Thankful and New Kids on the Block

Today is my birthday! And I think birthdays are really good time to remember what you are thankful for. So here are some things I’m thankful for this year (in no particular order):

 1)My sweet new job – Since starting last month I’ve been up to my elbows in the reproductive fluids of common sea stars, played movies in the planetarium, taken 2 trips to Potter Marsh, ridden around Anchorage in a charter bus looking at public art, and learned proper handling of reptiles. While Anchorage isn’t exactly where I’d like to be living, at least I’m doing what I’d like to be doing.

 2)Daylight – Alaska has two seasons: winter and not winter, or if you prefer, dark and light. It’s currently light season and when I went to bed at quarter to 11 last night, I didn’t need my light to read. And I think that’s pretty great.

First 10 pm sunset of the season

3) This kid (along with the rest of my family, but he’s certainly the cutest)

4)Yogurt Lounge – I recently tried this frozen yogurt place near my house for the first time. You serve yourself and then pay by the ounce. I mixed peanut butter and cake batter frozen yogurt and then put Reese’s peanut butter cups on top. And it was delightful. Next time I’d like to try red velvet yogurt with maybe cookie dough on top?

5)My fabulous friends – Last week when my friends asked what I wanted to do for my birthday, I enthusiastically asked, “Can we go shoot stuff?!” They responded with a resounding yes. Because they enjoy redneck-ness as much as I do. I’ve also gotten some amazing birthday cards, calls, texts, and Facebook posts from my Lower 48 friends. My friends are a bunch of weirdos, and I love them for that.

Here are a few other things I'm thankful for (that don't require explanation) - pork tacos with avocado, cast iron skillets, half price happy hour, Boyfriend by Justin Bieber, knowing how to walk in high heels, chocolate milk, nighttime cereal, leaves on the trees, melting snow, knowing which fork goes with which course, United States Postal Service, and massages 

This week's hot jam is Happy Birthday to You by New Kids on the Block. Because what else would it be?