Being Thankful

As we make the final preparations for our annual trip to Minnesota for Thanksgiving (as opposed to all of our other trips to Minnesota for other reasons - birthdays, holidays, desire for good State Fair food, etc.), I want to take a brief moment and let the internet know what kinds of things I am thankful for.  We often don't take the time to truly appreciate what we have, and despite the other factors that tend to take a higher priority nowadays - the meal, the football, the shopping - at its core this is a holiday where we celebrate the things that make us happy and fulfilled.  In no particular order...

• My lovely wife.  For 13+ years we have continued to learn of each others' likes, dislikes, little quirks, personal values, and what our favorite rides were at Disney World as kids, among other things.  Despite the stresses associated with our lives, we continue to find joy in one another, and I can think of no one else I would want to see when I come home after a long day than her. 

• My family, both immediate and extended.  I have a very, very large family (12 aunts and uncles, ~40 first cousins... and that doesn't include my wife's family!) and am lucky that I have the opportunity to spend time with many of them at various points throughout the year.  We have made it a priority to get to family events, despite living so far away, because we care so much about being connected.  I am happy to have their support in what I'm doing and to support them in theirs.  My parents did a great job instilling me with good core values, and I continue to try to make them proud.  My brother continues to amaze me with his drive to follow his dreams and put himself out there for all to see, and I admire his willingness to step well outside of his comfort zone to push himself forward.  Also he's a pretty snappy dresser.

• My friends from all over the country, and the world (it's true!).  I have made many good friends in my life, and try my best to keep in contact with them.  I realize that I've created a somewhat skewed view of what most people do for a living, because most of my friends are pursuing advanced degrees and exciting, compelling career paths.  I am continually impressed (and somewhat jealous!) of their successes, and I'm quite happy to know that I can say "I knew that person before they did X", whether that's "became a physician" or "won the Nobel prize" or "opened a restaurant".  Although many of them live far away or are moving away from here, I appreciate the time I've had with them, and hope to continue to stay in contact.  

•  My running career.  Yes, I talk about running a lot, and I'm thankful that I get to do it. The main reason I'm thankful here is that, despite it sometimes being a chore or causing problems through injury, my attitude about running has remained very, very positive and I can't imagine myself without a pair (or 3) of running shoes near the front door.  That I have been able to continue running and really enjoying it for 15+ years really says something, don't you think?  Getting a trophy every once in a while doesn't hurt...
• My science career.  Despite how much I complain about grad school, I really do think that this is the best possible use of my talents and what I want to do with myself as a career.  Every time I have a setback, I look at the literature and read about the great possibilities that these therapies hold, and how they could have a real impact on a terrible disease with few treatments, and that keeps me going.  How many people have this opportunity?  I always need to step back and appreciate that.
• Walter.  He's a dog.  He's quite adorable.  While I don't know how long he will be staying with us, he's a continual source of entertainment and makes sure I get my butt out of bed in the morning.  What else could you ask for?
• Ur-Paign.  Again, despite complaining sometimes about this town, I really do like it here.  It's easy to get around, there are many places I enjoy to eat, there's a strong church community, and we have a good set of friends.  I'll be happy to leave so we can be closer to family, but for now it's not a bad place to live.
• Social media.  It's difficult to be away from your friends, but fairly easy to connect!  

Alright, I think that's a fairly exhaustive list.  I'm thankful that you, dear reader, find the time to read what I have to say occasionally.  I hope you have a wonderful and safe holiday (especially if you are traveling) and that you have the opportunity to be thankful for the good things in your lives as well.