Things that are good

I'll start out by saying that things have NOT been so good lately. In addition to the ongoing thesis and back struggles, yesterday I went to the dentist for a filling, only to have him find a HOLE in another tooth. The damage to the tooth is so great that my dentist recommends capping it. This will be the fourth time I've had a tooth capped (for 2 teeth - one had to be redone). I am so over my teeth being terrible, despite how meticulous I am about taking care of them [now]. As a kid I did a crappy job and had a lot of cavities, and I'm paying for it now.

Even worse news yesterday was about my Grandma Grace, who went to the emergency room for what she thought was her second heart attack. Thankfully it was not, but she had very high blood pressure (called Hypertensive Crisis), so she is staying at the hospital until they can get it down to better levels. Thankfully my mom (and other family) can be with her; my mom said she is doing better and should be out today.

Grandma Grace, me, Caleb and Grandpa Bob at our wedding - 5 years ago!

I feel like lately I just can't get a "win". Like I've mentioned before, nothing is catastrophic, and in general my life is really great. I've just been handed some struggles and bad news lately. So I'm going to try and list some things that are good, to keep it all in perspective:

• I love my job. I have definitely not always felt that way so I appreciate that I can say it now.
• My general health has been good. I have not been sick with any sort of virus or bug for a long time.
• Assuming [and hoping] that Grandma is on the mend, my family is doing well, and I am lucky to have them so supportive and loving.
• My marriage is wonderful. Caleb and I recently had a conversation about how we feel we've grown and strengthened our relationship in the last few years (our 5-year anniversary is Friday, June 5), and how great we feel about where we are now.
• I have great friends who are there for me when I need someone to talk to, some wine, or just some encouragement along the way.
• We are financially stable. With hard work, saving, and, admittedly, lots of privilege and luck, we do not have to worry about expenses and our standard of living. (Like one recent unplanned expense - having to buy a new furnace and air conditioner! Another fun thing this spring!)
• My schoolwork is nearing an end. It it extremely frustrating and difficult now, but I need to remember that yes, it IS almost over. The end is in sight, even if it is all uphill until that point.