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Thankfulness! Lots and lots of it here, let me tell you.
For what am I thankful? Let me count the ways....
1) My man. You make my life possible, Matthew, and you're the foundation on which I build the home of my heart. You give me support, love, stability, awesome sex, and the best food a girl was ever privileged enough to have made for her -- and now just now and then, but most nights a week (this goes for pretty much everything on that list regarding frequency, really)! No matter how stressed or anxious I get, my one guiding realization is that no matter what else seems awful, it's my relationship with you that shines through the darkness.
2) My kids. I wish you were here, but that'll come soon enough. I love you, boys... you are my best things, forever and always.
3) Sarah. Our relationship, as unconventional as it is and as oddly strained as it can be, knowing as we both do that the ties that bind us are knotted inextricably around Matthew, is still one of the strongest bonds I have, and it's one I'm profoundly grateful for. You are my objective reporter on the scene, and you can always make me laugh. Thank you.
4) Nicole. Woman, you're one of my oldest and dearest friends, and you know me like few others on the face of the planet. We are so mutually indebted to each other at this point that the term "family" is the only one to apply. You are the big sister I never had. Thank you, my dear, for everything. Always.
5) All my friends! Adam, Gail, Karafa, Lori & Steve, Glen, Phil, Tarisse, Misha, Drew, Eric, Gabi, Brannon, Trey, Sparky, Mickey, Claudia, Jim, Jess, other Jess, other-other-Jess, Jesse, John, Nik, Chris, Christopher, Tanith, Karyn, Nina... the list goes on. Online, in real life, you all make my life worthwhile. I am truly blessed to know so many wonderful people. Thank you all so much.
6) My school! Seriously, there were a lot of places I might have landed. This one had... well, let's say a number of attractive features that would have made it the first choice no matter what the department was like. That said, I freaking adore this department. I'm a huge fan of both my advisor-type people and I'm learning so freaking much. I love teaching, I love research, I even love writing papers for all that it makes me kinda crazy. I really enjoy my students, even when they drive me crazy too. This is my best possible career choice. I totally win. Thank you, CWRU English Department!
7) My dogs. I miss Rosie like whoa, still and forever. She got me through being single, got me through Seattle, got me moved here... she was my bestest friend for years. I like to think I gave her a good life... and especially here at the end, when she had a pack and people and a house and a big yard, I know I did. I wish she was still here...but I can think of her without instant tears now. Si... Si is a whole new ball of wax (and fur, and licks, and chewing, and cuteness). He's not my dog, he's our dog, and I love that about him. If Rosie had to leave, there couldn't be a better successor.
8) My family. You think I'm crazy, but you love and support me anyway. It'd be nice if there weren't that "crazy" part, but I'm really fortunate that in that it doesn't actually matter. Love you, Mom and Dad. So glad you're here with me. Love you, Mark.
For what am I thankful? Let me count the ways....
1) My man. You make my life possible, Matthew, and you're the foundation on which I build the home of my heart. You give me support, love, stability, awesome sex, and the best food a girl was ever privileged enough to have made for her -- and now just now and then, but most nights a week (this goes for pretty much everything on that list regarding frequency, really)! No matter how stressed or anxious I get, my one guiding realization is that no matter what else seems awful, it's my relationship with you that shines through the darkness.
2) My kids. I wish you were here, but that'll come soon enough. I love you, boys... you are my best things, forever and always.
3) Sarah. Our relationship, as unconventional as it is and as oddly strained as it can be, knowing as we both do that the ties that bind us are knotted inextricably around Matthew, is still one of the strongest bonds I have, and it's one I'm profoundly grateful for. You are my objective reporter on the scene, and you can always make me laugh. Thank you.
4) Nicole. Woman, you're one of my oldest and dearest friends, and you know me like few others on the face of the planet. We are so mutually indebted to each other at this point that the term "family" is the only one to apply. You are the big sister I never had. Thank you, my dear, for everything. Always.
5) All my friends! Adam, Gail, Karafa, Lori & Steve, Glen, Phil, Tarisse, Misha, Drew, Eric, Gabi, Brannon, Trey, Sparky, Mickey, Claudia, Jim, Jess, other Jess, other-other-Jess, Jesse, John, Nik, Chris, Christopher, Tanith, Karyn, Nina... the list goes on. Online, in real life, you all make my life worthwhile. I am truly blessed to know so many wonderful people. Thank you all so much.
6) My school! Seriously, there were a lot of places I might have landed. This one had... well, let's say a number of attractive features that would have made it the first choice no matter what the department was like. That said, I freaking adore this department. I'm a huge fan of both my advisor-type people and I'm learning so freaking much. I love teaching, I love research, I even love writing papers for all that it makes me kinda crazy. I really enjoy my students, even when they drive me crazy too. This is my best possible career choice. I totally win. Thank you, CWRU English Department!
7) My dogs. I miss Rosie like whoa, still and forever. She got me through being single, got me through Seattle, got me moved here... she was my bestest friend for years. I like to think I gave her a good life... and especially here at the end, when she had a pack and people and a house and a big yard, I know I did. I wish she was still here...but I can think of her without instant tears now. Si... Si is a whole new ball of wax (and fur, and licks, and chewing, and cuteness). He's not my dog, he's our dog, and I love that about him. If Rosie had to leave, there couldn't be a better successor.
8) My family. You think I'm crazy, but you love and support me anyway. It'd be nice if there weren't that "crazy" part, but I'm really fortunate that in that it doesn't actually matter. Love you, Mom and Dad. So glad you're here with me. Love you, Mark.
