Thankfulness

Well, it's that time of the year again: when everyone publicly announces what it is they are thankful/grateful for. typical. i think we should be announcing ALWAYS what a blessing life is. So starting now, that's what i'm going to do. Everyday I'll be grateful for something, even if it is miniscule. But anyway, for Turkey Day 2010, here's my list of things I am grateful for:

• my family, immediate and extended. they are so loving, supportive, encouraging, helpful. they are the best family i could ever have asked for.
• my friends, both here in utah, in california, and wherever else they may be (now that we're all grown ups and living all over the country) the friends in utah have been a huge blessing to me, especially as i make the adjustment back to living on my own.
• the gospel. i don't know where i would be without it. it strengthens me every single day.
• along with that: my testimony, the atonement, the plan of happiness, eternal life.
• the ability to see, hear, taste, touch, smell
• the ability to walk, run, jump, etc (basically do anything physical-play sports, dance, etc)
• the ability to love, hurt, care for, feel emotion, etc.
• the experiences (and trials) of the past year (not just 2010) that have strengthened me as an individual, shown me how to grow, shown me what kind of person i want to be (and should be), and taught me valuable lessons.
• the opportunity to work (and not only one job, but three, especially in this economy)
• my degree. it may not do much for me now, but to say that i have one, is HUGE.
• my car (and the people who helped bring it to me)
• the warmth of my apartment, bed, clothes, etc (esp in these frigid temps)
• the service of others
• compliments from friends, and strangers, out of the blue, that brighten my day
• music. i wouldn't get through my days without my music
• this nation, despite the way things have been going lately, to be free to do what i like, worship the way i want, go to the schools i want to, and be where i want to be.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving with people you love and care about the most. I'll be spending it with my friends, missing my family in California, but GRATEFUL for the hospitality and love I'll feel here.