Give Thanks 2013.

This year marks the first Thanksgiving since 2001 that I won't be getting behind the wheel of a car and hitting the interstate for several hours or jumping on a plane and navigating the wonderful world of layovers. The destination has always been the same: New Orleans for a warmer climate and the big meal with family. This year, I'm thankful for being local and only facing a 20 minute drive over to 109 for the festivities. I will admit it has felt a bit weird these last two weeks listening to my circle around me talk about their travel plans with such excitement. While I envy their adventures, I am grateful to sleep in my own bed, take time to relax, and not have to stress about packing!

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I'm taking a few minutes to pause and reflect on the things I am most grateful for this year:

• My new life back home in New Orleans. I have always loved this city but this past year has allowed me to fall in love with NOLA all over again. From the festivals and people to the streetcar rides down St. Charles Avenue that never get old, this city is unlike any other and I'm so grateful to call it home.

• Being so close to family. I've cherished Sunday dinners with my parents, the random trips up to Baton Rouge to see my brother and his family, and the amount of time I've gotten with my niece since she was born in March. I'm one lucky parrain!

• My job. I'm not sure anything beats waking up every day with excitement for work. Though I may not love every single day, I'm proud of the work I do and value the impact it has. And I work at a pretty sweet university. No complaints here!

• Friendship. New friendships I've formed since returning to NOLA at the start of 2013 and old friendships that have deepened this past year. While my circle continues to grow, I've made some great memories and am thrilled to have new faces in my NOLA chapter of life.

• A dating relationship that inspires me to be my best self, keeps me grounded, and challenges me to live wholeheartedly. I'm grateful for this relationship every day. And it all began with a Facebook message. So I guess by extension, I'm giving thanks for Facebook? HA!

So that's it for this year. May you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving and I hope you take a moment to Give Thanks this year.

Cheers.