Gratitude

Till further notice...

2009-10-06T06:41:00.000-07:00

...I won't be blogging here, as I am busy with the stories on Facebook. Please go there to read those stories, in the "Notes" section off my profile.

If you are not one of my Facebook friends, feel free to send me a request with "Blog reader" in the message.

10/4/09

2009-10-04T16:29:00.000-07:00

1. That Miriam let me sleep in.
2. That she can play happily by herself. So I can sleep in.
3. That I can sleep in.

10/1/09

2009-10-01T17:57:00.000-07:00

1. That the flood at the library was not nearly as bad as it could have been.
2. That I can buy one song at a time on Amazon. No more buying entire albums for just one song!
3. That I'm good in an emergency.

9/30/09

2009-09-30T18:59:00.000-07:00

1. For reasonable and understanding parents, who are being very good about something they have every right to be upset about.
2. For a three-paycheck month!
3. That I was able to save some very, very old files (which will start showing up on Facebook 10/1).

9/29/09

2009-09-29T18:46:00.001-07:00

1. Again, for my friendship with Ellen...who sent me a surprise care package full of chocolates, Spongebob stuff, tea and even a present for Miriam.
2. That home theater has not replaced cinemas...and that real movie popcorn is still available.
3. That I did not once raise my voice tonight.

9/28/09

2009-09-28T20:02:00.000-07:00

1. That autumn has finally arrived.
2. For seven good years with Frippen. Good boy, Frippen.
3. That, of all the titles and awards I've earned and received, I finally got the one I wanted most: "Daddy."

9/27/09

2009-09-27T20:26:00.000-07:00

1. For the gracious companionship of my ren fair buddy, Liz. She made the 471 mile round trip worth it.
2. Honestly, for ren fairs: attending them helps me focus on my life of spiritual chivalry.
3. I look good in green.

9/25/09

2009-09-25T20:26:00.000-07:00

1. For my new friend, Kate.
2. For the chance to fix many things, with many people.
3. That I have a desire to tell stories, and the ability to tell them well.

9/24/09

2009-09-25T05:14:00.000-07:00

1. That counseling has begun...and they don't think that I need medication!
2. To whomever invented "Rock Band." Apparently, I really am supposed to be a bass player.
3. That I had begun the healing process on my own.

9/23/09

2009-09-23T18:46:00.000-07:00

1. For a smooth running day when were very short handed.
2. For two separate groups of medievalist geeks-both of whom miss me.
3. That I can still make friends.

9/22/09

2009-09-22T13:33:00.000-07:00

1. For the October 2009 issue of Nick magazine. There's a very funny Bob Dylan reference in one of the Spongebob cartoons.
2. That I have a school counselor that has no vested interest in whether or not I stay with the program.
3. That I can still be friendly and helpful to the library patrons. Which ain't easy...

9/21/09

2009-09-21T20:22:00.000-07:00

1. That I no longer have to decide between paying bills or buying food.
2. That it is too cold in northern Minnesota for roaches!
3. That I can easily go for a walk, even when driving makes more sense.

9/20/09

2009-09-20T19:37:00.000-07:00

1. That I got my first 90% in Rock Band (bass, "Roxanne")
2. For Cathy, who is very far away, but still right beside me.
3. That I can talk myself out of expensive, non-essential purchases (so there is more money for lots of little ones...)

9/19/09

2009-09-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

1. That I was able to return the router.
2. That Miriam has friends in the neighborhood.
3. Regardless of my emotional condition, I'm physically healthy.

9/18/09

2009-09-19T06:57:00.000-07:00

1. That my training was good, but that my aim was bad.
2. That Miriam may not have to deal with the nightmare of cursive writing like I did.
3. That my knees and ankles are healthy and can recover easily from running.

9/17/09

2009-09-17T19:00:00.000-07:00

1. That my buddy Jen did not lose her job.
2. That I may still be able to unload the house in Wichita without going into foreclosure AND be able to settle the 2nd mortgage.
3. That I am charming and amusing to women of all ages, babies to grannies.

9/16/09

2009-09-16T11:24:00.001-07:00

1. For a chance and wonderful encounter with this furry, winged fellow, who not only trusted but seemed genuinely grateful for some help from the primate in the ugly shirt.

2. That I have a great boss, who understands and is willing to talk (and cut me some slack).

3. That I haven't lost the ability to laugh (Thanks especially to Lee, Chuck, Charlie, Jon, Angus and Conchata).

I have returned!

2009-09-15T12:24:00.000-07:00

1. That Melissa and I ironed out the issues from Labor Day weekend.
2. That Miriam, really, really, REALLY likes pre-school.
3. That, no matter how close I get to the edge, I never allow myself to go over.

5/9/09

2009-05-09T19:03:00.000-07:00

1. That my eBay items sold!
2. That Miriam can now carry on a conversation.
3. That I have earned the respect of a new community.
4. 1 mile (this is going to take a while...)

5/8/09

2009-05-08T13:34:00.000-07:00

1. For some really fun kids at story time today.

2.

Especially from the fountain with ice!

3. That, apparently, I still have some things to offer.

5/7/09

2009-05-07T19:11:00.000-07:00

1. For some new direction on the PhD. Though it was a dead end.
2. That sometimes it is very quiet at the library.
3. That I am recovering from my running better than I did 7 years ago.
4. Speaking of which: 1 mile (with a brutal headwind).

5/6/09

2009-05-06T18:13:00.000-07:00

1. That Ruth made a call in an attempt to save my academic future.
2. For soap bubbles. Otherwise, yesterday would have been even worse.
3. I'm actually pretty good at my job.

5/5/09

2009-05-06T18:12:00.000-07:00

Today sucked, but:
4. 1 mile.

5/4/09

2009-05-04T19:31:00.000-07:00

1. For the end of a very long day that started badly. But ended quietly.
2. For all the far-away places that I have seen.
3. For knowing I can live without her.

5/3/09

2009-05-03T20:20:00.000-07:00

1. That Cole came home a little early to help put Miri to bed.
2. For the aura borialis. Very pretty.
3. That I can run a mile. So...
4. Back at it. 1 mile.

5/2/09

2009-05-02T20:46:00.000-07:00

1. That I got a chance to go out with my family and have some fun without an extra person being there.
2. For cellular technology.
3. That I can follow directions.

5/1/09 (May Day; or Beltane; or Lei Day; or International Worker's Day; or St. James the Less's Day; or whatever.)

2009-05-01T13:48:00.000-07:00

1. For a seemingly sincere connection from an unreliable source.
2. For all those that fought and died, who stood watch, so that I may be free.
3. That I am strong enough when I am alone that my friends want to help me when I am.

4/30/09

2009-04-30T18:04:00.001-07:00

1. That I got something useful out of today's leadership training class.
2. That the sound of storms relaxes me.
3. That I can walk long distances. Walking helps me think.

4/29/09

2009-04-29T15:54:00.000-07:00

1. That it is raining. This town needed a bath.
2. That Cole has a good job now.
3.That I didn't scare Jodi.
4. No running this week. I'm alone with Miri and need to rest my driver's side Achille's tendon.

4/28/09

2009-04-28T14:57:00.001-07:00

1. That my boss stood up for me when I enforced policy, which would have never happened in Wichita.
2. That someone I was once very in love with said I was the only really noble person she had ever met.
3. That I can walk very long distances. Someday, I'll walk across this country.

4/27/09

2009-04-27T19:36:00.000-07:00

1. I'm glad that abusive jackass didn't take a swing at me today.

2. For cheesy romantic art like the item to the right.

3. I've finally worked up the courage to tell my parents what's been happening.

4/26/09

2009-04-26T14:58:00.000-07:00

1. That I was able to get my running finished before it rained.
2. For the perspective of history. Sure I'm depressed, but at least I don't have to run a country during a civil war and figure out how to free the slaves while being depressed.
3. That I can survive, even when I don't want to.
4. 1 mile. Still ugly.

4/25/09

2009-04-25T16:11:00.000-07:00

1. For Ambien. For the first time weeks, I had an entire night's sleep. And a nap.
2. For Specks, Jacques, Shyless, Wolfgang and Hans. Good dogs all.
3. That I can tell a story well.
4. 1 mile. It was ugly, but I did it.

4/23/09 (St. George's Day)

2009-04-23T17:59:00.000-07:00

1. For Jodi, Denise, Sarita, Jeff, Ellen, Sandra and Jenn, who chatted and talked to me today; my worst day in some time.
2. For St. George, patron saint of soldiers, boy scouts, chivalry, England and the Order of the Garter, all of which are important to me. Today is his day.
3. That I have the courage to be by myself.
4. 1 mile. I am going to work on a solid mile before I push any harder.

4/22/09

2009-04-22T06:19:00.000-07:00

1. That the TV Toss went well.
2. For the fact that I carried a torch for 25 years. Some may see that as very sad, but to me, it shows strong evidence of emotional commitment.
3. That I kept off the 15 pounds I lost.

4/21/09

2009-04-21T13:20:00.000-07:00

1. That I was accepted at Capella.
2. That there are people out there who are willing, and sometimes even able, to travel a long distance just to make sure I'm okay.
3. As bad as it is, I can still get up and live every day.
4. 1+ miles (and I found a $10 bill on the sidewalk!)

4/20/09

2009-04-20T14:03:00.000-07:00

1. That Cole sat quietly and listened to me last night.

2. That I live in a country that allows me to travel about as I please. Only gas money can hold me back.

4/19/09

2009-04-19T18:06:00.000-07:00

1. That Miriam took a rare afternoon nap, giving me the opportunity to fill out the application for Capella University.

2. That I didn't have to grow up near my cousins. Really, I am!

3. For enough self-discipline to get the things done that need to get done. And the ability to judge what those things are.

4. 1 mile. Hey, its a start!

4/18/09

2009-04-18T16:42:00.000-07:00

1. For 10 hours of sleep.
2. For Ellen, who has stayed my friend all these years, regardless of our bad ending and my baggage.
3. That I still have all my hair, with just a little grey at the temples.
4. Running begins tomorrow evening. I'll be thrilled to get even ONE mile.

4/17/08

2009-04-18T16:40:00.000-07:00

Nothing from the 17th. I had a horrifying anxiety attack in the afternoon on the 16th, which I medicated but apparently did not go away. It came back at bedtime and I couldn't take any more meds. So, no sleep for 41 hours. It was all I could do to stay alert at work and with Miriam.

Marathon man

2009-04-17T06:52:00.000-07:00

According to my training book, the first 3 miles are the toughest for non-runners. Once that threshold is reached, the longer distances become easier. I have mapped out a 1.5 mile course and will begin running it this weekend.

So, on days that I run, I will have an item #4: distance run that day.

Wish me luck!

4/16/09

2009-04-16T14:31:00.000-07:00

1. For Yahoo! Messenger and an amazing stroke of luck.
2. The amazing document which is the Constitution, and that we haven't screwed with very much.
3. That I recognize management fads for just that: fads.

4/15/09

2009-04-15T20:36:00.000-07:00

1. That Frippen didn't hear Cole come in last night. If he had, there would have been a fit of barking at midnight.
2. That I have a job that gives me opportunities to leave the building.
3. I apparently flirt very well.

4/14/09

2009-04-14T20:46:00.000-07:00

1. For Cindy.
2. For Allerton Park, the only place I've ever called "magical."
3. That I can laugh, even now. "Two and Half Men" is really funny!

4/13/09

2009-04-14T13:49:00.000-07:00

1. That the last of the Summer Reading Program planning is coming together.
2. 3. I have writing skills that are in demand.

4/12/09 (Easter Sunday)

2009-04-13T06:59:00.000-07:00

1. For an empty town and an empty church, which made for a peaceful walk.
2. That I discovered the poems of Thomas Wyatt.
3. That I "look like a knight."

4/11/09

2009-04-11T19:40:00.000-07:00

1. For a successful audition.
2. For dogs.
3. For a romantic heart that is easily broken, but just as easily fixed.

4/10/09

2009-04-10T18:12:00.000-07:00

1. For an hour of silence. Miriam has been talking non-stop today!
2. For music. I don't have the talent to play, but without music, there would be no point.
3. That I know how to fall down, otherwise I would have surely broken my neck last week!

4/9/09

2009-04-09T18:15:00.000-07:00

1. For a good night's sleep, when I should have been sleepless wreck.
2. For passion: in myself and others.
3. That I have a talent for words.

4/8/09

2009-04-08T14:07:00.000-07:00

1. For all the support I'm getting for all this PhD nonsense.
2. For the chance to come to Hibbing.
3. That I actually look good in an Aloha shirt.

4/7/09

2009-04-07T18:20:00.000-07:00

1. A very cheerful call from Dr. Ganus, at a moment I needed it most.
2. That, no matter what else has happened, Cole and I can be reasonable and work together.
3. That school comes easily for me.

4/6/09

2009-04-06T11:16:00.000-07:00

1. Advice, whether I take it or not.

2. Hypertension and cholesterol medication, because without it I would be dead.

3. For my great sense of smell. I caught a wiff of sawdust today, which brought up many pleasant childhood memories.

4/5/09

2009-04-05T18:28:00.000-07:00

1. That at least a few people came to the fighter practice in Minneapolis. Considering it was a 6 hour round trip for me.
2. That Miriam is an intellegent, healthy little person.
3. For my excellent driving skills. Because they saved my life tonight.

4/4/09

2009-04-04T18:08:00.000-07:00

1. For the turkey dinner I just had. Thanks Cole!
2. That I attended the University of Illinois for library school. It has opened many doors.
3. Though I can be stand-offish, I'm not shy.

4/3/09

2009-04-03T17:54:00.000-07:00

1. I'm glad that I didn't have to deal with the snowstorm on the way to the conference, like I did last year.

2. That the Vigil came when I was older and could appreciate it, as opposed to when I expected it.

3. That I can still carry my daughter on my back.

4/2/09

2009-04-02T16:30:00.000-07:00

1. For the free lunch I got today from the Rotary Club.
2. That my Dad was my first Scoutmaster...and OA Lodge Advisor
3. Considering what I might have gotten, that I have only a slight astigmatism.

4/1/09

2009-04-01T15:15:00.000-07:00

1. That I no longer have to deliver the weekend papers, especially after the latest snow fall.
2. That Melissa and I have forgiven each other.
3. That I never started smoking, drinking or using drugs.

3/31/09

2009-04-01T08:44:00.000-07:00

1. That Ellen checked up on me
2. In 1997, I kept a promise to my friend Deane. Otherwise, I would have never met Cole...or Miriam.
3. I have a talent for picking books that kids enjoy

3/30/09

2009-04-01T08:43:00.000-07:00

1. a fun day with a well-behaved Miriam
2. that I met Allen & Christine, who helped me understand the chivalry that was in my heart
3. that I lost 15 pounds