Europe doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving.

Isn't that sad? All these Europeans are being deprived of a day to do nothing but eat. But Thanksgiving is a strictly American holiday and most Europeans aren't even sure what the purpose of Thanksgiving is. So tomorrow, when I would normally be lounging on the couch in my pajamas, watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, I will be sitting in my theatre class, ranting about the horrible plays I've been seeing lately. Later in the day, when I'd usually be taking a walk around my Grandma's neighborhood with the women (the men in my family prefer napping...Grandpa, Chad, Ben, Dad, I'm talking to you), I'll be on a plane to Amsterdam. On Friday, when I'd usually be pulling boxes of Christmas ornaments out of the closet in the game room, I will be exploring Anne Frank's house. It will be a fun weekend. Slightly strange, but fun.

I have a lot to be thankful for. I'll make a list.

First, I'm thankful for my parents. My wonderful parents who allowed me to go on this adventure, gave me money, hid cards in my suitcase, give me advice and encouragement and never stop loving me.

I'm thankful for my brother and sister, who I do miss. We don't always get along, but I love them a lot.

My friends are a wonderful group of people who are diverse, unique and fabulous at all times. I miss them.

I'm thankful for freedom, music, laughter, theatre, food, sleep and a thousand other things too numerous to list here.

But this year, most of all, I am thankful for opportunities. 99% of people in this world are not as lucky as I am. I realize what an amazing opportunity I have been given these few months. I am currently living in one of the most interesting cities on the planet, making new discoveries about myself and others around me, seeing new things and experiencing a different culture. And for that, I am thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.