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.
Friday, February 8, 2008
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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