Lots to be thankful for this year. I love being able to say that. This year has really been about acknowledging that doing life can be hard. I finally admitted that it’s difficult to – on top of having a full time job and remaining present as a parent – exercise and read and go out on dates/hang with friends and keep up with all my shows. To do everything I want, I need a few more hours in the day. And I think that’s it: most people simply don’t do allll those things. Now that I’ve had that epiphany, it’s much easier to recognize all the amazing things I still manage to do and the many things going on in my life to be grateful for.
P.S. – The 2023 list is here
- A fulfilling job. My last job imploded in ways I didn’t think possible. Long story short, the CEO was a crook. Thankfully, I saw the signs and got out of there, landing at a great new spot. While I’m still doing brand marketing, it’s in an entirely new field (law) for a firm that’s doing truly incredible work. It’s so nice to work for a company you believe in and feel like you’re making a difference. Plus, I get to sip some seriously good celebrity tea all day long. (Note: Yes, the job that turned out to be a raging garbage fire is the same one I wrote about being thankful for in last year’s post. If only I knew then what I know now…)
- My super verbal/communicative kid. Finn may have taken some extra time to develop those gross motor skills and potty training is going less than well, but he is doing pretty spectacularly on the communication front. Dare I say he’s advanced? (Yes, like every mother, I believe my child is a genius.) Of all the skills he could develop, it’s so nice that this is where he excels. It means I get to hear him crack a joke and have full, nuanced conversations. And unlocking pretend play makes the days go much faster.
- Snacks at the office. I may have to go into the office five days a week, but the free snacks do, in fact, make a difference. Another perk: while commuting does cut into working time, it’s meant I’ve gotten sooo much more reading done.
- The holiday market. Every year the holiday market gets bigger and better. There are some really great vendors this year (I’ve got my eye on a terrarium) and I’m lucky enough to work right next to the Union Square market. Even on very cold nights, it’s hard not to smile when you’re surrounded by twinkle lights.
- Wicked. The movie was perfect. No notes. Jon M. Chu knows what he’s doing. (I shouldn’t be surprised; he’s adapted some of my favorite works – Crazy Rich Asians and In The Heights – and did so impeccably.) I was completely transported to a different world. The acting was fantastic and the film was the spectacle we all needed.
- An annual vacation. For the second day year in a row, I went away with a friend. Last year it was the Bahamas with Amanda; this year was Ireland with Rebekah. I’m so thankful to have friends who want and can make time to get away (and who understand how important it is) and a support system at home that enables me to go. I hope this is something I continued to do year after year.
- The Harlem Trader Joe’s. I’m so happy to have one of these within walking distance. And in the same building as a brand new Target? Everything is just wayyyy more convenient now.
- Cool cousins. It’s no secret that I’m crazy close with my family. In fact, I consider many of them my closest friends. In fact the whole extended group of cousins made plans for a getaway. I’m so lucky to have the kind of family where “family” doesn’t feel like a big enough word.
Peaches to Apples 