I was having such a chill evening, I almost forgot to record my gratitude for the day, which is probably something to be thankful for in itself. However, I’m really thankful for the Christmas gift cards that have allowed me to get a massage every week for a while now because it’s really making a difference. Today’s massage hurt in the best possible way. I really do feel like I’m gaining some range of motion in my arm, which is great because once my gift cards are spent, I’ll be back to massage every few weeks. Luckily, I just need to make it to August.

After a long and frustrating day at work, I’m grateful for dinner out with Patrick and a good beer. And chocolate.

I finally got my reconstruction surgery scheduled—August 7. I’m really disappointed to have to wait so long, but I was told they’d let me know if a cancellation happens and I can get in sooner. I’m not holding my breath on that.

As disappointed as I am, I’m thankful to have it on the calendar to plan around. And I’ll be able to enjoy the summer. And I have extra time to gain more weight. I’m kidding on that one. While it might help with my surgery, I’m already feeling like I need to lose 20 pounds. But I am thankful to have the end in sight. If all goes well, it could be all finished this year. Finally. Fingers crossed.

I’m thankful today for bookend pups, especially this golden boy who turned 9 years old.

I’m grateful that Emma made it home safely, that we had time before she left to have breakfast together, and that I had the rest of the sunny day to myself. Chance and I miss her already though.

I’m thankful today for getting to spend a little more time with Emma this afternoon, for sunshine, vacuumed floors, and cheesy pasta.

I had my last art therapy class today, and we did group art. We had just a few minutes to add our imprint on someone’s artwork, and everyone added something to each person’s. I started my artwork with the eyes, and the end result was exactly me. I’m thankful for meaning in unexpected places.

Yay, Friday! I had another painfully good massage today. I’m finally getting some fascia release that’s loosening things up a little. It’s a good thing.

I’m grateful today that Emma has been able to spend time with a friend while she’s here this week. I’m also thankful that we will see her again this weekend before she leaves on Monday.

This is the second Thursday in a row where we have gotten a major snowfall, and of course, I had my MRI scheduled this morning. I’m glad I didn’t arrive too early because they were already behind schedule. I was there at 7:45 for an 8:00 am appointment but didn’t get in the MRI room until 9:00. Because of my implants, the scan took an hour. An hour laying face down with my arms up. After about 40 mins, my arms started twitching. I was so thankful when the nurse announced I was down to my last “round.”

If you’ve had an MRI, you are familiar with all the weird and extremely loud sounds the machine makes. I forgot how much they drown out the music playing through the headphones, so to keep myself occupied, I started counting all the different noises. There were about a dozen, give or take. If you’ve never had the pleasure of an MRI, check this out for a sample. Only know that it’s even louder.

By the time I got home around 11:00, I got my results, which made the long morning worth it. The MRI showed “no abnormal enhancement to indicate malignancy. Bilateral breast implants without rupture.” Woohoo! Still cancer free. I’m incredibly grateful for that today.

I’m thankful today for funny cards, silly laughter, living room strutting, and fuzzy blankets.