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.