Soprano in the Real World: Thankful

I guess this is really yesterday's entry...but since I chose to spend yesterday interacting with the people I love instead of blogging about them, it had to wait until today. Since I have the day off and actually have time to write for fun, here is a list of a totally random number of things I am thankful for, in no particular order.

1. Ben

OK I know I said this was in no particular order, but it would be foolish not to list him first. My best friend, partner in crime and nerdery, occasional handstand spotter and amazing teacher of rowdy teenagers. This guy.... I tell you.

2. Family

All of them - my parents who live 20 minutes from me, and my aunts, uncles and cousins who live halfway across the country. The ones who were my family before July 9, and those who became my family after...I am grateful for every single one of you.

3. These Five:

Tessa, Alex, Julianna, RT, Alisha...you ladies are amazing. I can't thank you enough for your love and support, and for everything you did to make our wedding amazing! I truly couldn't ask for a better sister, cousin, or best friends. Just...you rock. That's all.

4. Yoga

The practice itself, my teachers, and especially the Anusara kula I've come to know and love over the last year. I am humbled an honored every day.

5. Local music that blows my mind

Dessa, Doomtree, Cloud Cult, Trampled by Turtles, Caroline Smith, Atmosphere, etc. I could go on and on

6. Neil Patrick Harris

Self explanatory

7. Single Malt Scotch

Yes.

8. Victor Hugo

Everything he writes is magic.

When the night is serene it is a depth of shadow, when it is stormy it is a depth of smoke. This limitless expanse witholds iteslf from man, and at the same time offers itself to him; closed to experimentation, but open to conjecture. Innumerable points of light make the bottomless darkness blacker still. Gemstones, scintillations, stars. Presences identified in the Unknown; fearful challenges to those who would approach the lights. They are landmarks of creation in the Absolute; marks of distance in an expanse where there are no distances; a numbering system, impossible but nevertheless real, for measuring the depths of space. First one shining microscopic point, then another, then another; an imperceptible presence, but vast. The light we see is a spark; the spark is a star; the star is a sun; the sun is a universe; the universe is nothing. Any number is zero when compared with ifninity.

9. I know I just did a literary one but.... Rumi

Every human being is a guest house.

Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,

some momentary awareness comes

as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!

Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,

who violently sweep your house

empty of its furniture,

still, treat each guest honorably.

He may be clearing you out

for some new delight.

The dark thought, shame, and malice,

meet them at the door laughing,

and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,

because each has been sent

as a guide from the beyond.

10. The local food movement and all the amazing co-ops, farmers markets and restaurant owners that are making it happen

11. Bon Iver/Justin Vernon

... for this:

...and this:

...also this:

12. Bull Run Coffee

For being so close to my home, and for making amazing and delicious lattes. And for always having free dog treats.

13. Autumn in Minnesota

EAT IT, californians. Your fall does NOT look like this.

14. Gainful employment

I know I complain about having to sit in a cubicle all day, but I really am incredibly thankful to have a job at a company I believe in, doing work that challenges me, with people I enjoy.

15. These rascals

Mini and Sidney, the two greatest pets a girl and her husband could ask for