving. 

So I want to take some time to give thanks. Thanks to my family, for always being there, supporting me, and making me smile. Dad, for helping organize my life up to this point, for working so hard, and for your commitment to Cal football. Mom, for all your friendly and motherly advice, for never judging, and for always surprising me with questions like “want to take a belly dancing class?” Greg for being a great little brother who I will be able to count on for life.

Thanks to my friends. For not only bringing constant entertainment, laughs, and memories, but also support, advice, and love in trying times. Especially to Natalie, for loving me always and for keeping things lively in ways I never could! To my (ex) roommates ::tear::, Jen & Audrey, who got me through college with the greatest living situation I could have asked for. The times we shared wherever we lived were always memorable and we’ll always be friends more than roommates. To Caitlin & Claudia, the Lair changed my life and the most lasting thing from that experience is the friendship I gained from you two. I will always look forward to our outings and adventures!

Thanks for the experiences I’ve had thus far in life. Particularly the opportunity to study and travel abroad. It is something that I will take with me through life. It was educational and fun, but also helped to widen my awareness of the world beyond the US, and opened my ability to see things from new perspectives. It has definitely sparked a sense of exploration in everyday life.

And lastly, thanks for those little things that add up to make life so great. Things like the perfect cappuccino, red skittles, pine trees, seeing the stars, sunsets on cloudy days, the high you feel after a good run, gelato in rome, potlucks, scrapbooks, the smell of a campfire, curling up with a good book, warm laundry, a day at the beach, and of course happy hour!

Basically, I have so much to be thankful for. God has blessed me and I am thankful for that every day. Best to you and yours on this day of thanksgiving.