This year, I'm feeling oh-so-thankful. Maybe it's because I have more time to think about things, envision our future growing family, become attuned with the next chapter in life... but it just seems like the good keeps on coming. I've always believed in The Secret (long before it was the secret) and how much positivity attracts positive outcomes. But sometimes I have to say to myself, wow, does it REALLY work this way? I'm going to run through the alphabet, as we often do around the Thanksgiving meal, which will not only be reflective but also ensure I'm prepared for Thursday's dinner :)
A) Apples. Honestly, my biggest craving since being pregnant! I don't know what it is, they are just so juicy and crunchy, and I seriously eat a couple a day. I suppose there could be worse cravings...
B) Balance. I'm really trying to achieve balance in my life in the upcoming year, probably in part because I know new motherhood will take it out of me. The past three years I've run around the world like a crazy person for school, wedding planning, wedding attending, and now I'm getting ready for some serious chill time.
C) Callaway. A true constant light in my life. She has been so clingy lately, and I'm curious to see how she does with the baby. I think she'll adjust, but I will always ALWAYS cherish the time that the two of us spend together (even after the baby is born, we will need it!)
D) Days off work. I've been trying to preserve these for next summer, but I have a couple good trips coming up. Honestly, not being at work when the rest of the world is at work feels so GREAT!
E) E! News, which is a GREAT decompressor from a long day. Really, you should try it sometime.
F) Family. Our family has shifted a lot over the past year, and will continue to do so. Generations are changing roles, and new traditions are starting to take place. I look forward to the future with family (both biological, and those friends who are truly like family to us). On a similar note...
G) Grandparents. We lost both grandpas this year, and while I felt okay at that time, they still linger in my thoughts and heart on an almost daily basis. I often drive past things that ooze Grandpa Bill, being our lives were so intertwined. And with the holidays coming, lately I've pictured Christmas Eve at Grandpa Orlo's, sleeping with the cousins in the back bedroom, getting ready for Christmas Eve Mass, eating Hormel ham and waking up to his famous french toast. These are great memories that are forever with me, and on the grandparents theme, I look forward to seeing the Jake's and my parents become grandparents and share such traditions with my children.
H) Hot weather. We had some HEAT this July, and to be honest, I loved every minute of it!
I) India. January was an incredible experience, one of those that come around only a few times in a lifetime. I hope to go back (and take Jake with me!) someday.
J) Jake. Predictable I know, but we are really lucky. Between our work trips, we will have spent a couple months apart this year, and that time truly reminds me of how deeply important he is. I'm one lucky girl.
K) Keith Urban. He knocked my socks off at the most recent concert! Best concert I've been to in a few years. Seriously love him.
L) Lena Svenson. Yes, the radio DJ who just left the Dave Ryan show on KDWB. I have enjoyed waking up to her every weekday for the past 4 years, and now she is gone! I am not quite sure how they'll replace her, but I said that about Corey Foley back in the day, too.
M) MacBrook Pro. My new MacBook is honestly awesome, and I got a great deal on it with my student discount (and recycled my old one for an Apple gift card - great program!)
N) Natalie. Honestly, the best sister ever. It's been fun spending more and more time together each year we get older. I think this will only continue, especially because she's going to be such a fabulous auntie.
O) OE, or Organizational Effectiveness, in entirety. I've been lucky to work on this broader team for the past 19 months, and it is truly great. Yes, we all have things we like and don't like about our jobs, but this is a good one for me because it fits well with my strengths and interests.
P) Pinterest. Not just because of what it is, but what it stands for - continuous innovation on the Internet. After they come out, I always say "why didn't I think of this?!" Well one of these days, watch out, it might just happen.
Q) Quiet time. I went on the GAC retreat with my dear friend Emily in October, and we experienced so much silence - at first it felt strange, but I am learning to enjoy it! Often I run from the buzz of work, to my car radio, to the television, but these days am learning to enjoy the sound of nothing.
R) Rice Paper. This is a restaurant that Crystal and Matt introduced us to earlier this year, and it's pretty great!
S) Steve Jobs. I've been a Mac girl since before he made this company huge, but it's been awesome to see a genius at work. THAT is an example of a life worth living. RIP, Steve.
T) Traditions with friends. We've gotten into a fairly standard groove. We celebrate birthdays over fondue, have Friendsgiving brunch the Saturday after Thanksgiving, do annual highs and lows at the Christmas party at my house, and generally just enjoy time together.
U) Ultrasounds - and all technology that have helped me see, hear, and learn about the growing baby girl!
V) Vampires, and specifically vampire movies (aka Breaking Dawn). I left this one just happy. I didn't love the first couple movies (though I loved the books), but this one has a romance and plot that I just can NOT stop thinking about.
W) White Noise. Jake got me a machine from Brookstone last Christmas, and I have to say, it's just soothing. It's been such a great addition to our sleep haven (aka bedroom).
X) The most difficult letter, of course. This year I really can't think of something good, so I'm going to to cheat a little and pick one of my fav 2011 songs - by Katy Perry, called E.T. But it stands for Extraterrestrial - Xtraterrestrial - get it?!
Y) Youth. We start turning 30 this year, people. It's crazy. I have heard it's no big deal, but I definitely don't feel like a kid anymore (maybe because I'm baking one). BUT anything that will continue to make me feel young is welcome in my book!
Z) Zynga, the maker of Words with Friends and Hanging with Friends. These apps have made my evenings so much fun, and even Jake gets into playing the games sometimes!
A) Apples. Honestly, my biggest craving since being pregnant! I don't know what it is, they are just so juicy and crunchy, and I seriously eat a couple a day. I suppose there could be worse cravings...
B) Balance. I'm really trying to achieve balance in my life in the upcoming year, probably in part because I know new motherhood will take it out of me. The past three years I've run around the world like a crazy person for school, wedding planning, wedding attending, and now I'm getting ready for some serious chill time.
C) Callaway. A true constant light in my life. She has been so clingy lately, and I'm curious to see how she does with the baby. I think she'll adjust, but I will always ALWAYS cherish the time that the two of us spend together (even after the baby is born, we will need it!)
D) Days off work. I've been trying to preserve these for next summer, but I have a couple good trips coming up. Honestly, not being at work when the rest of the world is at work feels so GREAT!
E) E! News, which is a GREAT decompressor from a long day. Really, you should try it sometime.
F) Family. Our family has shifted a lot over the past year, and will continue to do so. Generations are changing roles, and new traditions are starting to take place. I look forward to the future with family (both biological, and those friends who are truly like family to us). On a similar note...
G) Grandparents. We lost both grandpas this year, and while I felt okay at that time, they still linger in my thoughts and heart on an almost daily basis. I often drive past things that ooze Grandpa Bill, being our lives were so intertwined. And with the holidays coming, lately I've pictured Christmas Eve at Grandpa Orlo's, sleeping with the cousins in the back bedroom, getting ready for Christmas Eve Mass, eating Hormel ham and waking up to his famous french toast. These are great memories that are forever with me, and on the grandparents theme, I look forward to seeing the Jake's and my parents become grandparents and share such traditions with my children.
H) Hot weather. We had some HEAT this July, and to be honest, I loved every minute of it!
I) India. January was an incredible experience, one of those that come around only a few times in a lifetime. I hope to go back (and take Jake with me!) someday.
J) Jake. Predictable I know, but we are really lucky. Between our work trips, we will have spent a couple months apart this year, and that time truly reminds me of how deeply important he is. I'm one lucky girl.
K) Keith Urban. He knocked my socks off at the most recent concert! Best concert I've been to in a few years. Seriously love him.
L) Lena Svenson. Yes, the radio DJ who just left the Dave Ryan show on KDWB. I have enjoyed waking up to her every weekday for the past 4 years, and now she is gone! I am not quite sure how they'll replace her, but I said that about Corey Foley back in the day, too.
M) MacBrook Pro. My new MacBook is honestly awesome, and I got a great deal on it with my student discount (and recycled my old one for an Apple gift card - great program!)
N) Natalie. Honestly, the best sister ever. It's been fun spending more and more time together each year we get older. I think this will only continue, especially because she's going to be such a fabulous auntie.
O) OE, or Organizational Effectiveness, in entirety. I've been lucky to work on this broader team for the past 19 months, and it is truly great. Yes, we all have things we like and don't like about our jobs, but this is a good one for me because it fits well with my strengths and interests.
P) Pinterest. Not just because of what it is, but what it stands for - continuous innovation on the Internet. After they come out, I always say "why didn't I think of this?!" Well one of these days, watch out, it might just happen.
Q) Quiet time. I went on the GAC retreat with my dear friend Emily in October, and we experienced so much silence - at first it felt strange, but I am learning to enjoy it! Often I run from the buzz of work, to my car radio, to the television, but these days am learning to enjoy the sound of nothing.
R) Rice Paper. This is a restaurant that Crystal and Matt introduced us to earlier this year, and it's pretty great!
S) Steve Jobs. I've been a Mac girl since before he made this company huge, but it's been awesome to see a genius at work. THAT is an example of a life worth living. RIP, Steve.
T) Traditions with friends. We've gotten into a fairly standard groove. We celebrate birthdays over fondue, have Friendsgiving brunch the Saturday after Thanksgiving, do annual highs and lows at the Christmas party at my house, and generally just enjoy time together.
U) Ultrasounds - and all technology that have helped me see, hear, and learn about the growing baby girl!
V) Vampires, and specifically vampire movies (aka Breaking Dawn). I left this one just happy. I didn't love the first couple movies (though I loved the books), but this one has a romance and plot that I just can NOT stop thinking about.
W) White Noise. Jake got me a machine from Brookstone last Christmas, and I have to say, it's just soothing. It's been such a great addition to our sleep haven (aka bedroom).
X) The most difficult letter, of course. This year I really can't think of something good, so I'm going to to cheat a little and pick one of my fav 2011 songs - by Katy Perry, called E.T. But it stands for Extraterrestrial - Xtraterrestrial - get it?!
Y) Youth. We start turning 30 this year, people. It's crazy. I have heard it's no big deal, but I definitely don't feel like a kid anymore (maybe because I'm baking one). BUT anything that will continue to make me feel young is welcome in my book!
Z) Zynga, the maker of Words with Friends and Hanging with Friends. These apps have made my evenings so much fun, and even Jake gets into playing the games sometimes!
