Real books with real pages.

Consider me old school but I like the feeling of turning pages, anticipation of the end of the chapter and the end of the book and feeling like I've accomplished something when I realize I'm 1/2 way through!

Having a caring family

Good times & bad times I know my family will always be there for me.  I love how my family cares about each other and how our love can reach distances near & far.  I'm thankful that I have these people in my life to count on and support me if & when I need it.

Disneyland on a weeknight!

because we can =)

Eager students/residents

I'm always thankful to get students/residents who ask good questions and/or are eager for more information.  Even though they usually slow me down a little overall, it's nice thinking that they appreciate me for taking the time to explain things to them (at least I hope they do!)

A clean house

Rregardless of who cleaned or ends up cleaning the house, there's always a little satisfaction of having a clean house.

Quality wife time..

Eating, laughing, drinking, and conversing about anything that pops into our minds and then laughing about it again :P 

Belgian chocolate & nice coworkers

OR chocolate in general.

Work has been NON-STOP today!  Good bc time passes by very quickly but frustrating when I can't finish a note before the next patient.  Thankfully one of my coworkers brought us chocolates from her recent trip to Belgium!  I'm taking a bite here & there and it's definitely keeping me going.  Thank heavens for chocolate & nice coworkers who share.

my dad & my husband

I always hoped to find & marry someone who got along with my family.  Luckily, I hit the jackpot with Alex who just so happens to get along w/ my whole family and especially my dad!  I'm thankful that they can bond and talk about things so naturally and with ease.

PS. Thank you Alex for learning to love whiskey so you can actually enjoy drinking with my family.

Sunny days in February

Love

Today is always a big controversy.  Is it a real holiday, a hallmark holiday, a holiday for people in relationships, a holiday to alienate single people or a holiday to force men to buy flowers & chocolates at highly inflated prices?  I say none of the above.

I think this holiday is a day to celebrate LOVE.  I've spent many a Valentine's days single but it didn't matter because I still felt loved.  There is romantic love which is exploited and the forefront of this holiday, but there's also family love, friendship love, appreciative love and everything in between. 

True, you don't have to wait until February 14 to spread love but you also don't have to wait until Thanksgiving to Give Thanks (you can start a blog like I did).  So take the time today to say I love you to the people who matter to you.  Take the time tomorrow too and after day after that.  And it's always a good idea to throw in some chocolate here & there =P

Palmer pie!!

Five years ago my sister adopted an adorable 1/2 golden retriever and 1/2 cocker spaniel previously-named Sketcher. We brought him home and lovingly named him after a great USC QB, #3 Carson Palmer.

I had my share of mishaps with Palmer but most of the time he has brought joy and unconditional love. I especially love the way my dad lights up when he's playing with or talking about Palmer. Today I got to spend time with him and it just reminded me of how thankful I am that he's a part of my life.

Feeling appreciated

I'm thankful for all the things I've been given as a token of appreciation, from my patients, students, residents or anyone! Thank you for thinking of me and making me feel appreciated!

Shown above: Momma fish & her babies from El Salvador & cardboard cutout from a Thank You card from Taiwan.

Mahjong, even Filipinos play!

This weekend I get to spend my first official Chinese New Year with Alex's whole family! Most of the time is spent playing mahjong which thankfully even Filipinos know how to play!!

I'm very thankful that there are things that I am able to do and share with my new family.

Happy New Year everyone!!

doing something I love

Not many people can say, "As far back as I can remember, I've always wanted to be a _(what they do today)_."  I've been super fortunate to have been able to fulfill my childhood dream of becoming a pharmacist.  Weird but true.  The best part is the idea of a pharmacist to 7yo Cher and what I do now as Dr. Cher, are totally different but I'm still very happy.  The ability to do what I love is one of the greatest gifts I've been given.

'The greatest joy comes when we stop focusing inward and turn our attention outward.  The greatest success comes from collaboration and inclusion of other.   The best way to achieve greatness is to help everyone around you to achieve greatness.   The best way to be happy yourself is to make everyone around you happy!' - Amy Rees Anderson Blog

Flexibility at work

I'm thankful for having a flexible job and the ability to make my own schedule. I was able to leave work early so I can spend time with my ADORABLE niece this afternoon.

SHE'S SO CUTE!!!!

Lunch w/ my BFF

Thankful to work close enough to have lunch w/ my BFF every once in a while.  It's a great break in the middle of the day and good to try new food places w/ her!  

AND there was a Target that I went to after lunch!!

My yoga practice

While the physical and health benefits are a bonus, the best thing about my yoga practice is the mental challenge and mindfulness that reaches beyond my mat and overflows into my everyday life.. Permeates my world, really. The inner peace it creates, the gentleness and softness that lingers, the strength that has built mentally and physically to help me deal with life's challenges.  A wise instructor continues to remind me that it's called Yoga Practice, not Yoga Perfect.. And for that, I am grateful.

Namaste

-Ann#

Warmer weather!

Means longer days and I get to spend more time working on garden and yard! I'm at the age where weeding is relaxing and enjoyable! 

Sleep

Today I am thankful for the 9 hours of sleep Emmy had last night!  We have been all over the map with night wakings (sometimes one or two, sometimes every 20 min) but last night she went to bed at 7:30 pm, needed a little patting at 9:30 pm, then didn't wake until 4:30 am for a feeding!  Now that is definitely something a mommy can be thankful for!

Knowing how to cook

I'm thankful for knowing how to cook but still having a husband who wants to cook for and with me. It's fun to spend time in the kitchen with him!

Grandma

I am thankful today for my mom (Emmys grandma) who came over to babysit while Johnny & I went out on a date.  

The values I have

Today I'm thankful for the values my parents instilled in me growing up. Specifically, treating people with respect regardless of their age, status or situation.

Saturdays with no plans

I'm thankful both Alex & I didn't have work today so we could go exploring. It's always fun going to random places and spending time with him.

American Express & my sister

THANK YOU AMERICAN EXPRESS pre-sale!

My lovely sister let me use her American Express card to buy NKOTB + 98 degrees + Boyz II Men tickets pre-sale for us!!  We're super excited and I'm anxiously looking forward to acting like a 13 year old again.  SWEET!!!

ps. Us does not include Alex or Johnny (sadly)

Working from home

I am working with my daughter in my arms. I can kiss and hug and squeeze
her whenever I want so today (and every other day), I am thankful for
working from home! - Kimberly

Intern pharmacists

Otherwise I'd have to do ALL the pharmacy consults and pharmacist questions and...well A LOT more.

Thanks.