It's an annual list, in no particular order, and non-exhaustive, of things I am thankful for. There are so many.
- This year, I've received 3 combined shots of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine. While acknowledging we are still in the pandemic, I am so grateful for the folks who made this possible and the safety and peace of mind they afford me.
- All my family members, from my lovely wife to my parents, in-laws, siblings-in-law, aunt, uncle, cousins, etc. It has been so nice to see them this year with less anxiety and worry.
- My melanzana micro-grid pullover.
- I had the good fortune to do quite a bit of traveling this year - mainly via the open road, but took my first pandemic forays via air as well. I am grateful for all these experiences and the things I learned, but probably most grateful for an extended time spent on the road as I was between jobs this August/September.
- Waffle cut fries.
- Vinyl records.
- Road trips, gas station coffee, and combos.
- Learning new things - which explains why there's a skateboard in my garage.
- My OG pandemic coworker - an oddly shaped, narrow faced greyhound on whose couch I am typing this out.
- Long slow runs in the woods.
- Knowing what knot to tie in a specific situation.
- That time we got stuck in our canoe on Little Sag lake in a thunderstorm, only for the skies to clear to an incredible sunset and just enough dry wood to start a fire and warm up.
- My time working at UHG, where I worked with such kind coworkers and gained so much confidence.
- My new job at F&B, where I am once again surrounded by quality people in a new and challenging role.
- Phish Food Ben & Jerry's.
- For that matter, 5 incredible and hilarious opportunities to see Phish in 2021, including an unforgettable weekend in an Indiana parking lot and my first foray to fabulous Las Vegas.
- Late, quiet nights with a nice bourbon.
- Our beloved adventure van, which taught me so much, gave me endless amounts of pride and enjoyment, and also ended up filling me with anxiety every time I got behind the wheel pointed down any surface that was not paved and dry. Grateful for Kate and Cody from Nashville, who I hope have taken her on new (and hopefully more graded) adventures.
- For that one time Bob Weir liked my tweet.
- Every time Cody Townshend drops a new "50 Project" on youtube.
- Our beautiful city of Minneapolis, which spoils us with parks, restaurants, things to do, and ideas to think about.
- Piney west coast IPAs and shitty, cold, American lagers.
- Riding my bike on a crisp fall day.
- Two words - pow day.
- For being entrusted to serve as the council president at my church - for all the people who in a year where there are no easy decisions, continue to show up, be faithful, and do the important work to keep things progressing.
- Completing a 35 days on skis before I turned 35 challenge in 2021, despite blisteringly cold temperatures.
- Returning to Target Field for a Twins game after a year away.
- Ice cold coke in a can on a hot day.
- Quilted slipper shoes.
- All of our public lands and the opportunities they afford - notable experiences this year were had in MN State Parks, National Forests, National Recreation Areas, and National Parks.
- For that grizzly bear in Yellowstone deciding not to maul and eat me.
- Our SACO trombone quartet, which managed to keep the music going throughout the pandemic.
- For staying healthy.
- Cold days at Welch Village, 300 foot vert runs, drinks at Madd Jaxx, and being satisfied just because you love it.
- Campfires in winter.
- Family rituals - friends, we need more rituals as well.
- Being surrounded by people of tremendous grace.
- Random hangs that occur on short notice.
- Dimly lit, neon infused dive bars.
- For whatever reason, the paths life have taken me on have resulted in an economically privileged position. I am tremendously grateful.
- Opportunities to check that privilege, to be challenged in my thinking, to have the status quo adjusted.
- Chips and salsa.
- That delightful feeling of exhaustion and pride after a total sufferfest.
- Opportunities to disconnect.
