One Year of Gratitude (in 90 Seconds)
by jskylar
In Korea, newborn babies are considered to be 1 year old. I guess they count gestational age and round up. From what I remember, when the new year begins (e.g. changing over from 2010 to 2011) everyone adds a year to their age. They celebrate their birthday but their age increases on January 1st of the new year. That makes me 27 years old in Korean, which is 2 years more than my Canadian age. I’ve never been older. :S
Being caught between first and second year of medical school and enjoying my holidays at home with family, I think I’ve learned a lot in 2010. There were probably more lessons to be had outside the school than at school…not to say that first year has been a cakewalk. 
Going on a slight tangent – I am a fan of Jason Mraz and one of his Facebook notes in early January was called “10-years of Gratitude (in 90 seconds)”. I want to attempt to do something similar here but for 2010 only. While there have been some difficulties, I have a lot more to be grateful for than to be bitter for. So I’m setting the watch.
I am grateful for:
- my parents for stoney solid support and love
- my brother for taking care of my parents and still taking homemade lunches…in grade 12
- my sister for being independent and having determination
- my Skylar (dog) for his gentle soul
- natural beauty products – korres, ole henriksen, some Australian brand I can’t remember
- fitness – gym, Jilliam Michaels
- my passion for learning that I rediscovered at school
- losing my apathy when it comes to global health issues
- gaining a broader perspective and desire to do something re: global health issues
- trip to tasmania
- west coast swing – toronto crew & adelaide
- frisbee social league with friends
- topical steroids for mosquito bites
- responsibilities
- great friends at school with whom I know I will keep in touch for the rest of my life
- matcha powder
- tea
- bubble tea
- hoi nam chicken
- Italian coffee
- oysters
- dark chocolate that got me through swotvac (studying week before the exams)
- lightbulb moments when my thoughts are racing and heart is pounding
- friends who are family
- coconut milk & coconut cream & coconut water
- sharing great recipes
- courage
- farmer’s markets
- mangos mangos mangos. i love mangos. mangos. yum.
- watermelon juice on rundle mall
- g-market
- ginger beer
- bush tucker
- glasses to help me see better
- the truth
- skype
- catching up with old friends
- forgiveness
- continuing love
- blister-preventing stick
- opportunities
That went beyond 90 seconds but I just couldn’t stop at “topical steroids”. There are more, I am sure…and there will be lots more to come in 2011.
I take off for Australia on Monday. More adventures to come and I will try to keep a log here as best as I can.
