I realize it’s March now, but I like this series so I’m just going to pretend that I wrote and posted this yesterday. And since we’re pretending, I will also imagine that I am writing this while seated elegantly on a giant translucent bubble, eating pie. My hair is perfect.

1

Kind interviewers. However they go in the end, I am grateful that I’ve had an opportunity to interview for places who were kind and understanding of my felonies. Being in spaces like that, even temporarily, really solidified my decision to work towards a world where this can be everyone’s experience. It also resolved something in my heart that was still torn– the feeling that I had lost all my expertises with the strokes. As questions came in, I realized that I’m still quite capable in a lot of fields and areas. It was a boost I needed.

2

Handheld juice squeezer. I’m not a big juice drinker, but I was gifted this juice squeezer thing and it’s been endlessly entertaining this last week. I don’t know if this is one of those gadgets that will go in my top shelf for once a year use, like my sushi bazooka, but I do know that I appreciate it now.

3

The construction workers below my apartment. I know, I know. Their work is slowly turning my brain into a wet sock filled with mushed bananas, but some of their very loud early morning conversations are adorable. They’ve been trying to share their native languages with each other. Saturday morning, I woke up to one– his voice so projected through our old hardwood that it seemed like it was behind my ear. He asked, How do you talk to God? What language? What words? Do you say “dear God” or “my God” or “oh God”? Do you say “goodbye”, “thank you”, or “amen”?

4

My plants, and the plant app that keeps them alive. I don’t have a green thumb, but based on all the greenery in my apartment, I’m not a plant murderer anymore either.

5

My new doctor. I was incredibly fond of my old doctor, and I was prepared for this new relationship to be stilted at best, but it is blossoming with time. She’s more forthright than I ever expect, but I trust her, and trust in the world of commercialized medicine is something that I will always give thanks for when I have it.

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And, as always — I am grateful for you and your readership– your likes, your comments, and your stealth reading alike. I am grateful to those who have thrown $3 or more into my ko-fi, because I’m only $18 away from reaching my November goal. Thank you.

Wishing you infinite joys.