This is officially the last day that I need to keep this journal. So, I will reflect a little on the past 4 weeks (and that went fast!) of gratitude journal writing. First, I didn't really enjoy it. I mean, I'm grateful for a lot of things and writing them down in a journal does not make them any more or less meaningful to me. Second, I didn't really like doing it at the end of the day. I think I might have preferred writing in the morning (which I ended up doing several days anyway) about the things I was grateful for in general, things I was grateful for the previous day and things that I was looking forward to in the upcoming day. Third, I actually found that I was pretty grumpy. This may have been caused by many number of things like: starting a new semester, getting a little behind on reading which induced a little anxiety, having a difficult time getting used to managing only 2 full days of class (instead of 4), etc.
Well here is my official Tuesday list:
1. Getting to Anchorage on time, despite the icky driving conditions and leaving a little later than anticipated. Plus, as soon as I got in the parking lot, a space opened up and I was able to park without making a single lap! I know, amazing!
2. Good conversation with Sarah and Desire instead of grading labs. I am grateful that there are cool girls like these around campus to chat with. I am also glad that I take breaks to just chat (probably entirely too many breaks, but that's a different story).
3. Modern Technology. I stopped by the loft before heading over the my parent's house and picked up the laptop. Then, when I arrived Ben checked his email and such and so did I. It is pretty amazing to think that 10 years ago I didn't even have an email address!
4. Having a mother that is willing to take off work to watch the little guys. All day. I am thankful for that.
5. Nighttime conversations with Ben. I'm grateful to have someone I can talk to around. All the time. Everyday.
Since this is my last gratitude journaling I will try to sum it up and perhaps add some more things.
Things I am thankful for ALL THE TIME:
Ben
Two healthy boys
Kid personalities developing
Family
Friends
Generosity
Movies
Modern Technology
Warmth
Coffee
Lessons learned
Learning
The ability to acquire knowledge
My health
Denali Kidcare
Good conversation
The G.I. Bill
Leisure
Family gatherings
Extended Family
Working vehicles
Hugs
Snuggles
Silliness
Pretend Play
Smiles
Laughter
Memories
Photos
Cabernet Sauvignon
Wild Vines
Girls' Nights
Study time
Friendliness
Children
Parents
Love
Water
Food
Shelter
Music
Game nights
The microwave
Ben and Jerry's
Art
Grandmas
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
Day 27
Monday.
1. No class for me. Just Gavin and Ben. Gavin has gymnastics in the morning. He really loves it. We were a little late today so the kids were already doing their first little warm-up circuit when we arrived, but Gavin quickly took off his coat and boots and joined in. During the 45 minutes, he also pointed to a little girl and said "she pretty", walked the balance beam, and did some awesome forward and backward rolls (with assistance).
2. Getting my homework done in a parking lot in my car while Tiny was napping and Bug was talking to me. I considered going home for a few minutes but I didn't want to wake Tiny up and just the unloading and reloading of the children would have eaten about 20 minutes off my total study time. I am grateful that I can study pretty much anywhere.
3. Bouncin' Bears with two of my favorite people. Ok, 8. Demetria, Davi, Tyler, Hailee, Jessi, Dominic, Gavin and Kiernan. Can't beat that crowd. Fun place, awesome company, you can't really beat that. Next time we will go after 1:30 to avoid the "big kids" as Gavin calls them.
4. Chillin' with the padres. See, I put it in Spanish this time to make it seem different. It is always fun to see my dad playing with Kiernan. For those of you who don't know my dad, he's pretty quiet (my cousins were all afraid of him as a kid because he never/very rarely spoke to them). I think he feels a little uncomfortable around kids and isn't exactly sure what to say and do. Anyway, it's fun to see him put Kiernan in his little wheely toy thing and show him how everything works.
5. A night with just one kid. Weird to only have Kiernan, but I have managed to almost catch up on my reading. Maybe by the time I go to sleep tonight I'll be even closer to caught up. Probably not. Kiernan seems to think he needs to make up for the lack of noise. Since my mom is taking off work tomorrow to watch my kids for me, Gavin is staying the night over with B and Baka. Not something we usually do during the week, but why not?
1. No class for me. Just Gavin and Ben. Gavin has gymnastics in the morning. He really loves it. We were a little late today so the kids were already doing their first little warm-up circuit when we arrived, but Gavin quickly took off his coat and boots and joined in. During the 45 minutes, he also pointed to a little girl and said "she pretty", walked the balance beam, and did some awesome forward and backward rolls (with assistance).
2. Getting my homework done in a parking lot in my car while Tiny was napping and Bug was talking to me. I considered going home for a few minutes but I didn't want to wake Tiny up and just the unloading and reloading of the children would have eaten about 20 minutes off my total study time. I am grateful that I can study pretty much anywhere.
3. Bouncin' Bears with two of my favorite people. Ok, 8. Demetria, Davi, Tyler, Hailee, Jessi, Dominic, Gavin and Kiernan. Can't beat that crowd. Fun place, awesome company, you can't really beat that. Next time we will go after 1:30 to avoid the "big kids" as Gavin calls them.
4. Chillin' with the padres. See, I put it in Spanish this time to make it seem different. It is always fun to see my dad playing with Kiernan. For those of you who don't know my dad, he's pretty quiet (my cousins were all afraid of him as a kid because he never/very rarely spoke to them). I think he feels a little uncomfortable around kids and isn't exactly sure what to say and do. Anyway, it's fun to see him put Kiernan in his little wheely toy thing and show him how everything works.
5. A night with just one kid. Weird to only have Kiernan, but I have managed to almost catch up on my reading. Maybe by the time I go to sleep tonight I'll be even closer to caught up. Probably not. Kiernan seems to think he needs to make up for the lack of noise. Since my mom is taking off work tomorrow to watch my kids for me, Gavin is staying the night over with B and Baka. Not something we usually do during the week, but why not?
Day 26
Sunday.
1. Soccer. I know. I've mentioned that. But I really love it. I love being able to get exercise, see friends, do something I am moderately good at, and enjoy "grown up time".
2. Taking Gavin to watch my soccer game (Ben came too). Naturally, he met Kim's little girl and was much more interested in playing with her and her little "pets" than watching the soccer game. But he did get to kick the ball at the half and a few minutes after the game. Anyway, I guess this could have just been title Gavin. I appreciate his little blossoming personality. I told him to kick the ball and he picked it up and said "Gavin carry it" and I continued to urge him to kick it but he had made up his mind. So he carried it.
3. Homework time in between soccer games while my parents entertain the children. I know, I know, I put the same things on here all the time, but it's important. I am grateful for the time I get to spend doing homework without having to entertain children.
4. The ability to quit doing my homework (which happens much more than it should) and go hang out with the little guys. Kiernan is just beginning to be baby-ee. You know, smiling, cooing, reaching for toys, sitting up, "talking", and so much more. Gavin talks more everyday and it is so much fun to have conversations with him. He always has an opinion, no matter what.
5. Sleeping in my own bed, sandwiched between two little warm snuggles. I mean, I like staying at my parents house and having all the modern commodities and such, but I just like my own bed. Can you blame me?
1. Soccer. I know. I've mentioned that. But I really love it. I love being able to get exercise, see friends, do something I am moderately good at, and enjoy "grown up time".
2. Taking Gavin to watch my soccer game (Ben came too). Naturally, he met Kim's little girl and was much more interested in playing with her and her little "pets" than watching the soccer game. But he did get to kick the ball at the half and a few minutes after the game. Anyway, I guess this could have just been title Gavin. I appreciate his little blossoming personality. I told him to kick the ball and he picked it up and said "Gavin carry it" and I continued to urge him to kick it but he had made up his mind. So he carried it.
3. Homework time in between soccer games while my parents entertain the children. I know, I know, I put the same things on here all the time, but it's important. I am grateful for the time I get to spend doing homework without having to entertain children.
4. The ability to quit doing my homework (which happens much more than it should) and go hang out with the little guys. Kiernan is just beginning to be baby-ee. You know, smiling, cooing, reaching for toys, sitting up, "talking", and so much more. Gavin talks more everyday and it is so much fun to have conversations with him. He always has an opinion, no matter what.
5. Sleeping in my own bed, sandwiched between two little warm snuggles. I mean, I like staying at my parents house and having all the modern commodities and such, but I just like my own bed. Can you blame me?
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Day 25
Saturday.
1. Saturdays are always nice. Sleeping in. An hour of morning snuggle time with the little guys. I'm glad that I have a family that can all sleep together, hang out together, basically spending entirely too much time together and rarely get tired of one another.
2. Tax return. Oh yes. With a whopping $0.00 of taxable income, we ended up with a fairly hefty little return. I would feel kind of bad but in a couple of years I will be paying to help contribute to some poor college student's refund. I am also grateful that we have a tax place to figure out the tax code. Free cookies, nice people (even the other customers didn't seem too perturbed by Gavin's intrusion into their personal space and high fives), and our taxes done for us.
3. Spending the night at my parents. We arrived at 3pm with children, dog, laundry and homework in tow. Then we proceeded to chit-chat with my parents for 3 hours instead of doing laundry or our homework. So, I am thankful that our number one priority is family time and not homework.
4. Television. I mean, I am thankful that we don't have it at our house, but it is nice to watch it every once and awhile. Just to be reminded of what we are not missing.
5. Doing laundry in the same building as I am sleeping in. I was able to get a lot of laundry done and I didn't even have to make repeated trips out into the cold. Convenience would be what I am grateful for. And indoor heating. That's nice too.
1. Saturdays are always nice. Sleeping in. An hour of morning snuggle time with the little guys. I'm glad that I have a family that can all sleep together, hang out together, basically spending entirely too much time together and rarely get tired of one another.
2. Tax return. Oh yes. With a whopping $0.00 of taxable income, we ended up with a fairly hefty little return. I would feel kind of bad but in a couple of years I will be paying to help contribute to some poor college student's refund. I am also grateful that we have a tax place to figure out the tax code. Free cookies, nice people (even the other customers didn't seem too perturbed by Gavin's intrusion into their personal space and high fives), and our taxes done for us.
3. Spending the night at my parents. We arrived at 3pm with children, dog, laundry and homework in tow. Then we proceeded to chit-chat with my parents for 3 hours instead of doing laundry or our homework. So, I am thankful that our number one priority is family time and not homework.
4. Television. I mean, I am thankful that we don't have it at our house, but it is nice to watch it every once and awhile. Just to be reminded of what we are not missing.
5. Doing laundry in the same building as I am sleeping in. I was able to get a lot of laundry done and I didn't even have to make repeated trips out into the cold. Convenience would be what I am grateful for. And indoor heating. That's nice too.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Day 24
Friday.
1. Friday. I mean, even though I don't technically have class on Friday, I still like Friday. Plus, lately I have been getting up with Ben and going into Anchorage to do TA stuff.
2. Nice people to hang out with Gavin. It is good for his little brain the come in contact with a lot of different personalities and people. And, it is even better that they are nice people.
3. The new restaurant that Ben and I went to this afternoon. Delicious sandwiches and a nice glass of red wine in the middle of the day. The Loon Attic off the Palmer-Wasilla Hwy, if anyone was interested. They also had a full espresso bar which means we will be back there for other things besides just soup, sandwiches and wine.
4. Getting a chance to hang out with Laura again and see her big (ok, teeny) 3 week old. I am thankful for being able to have intelligent conversation with a good friend.
5. Hanging out with and catching up with my Aunt Donna. Gavin and Kiernan especially like to hang out with her because she reads stories really well and always does the best voices.
As always, family, food and friends.
1. Friday. I mean, even though I don't technically have class on Friday, I still like Friday. Plus, lately I have been getting up with Ben and going into Anchorage to do TA stuff.
2. Nice people to hang out with Gavin. It is good for his little brain the come in contact with a lot of different personalities and people. And, it is even better that they are nice people.
3. The new restaurant that Ben and I went to this afternoon. Delicious sandwiches and a nice glass of red wine in the middle of the day. The Loon Attic off the Palmer-Wasilla Hwy, if anyone was interested. They also had a full espresso bar which means we will be back there for other things besides just soup, sandwiches and wine.
4. Getting a chance to hang out with Laura again and see her big (ok, teeny) 3 week old. I am thankful for being able to have intelligent conversation with a good friend.
5. Hanging out with and catching up with my Aunt Donna. Gavin and Kiernan especially like to hang out with her because she reads stories really well and always does the best voices.
As always, family, food and friends.
Day 23
Thursday.
1. I only had one class because my late night class was canceled.
I am thankful for being able to spend that much more time with my family.
2. I am thankful for how smoothly the first day with rats went in lab. No rats getting away, no people being afraid of the rats.
3. Chilling with my parents. As always.
4. Nice hot bath on a cold cold day. Plus I fell on the ice the other day and busted my ass, so I was a little sore.
5. Going to sleep early. Oh, how I am thankful that I have a nice warm bed to sleep in and I actually have time to sleep in it.
1. I only had one class because my late night class was canceled.
I am thankful for being able to spend that much more time with my family.
2. I am thankful for how smoothly the first day with rats went in lab. No rats getting away, no people being afraid of the rats.
3. Chilling with my parents. As always.
4. Nice hot bath on a cold cold day. Plus I fell on the ice the other day and busted my ass, so I was a little sore.
5. Going to sleep early. Oh, how I am thankful that I have a nice warm bed to sleep in and I actually have time to sleep in it.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Day 22
Wednesday.
1. I am grateful for sleeping in, especially when both Gavin and Kiernan sleep in. I had a whole 45 minutes to finish up my paper.
2. Bouncin' Bears. Pretty cool place for kids. We got to get out of the house and use up a bunch of energy.
3. Friends. While at Bouncin' Bears, Gavin got to hang out with his friends and I got to hang out with mine.
4. The days are getting longer. Besides having to drive to Anchorage with the sun in my eyes almost the entire way, I was glad that the sun was still up! A couple more weeks and we'll have almost normal days.
5. Chatting with classmates for 20 minutes after class ended. It's nice to have someone to talk to besides my husband and children.
1. I am grateful for sleeping in, especially when both Gavin and Kiernan sleep in. I had a whole 45 minutes to finish up my paper.
2. Bouncin' Bears. Pretty cool place for kids. We got to get out of the house and use up a bunch of energy.
3. Friends. While at Bouncin' Bears, Gavin got to hang out with his friends and I got to hang out with mine.
4. The days are getting longer. Besides having to drive to Anchorage with the sun in my eyes almost the entire way, I was glad that the sun was still up! A couple more weeks and we'll have almost normal days.
5. Chatting with classmates for 20 minutes after class ended. It's nice to have someone to talk to besides my husband and children.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Day 21
Super Tuesday! The democratic caucus for the Mat-Su valley was uncharacteristically huge. The fire marshal kicked us out of the Grandview Hotel/Banquet hall because there were too many people. Apparently, the anticipated maximum participation would be around 90 people (2004 had only 38! The valley is notorious for being mostly republican) and we ended up with ??? more than 600, I would guess. 187 for my district and there were 4 more districts with about the same turn out. Pretty cool. Ok, so again, I am thankful for the opportunity to be involved in my community and for the right to vote.
2. I am thankful for finding a parking spot as soon as I got to campus this morning. Someone kindly let me in their spot. Those considerate people always brighten my day.
3. I am thankful for the amount of people that showed up tonight. I know, back to the caucus. The woman standing next to us at Grandview (before we were booted out) said she had been an independent for the last 30 years and was changing her affiliation for the night to caucus for Barak or Hillary. I am grateful that she left her house, and altered her affiliation just to exercise her political voice.
4. Also, there was a 91 year old woman at Wasilla High (where we were moved to) who came out to exercise her vote. A lot of people her age would have not bothered.
5. I am thankful that Ben is willing to help out. He located the elevator for the previously mentioned 91 year old and then escorted her downstairs.
6. My mom took a personal day from work to watch my kids. That was nice. We had been planning the morning babysitting for sometime. Then she agreed to watch the kids while we went to caucus and ended up staying up past her bedtime. I am grateful for that.
Now, it is past my bedtime so I will have to end here.
2. I am thankful for finding a parking spot as soon as I got to campus this morning. Someone kindly let me in their spot. Those considerate people always brighten my day.
3. I am thankful for the amount of people that showed up tonight. I know, back to the caucus. The woman standing next to us at Grandview (before we were booted out) said she had been an independent for the last 30 years and was changing her affiliation for the night to caucus for Barak or Hillary. I am grateful that she left her house, and altered her affiliation just to exercise her political voice.
4. Also, there was a 91 year old woman at Wasilla High (where we were moved to) who came out to exercise her vote. A lot of people her age would have not bothered.
5. I am thankful that Ben is willing to help out. He located the elevator for the previously mentioned 91 year old and then escorted her downstairs.
6. My mom took a personal day from work to watch my kids. That was nice. We had been planning the morning babysitting for sometime. Then she agreed to watch the kids while we went to caucus and ended up staying up past her bedtime. I am grateful for that.
Now, it is past my bedtime so I will have to end here.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Day 20
Ok, I'm actually going to post tonight! Look at that, getting back on schedule.
1. Gymnastics. Only two kids were there today. It probably had something to do with the fact that it was -14 degrees outside! Anyway, Gavin got lots of one-on-one attention and actually attempted to do a backward roll by himself. Usually he is pretty cautious about rolling, the bars and the balance beams. Anyway, parent-tot gymnastics was a fantastic creation.
2. I got new glasses today. I broke my other ones on Thursday. I can legally drive without any glasses, but I feel so much safer (especially at night) when I have them. I called, got an appt for an eye exam, picked out some glasses and they put the lens in. From start to finish, it took 2 hours. Plus, it was at Wal-Mart so I got my grocery shopping done while I was waiting for them to put my glasses together. I am thankful for the modern technology that made this event possible.
3. As always, my parents. We headed over there this afternoon so that Ben and I could do homework while my parents entertained the children. I mean, how many people can say that their parents are happy to have them drop by at any time? Ok, probably a fair number, but I still appreciate mine.
4. The internet. Today I found an article to write about for my Strategies class, found out where the valley caucus is going to be tomorrow, read about each of the two candidates I have been debating about (and narrowed my selection down to one so I know who to "caucus" for tomorrow), read the news, read an article from Scientific American, and now I'm keeping up with my daily school work. Unheard of just a couple decades ago.
5. Oh, and about that, I am grateful to live in a nation where I have the RIGHT to vote. Seriously though, I think too many people take that for granted. Even though I am just one little person, in one little state (in population, not actual size), I still have the right to exercise my vote. I love it.
Now, go out and caucus tomorrow! Keep this in mind "If we are the richest nation on earth, why are we letting people die due to lack of access to healthcare?" Seems a bit inhumane to me.
1. Gymnastics. Only two kids were there today. It probably had something to do with the fact that it was -14 degrees outside! Anyway, Gavin got lots of one-on-one attention and actually attempted to do a backward roll by himself. Usually he is pretty cautious about rolling, the bars and the balance beams. Anyway, parent-tot gymnastics was a fantastic creation.
2. I got new glasses today. I broke my other ones on Thursday. I can legally drive without any glasses, but I feel so much safer (especially at night) when I have them. I called, got an appt for an eye exam, picked out some glasses and they put the lens in. From start to finish, it took 2 hours. Plus, it was at Wal-Mart so I got my grocery shopping done while I was waiting for them to put my glasses together. I am thankful for the modern technology that made this event possible.
3. As always, my parents. We headed over there this afternoon so that Ben and I could do homework while my parents entertained the children. I mean, how many people can say that their parents are happy to have them drop by at any time? Ok, probably a fair number, but I still appreciate mine.
4. The internet. Today I found an article to write about for my Strategies class, found out where the valley caucus is going to be tomorrow, read about each of the two candidates I have been debating about (and narrowed my selection down to one so I know who to "caucus" for tomorrow), read the news, read an article from Scientific American, and now I'm keeping up with my daily school work. Unheard of just a couple decades ago.
5. Oh, and about that, I am grateful to live in a nation where I have the RIGHT to vote. Seriously though, I think too many people take that for granted. Even though I am just one little person, in one little state (in population, not actual size), I still have the right to exercise my vote. I love it.
Now, go out and caucus tomorrow! Keep this in mind "If we are the richest nation on earth, why are we letting people die due to lack of access to healthcare?" Seems a bit inhumane to me.
Day 19
I am getting rather behind. I had intended to do this last night but ended up falling asleep. Ooops. Oh well. Here's for Sunday:
1. Spending the night at my parents after going out to a 5 glasses of wine each dinner. For a couple of reasons including not having to wake up to Gavin's feet in my face, being able to go back to sleep after one or both of the children wake up, and breakfast with coffee.
2. Watching the super bowl with Grandma Jacque and Gavin. They both took a nap for half of it. It was nice to get some laundry done and some homework done while staying up to date on my pop culture.
3. Soccer. For a lot of reasons. Fitness, socialization, and competition to name a few.
4. Seeing Gavin's glee when he got to kick the soccer ball at half time and between my games.
5. Going to bed before I had anticipated. Although I didn't get as much work done as I would have liked, I feel very rested today.
1. Spending the night at my parents after going out to a 5 glasses of wine each dinner. For a couple of reasons including not having to wake up to Gavin's feet in my face, being able to go back to sleep after one or both of the children wake up, and breakfast with coffee.
2. Watching the super bowl with Grandma Jacque and Gavin. They both took a nap for half of it. It was nice to get some laundry done and some homework done while staying up to date on my pop culture.
3. Soccer. For a lot of reasons. Fitness, socialization, and competition to name a few.
4. Seeing Gavin's glee when he got to kick the soccer ball at half time and between my games.
5. Going to bed before I had anticipated. Although I didn't get as much work done as I would have liked, I feel very rested today.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Day 18
Saturday.
1. A morning movie. Even if it is a kid's movie. I'm glad that we don't have television (as in the broadcast type) and can only watch movies.
2. Family. This will be the next three. My mom for happily babysitting while Ben and I went to a benefit dinner for the Boys and Girls Club.
3. My dad for being our designated driver and taxiing us to the dinner and picking us up again
after it was over. Ben and I were both able to enjoy the 5 glasses of wine that came with the delicious 4 course Italian meal.
4. My cousin Tim for inviting us to said dinner. Also, I am glad that my cousin's are so personable and friendly and even their spouses are fun too! I mean, what are he odds that all nine of us cousins would continue to get along into adulthood. Plus, everyone that has married into our family is awesome! We are a lucky family.
5. Meeting new people and making new friends. Also, seeing old friends and having a chance to catch up.
All and all, it was a fun night.
1. A morning movie. Even if it is a kid's movie. I'm glad that we don't have television (as in the broadcast type) and can only watch movies.
2. Family. This will be the next three. My mom for happily babysitting while Ben and I went to a benefit dinner for the Boys and Girls Club.
3. My dad for being our designated driver and taxiing us to the dinner and picking us up again
after it was over. Ben and I were both able to enjoy the 5 glasses of wine that came with the delicious 4 course Italian meal.
4. My cousin Tim for inviting us to said dinner. Also, I am glad that my cousin's are so personable and friendly and even their spouses are fun too! I mean, what are he odds that all nine of us cousins would continue to get along into adulthood. Plus, everyone that has married into our family is awesome! We are a lucky family.
5. Meeting new people and making new friends. Also, seeing old friends and having a chance to catch up.
All and all, it was a fun night.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Day 17
Oh Friday. How I love Friday. Gavin and Kiernan got to come into Anchorage with Ben and I this morning. Gavin had to spend close to 3 hours with several different friendly people looking at rats. He was pretty excited. Last night Ben found out that the university didn't send in his credits for January (despite that he has been registered since Nov) so.... no G. I. Bill verification = no $$$ for us. Only 9 credits were sent in of my 12 so I am only getting 3/4 pay. Not good news on the finance front. In Anchorage, we went in and they said "be patient, it's coming.... blah blah blah... don't worry". Upon returning to the valley I decided to swing up to Mat-Su and withdraw from two 1 credit all day Sat. classes. Turns out, I was still able to drop them and I'm getting all my money back! Yeah!!!! One less thing to worry about paying for without our monthly income. Then Ben ran in to ask about his G.I. bill dilemma and they fixed it right there!! Another Yeah!!!
Anyway, that enormous preface for these thanks:
1. Friendly, helpful people. This applies to the people in the lab who showed Gavin the rats and ran around the halls with him and to the people at Mat-Su college that fixed Ben's stuff.
2. Denny's food. I love that place. Even though we probably can't afford to go there (especially right now!) we went anyway. And, I would have to say I appreciate the education that I have received from UAA. When we received our food (around 3pm) after not eating all day, I thought: this food would be a very salient positive reinforcer of behavior....oh, I love it.
3. Anything warm. My car... the SSB, Wal-Mart, our loft...etc...seeing as it is below zero outside.
4. Hanging out with my family all day today. Even though we were just running errands and going to class and such, it was nice to just hang out. I also really appreciate being able to have honest conversations with Ben.
5. So, this is weird but I am grateful that I take time (long before I started this journal) to reflect on what I am thankful for. Here is another short list of underlying things I am continually thankful for:
-being married to Ben... but having a horrible experience the first time I got married to help me to recognize exactly how lucky I am to have found Ben.
-having bad experiences to help me appreciate what I have now (USMC...namely Alpha Company...S-3T....boot camp female drill instructors...I could go on for a long time, a terrible first marriage...good thing I got that over with when I was young!....those are the two most glaring things).
-Family. The immediate one. The one I grew up with. Cousins. Aunts. Uncles. Grandmas. In-Laws (the few that I know).
- Friends. I am not going to list them all in case they do not want their names on here.
- My health, my ability to learn new things, two healthy kids, freedom to believe what I want to believe, the right to vote, life in general.
Ok, my rantings are finished for today. Until tomorrow.
Anyway, that enormous preface for these thanks:
1. Friendly, helpful people. This applies to the people in the lab who showed Gavin the rats and ran around the halls with him and to the people at Mat-Su college that fixed Ben's stuff.
2. Denny's food. I love that place. Even though we probably can't afford to go there (especially right now!) we went anyway. And, I would have to say I appreciate the education that I have received from UAA. When we received our food (around 3pm) after not eating all day, I thought: this food would be a very salient positive reinforcer of behavior....oh, I love it.
3. Anything warm. My car... the SSB, Wal-Mart, our loft...etc...seeing as it is below zero outside.
4. Hanging out with my family all day today. Even though we were just running errands and going to class and such, it was nice to just hang out. I also really appreciate being able to have honest conversations with Ben.
5. So, this is weird but I am grateful that I take time (long before I started this journal) to reflect on what I am thankful for. Here is another short list of underlying things I am continually thankful for:
-being married to Ben... but having a horrible experience the first time I got married to help me to recognize exactly how lucky I am to have found Ben.
-having bad experiences to help me appreciate what I have now (USMC...namely Alpha Company...S-3T....boot camp female drill instructors...I could go on for a long time, a terrible first marriage...good thing I got that over with when I was young!....those are the two most glaring things).
-Family. The immediate one. The one I grew up with. Cousins. Aunts. Uncles. Grandmas. In-Laws (the few that I know).
- Friends. I am not going to list them all in case they do not want their names on here.
- My health, my ability to learn new things, two healthy kids, freedom to believe what I want to believe, the right to vote, life in general.
Ok, my rantings are finished for today. Until tomorrow.
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