I’ve been feeling especially thankful over the last week. In fact I just put gas in my car, which should have angered me since the price has blown up like it’s on roids over the last week. But, I don’t have to drive. Plenty of people wish they were able to pay for gas to put in a reliable (most of the time) car.
I was honestly dreading going back to work last week – so hard to go back after 4 days off, thank you govt holidays. I vividly recall my alarm clock going off on that first day back. Unless you’re a real housewife of [insert city], have won the lottery, or are a stay at home son/daughter – you know how terrible the alarm clock is. It only goes off when you’re in the best state of sleep ever/dreaming vividly that your body pillow is in fact Ryan Goslings body.
Unfortunately for Americans most of our time is spent at work. All of that time there makes me realize how lucky I am to even have a job in this economy; much less one I love. I enjoy the people I work with, I love my patient population and for the most part I think they really like me. They write me thank you letters, send me emails, and make me cool, albeit sometimes awkward, things. Even if they do address letters to “Dr. Jesse Shenna”, I’m cool with it.
While it’s really awesome to love your job, there are a lot of other things that I’m more thankful for. The everyday things - that I still take for granted most of the time. Guilty.
Family. There’s a crazy one in every bunch. In my case the crazy ones outnumber the rest of us. I have a mom who would honestly do anything for me and anyone else for that matter. She’s the sweetest woman in the world and I want to be just like her when I grow up. My dad thinks I’m the smartest and prettiest girl in the world and I’ll take it. If I asked him to, my brother would kill someone for me. He’s a special kind of crazy, but I’m lucky to say that since I’ve moved 5+ hours from home, we’ve really gotten close. My extended family is large and also fabulous. While there are admittedly those I’m not all that close to I have amazing grandparents on both sides and a special few aunts, uncles and cousins who I’d give up late night snacking for.
Friends. How many people can say they’re just as close to their elem/middle/high school friends now as they were then? I’m one of the lucky ones. I’d drop everything if they needed me and I know they’d so the same. KDH, ACT, PSW, AWR. Love.
Roland. The most beautiful and sweetest natured dog you’ve ever laid eyes on. He makes big ears look good. He’s the best company. His tail thumping when I walk in the door is one of my favorite sounds (& his whining is my least favorite sound).
Living life. I spent almost my whole life living within 2 hours of a small town in Virginia - a wonderful town at that. Moving 3 states down is, to date, the most life changing experience I’ve had. At first it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done and I questioned the hell out of myself, but it’s been one of my best experiences. Over the last year I’ve been very lucky - traveled frequently, met and gotten to know great people and am still meeting new people every day; I have done things I never thought I would do. For the first time in a long time I’m not in school, I have a paycheck, and don’t have anything tying me down. I’m starting a whole new chapter in my life and I’m in control of what gets written. Every day is a new opportunity.
New friends. Don’t underestimate the difficulty – at first especially – of meeting new people when you’re no longer forced into social situations (i.e. school) and are new in town. I’ve been very active, throwing myself into all kinds of situations to meet people, and am just now really reaping the benefits after 6 months. Even though it’s not easy and takes some time, the positive thing is, in the end I have even more friends. I was lucky to have an acquaintance move to GA when I did. Expanding our little social circle beyond the 2 of us took a little time, but having 1 great friend around has made all the difference. She’s turned into a best friend and is one of those that’ll always be hearing my stories - & I can’t tell a short story. Sorry Sarah!
Southern Climate. The real benefit of moving south is that I haven’t had to scrape my windows yet.
Being capable of working out. What a meat-head thing to say. Actually I just love being active/running/etc. Give me a pretty day and enough daylight and odds are I’ll spend some of it running. I will always hate the first mile, but am thankful to be able to be doing it in the first place. I have amazing places to run all around where I live and it makes it that much better. At one trail in particular there’s often a mother/daughter (I’m guessing) and the mother cannot walk unsupported, so her daughter holds her back and pushes her along as they walk the trail. Gets me every single time. Nicholas Sparks could write a story about it.
Living by myself. It’s stupid how expensive it is and renting = throwing away money. Financially it would be smart to have a roommate. However, I can afford it and enjoy walking around in my underwear and no one leaving their dirty dishes in the sink.
Peep toe wedges. They have the ability of even making my cankles look good. Speaking of Cankles I recently discovered, from my aunt - thank you Sharon, that I have my dear Italian grandmother to thank for these glorious cankles. Apparently it’s an Italian woman thing. Thanks Norma!
Good music. Avett Brothers – they don’t have a bad song; take your pick. If you like them, they have a show coming up in Charleston in February. They’re so good live it’s insane and Charleston is the best city in the south east. Beautiful people everywhere. Do it.
No comments:
Post a Comment