October 8, 2015
1. I am thankful that I have become more organized and aware of my spending. I currently use an application recommended by a coworker called EveryDollar to track my monthly expenses. This will help my savings for trips, house renovations, etc!
2. I went for a run today and along with getting faster (~8:50 min/mile) I was also able to enjoy the absolutely beautiful fall colors. There are bushes with leaves so red that when the light hits them right they appear to be aflame. It is so absolutely beautiful this time of year.
3. Last night we made some delicious turkey sandwiches and I signed up for an online Immunology class. I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to take classes and continue my education with the support of my employer, Exact Sciences. I am also thankful that I can enjoy the delicious cheesy bread, smoked turkey, sriracha mayo, and cheddar grilled cheese for dinner last night! Mmmmm...
October 9, 2015
1. I am proud of my ability to keep my mind in check lately. I have been able to remain positive despite situations that could have left me feeling sour. There is tremendous benefit to this approach, especially in interpersonal settings. I fully intend to remain on the positive path!
2. I had a very lovely dinner with one of my greatest friends of all time: Megan Siko. She is so lovely in not only appearance but also personality. She treated us to a bottle of delicious Plum wine from Takumi in celebration of my recent engagement and we ate sooo much sushi!
3. A surprise visit to another friend of years and years: Jessica Henry happened right after the dinner with Megan. I basked in the chance to be in their presence. They are such great friends and so unique. I look to them for perspective and find endless laughs and such wicked honesty and I love them for every moment of it.
October 10, 2015
1. I ran in the Carbone Cancer Center's Race for Research. It was an incredibly beautiful fall morning, better than I could have even asked for. I ran my best timing of 8:18/mile average pace and finished 69th overall! It's so encouraging to see myself improving with my running. Thanks Martin for you patience, persistence, and wealth of running knowledge!
2. Two of my lovely aunts came to see the house that Martin and I recently bought (May 2015). We had a lovely conversation with them in our 3 season porch. They are so loving, I am so grateful and thankful that they are in my life. They brought up the situation under which Trevor passed over 10 years ago. We shared a moment of silence. It feels really amazing knowing that their compassion extends in a way that allows them to remember such tragic events that have forever shaped me as a person and be able to bring it up in a respectful and honorable way.
3. Martin and I went out to Nashota, WI to visit his Dad, Pat aka "PapaMac", for dinner. His father is an extremely thoughtful man and his invitation for us to come to dinner where he made a delicious pork roast with these addictive potatoes was just the tip of the iceberg. He wanted to spend time with us and get to know us, together. In light of the fact that Martin asked for my hand in marriage at the beginning of this month (Oct. 1st) and I said yes (over many tears of joy and surprise), I think it was the sign that he knew we were taking our commitment to each other seriously. It is difficult to explain the difference in demeanor that I observed when it was just the three of us. He was not playing up the "Gramps" role (that he adores so much and makes him probably one of the best Grandfathers alive), but he was more himself and I could see a vulnerability that I had not before. This vulnerability that I believe may be shaped by the looming idea of old age has motivated Pat to make the most of his days by travelling more and more and making videos that highlight the special memories of the times when he is still in good health and ultimately will leave us with something so incredibly special to remember him by. I love this man and I love the son that has given me the opportunity of a lifetime to spend it with him.
Week Two
October 11, 2015
1. Monica and Owen came over for Sunday brunch today and it was so lovely. They are some of the best people to have over for a meal. The conversation was always flowing and they both have such interesting ideas that they mull over with a great degree of care and thoughtfulness.
2. I was able to Skype with Ricky DeMello today. I haven't seen him in such a long time (since he was recovering from his accident) and it was such a blessing to hear him as a fully recovered person. He is back to himself but not without the associated consequences that the unintended accident has had on his family. He is such a strong willed optimistic person that can see through the toughest of situations. I admire him for these qualities, among countless others. Even though we rarely see each other, we are able to get together and recount the days as if no time has passed. That is so desirable in a friendship and I am so thankful to call Ricky my friend.
3. Martin made a fire this evening and we enjoyed a really nice autumn night sitting by the fire and chatting. I love this man he is beyond anything I could have imagined and so much more!
October 12, 2015
I did not have a chance to recount this exact day so instead I will recount 3 positive things in my life in general:
1. I am able bodied. I am able to move and speak and dance at my own will. I am so lucky to have the freedom of control over my body. And I love my body, it works for me, not against me. I cherish what it can do for me and nurture it by making good choices for what I put in it (a good deal of the time).
2. I am so grateful for the love of my family, the love of Martin and the love of my friends. I am not sure what I have done to deserve this love, the people in my life are so gracious to me with their kindness and generosity. How could I possibly repay them? I hope that in my journey to become a more complete version of myself I will be able to better understand how to fully appreciate each and every one of them.
3. What a great position I am in right now with life and how fortunate I have been to have the life that I do. I do not hunger, I am not thirsty, I have shelter and above and beyond all of that I have the aforementioned things (items 1 and 2). Additionally, I have options. I have the ability (as a woman, even) to make choices and I can choose where I want my life to go. I have limitless options as long as I choose to see it that way. The biggest choice I have is the ability to choose my perspective and I choose to be positive.
October 13, 2015
1. Booked a trip to Isla Mujeres today! Got to talk to Alicia Solorz (from R&D Systems) on the phone and catch up. That was the best part of it all - we'll be there and in good company too - Miguel, Alicia's husband is from the island. We may also get to visit the Yucatan peninsula and swim in underwater caves. What an amazing opportunity!!
2. I lost some composure at work today and revealed some real sad emotions of isolation that I've been having in response to some behavior from team members at work. One of the members was a real comfort (Jacquelyn) and truly demonstrated a support and insistence in staying neutral, despite the conflicting circumstances.
3. Wrote two diplomatic-like emails today. I am proud of my ability to remain professional, despite a dramatic situation. It takes a lot to really stand up for oneself and today was the day that I put positivity and accountability for one's actions to the test. I took responsibility and offered an apology for a perceived emotion. No one knows what anyone's experience is truly like. I find that life is best lived when I remain skeptical of my knee jerk reactions. Better to take the proper time to collect one's composure, collect an alternative viewpoint, and offer a suggestion to better the outcome in the future.
October 14, 2015
1. Had a great conversation with my sister, as we have been, post-bowling, in the Bowl-A-Vard parking lot. When it's just the two of us we have some really great, therapeutic, and insightful talks (and we played Photo Hunt and got 3rd place under the alias "Better than U"). What really stood out to me is when she mentioned a mind game show on Netflix right now. Specifically, she talked about how the show discusses your brain's tendencies to fill in the gaps of your memory with preconceived notions and shows you examples on screen that demonstrate the concept. If my brain is so easily deceived by a slight of hand, what am I experiencing that I call objective? I would say few to none of my memories isn't peppered with some lie that I don't even know I'm telling myself. It's a good realization to have but Yikes!, at the same time.
2. I was so extremely lucky today I don't know if this will ever in my lifetime repeat itself. At work there was a raffle where I put in 4 tickets to win prizes and won 3 out of the 9 prizes. All in all I won a backpack (great for travelling), a wine and cheese basket (great always), and a $100 Amazon gift card. Now, because I am human and for some reason need to attach some kind of meaning to this I would like to share my strategy for getting lucky: think of others. When I put in my tickets I thought about how winning would benefit someone else. And true to my word, I gave the backpack to Martin, will be sharing the wine, cheese and other assorted goodies with my friends, and I will buy something off Amazon that benefits more than just myself.
3. There was a meeting that gave a coworker and me the chance to share what it is that is keeping us from being cohesive in the work space. It was difficult and will not be the last meeting that will need to occur. I feel it is the step in the right direction if there will ever be a truly comfortable work environment.
October 15, 2015
1. Martin is such a thoughtful person. He brought home leftovers from work for us to eat for dinner. I had no idea I was such a fan of beef stroganoff until then. It was great fuel for us to both accomplish some tasks that we've been putting off a bit. Martin was able to caulk around all the windows in the porch and I was able to write a little over a third of the thank you notes from the housewarming party. I'd call that a successful evening!
2. I got to see my brother at work today. I'm so glad that he's taking to the new position. I see in him more direction, motivation, and an energy that I'm not sure I've seen from him since he was younger. I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to help lead him in this direction, I hope this really makes a difference in his life.
3. I was able to see my brother at work yesterday because of a kind offering by a coworker, Jacquelyn, to have me go with her to get samples from the clinical lab. Beforehand we stopped for lunch at Freshii (I got this kimchi dish which was really good- to my surprise!). It was nice to chat with her and get a bit of perspective from her. Unfortunately, I am still finding it difficult to believe her entirely and I think that stems from my lack of faith in our team member, Tanya. This is a relationship that has proven to be one of the greater challenges in the workplace. We will find a way to work together and I am going to make the best of my positive challenge to make that work.
October 16, 2015
1. My uncle Roger and aunt Bev came over to see the house and then took us (Martin and me) to a fish fry at Bridge's Golf Course. It isn't often that I get to share time just with the two of them, it was really nice to get to know them a little better. I really appreciate their point of view on the topics we discussed like education and the state mandated testing woes. At one point Roger asked me why I wasn't teaching art. When I think about it more and more I am beginning to realize that it might actually be my passion in life to bring art to others in a way that heals and inspires. Art therapy anyone?
2. Exact hosted an R&D open house which was a really great time to mingle with people that I don't normally get to see. I was happy to see Jill and Sinafik stop by from the 441 Charmany building and enjoy some super delicious Sculpin (by Ballast Point brewery) before it ran out!
3. Speaking of running out, I ran 3.5 miles today! It was such a lovely fall day for a run with all the colors of the trees, especially the Minnesota ones (yellow and red) that look so fiery. There are these beautiful horses within research park that I get to run by. It's a magical moment when there are horses, the sun shining down to warm you, and the smell of fall all around. I am so thankful to be alive and able to be active!
October 17, 2015
1. Sent out a message in attempt to rekindle the "Madtown Craft Sessions" group. I love when I can get my creative friends together, they are so inspirational for my own work. Next crafting date: November 14th, 2015 @ 3 pm. I just hope the upper room will be warm and cozy enough for a session!
2. Today I begin my online Immunology course through UC Berkeley! I am excited to finally dive into this material that will be familiar in language to me from my work at R&D Systems and will strengthen my understanding of the work I currently do at Exact Sciences.
3. Had Megan and Cody over and Martin made his homemade pizza for them. It is nice to see Megan happy with this guy. I know they still have a few things that they need to learn about each other but for the most part they get along well and he treats her with respect. Megan is so sweet, she really deserves the best. We went to haunted house attraction with them, Wisconsin Scaryland in Waunakee, and although the lines were long and brutal when outside in the cold, it was really a fun night.
Week Three
October 18, 2015
1. Martin made breakfast, he is so amazing to me. He would probably make me breakfast every single day if we always had mornings like the weekend. The best part he's a great cook. This morning: Beligian waffle with raspberry jam and egg scramble with red and green peppers, cheese and sausage. Mmmmm... I love him.
2. Martin and I jogged over to an Antiques mall on Cottage Grove Rd. We spent over an hour looking around at all the neat things that people have collected over the years. A big part of going to antique stores is learning something about what used to be. I find it never fails to teach me something that could just as well be obvious to someone else but is something that I've never encountered before. There was this lovely metal "stalk" that I found some sculptural interest in. It was labeled as a "corn drier", which made complete sense after the fact but nonetheless was a lovely old piece of history.
3. We made a potato and leek soup today and it was sooo delicious. We had a little bowl of it to sample with the wine and cheese winnings over a couple episodes of our guilty pleasure show: The Property Brothers. It is so cheesy but we make it fun. Every episode always has several specific things in it and one very prominent one being the "open concept". Every time they say "open concept" in the show we take a drink. We never end the show with any of our beverages remaining!
October 19, 2015
1. Today I went for two walks. One walk to HyVee over lunch and one walk after work with Martin to get some custard from Culver's. It was a really gorgeous fall day for a walk both day and night.
2. I found a leftover bagel from Panera in the lunchroom after my walk. It was the cheesy kind on the top. It was delicious! It honestly made part of my day. Oh, the simple pleasures!
3. Martin and I sat down and churned out another good portion of the thank you cards for those that came to our housewarming party. Who knew thank you's could be so time consuming? I'd like to think we're putting a real good signature of appreciation on each of them that will warm the hearts of the recipients. Time well spent, in my opinion at least! (Did I mention that Martin gave me a head rub while I was writing them? Definitely time well spent!!)
October 20, 2015
1. Today at work I helped orchestrate some testing for each of the members of the group. Although our group has challenges with personality clashes we understand the need to accomplish the tasks we are given. It is nice to see us getting along and working well together.
2. I had my first visit with a patient of Agrace. It was an eye-opening experience to be with someone that is so fragile and vulnerable. I can't even imagine what that would be like to experience. It was difficult to know exactly how I could be the most helpful to her. Her restlessness and confusion easily made me uneasy but that I combated with my attempt to make her feel comfortable around me as a new person, but also comfortable in general. It was similar to babysitting a child in some ways but with much less energy. I felt like at one time, I got her into a position on the couch we were sitting on where she felt comfortable with a pillow and warm blanket to rest on and we sat there, silent (it was very difficult for her to talk, given her condition), while I gently rubbed her back. I wanted to gain her permission so as not to make her more uncomfortable with me, as a stranger, but rather as someone she could trust. Throughout the visit, she would look me in the eye and then look away and tell me I was very nice. She worried that she needed to entertain me but I assured her that I was there for her, not the other way around. In and out of her ability to make sense of the situation I think she thought about why I would be there, and how. I explained that I wanted to be there and that I enjoyed being able to spend time with her. It was my mission to make her feel comfortable and comforted. At the end I felt I gained some kind of trust from her and she told her family that I was very nice and gave me a hug before I left. It was very special to be able to feel like in some small way I could give comfort to her and give a couple hours or respite to her family.
3. When I returned home from my visit, Martin made me a delicious meal of Gorgonzola tortellini with vodka sauce. I was able to share parts of my visit with him (confidentially, to protect her information), which felt good to be able to talk it out. He is a really good listener when he knows that I want to discuss something that I feel passionate about. I love him like crazy!
The rest of the week's entries are going to be in the form of "remembered positives of the day" due to a computer glitch that did not save my entries from Oct 21st - Oct 24th!
October 21, 2015
1. Today I went to a Back to the Future Party and I put on my best "Marty McFly" outfit, which was well received. So many good people came out to remember the day that Marty and the Professor traveled back to the future in Back to the Future II. The best part of all may really have been the green chile stew by Nicole. She cooks AMAZING food!
2. The other best part of the day was when my sister and Lee came to the party and they brought the "Moon Flames", shoes that I made out of duct tape and old cardboard soda boxes for a class project in college. Due to my serious lack of money I gave away the things I made for Christmas. I was surprised she still had them! It was a special moment that demonstrated Wendy's sentimental side, which is very deep and sweet but she doesn't like to show it that often so it make is extra special when she does.
3. At work I remember everyone getting things done to help out with the testing for the next day. It seems that the environment of communication has really improved from previous week's. That's really encouraging for the group.
October 22, 2015
1. I remember everyone communicating well and respecting my desire for a quiet laboratory work space today. All the plans for running experiments went smoothly and that data that came out of it will help us plan for tomorrow.
2. Exact is now offering some "enhanced employee perks" which is AWESOME! This gives me the opportunity to take advantage of their VTO or "Volunteer Time Off", which I am excited to use for my Agrace Home Care visits!
3. There's also one more day of personal time that I can take this year! Woo hoo! I should do something really positive for myself on that day- like paint something and/or make some pajama pants out of some of the fabric I got this summer!
October 24, 2015
1. Got together with some old friends tonight: Megan and Cailtin. We had a great reunion where we were able to share things that we haven't been able to since we became adults. I really enjoy the kind of people that we have become and I hope that we continue to grow and learn from each other and the world in a positive and uplifting way.
Week Four
October 27, 2015
1. Eilish, a friend from high school, who is now back from Portland, WA, got in contact with me asking if I'd like to catch up with her. She's an incredible artist and I am excited to hear about her journey. We're planning to meet for coffee this Sunday then go to the Crafty Fair @ The Goodman Community Center.
October 28, 2015
1. Bowling with my family. It was the evening before my Dad's 63rd birthday and I got to buy him a beer. His choice? WI Brewing Company's Inaugural Red.
2. Martin brought some delicious sandwiches from work for us to eat before dinner (yum!) and Jim bought the pitcher of Karben4's Fantasy Factory for us during bowling- so nice, both of them!
3. I got all of my work done successfully at work-- and early! It took a bit of juggling and busy hands but I feel better knowing I won't have to coordinate with anyone else to get things done tomorrow-and I can possibly help out.
October 29, 2015
1. Had lunch with Amara, Carla, and Brian at Qdoba today. It was great to see Amara, she is so sweet. Her daughter is now in school in Minneapolis to be a genetic counselor. I hope that having her talk to our former neighbor was helpful for her to make an informed decision and understand the process of her application. It sounds like she's doing well, and they get to visit her!
2. It's my Dad's birthday and we're headed to Pasqual's for dinner tonight. It's nice to have all the family getting together and enjoying that time. I really cherish these moments.
October 30, 2015
1. Today at work there was a costume contest and I was in the group that won! Four of us dressed up as the 'R&Dnie babies' with the red heart Ty tags (courteous of Becky Rosenow -she did an excellent job making human sized tags!). Three of the members bought animal onesies and I made a robot costume (there is a beanie baby robot - his name is Flex - apparently he's from the show Yo Gabba Gabba and s/he sings an awesome song called "Don't Bite Your Friends" -check it out here.
2. Martin and I attended an art opening that featured our summer class art instructor: Jane Fasse. Her work is phenomenal and we even had the fine fortune of running into her and her husband on the way into the show. I'd really like to support her creations by buying one of her works- I'll have to begin saving!
3. Martin and I partied at Christine and Tom's new place in our robot costumes. We had a super fun time dancing together and having good conversation. They have a very lovely home - we wish we could have been their neighbors!
October 31, 2015
1. We went back to Christine and Tom's house to watch movies, order food, and hand out candy. It was nice to be out of party mode and into relaxed mode.
2. The best Halloween costumes we saw: A kid dressed as a scuba diver with two 2 liter bottles on his back that he put his candy in and a family dressed as characters from The Little Mermaid.
3. A quote from a silly movie took me by surprise- "most of the world's problems are generally the result of miscommunication" I like that. The more I go through life the more I believe that is really very true!
Reflection:
Although I missed a few days here and there this exercise was worth it. Positivity is worth the work and eventually becomes easier the more you practice. I intend to continue this challenge with a three thoughts thankful November.
If you tend to steer toward negativity, I encourage you to refresh your outlook with a similar challenge. I promise, it won't let you down!
