Shout out #13: snow shovelers

Ok, everyone knows it's cold out... like 0 degree windchill negative-might-as-well-be-pluto freezing cold out. Whenever it is really really cold in the winter I always think of my brother (a carpenter) or my brother-in-law (a plumber) working outdoors on some un-insulated building freezing their tails off. Today as I was walking to work on mostly un-yet shoveled sidewalks I was thinking how much it would stink to have to be out there for hours shoveling snow in the cold so cold I could barely warm up with 3 layers on and my soul felt a little iced over. Thank you to the maintenance crew at UConn, for preventing me from slipping on a sheet of ice right in front of 100 people, like I did that time my freshman year. I'm not sure the students appreciate you - and no one really has a way to thank you, but if I could I would give you a warm cup of hot cocoa. At the very least I'm sending a virtual hug.

Shout out #12: the last appointment of the day

Today I am grateful to my final student appointment of the day. Thanks for being flexible and coming in early so I could drive home before all the snow started. Sometimes students forget that researchers are people too... I appreciate whenever someone makes my hour long commute a little more bearable.

Shout out #11: barista

This thanks goes to the barista at Dog Lane Cafe for making me a killer cappuccino that was almost as delicious as those I drank in Spain. It was the best thing that happened to me today.

Shout out #10: UConn Rec - bodywise

Ok so as every UConn student and alum knows… the gym is shabby and about 10000000 years old. However, they have the most amazing fitness classes a gal could dream up. http://recreation.uconn.edu/bodywise/

From yoga to kickboxing to spin the instructors are top notch, enthusiastic and nurturing. They always help you work at your own pace while also encouraging you to challenge yourself. I can't believe I get all this included in my employee membership for $23 a month. Yes I have to work out with kids 10-15 years younger than me, but once I get past feeling old, I thank my lucky stars for the opportunity to really look forward to exercise each day. I also know how important it is to have a healthy outlet as a college student and after being at another school (not named to protect the guilty) which had a gorgeous shimmering new gym, but charged 50+ a semester for their classes on top of the already expensive gym fees - I say go UConn! Way to encourage the health of your school without breaking our fragile little piggy banks. Fitness shouldn't only be for the rich and pretty.

Shout out #9: gas station guy

Thanks to the funny cashier at the gas station we stopped at in Vermont last weekend. He rang up my order of one vitamin water as 279 pennies. I was trying to find a few dollars in my wallet but only had a ten and he said "it's ok 1000 is fine". I said "wow you make me feel so rich!". He said "wait until you get the change… seven hundred etc.etc…". It was nearly 10PM, I was exhausted and you made me laugh. High five gas station guy!

Shout out #8: Carl

This heartfelt message goes out to my brother… although he is not an avid internet user… maybe someday he'll get a chance to read this. It is also fitting that this is his birthday and I celebrated it by doing one of the things I love most, skiing. I owe this hobby to him but also much more.

My big brother is one of my heroes. He would visit often when I was little and if I saw his truck in the driveway on a Friday after school I knew it was going to be an awesome weekend. In the summer my brother took me on a lot of amazing trips like mountain biking in the northwest hills of CT. When I was about 12, through hours frustration with me falling on my butt repeatedly, he taught me to ski. He recently gave it up due to concerns about a previous arm-dislocation injury which bums me out, but I continue to be grateful to him for introducing me to something that makes me so very happy, if only once or twice a year. We also went to a LOT of action movies.

One of the amazing things about my brother is that he always encourages me to pursue my dreams even if they are a little outlandish. "Yeah, you should go for it!" he would always say. He would drive long distances to drop me off or pick me up from school or the airport. When I was 17 we went on a month long trip around the US by train together and if he hadn't taken the time off to be my chaperone I never would have had that chance. He took the time to hang out with me when I'm sure he had much better things to do than entertain a teenager. Carl isn't the most extroverted person (though he is friendly and fun to hang out with and even loves a good concert), so it meant the world to me that he was willing to do the main photography for my wedding this past May. His artistic ability has always impressed me, but more than anything I have been touched by his kindness and generosity.

My sister and brother at my wedding in May

Shout out #7 : Melanie

My friend Melanie is a former Counselor from my office. I'm hollering at her today (I have to holler, she now lives all the way in Georgia!) because she's such a good friend. Like if being a friend were a job she'd be paid starting 6 figures and eventually get promoted to CEO. Melanie is the sort of person that would book a flight tomorrow to check on you if your appendix burst. This is just a fictional example - but I bet she would do it! When we met we pretty much hit it off right away and even after she moved we've managed to stay in touch, though sadly less frequently. That's because we both really value faithfulness in friendship (and life in general I guess). I like that I don't need to call her 5 times before she gets back to me and I love that she'll drop me a line now and then just out of the blue.

Some of the wonderful things about Melanie are that she has a gigantic and generous heart but she also doesn't take *%$# from anyone! Well ok, maybe she will call and firmly but politely request what she wants but I appreciate that she can be such a calm, organized and direct person without being a square. She's the kind of girl-next-door I'm sure many a boy wanted to marry when they grew up (sorry dudes, she's taken!) and the sort of down-to-earth gal anyone would want to adopt as a sister. I'm so very lucky to count her among my best friends. Yay Melanie!