{Day 20} I am grateful for...

The work week being over. Today was an especially rough day. I am sure glad its the weekend.

Funny text conversations that kept me sane at work today amidst the crazy. (Note: I started writing said conversation and realized it wasn't that funny after all. At least not after the fact.)

My sister Julie. She knows we all too well. She pointed out that all the things I am grateful for are either food, friends, adventures, or my job that keeps me constantly learning new things. Sounds like my life, so I guess its a good thing I'm on track being happy with it. I'd say this 21 day challenge is turning out to be a success.

{Day 19} I am grateful for...

Pandora. I utilized pandora for at least 4 hours today between massage clients and hands-on time in class. I love the variety that it provides, because I was getting seriously bored of massage music there for awhile.

Massage lotion. Its pretty important turns out. I ran out at the beginning of one of my sessions today, and doing a full body massage without it is less than awesome.

Pranks at work. Another instructor, Steve, and I are in a prank war at work. He loves Batman, and I (mostly just to spite him, if we are being honest) love Superman. Earlier this week I, and my students, plastered his classroom with Superman symbols. They were everywhere - on the ceiling, the tables and chairs, the podium, the projector, the massage tables, the posters on the wall, the urinals in the bathroom (I didn't place those, nor was it my idea, but a nice touch nonetheless), throughout his books - everywhere. He. Was. Ticked. So tonight he decided it was time for vengeance. I was standing watching my students practice their shiatsu techniques when out of nowhere the Batman theme song starts blasting over the speaker system. You've got to be kidding me. Apparently the look on my face was priceless, according to my students. Well played Steve, well played. But don't think this is the end. It is on! Anyone have any great ideas for some pranks?

{Day 18} I am grateful for...

Catching up with friends I haven't talked to in awhile. Today I went to dinner with one friend and had a conversation with a second, both of whom I adore and both of whom I rarely see. I'm grateful for good people who help us through the hard times and celebrate with us when life is good. Today was a celebration.

My job. I kinda love it. A lot. And it hasn't been very long that I have said that and actually meant it. I love the interactions I get to have with students on a daily basis and the opportunity to help mentor them through difficult challenges. I seriously thrive on connection with people, in whatever form it takes.

The roommates. They are pretty great.

{Day 17} I am grateful for...

Pistachio flavored frozen yogurt. It reminds me of my childhood eating pistachio ice cream at my grandmom's house.

Getting free massages at work. Actually, not only are they free, but I'm on the clock getting paid to get massages. I'm not complaining.

Pizzeria 712. I love this restaurant. Not only is it some of the best tasting food I've had, hands down, but its also almost entirely locally grown, which I love. And splendid food with great company has to be one of the best ways to spend an evening. Also introducing friends to how delicious beets are is a favorite past-time of me. I will slowly convert everyone I know... Actual beets, not canned beets, mind you.

{Day 16} I am grateful for...

Having meals already prepped for the day so that when I want to throw my alarm clock out the window in the morning because it goes off too early (read: on time) I still have delicious food to take with me to work.

Heated blankets. They are toasty and make sleeping so cozy.

The thought of going snowboarding tomorrow. Aah! So excited! (And the couple of inches of fresh snow that fell whilst at work this evening certainly helped the anticipation.)

{Day 15} I am grateful for...

Anatomy Cadaver Labs. Honestly, it is one of the most amazing learning experiences to see the human body and how it functions. I am in awe every single day at the awesomeness of our bodies and what they do every second without us even realizing.

Home teachers who care. And share really timely messages with poignant questions.

Sunday School lessons that remind me of the goodness of God.

{Day 14} I am grateful for...

O' Falafel. I might be obsessed with their portobello mushroom sandwich right now. If it wasn't all the way up in salt lake, I'd be eating many many more of them.

This American Life. Today there was a story about a man who has a rare disease called narcolepsy cataplexy that causes paralysis while still conscious. He is aware of his surroundings, but unable to speak or move his entire body. There unfortunately is no cure, and the strangest part is the trigger for the episodes is feeling happy. Any moments of nostalgia or pleasure or happiness will trigger paralysis is this poor man. This has to be one of the saddest things I've ever heard of. I am grateful to be able to be happy and feel happy and not have unfortunate side effects as a result.

King Cake. Its just a fun tradition. My lovely friend Anna is from Louisiana near New Orleans and she makes king cake every year for the occasion. It is a delightful treat.