Day 120

Today I'm thankful to feel appreciated. A graduating student brought me a gift, a giant chocolate bar! So sweet!

Day 119

I'm thankful that I had 21 years with my Grandpa Rohrer. Today is the 9th anniversary of his death. I still remember that phone call. Mom never called me on Fridays so I knew something was wrong and for some reason I knew it was Grandpa. I'm so glad John was with me when I got the news. We had only been dating for a couple of months at that point. He never got to meet Grandpa.

Grandpa, Mitch, me, Ben, and Grandma at my 8th birthday party in 1991

I think of Grandpa often especially when I see those orange, pink, and brown wafer cookies. Grandma told me just a few months before Grandpa died that he loved those cookies, especially the pink ones. The Copps in Madison had a whole package of just pink ones that I kept meaning to send to him but never did.

Grandpa, Christmas Eve 2004

Rest in peace, Grandpa! You are loved.

Day 118

Today I'm thankful for a good day at work and a nice, relaxing evening at home. Just what I needed!

Day 116*

I'm thankful for a beautiful day in Madison for the Crazylegs Classic! Plus, I got a Crazylegs PR! Woohoo! The run felt great! I started out pretty fast but left enough in the tank to finish strong too.

Post-race with Bucky

I'm so thankful that we've been able to create a Crazylegs tradition with Mark and KJ (and Betty now too). It's so fun to catch up, reminisce, and get reacquainted with Madison.

Pre-race breakfast

I'm also thankful to have a great sister-in-law. Natalie took the time to come to Camp Randall after the race and have lunch with us. Love her!

Day 115*

I am thankful to have known John's Grandpa John who passed away suddenly one year ago. He was a great man and always treated me as part of the family. Rest in peace, Grandpa John!

Day 117

Today I'm thankful that John and I were able to spend a couple hours with Jamine, Brandon, Cade, and Blake. It was great to see them all again and see how much Cade and Blake have grown. I miss my BFF so much and it's always great to catch up!

Day 114

Today I'm thankful for the laundry room. I really wanted an in-unit washer and dryer when we moved to Chicago. However, I've learned that it's pretty nice to be able to do a whole week (or two!) of laundry in just over two hours.

Day 113

Today I'm thankful for a letter from my dear friend Jean. I met Jean in 2005 during my clinical at the UW Hospital General Clinical Research Center. Her husband, Bob, was undergoing treatment for cancer. Bob was the first person I ever drew blood from. I'm not sure what it was exactly, but the three of us bonded.

Bob passed away just over a year after I met him but Jean and I have stayed in touch with letters once or twice a year. She even came to my wedding with her daughter and granddaughter (both of whom I'm friends with on Facebook).

Thanks, Jean! I'll write soon!

Day 112

Today I'm thankful for sunshine, a better day at work than yesterday, and a great run with Natallie tonight. Life is good.

Day 111

Today I'm thankful for my husband. I'm a pretty lucky girl!

Day 110

I'm thankful my husband drove back from Oshkosh so I could do a little reading and napping. Thanks, hunny!

Day 109*

I was thankful for a fun night with the whole Lenz family. We had dinner together, went to Easter vigil mass, and then visited Grandma Jo.

John, me, Natalie, Annie, and Ben

Day 108*

I was thankful for a safe trip up to Oshkosh and a fun night out with John's parents and Natalie. Then Natalie and I got in some quality sister bonding and I got to hear all about her new boy. So fun!

Day 107

Today I'm thankful for gorgeous weather. It's amazing how much my mood is lifted by getting outside and sitting in the sunshine for my lunch break. Ahh!

Day 106*

About a month ago, I volunteered to interview candidates for scholarships from the Wisconsin Alumni Association Chicago Chapter. Tonight, I'm thankful for the opportunity to offer a scholarship to a future Badger! It was quite the process though...

First, I called the student's home number. The student's mom answered and told me the student was working and wouldn't be home until late. I asked about her schedule tomorrow but her mom wasn't sure. Then I asked if the student had a cell phone and her mom said yes. So, I said I would call the student's cell and leave a message. I also told her mom that the student was going to be offered the WAA scholarship which brought her to tears.

Then, I called the student but her voicemail wasn't set up! So, I texted her telling her who I was and that I was going to email her. Almost immediately after I sent the email, she called me back and I was able to tell her the awesome news. She was so happy and so thankful!

A few minutes later, the student's mom called me back in a bit of a panic because she realized the student didn't have her voicemail set up. I reassured her that I had just talked to her daughter. She again teared up and thanked me.

Since I cry whenever someone else cries, it was an emotional few minutes for me as well...but it was so great to be able to play a part in another student's education at UW-Madison!

Day 105*

I'm thankful that Natallie and I ran tonight even though it was awfully chilly. It's never a bad thing to go for a run, no matter the weather!

Day 104

Today I'm thankful for the 15 Second Kiss.

Day 103

Today I'm thankful for a nice quiet day at home. Of course, it went by way too quickly and I didn't get nearly all the things done that I had hoped to...but it was still a good day!

Day 102

Today I'm thankful for a lot of things:

1. Warm (though windy) weather...it's 75 degrees right now!
2. A fantastic 7.24 mile run with Natallie
3. A productive afternoon cleaning the apartment
4. A phone chat with Laura...so good to hear her voice and talk to one of my dearest friends!

Day 101

Today I'm thankful for the absolutely gorgeous weather we had today. I finally broke out the capris for sitting around tonight and I'm warm! We have two more days above 60 and then it's back to the 40s...I will definitely enjoy it while it lasts!