Slices of gratitude

When you dread the cold; when early dark mornings give you anxiety; when work is the last place you want to be, you have to find something positive.  It's hard and sometimes it pisses me off to have to struggle to get through a bad stretch - but it's needed to keep me from losing my mind. 

The pictures above were taken on my way to Casper last weekend, through Wind River Canyon, and the scenery was stunning.  Had there been plowed turnouts I would have snapped more pictures, but the snow was deep and I was in a car that likes to get stuck.  The river was steaming and misty against the snow and frost on the banks, and the sky was such a beautiful clear blue.  I don't like the cold but I do like the beauty that winter brings.

The cold wakes me up when I get into my car during my split, giving me that slight wakeful edge I need to pack up my bag and head to the gym.  This morning I had a great run because of the cold.  Going to work so damn early means I am home by 1:30 pm.  Being home early means I get to pick my kids up from school, even on early release Fridays.  Then we have the whole evening together, which is worth its weight in gold.  The job I have has much to be desired - I'd rather be writing novels and selling paintings and photographs, but right now my job pays the bills and gives me and the kids medical benefits.  And it gets me home early enough to work on those other things I'd rather be doing.

So while I began grumbling at my day the moment my alarm rang at 3:30, I have been able to find small slices of gratitude that puts the big picture in perspective.  My life could be so much worse and I'm thankful for all that I have and am capable of.