Hey, remember that one time I was good at posting often? Nor do I. I won't bother you with details of how busy my life has been; If you're interested, read my last post and multiply the stress factor by 3.
Seeing as I have lots to be thankful for, I figured it might be appropriate as the Thanksgiving holiday approches to start thinking about those things. This is by no means an exhaustive list, and is not meant to be in order of importance. Just in the random order they come to mind. A-here we go!
Family - I really do appreciate my family. Let's not fool ourselves, most of the time it was rough growing up in such a special family situation. But I wouldn't trade it for the world! I'm so thankful that Shelby and Monica were willing and able to take in my sisters and me after our parents passed away, so that we could all live under one roof and have a strong family. Shelby and Monica have always been there as an example and a support. I know we don't agree on everything, but you guys gave me a great foundation and I know I'm a decent person now because of it. Tiffany and I used to fight like cats and dogs. I just always figured that we were too different to get along. The funny thing is, we were too alike to get along! I'm thankful that I have gotten to grow closer to her now that we're adults. She is always ready to listen, and she has never judged me or made me feel bad about myself for what I've done with my life. Keri was my example of christlike service. To this day, I don't know how that girl survived high school; she was always swamped with school and activities, and still managed to keep a smile on! I'm thankful for the time she would give to me so that we could have a life chat when I was down, and she would often go out of her way to make me feel better with little notes and what-not. I suppose Jacob and Ezra get a plug in here too. (Monica, make sure they get to read this, haha.) Jacob, you've always been an example to me of a good older brother. Most of the time you would do what Ezra wanted to, and you're a good kid. And I know Ezra can tell. Ezra, I'm thankful for the smiles you brought into the house when you were born. You are kind of a crazy daredevil, I'll admit :P but your energy and happy disposition rub off on other people.
Friends - I wish I had the time/space/energy to write about all of my friends. Alas, I have work in an hour. But... I'm so thankful that I have awesome friends. The best ones are the ones that need me sometimes, and I need them sometimes. Those relationships are my favorite. It's nice to have people that understand you and are there for you, whether you just need to hang out or chat or vent or have a deep soul-searching life-talk. Each friend fulfills certain needs in my life, and vice versa. I don't thank my friends nearly enough. So... here goes. THANKS! :)
School - Given the amount of complaining I do about school, you might be surprised that I actually like school. I love learning new things and opening up my mind, even if I don't particularly appreciate the workload the teachers burden we students with. I go to one of the best schools around yet my tuition is dirt cheap. That is a HUGE blessing. I don't subscribe to many aspects of the BYU environment, as most of you know, but I do love being here. I'm also thankful that I have a place in the world! That is, a major. I was accepted into the Spanish Teaching program last week, so I can finally start getting ready for a career.
Work - In this crappy economy, I am lucky enough to have two jobs. I love actually having enough money to pay my bills! It is often stressful when they overlap with school or each other, but I am thankful for work and especially the people in each job that make me want to go into work each day. I suppose they could go into the friends category too.
Speaking of work, look at the time! Time to jet! Here's a link to an old post with a similar list of things that make me happy.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone, and be sure to take a moment or two to reflect on what you're thankful for. It sounds cliché but I promise it's rewarding.
¡Ciao!
