(c)(12)

i'm thankful for the road trip i'm on right now. i'm thankful it was a crazy idea j and i joked about, but ultimately made happen. i'm thankful for the colorful events of nyc pride, the warm embraces of my family in the midwest, including of the introduction of j–an absolute gift in it of itself. i'm thankful for the beauties of the national parks we've been too–and thankful to be excited for the national parks still to come. 

i'm thankful for how the west has been helping j understand his goals in life. i'm thankful to get to experience alongside him these delicate moments; to be so intimate with someone so as to get to watch them grow at critical moments in their lives. to experience such is truly an honor. 

i'm thankful for in-in-out because never have i had a burger that's made me want to get it for lunch and dinner. i'm thankful that j got to try his first in-in-out burger and finally understand why i've lusted after it for so long. 

i'm thankful to be excited for the rest of the vacation ahead, even the exhausting days on the road. because at the end of the day, i'm having one of the most exciting experiences in my entire life. i'm thankful to feel a sense of pleasure in leaning into life, and riding its waves.  

- c (7/3/17).