L'aventure américaine

 I am feeling especially grateful this weekend for the people in my life and some lucky circumstances that happened yesterday.   It was a normal Saturday: Mom and I vaccinated in the morning and I explained anaphylaxis to people and we gave many COVID vaccines.  We came home and had lunch - brats and pesto pasta and vegetables and decided to put the kids down for a nap at Mom and Dad's before heading back into Bloomington.  I told Mom all day that I really wanted to go on a run, so I let my lunch digest a bit - helped put the kids down for naps, did the dishes, separated the seeds that Dad and I got at the plant store that morning and got dressed to go on a run.  It was a beautiful afternoon for a run and I told Mom that I was leaving my phone at home so I could unplug for a bit. I decided to run up to the neighbor's who lives 2 miles away to see Dad and Randal who were working with his Woodmizer that Randal was going to purchase.  I would say hi, snap...

We went to French Lick for two nights because Cook gave every employee two free nights. We needed it and it has been amazing.  I am so grateful for my family. They’re fun and kind and make me laugh and I love them so much it hurts. 

Today I am grateful for the completion of two big projects at work. For the last several nights, I have stayed up late doing homework or work after putting the kids to bed. Today I moderated a webinar that we have been working on for months and decided that I am calling it a day. So, I’m grateful it’s done, it went well, and that I have a nice glass of wine next to me.  Cheers to Tuesday. 

Most of us are spending all of our days at home, and we are too. But, working, school and volunteering are keeping my schedule full six days per week.  Today, the four of us were at home. Randal tried to fix our drainage system. The kids played quietly. I cleaned and picked up and did laundry. It was a lovely day with the family and I felt so satisfied at the end of it.  So, today I’m grateful for this day at home. It was a good one. 

 If you are the main cook in your house, you probably haven't had someone cook for you as much in the past year of COVID.  I am the main cook in my house and I am tired of it.  I am tired of my cooking, tired of my meals, tired of making the effort, tired of groceries. So, today, I am grateful for the home cooked meal that I am served every Friday evening when we go out to Mom and Dad's before our early start at the vaccine clinic on Saturday.  Tonight we had meatloaf, vegetables, corn, rolls, and the good wine.  It was great.  I am grateful that I didn't have to buy those groceries, plan that meal, nor cook it.  Thanks Mom. These kids are pretty great too.

I’m grateful for this fantastic hand me down that was used when it arrived and made it to the second kid. 

 I don't have a picture for today's gratitude moment because they're all at my parents' house in albums, printed from an ancient technology called film. Today I'm grateful for my aunt Juanita.  She sent such a wonderful (also gratitude-filled) email that I kept at the top of my inbox all day because it was such a nice walk down memory lane and such a warm, loving email that I needed amidst the work tasks. Once, she was buying shampoo in Target and the brand had something to do with horses.  Juanita whinnied down the aisle and I will never forget how hilarious I found that.  I still smile when I see that brand. I am so grateful for my family - near and far.