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First off, hello! I’m Madeline and it’s nice to ‘meet’ you. I have a Colorado soul but live in Atlanta, Georgia where I’m exploring the urban corners of the city, as well as escaping to the North Georgia Mountains. I enjoy baking, doing Crossfit, reflecting and writing for my personal blog, and spending time with the people I love the most. These are the things that fill me up. These are the things that leave me feeling grateful and these are the things that bring beauty into my days. I lead a busy life so I need to always intentionally run after beauty and grace.

Without further ado, here are the five things I currently find beautiful in my life —-

1. The Japanese maple standing in my front yard.

Yes, it’s December. Yes, the trees are FINALLY changing in Atlanta and the tree in my front yard was on fire this week. Every time I walked out the front door my breath caught in my chest as I gazed upon this beauty.

2. The MARTA bus drivers that recognize me on my daily commute.

I ride the bus to work every day and I can count on one hand how many different drivers I have had. Greg is a driver I have in the morning who actually knows my name. He makes me feel known and less invisible in this world.

3. The Buffs playing in the PAC12 championship.

All I have to say is — the rise is real y’all. I’m so proud to be a buff.

4. My fantastic job.

I know this sounds cheesy, but really my job is awesome. I feel so undeserving of the number of opportunities I have afforded while working in this lab. As I type this I am on a break between sessions at the American Society of Hematology conference in San Diego. There are over 27,000 attendees – mostly physicians and PhDs – and I feel so lucky to be one of them. I am humbled by the sheer number of people gathered in one place that are passionate about hematologic diseases and I just want to soak it all in. My lowly bachelors degree and I do not belong in this place, but my boss believes in me, and my professional development, so here I am.

5. Going home for Christmas!

I opted out of traveling for Thanksgiving and I missed my family dearly. It’s hard to describe a Huey holiday, but it’s one worth experiencing if you can. I can’t wait to spend Christmas with my Mom, Dad, sisters Anna and Leah, and my brother Garrett. I’m excited to see snow capped mountains and to breath the crisp, dry air. I’m excited for the wrapping paper war on Christmas day and the time spent catching up with friends over drinks. There have been so many wonderful things about moving to Atlanta with one of the best being able to come home.

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