Holy hells. It’s 3 weeks to the end of 2021 and I’m still in early 2020. But I digress. Here’s what I’m grateful for this past week:

1. A meal for 3 for 158 pesos ($3USD). An errand run for 2 dogs with three people because our dogs do not have any chill, but gave us the chance for a meal we’ve missed these past two years. Fishball, kwek kwek and dynamites. Plus two large mango shakes. Solb.

2. Friends who show up. If there’s anything I’ve learned this year, it’s that there are people that really show up for you. Literally and figuratively. One of the ones I’m extra grateful for is my friend Carla, and I’ve written about her before. She just shows up for you, full tilt, no questions asked, not expecting anything in return.

3. Tagging along. I have always called myself Balsam adjacent (a step up from alumni because i’m at all events), and tagged along a small get together this week. I was half asleep and was maybe half in my flask of bourbon— but it was a good feeling nonetheless. Like a secondhand high. This team was genuinely excited to be around each other and share their happiness, and that’s hard to find nowadays. It really drives down the importance of human connection in this *gestures at everything* situation.

Song of the week: I Should Have Kissed You Then by Peej

What are you grateful for?

-J