Thankful Thursday

I feel like Thursday is the perfect day to be thankful; it is nearly the end of the week but has a calmness present right before a busy weekend.

Each Thursday I like to think of three things I am thankful for. So here we go!

1. Friends

After a long weekend back in my hometown of Pittsburgh, I was able to see friends I had not been in touch with for almost two months. Reconnecting was refreshing and bittersweet at the same time. While in Pittsburgh, I finally realized how much I had come to love and appreciate my new friends in Chicago. By the time the weekend was coming to a close, I was ready to get back to my favorite new city with some of my favorite people! Here's a few pics from the time I spent at home and when I returned to Chicago. 

Jessica is my newest friend from Chicago!

Marissa and Megan are close friends from back home!

Anna is a close friend from my high school!

2. Coffee Shops

I am unbelievably thankful for the coffee shops that help me get through midterms! And not just your typical Starbucks; I'm talking about "hole-in-the-wall" places such as Metropolis (a coffee shop right near campus) and A Taste of Heaven (a sit-down pastry shop 3 stops south of my campus). It's places like these that allow me to stay sane when cramming for a test or trying to get caught up in a class. The change of scenery adds a nice touch too!

A Taste of Heaven has "Free Coffee Wednesday" with the purchase of a pastry!

 At Metropolis, my favorite drink is the Chai Tea!

3. Driven Women

Growing up I had a traveling mother, a full-time nanny, and many influential women in my life. Had it not been for my mother working 60+ hour weeks, a nanny putting herself through college, and many other women that took care of me, I would not be as successful or driven as I am today. It is because of all the hardworking moms and women out there that females are paving their ways to bright futures (that's not to take any credit away from the amazing dads and influential men though)! Here's a few women that I am thankful to have in my life. 

 My mother is one of the most passionate and driven women I know. I am who I am because of her. 

 Jill, my nanny growing up, has taught me so much about life, love, and happiness. I am now the proud godmother of her youngest son, Manny.

 My grandmother (although a victim of alzheimer's) is still the most positive woman I know. 

My three moms. Although only one of them is my blood, all three played an extremely important role in raising me and shaping me into the woman I am today.

Dorrie is my spiritual mentor and has aided me in growing closer to my faith through participating in multiple missions trips.