A Moment of Thanks

***I’ve recently just started my third Gratitude/Happiness Journal. Ever since Oct. 7, 2007, every day, I have written at least three things that made me happy that day. It’s a nice way to look back over the past 5 years and see how much there truly is to be thankful for.***

There’s a lot to be thankful for this year. And I wouldn’t know where to start. But luckily, one of the things I’m thankful for just walked into the room.

Matthias was a missing link in our family before showing up nine years ago. I often forget just the kind of family dynamic and power he brings, mainly because when I see or talk to him, it’s just us. After surprising Mom last night, it hit me as we spent nearly 3 hours at the dinner table. As he and Mom sat there catching up and having thoughtful conversations, it dawned on me; underneath his huge muscle mass, he’s a huge softie. He loves family. He loves laughing. And he loves those close to him so very much.

No matter the time that passes, he always has a place in our house. Even Oscar the dog was smitten with Matthias, refusing to leave his side all morning. I’m thankful that Mom and I have someone like this in our lives. Someone who gets up at 6:30 while he’s on vacation to cook you his family’s special eggs before you head off to work. Someone who sings along at a very (some may say insane) high octave while you clean the kitchen.  Someone who does pretty much anything to get a laugh out of you.

He’s more than a friend and brother. He’s our German Destroyer. And I’m thankful he barged through our lives nearly a decade ago and made himself right at home. Hope everyone has an equally fantastic Thanksgiving holiday.

Sending Mom off to work after cooking her the most important meal of the day. He went back to bed immediately after she left.

Bucket List Checks

Summer in Chicago is amazing. It’s what everyone cracks it up to be. It is the reason we all deal with the rest of the year. It’s simply and utterly fantastic. But I will say, since I’ve been here, they have been two things I’ve wanted to do: see the famous Air & Water show from a rooftop and see the famous Air & Water show from the water. Luckily, fate stepped in last week and delivered.

My friends Courtney and Jill recently just moved and have their own private rooftop (which is as highly coveted as having a yard or balcony). They had a day of grilling, Top Gun looping and good friends laughing. And then it seemed as if we had our own private fly overs from the Blue Angels. It was loud and it was a rush.

The next day, we were heading out on the boat for the show. I’ve seen this show a handful of times as we used to come up for it when we were younger (and those were the only times I caught the show on the beach). But by sea? The show is on a whole ‘nother playing field. As I sat on the back of the boat soaking up the sun with Barry (the yellow lab), a fighter jet came out of no where scaring the beejezus out of us both. Yet it was exhilarating, to sit there on a picture perfect day with your heart racing, your thoughts completely drowned out by the engines and being out on the water.

You did good this summer Chicago.