Sometimes writing a list of this nature has the risk of coming off like a big humblebrag - a representation of things or experiences I've had that are the result of a high degree of privilege. I'll try to avoid that as much as I can, but also know that I write this in acknowledgment of that privilege, and I suppose thanks for that as well.
- I'm writing this in the basement that I've spent the last 14 hours in, resulting from an unfortunate bout with what I hope is a 24 hour stomach bug. I'm thankful that I had nothing important to do today, and could take the time to rest.
- Mugs of hot coffee - if outside, in my titanium adventure mug, if inside, the chintzy Wall Drug ceramic mug I picked up on a winter drive through South Dakota.
- Notwithstanding the immediate illness, for good health - for the bones, muscles, senses that allow me to go out in the world and experience it in new ways.
- For my family - here in MN, out in SD and CO, wherever they are. I'm thankful for new and old traditions, flexibility, a constant willingness to accept me as I am.
- Wool socks.
- Blue clothing.
- Delicious whiskey drinks.
- Learning new things.
- As a corollary to that, an eight day period last December where between jobs, I could take the time for myself to drive out to the Tetons, ski bum a bit around Grand Targhee, learn how to backcountry ski, pad around doing whatever, and just generally do what needed to be done.
- As a corollary to that, being married to someone who not only is cool with me just lighting out for a week, but encourages and celebrates that. I'm thankful too that Kate could have a similar experience recently in Sedona.
- For a week of fabulous skiing at Big Sky - for plentiful powder, semi-nude beacon checks, breakfast buffets, apres-ski beers, and the requisite clench-worthy moments.
- Having the perseverance to finally re-finish our deck after many years of neglect.
- Finding the new bike route to my office that cut the ride-time to under an hour, and much more pleasant to boot.
- When you get a surprise message from a friend wanting to hang out.
- Making the last minute decision to stay for the Sunday show at Alpine Valley and having an all-time Phish experience - 7/14/19 Ruby Waves!!
- An epic time in Colorado with the adventure team - where we were challenged by conditions, challenged by altitude, challenged by hail at the Dead & Co show, but walked out with another transcendent experience in the backcountry of the Weminuche Wilderness.
- For our dumb greyhound, Obi-Wan Kenobi - he may not look (or act) like much, but he's got it where it counts.
- Long miles on country roads in the car, open to the experience of whatever you may come across.
- The offbeat musical communities I am a part of - from the CV choir, to the Minneapolis Trombone Choir, to the St. Anthony Civic Orchestra.
- For challenging work and opportunities to grow.
- That feeling you get when you finally send the project in the rock climbing gym.
- An October of great concerts - Sleater-Kinney, Bob Dylan, and Trey Anastasio.
- A really fun summer of Twins baseball.
- The bar burger at Bulls Foot bar in S. Minneapolis.
- The Mandalorian, streaming on Disney +.
- Anytime I don't have cell service.
- Cowboy hats and boots.
- Ben & Jerry's Phish Food ice cream.
- Tacos and/or burritos.
- What appears to now be a fully functional home from a core utility perspective - i.e. plumbing, heating/cooling, etc.
- A day, any day, of skiing at Welch Village with a stop at Madd Jaxx.
- A solid day of hiking.
- Esoteric winter sports - i.e luge, biathlon, ski ballet.
