now where did i leave off?

Ah yes, at #14. Crap, that's a lot of days of thankfulness to have missed! Oops...but that's typical :)

15. Technology. It allows me to keep in touch with family and friends who are far away, even though I might not always do a good job of doing so.

16. My comfy bed to snuggle into after a long day at work.

17. Little acts of kindness. With everything going on in the world, and the hate that seems so widespread, it's comforting to see people taking a little bit of time to change that.

18. Our troops. While I cannot, and do not, support the wars, there are no words that express the gratitude I have for the women and men in uniform who risk their lives, especially my dear friend Kelsey and my Uncle Bret.

19. This is going to sound really silly, but Employee Health. I've had 2 work-related injuries, and I'm very glad that there are people who are there to take care of me and my clumsiness :)

20. Delivery. Sometimes you just don't feel like cooking!

21. Moments of brevity. Healthcare can be a real downer, with constant exposure to sad situations. Whether it's my coworkers, family, friends, or even the patients, it's always nice to share a laugh.

22. Milwaukee. I'm discovering more of this fabulous city. Seriously underrated!

23. Clean water and living conditions. Do you realize how lucky we are to live in a country where we don't have to worry about water-borne illnesses and the like? Cholera is unheard of in the USA, yet only several hundred miles away in Haiti, it runs rampant.

24. Holiday lights. The sparkle and anticipation of the holiday season makes me giddy!

25. Reese's peanut butter cups. A wonderful confectionery creation!

peace and love,

m

thankful

Being November and thoughts of Thanksgiving are flooding my mind, I thought I would join in the tradition of naming what I am thankful for...get ready, because I have 14 days to make up for!

1. My health. Several members of my family have been going through health scares lately, from a new diagnosis of MS to a seizure related to a tick-borne infection. Additionally, being a health care professional exposes me to countless different health situations. I'm lucky to count well-managed anxiety/depression and a bit of troublesome acne as my major problems, with the occasional migraine headache thrown into the mix.
2. Mr. Tuxedo Cat and all of his neurotic behavior. He keeps me smiling and laughing, whether it's because he's managed to climb inside the smallest box he can find, or because he's being the perfect snuggle buddy. Even when he hacks up the world's largest hairball at 2 am, I love the little monster [really Tux, last night's hairball was impressive].
3. My family. Life boils down to who loves you and who will be there when you fall. My family sums it up.
4. Gainful employment. The last week at work has been one of stress and heartache because of people being laid off. There is not a moment that goes by when I do not thank my lucky stars for having a job that, for the most part, I enjoy. Sure, I get tired, and administration often leaves me scratching my head, but I have a job in this caustic job market and that is something to rejoice about.
5. This certain someone who will remain nameless but nonetheless makes my heart flutter. It makes me feel hopeful, that after 2 years of healing, I'm starting to open my heart again.
6. Coffee!
7. My friends and our ability to pick up like we've never been apart.
8. JOB, who is so much more than my best friend.
9. My cozy apartment. I still need to do decorating, but I love coming home to my own space.
10. Cooper the Prius. He gets me to and from work, saves me money on gas, and lets me do a little something to help the environment.
11. Fresh flowers on the table. Especially now that it's getting chilly, I love the flash of color they create.
12. The smell of cinnamon. I was at Trader Joe's yesterday and the store smelled delicious. It reminds me of the cinnamon ornaments that my Mom has. They have long lost their scent, but my memory of hanging them on the Christmas tree as a child is strong.
13. My coworkers. Yes, there are some who absolutely drive me crazy, but most of them are fun and funny and wonderful to work with. They keep me going when it seems like the day will never end.
14. Russ Feingold. He may have lost his re-election bid to a 2-bit hack from Oshkosh, but without his integrity, progressive values, and drive to help the people of this state, we would be a lot worse off.

To be continued...most likely in segments of a couple of days ;)

peace and love,

m

beautiful bride

My wonderful cousin, Danielle, and my now cousin-in-law Derek, got married this past weekend! She was gorgeous, the day was lovely, and a great time was had by all!

However, I do not anticipate returning to Iowa any time soon :)

peace and love,

m