The Thanksgiving holiday is tomorrow in the United States. It’s a day that is deeply rooted in the history of the U.S., when, as we all know, some of the first settlers from England feasted and gave thanks for a plentiful harvest. Today, Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, and to remember what we’re thankful for. So, here’s what I am thankful for 2016.
For me, 2016 has been a rather tough year. Life in Hawaii isn’t a constant vacation after all. Paradise or not, Hawaii is a tough place to live, especially if you aren’t wealthy. That being said, I’m thankful for the usual things such as health, family, friends, and yes, life in Hawaii.
Hawaii is a very unique place. It is, and has always been my home. Nearly my entire family calls this state home. And despite its misgivings, I love Hawaii. It’s a beautiful, diverse place naturally, culturally, and culinarily. It’s so much more than sun, sand, surf, palm trees, hula dancers, and luaus. But even as a lifelong resident, I’m only beginning to scratch the surface.
In recent years, I’ve not only explored more of my island than I’ve ever have, but also the others. After all, this year was my very first visit to Hana. And thanks to Mr. & Mrs. J, my first visit to Hana also turned into my first drive on the “back road to Hana.” That was an interesting experience for sure. Hell, I’ve never driven over Saddle Road on the Big Island until last year.
But even as I rediscover my own home state and am thankful for being able to do so, I’m also thankful for being able to discover new destinations. My honeymoon in 2013 was the first time I had travelled since 2009. And even that trip was my first since 2004. Since then, though, I’ve been trying to makeup for lost time, sot of.
Financially, I can’t afford to travel much. I’m lucky if I can get out of state once a year. But that’s still far more than even many people I know are able to travel. And really, a big part of why I can travel as much as I do, and the way that I do, is this crazy hobby we call points & miles collecting. And so, even if this hobby is getting more difficult, I’m thankful for it, too.