Counting my blessings

So December 10th is always a sentimental day in my family, because six years ago our lives changed dramatically. However, one year later, someone told us that instead of being sad, we should count our blessings. So, while I try to be thankful everyday, today I am counting my blessings and sharing some of them on my blog :)

1. It is Christmas time- and Christmas in Glasgow is particularly amazing. The streets are all lit up with brightly colored lights. On my way back to my dorm, there is a man selling Christmas trees, so every day i get to walk by this street corner wafting of sweet pine. I have also began the tradition of watching Christmas movies at night, including Love Actually and The Holiday. Nothing brings in Christmas like Jude Law! Also, in the Holiday, there is a section where James Taylor is singing "have yourself a merry little christmas" and my heart kind of melted when I heard his voice crooning over my laptop speakers. Seriously, it really is the most wonderful time of the year.

2. In the spirit of movie watching, I am truly fortunate that in all of my adventures in life (Gov school, twb, college, glasgow) that I have found people who share my love for Disney music. After spending all day studying in the library on Monday, Claire, Iona and myself come back and had a disney jam session in the kitchen, and I think that Iona and I scared Claire by our uncanny knowledge of disney music. it was definitely a good stress reliever. Following our dinner, we the continued to watch Aladdin and the Little Mermaid :) Life is good.

3. Also with Christmastime comes gingerbread lattes at Starbucks! It seriously is one of my favorite things about the Christmas season. AND i have also found a coffeeshop in Glasgow that has free wifi and gingerbread lattes. And throughout my studies and various stressful or happy or sad or relaxing situations, I have discovered the power of a good cup of tea. it is a habit that I will most definitely bring back to Chapel Hill.

4. Yesterday, for a studybreak, I went to Edinburgh to meet Ginny and Tyson to see We Will Rock You- the musical featuring the music of Queen. Honestly, I did not know much Queen when I went in, but the show was excellent, and when i get home I will promptly purchase Queen music. Robbie and his flatmate also took a study break and had lunch with me, and we ate at the place in the grassmarket called Oink- which was essentially a barbecue place. Ahh it was a taste of home!

5. Speaking of good friends, those definitely count in my blessings. I dont know how I get so lucky sometimes, but I am so fortunate to have great friends wherever I go- whether is it watching Return of the Jedi on Saturday nights, or singing disney music in the kitchen, or traveling halfway across the world to see you, or leaving happy notes on my facebook wall or giving me their ticket to a show. Everyday I am thankful for the people that I have in my life. And no matter the way our stories end, I know you have rewritten mine by being my friend (Wicked)

6. And finally, through the wonders of technology, specifically Skype, I got to watch my little brother open his first college acceptance letter. Yes, as I already announced on facebook this week, Walter got into clemson! No he has not ruled out being a Tar Heel for a Tiger just yet, but that first letter is always exciting. Then I got to watch as walter read it out loud to mom when she got home a few minutes later. I was glad to be able to be a pert of this family moment, even though I am an ocean away.

I hope everyone has a great day! Remember to count your blessings and enjoy the holiday season :)
Until my next adventure,
love always
Rach :)
xx