It's almost Thanksgiving! Yippee skippee!
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| yumz! |
This year, as opposed to years past, Michael and I are blessed to enjoy two and a half days off for some turkey-eating. We are planning on heading to Long Island next Wednesday afternoon to enjoy the holiday with Michael's aunt and uncle, who have graciously agreed to host us this year.
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| maybe we'll see this? |
I know I am not alone when I say I adore this time of year in the Midwest and the Northeastern parts of the United States. There's a certain something in the air. And we get to take a small slice out of our daily lives to meditate on gratitude. This year, I wanted to send out five things I am thankful for - things, big and small, that have been particularly important to me in this time of transition.
1. My Fellow Comrades-in-Arms at Maryknoll - As you have learned through this blog, Michael and I have spent the last seven weeks with seven amazing people (well, nine, counting the kiddos) in training. We have had the opportunity to learn each other's stories and to grow together as we prepare to go overseas. Michael and I have been reflecting lately on the sad truth that we aren't all going to the same destination. It has been a breath of fresh air to be with them in so many senses and I can't thank them enough for their patience, understanding, and friendship in so short a time.
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| look at these jokesters! |
2. The Hudson River Line - This public train (formally known as the Metro-North Railroad) has brought me and Michael into Grand Central to see so many friends - friends from Dallas, friends from Boston College, friends from our past jobs. Although Ossining is an incredibly beautiful place, it's a bit removed from New York City and hence, people we love. Billy Joel knew what he was talking about - it's a great river, for so many reasons.
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| just so you know, they now have service on sundays. |
3. Google Voice/Skype/All Nice Modern Communication Methods - Thank you, technology! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Because of you, we can talk to all of our peeps, and usually, fo' free. That's how we like it and will continue to like it when we're thousands of miles away in Tanzania.
4. My Husband's Beard - Well, mostly, I'm just thankful for my husband. He is seriously the most awesome, amazing, wonderful person on earth. But for the last two months, Michael's been growing a pretty rad Irish-red beard. And I am down with it! I feel like a true Minnesotan married to a young Paul Bunyan.
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| i.love.that.face! |
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| michael can now say this. |
5. Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire - Okay, not quite, but I do love drinking hot chocolate and sitting in front of a roaring fireplace. Yeah, it's typical, but doesn't it make you feel like it's Christmastime? Just give me A Christmas Carol on the old tube and I'm happy as a clam.
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| yes, please! |
So tell me, what are you thankful for this Thanksgiving? C'mon, you know you want to!
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| what came first? the turkey or the gravy? |
Mountain Man Leen
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