I got out of work early today! I’m thankful for that, even though it was because of a potential ice storm.

I’m thankful today for easy meetings and a good workout. For quick dinners and responsive family members. And for funny people who make it easy to laugh.

Today I picked up a friend from work who hasn’t been able to drive for over a month. She suffered a fracture in her knee over a freak accident with Christmas lights. Normally her husband drives her to and from work, but his work schedule changed this week. As I watched her hobble along on her crutches in the miserable winter weather, I couldn’t help feeling grateful that I’m currently in good health. After all, it was a simple trip that caused my friend’s distress. We are all just a moment away from a life changing event. I’m thankful today to have avoided most physical mishaps thus far.

Today was the first day of a new semester at the college. It was energizing to see the parking lot full again and students wandering the halls. Like the New Year, a new semester is filled with hope and promise. The start of dreams and journeys. I’m always grateful to be part of it.

For Christmas, Patrick’s parents got me a beautiful embossed matte and frame for my Master’s diploma. I’d been meaning to frame it but hadn’t yet. Today I hung it in my office. I’m thankful again that I was able to complete that goal. Seeing my diploma on the wall was a great reminder of what my job is all about.

What is it about Sundays? I’m always trying to cram in all the things I thought I’d get done over the weekend but didn’t. Today I did accomplish getting the house cleaned up and the Christmas decorations put away. I love the holidays but I also love how big and uncluttered the house looks after the tree is gone. It simply adds to the idea of a fresh start. I’m grateful for the simple pleasure of a clean house. Being fortunate to have my own laundry room. And a storage area for holiday decorations. There are so many everyday things that are really blessings.

Sometimes we forget that we aren't trees and complain that we're stuck. People in our town complain a lot that there's nothing to do, that it's boring. Truth is that we live in an area that is driving distance to larger towns and interesting locations. So today we skipped town and drove an hour and a half to check out another area. It wasn't that it was wildly different but just getting out of the norm was nice. We shopped a bit with our Christmas gift cards and had a late lunch at a restaurant not in our town. I'm grateful that we have quick access to areas that allow us to feel like we've "gotten away" for the day.

I got a Fitbit today. I’ve had a step/sleep tracker for a year now but I’m upgrading to a model that will *potentially* help me get into shape. That’s the idea anyway. Honestly, I’m just curious on how it’s going to track my heart rate and sleep cycles. I want to know why I feel exhausted All. The. Time. Maybe it will prompt me to become more active. Which will lead into more gym time. Which will snowball into a new, fit me. I love the sense of promise new items, especially tech gadgets give us. I’m a sucker for hope. Patrick got a Fitbit too, for which I’m thankful. It means that together we will either become better physical versions of ourselves by joining in improved exercise practices, or we will compete against each other for who is doing marginally better with physical activity. Either way, it works.

Hugs. Stress managed. Homemade hot cocoa. Warm pajamas. Lingering Christmas lights.

Today I was able to take the day off of work to spend time with my kids. My oldest is home from college but is going back in a couple of days. This was the last of our real time together. I’m so grateful to have had her home for a bit. Soon she will be graduating and moving on in her life, and I know these short visits will be all I have. We went out for brunch, saw a movie, and shopped at an antique mall for a bit. Tonight we watched reruns of Dr. Who. It was a good day.

It was my first day back to work after the holidays and it wasn’t awful. I’m grateful to have my job even though it t has its share of challenges. And on this bitter cold day I was also thankful to have a reliable car with heated seats.