December 31st

Today I'm grateful for this blog.

This blog made me a lot more mindful as it forced me to reflect on my day and find at least one thing I was grateful for. I had some bad days but I was still able to find something, usually support from someone, that I was grateful for. I also noticed that sometimes I was grateful for brand new experiences like: hiking a trail for the first time, traveling somewhere I'd never been before, or checking things off my bucket list. And other times it was seemingly mundane things like: a flower that's on my commute route, a cool cloud, leftovers, or feminine products. I also noticed some grateful themes over the last 365 days: friends, family, food, frisbee, feeling connected, having a community, and experiencing nature. Overall, though, I just really noticed how much there is to be grateful for.

Farewell 2014, you've been good to me and I'm grateful. My 2015 New Years resolution is to floss at least once a week. And I've decided NOT to blog about it. 

December 30th

Today I'm grateful for my readers. (All two of them.)

This is my 364th post and tomorrow will be my last one. I'm grateful for each of you who read even one post but there are two people who I believe read every single one and were avid readers. Those people are my mom and Caitlin. Thanks for sticking with me this whole year! 

Before reading...

After reading...

December 29th

Today I'm grateful for video technology.

I FaceTimed with my sister briefly tonight and got to see these two little buggers. I'm so grateful for this technology as it keeps me in touch with important people in my life. 

December 28th

Today I'm grateful for cat/house sitting.

I'm house sitting for a friend and it almost feels like I'm on vacation. Her house is very quiet and in the trees so it doesn't feel like I'm in Eugene. I've been enjoying her fireplace in the evenings and keeping her kitty company. 

Napping.

Watching Friends together.

December 27th

Today I'm grateful for a true Oregonian hike.

I met up with a dear friend and her family in Portland to go for a hike. We went to the gorge and had a loop planned, but when we got there the loop was closed due to some construction. We decided to do an out and back hike instead. It was incredibly beautiful despite the constant drizzle. We were out for about 4 hours and by the time we arrived back at the cars we were all soaking wet despite our rain gear. It was so wet I didn't take any pictures, but believe me, we looked like this at the end. We ended the evening with burgers and beer at Rogue.

December 26th

Today I'm grateful for Lily.

I had the whole day off off work and not a lot to do. Lily kept me company all day. We went hiking on Spencer's Butte and then spent the rest of the day on the couch. It was very pleasant having her around and I enjoyed having someone to hang out with. She's a very mellow and a great snuggler.

December 25th

Today I'm grateful for Christmas love.

I had a conversation with my nephew today and he said he'd still love me when he's 20 years old. That stuff just melts my heart and makes me grateful for all the love I receive every day from friends and family. Today felt extra special because I got to spend time with many people that I love and care for. For me the magic of Christmas is in the time spent with loved ones and I'm grateful I was able to do that today.

December 24th

Today I'm grateful for family dinner.

My day was more hectic than I expected so I got to my sister's house later than I planned. But I got there in time for dinner which I was grateful for. We all sat down together and shared a meal. This happens less and less as we've gotten older but I still appreciate it when it happens. Not only that, but the food was delicious. We had cajun shrimp fettuccine which is usually a New Year's tradition but we won't all be together then. Thanks Ann and Daniel for hosting and doing all the preparing. Yum!

December 23rd

Today I'm grateful for Post Crossing.

One of my co-workers was talking about this website that she uses to send and receive postcards. I immediately signed up and sent a postcard off to Russia. Once the woman in Russia receives my card then someone in the world will send a postcard to me. I can't wait to get my first one! If you're interested the website is postcrossing.com...Check it out! 

December 22nd

Today I'm grateful for Trader Joe's.

I rarely shop at Trader Joe's because I have to drive there. But I was running another errand in the shopping complex TJ's is in and I took advantage. I like the atmosphere of the store and that I can get unique and yummy food for cheap prices.  

December 21st

Today I'm grateful for winter solstice.

I tend to struggle in the winter time with the cold weather and short days. The winter solstice marks the shortest day which means that they will start getting longer! It feels like a turn in the season and I start to look forward to spring and summer.

December 20th

Today I'm grateful for finishing my holiday letter.

This is my second year sending a holiday card and letter. I enjoy sending mail and as my friends continue to spread out it's a fun way to keep in touch. Going on vacation put me a little behind but I finally finished my letter today. Now I just need to send them out!

December 19th

Today I'm grateful for hot tubs.

My partner is house sitting at a house with a hot tub and it is divine. We went in even though it was raining and it was very relaxing. I slept incredibly well after soaking. 

December 18th

Today I'm grateful for carol running.

This is an annual event that I was invited to participate in this year. Basically one dresses up in garish Christmas garb (lights are required), then you run around neighborhoods singing carols. We are good runners but terrible singers so we mostly sing to people we know. We ran about 3.5 miles and had a grand time. 

December 17th

Today I'm grateful for Christmas decorations.

I was feeling a little bummed about not having any decorations for Christmas, but then I came home and my roommate had gotten a tree! I enjoy the festive atmosphere our little home has taken on. 

December 16th

Today I'm grateful for pear vodka.

I bought my favorite liquor duty free on my vacation. I had a drink tonight and it was delicious. The pear flavor is so light and refreshing.

December 15th

Today I'm grateful for experiential learning.

I went to a training today and learned a lot about facilitating groups and it was all through experiential learning. I was very impressed with the facilitator and the format of the day long training. I'm grateful that I have opportunities like these to continue learning even though I'm not in school.

December 14th

Today I'm grateful for a day to acclimate.

I'm grateful I had a day after vacation to get adjusted back to Eugene and get ready for the week. I was able to unpack, go grocery shopping, upload photos, go for a walk, and take a first look at e-mail. Back to the grind tomorrow...

December 13th

Today I'm grateful for a four generation vacation.

It's a privilege to have traveled as much as I have and I'm fortunate that my family all enjoy traveling too. This was a unique experience that we had four generations all traveling together. I'm grateful for the opportunity and the experience. 

The grown ups...

...then there's these two...:)

December 12th

Today I'm grateful for high tea and scones.

For fun today we went to an afternoon tea service. We were served tea English style and had little sandwiches and delicious scones. Ellen had enough hats for us all to wear one so we were particularly stylish. I think even Kate would have been impressed.

December 11th

Today I'm grateful for my dining experiences.

One of my favorite thing about cruising is all the food options. I never eat to so well as when I'm cruising. Some of the highlights so far are filet mignon, lobster, and so many desserts. It's such a treat to eat such good food.
 

December 10th

Today I'm grateful to have seen cliff divers.

We had our second port day today and we did a city tour. One of our stops was to view cliff divers. We saw two men dive into the ocean. It was incredible to watch. Our guide told us they have to wait for a wave otherwise the water isn't deep enough. A dangerous trick for sure. 

December 9th

Today I'm grateful for the beach.

We're at our first port today and we went to the beach. It's the first time that the kids have been able to swim in the ocean and they had a ball playing in the warm surf. I got to snorkel and see a bunch of fish and we saw dolphins too!

December 8th

Today I'm grateful for comedians.

We saw a comedian tonight and I was impressed with his act. He had some bits prepared, but he also used the audience and was able to improv which I am amazed at how quick and clever some people are. Since he involved the audience I was able to find some other ultimate players after the show. It was fun to meet them and I hope we're able to toss a disc later on. 

December 7th

Today I'm grateful for being at sea.

It's our first full day of the cruise and I'm enjoying warm weather, reading, and being on deck. I'm finding my day to be very relaxing and pleasant.

December 6th

Today I'm grateful for the Crown Princess.

The Crown Princess is the ship we're taking on our seven day cruise to Mexico. We boarded today and are enjoying the start of our vacation. Thanks Mom and Dad for taking us!

December 5th

Today I'm grateful for successful air travel.

I'm traveling with nine other family members to LA today. When we got to the airport we found out we were delayed and they said we might not be able to catch our next flight and that we might have to drive from San Francisco. We weren't looking forward to that possibility, but our second flight was also delayed so we all made it together to our final destination. It was Evan and Elizabeth's first plane ride and they loved it! 

December 4th

Today I'm grateful for things kids say.

My partner made a video today for a friend who is getting married. He included his daughter and asked her for advice to be a good husband and a good wife. Her advice was to "build stuff, cook together, drive each other around, go to the movie theater together, and talk together at restaurants." Pretty good advice from a 5 year old. Here's more from the internet:

• "Spend most of your time loving instead of going to work." -- Dick, age 7
• "Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough." -- Lynnette, age 8
• "Tell your wife that she looks pretty even if she looks like a truck!" -- Ricky, age 7
• "Don't forget your wife's name. That will mess up the love." -- Erin, age 8
• "Sensitivity don't hurt." -- Robbie, age 8
• "Be a good kisser. It might make your wife forget that you never take out the trash." -- Erin, age 8
• "Don't say you love somebody and then change your mind. Love isn't like picking what movie you want to watch." -- Natalie, age 9

December 3rd

Today I'm grateful for quotes from Yogi tea.

I have a sore throat and have been drinking tea in the evening. It has been extra pleasant with honey and the little quotes on the tea bag. 

December 2nd

Today I'm grateful for the GTF position I had in grad school.

I was grateful for it at the time and I'm still grateful now as I pay back my student loans for one year instead of two! My GTF allowed me to only work one job ( I was working three), get experience in my field, provided health insurance (better than I have now), and made it possible for me to not go any further into debt once I had the position. It made my debt so much more manageable now so I DIDN'T feel like this when I graduated.

December 1st

Today I'm grateful for my first OHSU tram ride.

I went to Portland for a meeting and during our lunch break I got to ride the tram (for free!). You can see the tram as you drive in to Portland from the south so every time I pass it I always think that I'd like to ride it some day. I attempted to ride it once but it was closed. The view at the top is great, although I wish it had been a little clearer for us. So glad I finally checked this off my list.

What it looked like--still beautiful.

What it could have looked like.