I'm Thankful For...

Now that the Thanksgiving holiday weekend has come and gone, I'd like to take a few minutes to put down on paper, or at least that which passes for paper these days, the things I'm thankful for - all snowboarding themed, of course!

Therefore, without further adieu, my 2008 list of What I'm Thankful For:

I'm thankful for snow.

I'm thankful for snowboarding.

I'm thankful for snowmaking, snowmakers, and the ski area managers that sign off on the outrageous amounts of money that go into making snow.

I'm thankful for snow (can't emphasize that one enough!)

I'm thankful that I'm able to work as a part-time ski and snowboard instructor.

I'm thankful for the kids I've taught.

I'm thankful for the kids I'm going to teach.

I'm thankful for parents that see the value in ski and snowboard lessons.

I'm thankful for every current and former student that's ever come up to me, on or off snow, "just to say hi" - That gets me more stoked than anything else in the sport!

I'm thankful I was born in a country and into circumstances that allow me to spend my "free time" (I also have a real job...one of those nine to five things) sharing my love of sliding downhill on snow with kids young and old, kids that rip, kids that come up to me "just to say hi," and kids in general.

I'm thankful I have a girlfriend who shares my love the mountains, of skiing, of snowboarding, and of teaching skiing and snowboarding. Being able to share your love of snow and teaching with the one you love is absolutely invaluable. ;)

After writing this, I think I've realized I'm thankful for a lot of things...and I plan on spending the rest of my life paying back whatever karmic force has allowed me to have so much to be thankful for.

If you're reading this, the odds are pretty good you've got a few things to be thankful for this holiday season, too - don't be shy...toss a comment up and let me know what you're thankful for! Remember - it's always snowing somewhere...which is something we can all be thankful for!