whaaa happened?

it's been quite a roller coaster over the past couple of months and while in the midst of it, i found it hard to step back and think of anything but the present. now that things have calmed down a bit it's time for a little bit of perspective (taking the time to write out thoughts is so good for this!) and thanks, given that this is Thanksgiving week.

i think that when i was a little kid, Christmas was always the holiday i anticipated the most. it meant presents, but better yet giving presents. i've always had a hard time waiting to give gifts. as i grew older, Christmas was always special because my family was around, but later on Thanksgiving became my favorite holiday. it has been a long time since i lost my Grandma, but she continues to influence me and make me want to be a better person. it was 21 years ago that we had our last dinner together, on Thanksgiving, and i am eternally grateful for memories i have of times we spent together.

i could go on and on about things for which i give thanks, but for the sake of not making myself cry multiple times, i'll resort to list form which is by no means complete.

• my family. they mean the world to me.
  
  
• my friends. easy to take for granted but never should be.
  
  
• my health. i know i bitch about my shoulder (or ankle or knees or back) a lot but really, i've got nothing to complain about.
  
  
• my dad's doctors. i will question many things they do and hardly ever think that they are doing enough, but they are elite doctors and i am lucky he is under their care.
  
  
• science. amazingly intricate and complicated, yet beautiful in how it works and makes the world go 'round.
  
  
• books. for factual information, for providing escape.
  
  
• pro sports. for an escape from the horrors of the real world, for providing an outlet for whatever emotions might be boiling inside me.
  
  
• the NCWHL. for giving me the opportunity to try a sport that i love and meet some of the people who i am lucky to have as friends.
  
  
• dogs. for unconditional love.
  
  
• science, again. for providing my job and the excitement that research brings.