Thursday
1. Sleeping in. Those extra couple of minutes, or half an hour, really make my whole day better.
2. A really hot shower on a really cold day. I really appreciate modern technology that helps keep us warm when it is so cold.
3. The generosity of the faculty at UAA. I am thankful for a professor that is willing to look over my letter of intent when she is already very busy with her own life. I appreciate kindness.
4. I am glad that I am able to communicate verbally. I mean, I could lack the ability to speak or vocalize my wants, needs, etc.
5. Making it home safely in the dark on the highway. Arriving safely at home is such a relief. I also greatly appreciate the heater in my car.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Day 15
Wednesday's blog is a little late.
1. Morning movie time. Not only do I get to listen to a silly movie, I can actually get some work done.
2. Coffee. I know I don't put this everyday, but I am grateful that I can afford my 20oz americano with cream and sugar every morning. Also, that I get to enjoy a delicious warm drink in the morning.
3. My mom's house. Filled with toys and a jumpy thing for Tiny. I am thankful that my parents gave us a key to their house so we can go over there anytime. So, I am thankful for a reprieve from the loft and my parents' generosity.
4. Making it to and from Anchorage safely, both directions last night.
5. Going to bed a little earlier than usual. We were in bed by 11:30 (usually we don't start heading that way until after midnight). I was in bed by 11:00 to feed Tiny and just did not get back up. Naturally, Ben and I had to have our 15-20 "before bed" conversation. This is a lot of little things: going to bed early, good conversation, actually having enough things to do individually that Ben and I actually have something to talk about.
More to come tonight :)
1. Morning movie time. Not only do I get to listen to a silly movie, I can actually get some work done.
2. Coffee. I know I don't put this everyday, but I am grateful that I can afford my 20oz americano with cream and sugar every morning. Also, that I get to enjoy a delicious warm drink in the morning.
3. My mom's house. Filled with toys and a jumpy thing for Tiny. I am thankful that my parents gave us a key to their house so we can go over there anytime. So, I am thankful for a reprieve from the loft and my parents' generosity.
4. Making it to and from Anchorage safely, both directions last night.
5. Going to bed a little earlier than usual. We were in bed by 11:30 (usually we don't start heading that way until after midnight). I was in bed by 11:00 to feed Tiny and just did not get back up. Naturally, Ben and I had to have our 15-20 "before bed" conversation. This is a lot of little things: going to bed early, good conversation, actually having enough things to do individually that Ben and I actually have something to talk about.
More to come tonight :)
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Day 14
Tuesday. My "busy" day. Ok, not really. I have a class in the morning (Positive Psychology, the reason I'm doing this gratitude journal), and then another directly thereafter.
1. This morning, when I got to UAA, I spied a car pulling out at the same time another car from the other direction spied it. He let me have it. That was nice. I appreciate little nice acts.
2. I'm thankful for the letter of recommendation I received this afternoon. I am grateful that this professor not only took time to write the letter for me, but also kindly delivered a signed copy to me personally. I appreciate his kindness.
3. I'm grateful for all the different personalities in my classes. I am thankful that I have to opportunity to meet new people and learn cool things all at one time.
4. I am glad that I am able to hang out with my grandma regularly. Such an awesome woman and not everyone gets the opportunity to know their grandparents. I not only get to know mine, I get to talk to her regularly. I appreciate her even more now that I am an adult.
5. I am grateful that I am able to nurse my babies. I mean, I'm glad that I was able to give that to my kids. I know a lot of people have a difficult time with this. I did not. I'm grateful that my little guys are good eaters. Plus, it's free and easy.
1. This morning, when I got to UAA, I spied a car pulling out at the same time another car from the other direction spied it. He let me have it. That was nice. I appreciate little nice acts.
2. I'm thankful for the letter of recommendation I received this afternoon. I am grateful that this professor not only took time to write the letter for me, but also kindly delivered a signed copy to me personally. I appreciate his kindness.
3. I'm grateful for all the different personalities in my classes. I am thankful that I have to opportunity to meet new people and learn cool things all at one time.
4. I am glad that I am able to hang out with my grandma regularly. Such an awesome woman and not everyone gets the opportunity to know their grandparents. I not only get to know mine, I get to talk to her regularly. I appreciate her even more now that I am an adult.
5. I am grateful that I am able to nurse my babies. I mean, I'm glad that I was able to give that to my kids. I know a lot of people have a difficult time with this. I did not. I'm grateful that my little guys are good eaters. Plus, it's free and easy.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Day 13
Monday.
1. I am thankful I do not have class on Monday. One extra day to finish all that homework I didn't finish over the weekend.
2. Parent-tot gymnastics. It is amazing how much Gavin remembers from each session.
3. Mid-afternoon "rest". That is the code word for nap. Lucky for me, he falls asleep faster if I lay down and close my eyes. I lead an agonizing life.
4. NPR. That's National Public Radio for those of you who are not familiar. Great station 91.1. It makes the drive to and from Anchorage so much better.
5. Chatting for an hour with a friend instead of working on my letter of intent. Humans are social creatures.
1. I am thankful I do not have class on Monday. One extra day to finish all that homework I didn't finish over the weekend.
2. Parent-tot gymnastics. It is amazing how much Gavin remembers from each session.
3. Mid-afternoon "rest". That is the code word for nap. Lucky for me, he falls asleep faster if I lay down and close my eyes. I lead an agonizing life.
4. NPR. That's National Public Radio for those of you who are not familiar. Great station 91.1. It makes the drive to and from Anchorage so much better.
5. Chatting for an hour with a friend instead of working on my letter of intent. Humans are social creatures.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Day 12
Sunday edition.
1. I am thankful for modern technology. Like this computer that I use to check my email, read the news, check the weather, write papers and, of course, write this blog.
2. I am grateful for soccer. I think I mentioned that before. I'm glad that I still play and enjoy playing. I especially enjoy coed soccer.
3. I am thankful for family get-togethers. Always fun.
4. I am grateful for my mom's editing skills. I'm working on my letter of intent and it is a disaster. My mom kindly, annihilated my rough rough draft. That is a good thing. The last thing I want is someone to read it and say "yeh, looks good," especially when it is a rough rough draft. I especially don't want to turn in a piece of writing that is terrible. So, I'm grateful for available and willing skillful editors, like my mom.
5. The glass of "wine" I just had was pretty good. I say "wine" because it is wild vines and by no stretch of the imagination is it actually wine, more like kool-aid with a little alcohol added. It is delicious.
1. I am thankful for modern technology. Like this computer that I use to check my email, read the news, check the weather, write papers and, of course, write this blog.
2. I am grateful for soccer. I think I mentioned that before. I'm glad that I still play and enjoy playing. I especially enjoy coed soccer.
3. I am thankful for family get-togethers. Always fun.
4. I am grateful for my mom's editing skills. I'm working on my letter of intent and it is a disaster. My mom kindly, annihilated my rough rough draft. That is a good thing. The last thing I want is someone to read it and say "yeh, looks good," especially when it is a rough rough draft. I especially don't want to turn in a piece of writing that is terrible. So, I'm grateful for available and willing skillful editors, like my mom.
5. The glass of "wine" I just had was pretty good. I say "wine" because it is wild vines and by no stretch of the imagination is it actually wine, more like kool-aid with a little alcohol added. It is delicious.
Day 11
So, we went out to eat last night and I was not feeling well last night. I'm not sure if it was the plum wine or the little bit of shrimp (which I have not eaten since I got sick when I was pregnant with Gavin 3 years ago), or a combination of the two. Anyway, that is my excuse for not writing last night. I am writing yesterday's this morning and will do today's tonight.
1. I am thankful for access to a washer and dryer. I am so glad I don't have to gather all my clothes every weekend and go to a laundry mat.
2. I am thankful that my husband has an immense need to recycle, even if it means putting off the actual sorting and taking to the recycle center for weeks at a time. The massive pile that we were accumulating in our loft and in the garage is now sorted and piled in the back of the car (only because the recycle center in the valley closed this Sat. due to the wind).
3. I am thankful for learning while doing something fun. Gavin got to go see his friend Jessi and they got to have a math lesson, a science lesson, and a cooperation lesson while making muffins. Pretty cool.
4. My parents willingness to babysit on a last minute notice, pretty much anytime.
5. Going out to eat with just Ben. It's kind of nice to do grown up things without a toddler and an infant.
1. I am thankful for access to a washer and dryer. I am so glad I don't have to gather all my clothes every weekend and go to a laundry mat.
2. I am thankful that my husband has an immense need to recycle, even if it means putting off the actual sorting and taking to the recycle center for weeks at a time. The massive pile that we were accumulating in our loft and in the garage is now sorted and piled in the back of the car (only because the recycle center in the valley closed this Sat. due to the wind).
3. I am thankful for learning while doing something fun. Gavin got to go see his friend Jessi and they got to have a math lesson, a science lesson, and a cooperation lesson while making muffins. Pretty cool.
4. My parents willingness to babysit on a last minute notice, pretty much anytime.
5. Going out to eat with just Ben. It's kind of nice to do grown up things without a toddler and an infant.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Day 10
Oh, it was a fun day today for sure. Turf for Tots and Bouncin' Bears and B and Bauka's house. We even went out to my mom's school and met her there before she left.
1. This morning I asked Gavin what he wanted to do today and he said "go a play-place" which translates to "let's go to Turf for Tots". Since he mentioned it I decided we could go. I was initially just planning on going to Bouncin' Bears around 1pm. So, I appreciate that Gavin enjoys Turf for Tots enough to remember it and request going there.
2. I finally got a chance to chat with my friend, Laura, for a few minutes. Seeing as she just had a baby, she's been kind of busy this last week. We've been playing phone tag all week.
3. Bouncin' Bears was lots of fun. There were only a couple other kids there and a whole new thing with a little toddler size slide. It was fun to watch him trying to socialize. A lot of the time he doesn't bother trying to socialize with the other kids (just the moms and dads), so I am thankful for his initiative.
4. Good conversation (this one is reoccurring, I know, but I am very grateful for it). Tonight with my mom, although only for a few minutes before Gavin needed to show us what he was cooking.
5. The relationship that Ben and I have. For some reason we have been grating on each others' nerves all day. Then on the ride home from my parents we pinpointed the reason for our shortness with one another-- the beginning of the new semester and the pressure we have created for ourselves. Namely, the need for both of us to get all A's. Petty, I know.
Anyway, once we found the culprit, we are suddenly no longer short with one another. No grudges, no petty jabs, no silly "when you say those things it makes me feel...." statements, etc.
So, I am grateful for ability to speak frankly and candidly with my husband without having to worry about hurting his feelings or making him mad at me.
Also, I am thankful for a day filled with fun with my kids. No school. No commuting. No deadlines. Just fun.
1. This morning I asked Gavin what he wanted to do today and he said "go a play-place" which translates to "let's go to Turf for Tots". Since he mentioned it I decided we could go. I was initially just planning on going to Bouncin' Bears around 1pm. So, I appreciate that Gavin enjoys Turf for Tots enough to remember it and request going there.
2. I finally got a chance to chat with my friend, Laura, for a few minutes. Seeing as she just had a baby, she's been kind of busy this last week. We've been playing phone tag all week.
3. Bouncin' Bears was lots of fun. There were only a couple other kids there and a whole new thing with a little toddler size slide. It was fun to watch him trying to socialize. A lot of the time he doesn't bother trying to socialize with the other kids (just the moms and dads), so I am thankful for his initiative.
4. Good conversation (this one is reoccurring, I know, but I am very grateful for it). Tonight with my mom, although only for a few minutes before Gavin needed to show us what he was cooking.
5. The relationship that Ben and I have. For some reason we have been grating on each others' nerves all day. Then on the ride home from my parents we pinpointed the reason for our shortness with one another-- the beginning of the new semester and the pressure we have created for ourselves. Namely, the need for both of us to get all A's. Petty, I know.
Anyway, once we found the culprit, we are suddenly no longer short with one another. No grudges, no petty jabs, no silly "when you say those things it makes me feel...." statements, etc.
So, I am grateful for ability to speak frankly and candidly with my husband without having to worry about hurting his feelings or making him mad at me.
Also, I am thankful for a day filled with fun with my kids. No school. No commuting. No deadlines. Just fun.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Day 9
1. Lounging in bed for an extra 30 minutes or so, until Gavin could no long wait quietly and patiently for me to get up.
2. Kiernan's happy little face. He's been extra specially smiley lately and quite vocal with his "happy" sounds.
3. Good conversation.
4. Good "tips" from fellow students.
5. Happy faces when I came home tonight. Kiernan did his "oh my food machine is here, finally!" laugh, and Gavin greeted me from his bed with a happy "Hi-lo mommy, oh, hi-lo". He does both the greeting and my response for me. He knows "hi" and "hello" and has apparently decided the merge the two. I don't blame him, it makes more sense his way, eh?
Tomorrow is Friday Fun-Day (aka: Turf for Tots and/or Bouncin' Bears and/or open gym at a gymnastics place and in the late afternoon/evening hanging out with B and Bauka (my parents).
Hasta Manana.
2. Kiernan's happy little face. He's been extra specially smiley lately and quite vocal with his "happy" sounds.
3. Good conversation.
4. Good "tips" from fellow students.
5. Happy faces when I came home tonight. Kiernan did his "oh my food machine is here, finally!" laugh, and Gavin greeted me from his bed with a happy "Hi-lo mommy, oh, hi-lo". He does both the greeting and my response for me. He knows "hi" and "hello" and has apparently decided the merge the two. I don't blame him, it makes more sense his way, eh?
Tomorrow is Friday Fun-Day (aka: Turf for Tots and/or Bouncin' Bears and/or open gym at a gymnastics place and in the late afternoon/evening hanging out with B and Bauka (my parents).
Hasta Manana.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Day 8
We are officially into week 2 of the gratitude journal. How exciting is that? Ok, I know, not that exciting.
1. Turf for Tots. The soccer complex opens its doors every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (10am-1pm) to toddlers for a mere $5 a kid. And, it's filled with all kinds of cool toys. Mostly, it is an opportunity for Gavin to socialize and also an opportunity for me to socialize. And that makes everyone happier.
2. Lunch time with toddlers. Gavin and his friends got to eat lunch together after Turf for Tots time. They did a very good job at sharing their food and saying "please" and "thank you". I am glad that Gavin already has friends that he enjoys spending time with, even if they do happen to be my good friend's kids.
3. Rest. Although Gavin did not take a nap today, he did lay down and "rest" for about an hour. Kiernan played quietly. It was peaceful. I am grateful for an hour of peacefulness.
4. Making it safely into and out of Anchorage after our January thaw and a fresh snow on top of the layer of ice.
5. Driving to Anchorage for a class that is worthwhile. I am grateful for that.
1. Turf for Tots. The soccer complex opens its doors every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (10am-1pm) to toddlers for a mere $5 a kid. And, it's filled with all kinds of cool toys. Mostly, it is an opportunity for Gavin to socialize and also an opportunity for me to socialize. And that makes everyone happier.
2. Lunch time with toddlers. Gavin and his friends got to eat lunch together after Turf for Tots time. They did a very good job at sharing their food and saying "please" and "thank you". I am glad that Gavin already has friends that he enjoys spending time with, even if they do happen to be my good friend's kids.
3. Rest. Although Gavin did not take a nap today, he did lay down and "rest" for about an hour. Kiernan played quietly. It was peaceful. I am grateful for an hour of peacefulness.
4. Making it safely into and out of Anchorage after our January thaw and a fresh snow on top of the layer of ice.
5. Driving to Anchorage for a class that is worthwhile. I am grateful for that.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Day 7
1. Study time without children. I can get so much done.
2. I actually remembered how to use excel to make a figure. So, I'm thankful for my memory.
3. Knowing some people on campus so that I can stop to chit-chat.
4. Having dinner made for me.
5. Fun movies like Flushed Away. Especially when I get to dance to the silly songs with Gavin.
That's all for today because I only have one hand type with (Tiny is patiently waiting to go to bed in the other hand).
2. I actually remembered how to use excel to make a figure. So, I'm thankful for my memory.
3. Knowing some people on campus so that I can stop to chit-chat.
4. Having dinner made for me.
5. Fun movies like Flushed Away. Especially when I get to dance to the silly songs with Gavin.
That's all for today because I only have one hand type with (Tiny is patiently waiting to go to bed in the other hand).
Monday, January 21, 2008
Day 6
1. Parent-tot gymnastics. So much fun! I am glad that I get to witness all the little toddler personalities in the class.
2. Gavin recently realized he could get Kiernan to laugh by saying "boo brother!" I am grateful for those two little guys.
3. Good conversation, namely with Ben and my mom today.
4. A quiet afternoon while both boys were sleeping and I actually got some reading done!
5. I am glad that Ben and I don't place too much value on "stuff". Someone broke into our car (ok, it was unlocked, but it was in the driveway at my parents' house) and took Ben's case of beer and all his CDs. They weren't interested in the $150 carseat or my Helly Hanson jacket or our checkbooks. So, we're thinking some kids (my dad had a bunch of stuff stolen from his boat in the same yard, so they suspect it is a local thief) are the culprits. I'm glad they didn't take the carseats and I'm glad that the thief didn't break any windows or anything like that. It is just stuff. Apparently they needed that beer more than Ben (he just went and bought some more) and hopefully they enjoy Ben's terrible selection of CDs. No more Mastadon for a little while at least, I am thankful for that.
I am also thankful for my ever vigilant husband who reminded me just before I got into bed that I did not fulfill my duties of gratitude journaling. Seeing as Kiernan would like to help me type, I am going to sign off now. Hasta manana.
2. Gavin recently realized he could get Kiernan to laugh by saying "boo brother!" I am grateful for those two little guys.
3. Good conversation, namely with Ben and my mom today.
4. A quiet afternoon while both boys were sleeping and I actually got some reading done!
5. I am glad that Ben and I don't place too much value on "stuff". Someone broke into our car (ok, it was unlocked, but it was in the driveway at my parents' house) and took Ben's case of beer and all his CDs. They weren't interested in the $150 carseat or my Helly Hanson jacket or our checkbooks. So, we're thinking some kids (my dad had a bunch of stuff stolen from his boat in the same yard, so they suspect it is a local thief) are the culprits. I'm glad they didn't take the carseats and I'm glad that the thief didn't break any windows or anything like that. It is just stuff. Apparently they needed that beer more than Ben (he just went and bought some more) and hopefully they enjoy Ben's terrible selection of CDs. No more Mastadon for a little while at least, I am thankful for that.
I am also thankful for my ever vigilant husband who reminded me just before I got into bed that I did not fulfill my duties of gratitude journaling. Seeing as Kiernan would like to help me type, I am going to sign off now. Hasta manana.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Day 5
Things I am grateful for:
1. I am thankful for having my parents up early to entertain my kids while I try to sleep in a little bit.
2. I am thankful for having something to do on Sunday. Namely soccer. I like playing and visiting with old friends and meeting new people. And, an added bonus, I get a good work out.
3. 20 oz americano with cream and sugar. Mmmmm.
4. A nice hot bath. With smelly good stuff in it.
5. Silly movies on a Sunday night with family.
1. I am thankful for having my parents up early to entertain my kids while I try to sleep in a little bit.
2. I am thankful for having something to do on Sunday. Namely soccer. I like playing and visiting with old friends and meeting new people. And, an added bonus, I get a good work out.
3. 20 oz americano with cream and sugar. Mmmmm.
4. A nice hot bath. With smelly good stuff in it.
5. Silly movies on a Sunday night with family.
Day 4
Today was Saturday. It was fun. We went to IHOP for brunch (although Gavin had already eaten) then ran some errands. Then I got to go see my friend's new tiny baby girl... born earlier today (7:12 am, 19 Jan, 6lbs 2 oz...so, tiny!) Then I went to a girl's night at my cousin's house with my friend, Hailee. Then, on a whim, afterwards, Hailee and I decided to head out to some bars. That was pretty fun. As previously mentioned, I am fairly inhibited when it comes to social situations, so it is fun to go out with someone who is has more social finesse than I do.
Ok, on to the positive things:
1. I am thankful for the exersaucer we bought for Kiernan because he loves that thing. I think, mostly because he can swirl around and see his brother. I'm also thankful that Gavin enjoys (or seems to) playing with his brother. Hopefully, that feeling will just continue to grow as Kiernan gets more mobile.
2. I am grateful for food that I do not have to cook, that is, IHOP. Also, for the friendly service we generally get when we go there.
3. I am grateful for girl's nights. Like tonight, just a bunch of girls getting together and hanging out (for a "party" hosted by my cousin). We stayed a little later than anticipated because four of us women began talking about what the births of our children were like.
4. I am grateful for my cousin, Demetria, who is always full of energy and charisma. She was always a lot of fun when we were kids and she still has that shining personality today. The type of person you would turn to for thoughts on an important issue and someone who can also relax and have a good time.
5. I'm grateful for my friend Hailee who is always up for a "good time" whether that means going to a girls night out or just getting together to hang out or having an impromptu playdate. I'm glad that I have had a chance to get to know her better and she has made my move back to Alaska much less lonely than it could have been.
Alright, that's it for today.
Ok, on to the positive things:
1. I am thankful for the exersaucer we bought for Kiernan because he loves that thing. I think, mostly because he can swirl around and see his brother. I'm also thankful that Gavin enjoys (or seems to) playing with his brother. Hopefully, that feeling will just continue to grow as Kiernan gets more mobile.
2. I am grateful for food that I do not have to cook, that is, IHOP. Also, for the friendly service we generally get when we go there.
3. I am grateful for girl's nights. Like tonight, just a bunch of girls getting together and hanging out (for a "party" hosted by my cousin). We stayed a little later than anticipated because four of us women began talking about what the births of our children were like.
4. I am grateful for my cousin, Demetria, who is always full of energy and charisma. She was always a lot of fun when we were kids and she still has that shining personality today. The type of person you would turn to for thoughts on an important issue and someone who can also relax and have a good time.
5. I'm grateful for my friend Hailee who is always up for a "good time" whether that means going to a girls night out or just getting together to hang out or having an impromptu playdate. I'm glad that I have had a chance to get to know her better and she has made my move back to Alaska much less lonely than it could have been.
Alright, that's it for today.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Day 3
Today is Friday. I am grateful for Fridays. I mean, who isn't? Ok, here's my list of things for today:
1. Having a friendly toddler. He makes a point to say "hi" or "hello" or "hi-lo" to almost everyone who walks by or makes eye contact. If I were less socially inhibited I might consider saying hello to more strangers. That might be a leap for me though. I am glad that he has a bubbly, ebullient (you can thank the GRE study guide for that word) and happy kid.
2. Driving to Anchorage with Ben. There are several reasons for this, like the drive is WAY better with company, I don't have to drive (just criticize his driving, which is much easier), and we got to catch up on all the things that have been going on this week. I'm glad that I have a husband that I can talk to continually. All the time.
3. A person I used to work with sent me a copy of the letter of recommendation he wrote for me. I am grateful that he took time out of his life to write me a letter of recommendation, and an awesome letter of recommendation no less. So, I am grateful for kind and considerate people, especially this particular kind and considerate person.
4. My parents. Obviously. But, I appreciate that we can show up at their house every Friday afternoon and they always bring home pizza and stay up past their bedtime just to chat with us and play with Gavin and Kiernan. I am grateful for the reprieve from having to entertain/hold the little guys. Not that I don't like to entertain and hold them, but sometimes a little break is nice. Another thing I am thankful for is having people around (namely, my parents) who care about my kids a lot.
5. I am thankful to have been able to talk to my friend after she was admitting to the hospital (I'm hoping she is having her baby SOON). I am glad that she thought about me during this special time in her life and I am grateful that she is willing to share some of her joy and happiness with me.
6. Just one extra today. I am grateful for my friend Julia. Since her and her husband will not be able to come up to visit us in Alaska this summer, she has offered to give me money for a plane ticket to get to the states. Now, you don't find friends like that everyday! So, I am thankful for good friends.
Well, there you go. Until tomorrow.
1. Having a friendly toddler. He makes a point to say "hi" or "hello" or "hi-lo" to almost everyone who walks by or makes eye contact. If I were less socially inhibited I might consider saying hello to more strangers. That might be a leap for me though. I am glad that he has a bubbly, ebullient (you can thank the GRE study guide for that word) and happy kid.
2. Driving to Anchorage with Ben. There are several reasons for this, like the drive is WAY better with company, I don't have to drive (just criticize his driving, which is much easier), and we got to catch up on all the things that have been going on this week. I'm glad that I have a husband that I can talk to continually. All the time.
3. A person I used to work with sent me a copy of the letter of recommendation he wrote for me. I am grateful that he took time out of his life to write me a letter of recommendation, and an awesome letter of recommendation no less. So, I am grateful for kind and considerate people, especially this particular kind and considerate person.
4. My parents. Obviously. But, I appreciate that we can show up at their house every Friday afternoon and they always bring home pizza and stay up past their bedtime just to chat with us and play with Gavin and Kiernan. I am grateful for the reprieve from having to entertain/hold the little guys. Not that I don't like to entertain and hold them, but sometimes a little break is nice. Another thing I am thankful for is having people around (namely, my parents) who care about my kids a lot.
5. I am thankful to have been able to talk to my friend after she was admitting to the hospital (I'm hoping she is having her baby SOON). I am glad that she thought about me during this special time in her life and I am grateful that she is willing to share some of her joy and happiness with me.
6. Just one extra today. I am grateful for my friend Julia. Since her and her husband will not be able to come up to visit us in Alaska this summer, she has offered to give me money for a plane ticket to get to the states. Now, you don't find friends like that everyday! So, I am thankful for good friends.
Well, there you go. Until tomorrow.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Gratitude Journal Day 2
Here's my 5 positive things for today:
1. I let Gavin look in the mirror while we were in the shower this morning and made his shampoo hair into different funny styles. He especially liked the dinosaur (we've been watching The Land Before Time and I can remember how much my little brother loved that movie as a kid). So, I'm thankful for kid humor.
2. I am thankful for friendly people who are willing to answer all sorts of questions.
3. I had to drive back to the valley between my afternoon class and night class because I forgot something. When I met up with my family, Kiernan smiled one of those heart warming smiles. Then, the rest of the afternoon while I was home he snuggly and smiley. Plus, Gavin was in a rambunctious mood so we had to have some silly play.
4. My stats class should be a breeze! Thanks to Stats for Psychology most everything should be review (not to mention I just had a brush up in Learning and Cognition and Psychological Testing last semester). And the teacher has been teaching for a long time and is straight forward and articulate.
5. Warm soup on a cold day. Also this orange is delicious.
That's about it for today.
1. I let Gavin look in the mirror while we were in the shower this morning and made his shampoo hair into different funny styles. He especially liked the dinosaur (we've been watching The Land Before Time and I can remember how much my little brother loved that movie as a kid). So, I'm thankful for kid humor.
2. I am thankful for friendly people who are willing to answer all sorts of questions.
3. I had to drive back to the valley between my afternoon class and night class because I forgot something. When I met up with my family, Kiernan smiled one of those heart warming smiles. Then, the rest of the afternoon while I was home he snuggly and smiley. Plus, Gavin was in a rambunctious mood so we had to have some silly play.
4. My stats class should be a breeze! Thanks to Stats for Psychology most everything should be review (not to mention I just had a brush up in Learning and Cognition and Psychological Testing last semester). And the teacher has been teaching for a long time and is straight forward and articulate.
5. Warm soup on a cold day. Also this orange is delicious.
That's about it for today.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Gratitude Journal Day 1
Seeing as this is my first blog I will begin with an introduction of why I've created a blog. First, and foremost, I feel a strong need to express my individuality. Just like everyone else. Secondly, I'm taking a taking a class that has an assignment option of keeping a gratitude journal. Obviously, I'm choosing this option. So, the assignment requires that I record 5 five positive events that I notice each day for 4 weeks. Since it is called a gratitude journal, I am going to begin with 5 things that I am grateful for each day.
Here are my five positive events for today, Wednesday, Jan 16, 2008:
1. It was warm when I woke up this morning (two days of -5 degrees Fahrenheit, 25 degrees is practically tropical).
2. When my son, Gavin (2.5 years), woke up, he told me all about his stuffed animals and then snuggled me for a few brief seconds before wiggling away. Along the same line, when my younger son, Kiernan (5 months), woke up he looked over and saw that I was awake and smiled a very endearing smile at me.
3. I did not have to drive into Anchorage this morning while it was snowing (but Ben did and I'm thankful that he is a very cautious driver and arrived back safely this afternoon). I got to drive in tonight after the plow trucks and sand trucks had finished their work.
4. I am grateful for my aunt and uncle who are almost always willing to have company and shower my children with unconditional love and never ending fun.
5. I am thankful for the opportunity to take an exciting class and see a lot of familiar faces and acquaintances.
Here are a list of other random things I really appreciate:
-hot water in the shower
-comfy pajamas
-20 oz americanos made to perfection
-The white tea I bought on an impulse and have been dutifully drinking to avoid ridicule from my husband. Turns out, it's really good!
-Feet heat in my car
-Grandma's unending patience, even when a baby is screaming
-Pretend play with a 2.5 year old, that ice cream cone is delicious every time I have it!
-Baby snuggles, coos, laughs, smiles
-Pictures
-Family
-Ben
-Intelligent conversation
-Conversation in general
Ok, that is probably enough things for today.
Since the final part of the assignment is to reflect on how you feel at the end of the 4 weeks, I figure I put in a little "feelings" section here at the end.
I feel pretty good. Ok, I feel pretty good most days. I have a lot of good things in my life.... Big, loving family, fun kids, a place to stay, a fun husband, etc. etc. etc.
Here are my five positive events for today, Wednesday, Jan 16, 2008:
1. It was warm when I woke up this morning (two days of -5 degrees Fahrenheit, 25 degrees is practically tropical).
2. When my son, Gavin (2.5 years), woke up, he told me all about his stuffed animals and then snuggled me for a few brief seconds before wiggling away. Along the same line, when my younger son, Kiernan (5 months), woke up he looked over and saw that I was awake and smiled a very endearing smile at me.
3. I did not have to drive into Anchorage this morning while it was snowing (but Ben did and I'm thankful that he is a very cautious driver and arrived back safely this afternoon). I got to drive in tonight after the plow trucks and sand trucks had finished their work.
4. I am grateful for my aunt and uncle who are almost always willing to have company and shower my children with unconditional love and never ending fun.
5. I am thankful for the opportunity to take an exciting class and see a lot of familiar faces and acquaintances.
Here are a list of other random things I really appreciate:
-hot water in the shower
-comfy pajamas
-20 oz americanos made to perfection
-The white tea I bought on an impulse and have been dutifully drinking to avoid ridicule from my husband. Turns out, it's really good!
-Feet heat in my car
-Grandma's unending patience, even when a baby is screaming
-Pretend play with a 2.5 year old, that ice cream cone is delicious every time I have it!
-Baby snuggles, coos, laughs, smiles
-Pictures
-Family
-Ben
-Intelligent conversation
-Conversation in general
Ok, that is probably enough things for today.
Since the final part of the assignment is to reflect on how you feel at the end of the 4 weeks, I figure I put in a little "feelings" section here at the end.
I feel pretty good. Ok, I feel pretty good most days. I have a lot of good things in my life.... Big, loving family, fun kids, a place to stay, a fun husband, etc. etc. etc.
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