5 Things I’m Grateful for Today: #1 Rainboots
#1 Rainboots. After finally investing in a pair of sturdy rubber boots, this year I can finally walk around after a blizzard and not have to worry about stepping into deep slushy puddles every time I cross the street. Goodbye to wet, frostbitten toes and soggy tennis shoes. Hello to more time to step back and admire the scenery.
#2 Walking around to the corner diner for a midnight snack. 2 am to be precise. Back in Oklahoma we had our 24 hour IHOPs and Waffle Houses, but New York (particularly East Village and LES) is an insomniac foodie paradise.
#3 What’s better than walking to the corner diner for a midnight snack? Free delivery. It’s room service in the comfort of your own home. Monte Cristo sandwich, banana pancakes, omelettes… hunger doesn’t stand a chance, and neither does my waistline.
#4 Becoming accustomed to Winter. The first winter in China, and my first time to experience no central heating, was brutal. Coat, gloves, scarves, nothing ever came off. The first winter in NYC was almost as bad, but for different reasons. The sun setting before you’ve even had a glimpse of it, and the corresponding dreariness of cold and dark days that seemed to start in November and last straight into June. Maybe it’s the additional layers and warmer shoes in my wardrobe. Maybe it’s been the intermittent warm spells. Or maybe it’s because this year I have someone to help take my mind off the weather. Whatever it is, winter #2 in NYC has been much more bearable.
#5 The work situation falling back into place. After three months of limbo, things are finally concrete and settling back down. The thing that made me dread going into work each day is no longer an issue (ceased to be an issue back in November). And after three months of limbo, I not only still have a job, but I also got a promotion, and my new program assistant starts next week! Good things come to those with the patience to grin and bear it?
