Grateful

   Unlike all my friends on Facebook, I've been lazy and haven't posted a thing I am grateful for. So I decided to do it the lazy way and post all 30 things I am grateful for, with elaboration, just to make it seem like I'm not TOO lazy.

1. My family: Of course family is going to be first! My family is why I am who I am. I think about each and everyone of them on a daily basis. I may not have always been close to everyone in my family when I was younger but I feel a particular bond with all of them now.
2. Talent: I have talents. I am proud to say that I have taught myself every instrument I know. Clarinet, piano, guitar, and even my voice I have picked up on my own. I also have to credit my dad though. He's a natural just like me :)
3. Technology: Not only for entertainment but for much bigger uses. For example, getting in a car accident, just whip out the cell and call 911. Things like that.
4. My body: It may not be beautiful or the ideal body but its still a good one. I am capable of fixing things around the house, going to work, driving a car, etc... Without my body, I would be NO-body...cheesy? YES
5. Addie: I would say "my friends" but with every passing week I realize more and more who has truly been there for me and who wouldn't notice if I moved to Spain. Addie has helped me so much this year. I wish I would have discovered her friendship sooner but if you wish in one hand and poo in the other, which is gonna fill up faster? Anywho, Addie has helped build my self-esteem and been there for me when no one else was. I love this girl and her family. She is definitely a rare treasure to me.
6. Work: I may hate going sometimes and I might be exhausted afterwords but its a simple cause and effect situation here. I go to work (cause) and they pay me for it (effect). Simple.
7. Education: I may not have graduated with my class but I definitely tried and I learned many things. I may not be a genius but I know enough to get me by. The best kind of smarts I have is street smarts.
8. Music: I am a very musical person. I love all sorts of music. I think, without it, I would have gone nutso by now. Music is a great vent and occupies my mind when i wander a little too deep.
9. Sean: Yes, I have another friend to individually thank. He knows me almost as well as Addie does. He is a very sensitive and patient person who has always been very compassionate. He takes problems that we discuss and analyzes them from every aspect he may think I don't see. He's give great advice.
   
10. Religion: Not just the one I was raised in but all sorts of religion. It opens up possibilities for everyone. Its an interesting field to study and I think the human race would be quite dull if there was no religion whatsoever.
    
11. Life: Life is full of rough spots, mine just happens to be this entire year, but nonetheless, I am grateful for it. It has been graciously given to me by God, my parents, whoever you want to believe gives you life and has been entrusted to me to take care of. I am able to choose things for myself, make my own mistakes and learn from them as well as being rewarded for the right choices I make. Life is beautiful even if its gloomy sometimes.
12. Death: Even though it saddens me to see a family member or friend go I am grateful for death. It is a mystery to some. It guarantees us peace, if we've lived in good ways that is. However difficult it maybe for us to see people we care for pass away, it makes those who are still alive stronger. As my wonderful grandmother has said, "It won't be easy, but we can do hard."
13. My siblings: They tormented me in my younger years. You'd think I should hate them but I don't. Wanna know why? Because I'm only ever going to get one brother and one sister. I have a brother-in-law but that's kinda different. Why waste your time on petty differences or childhood pranks when you could be bonding with your siblings? I promise, you'll need them when you get older. I may have a hard time saying it sometimes but I love you Big Brudda and Big Sistah!
14. My Brother-in-Law: For knockin my sister up and marrying her :) It has made her so happy. He is a good father, husband and brother-in-law. Plus, he got her outta the house :P
15. Love: Also another great mystery in life but I believe those who've found it at least once, its not so much of a mystery. I'm talking about TRUE love, not having a new boyfriend every week or two but true love. The kind of love that makes you feel like nothing in this world matters except for being with that person for the rest of your life. I've felt that love, and I am grateful for it, even if I don't have it anymore.
16. Contacts: I'm blind, I can't see without them. Gotta appreciate the little things too.
17. Facebook: it has allowed me to reconnect with people I never thought I would/could see again. I like keeping in touch with people I used to know and trying my best to be involved in their lives and be the best friend I know how to be.
    
18. The Bell family: I grew up with this cute little girl. Her family was in my ward when I was growing up. Our parents met and this cute little girl became my best friend. Even though many miles separate us I am still grateful I had a friend like Samantha to grow up with. Thanks Bells!
19. My Therapist: She has brought a lot of things to my attention. Fixing them is a project but at least she's made me aware of reoccurring patterns in my life. I do believe she helps, even when I don't feel up to going. 
20. My Niece: She is my mini me. How can I not be grateful for that!? Maybe with any luck I won't have children like myself because I have her running around terrorizing my sister instead :P you think?
21. My Nephews: They are so terribly cute! I have never seen little boys that look more adorable. Every time I look at any of my sister's kids I automatically get sent back to my childhood. When I see their faces I can visualize my sister's face from 10 or 15 years ago. Even though that was the time we didn't get along I still looked up to her, and she had a pretty adorable face too :)
22. Indoor Plumbing: Because outhouses are kinda gross (especially if you're in one getting tipped) and because I have a hard time squatting.
    
23. Holidays: Some holidays don't really have a purpose but I'm still grateful because I don't have to work on those days. Oh! And it gives me a good excuse to see extended family, not like I really need an excuse :)
24. Doctors: Without doctors I probably wouldn't have either of my parents right now, and they make child birth much easier now-a-days. 
    
25. Living in Utah: It may be cold but not as cold as Idaho. I may live in a city but not a huge city like NYC or LA. I may live in a desert but its not too terribly hot. I love living in good ol' SLC.
26. Ozzy: My dog is so cute. Dogs are also very intuitive. He can always tell when I'm sad or when I need my space. He's so tiny and cute, it makes cuddling very enjoyable. He makes me happy.
27. The Inventor of Compressed O2: Without that my dad probably would be immobile and probably quite depressed. His chances of surviving this long after his accident is probably slim if it weren't for compressed oxygen.
28. Teachers: For continuing to teach children (Some more horrible than others) for a terrible rate and in a messed up educational system. They look at the greater good they are providing to children across the nation. Thank you for hangin in there.
29. The 5 Senses: I am very happy to have all 5 senses. I know there are some who don't have them. I don't think I'd be the same person if I didn't have all 5.

     Last but totally not least
   30. My parents: Yes, they are part of family but they get their own little branch in the family. I am grateful for the way they raised me. It may not have been perfect but it was good enough for me to be thankful to them and dedicate time in my prime years to them. I would do nearly anything for these two individuals because they've made me strong and built a wonderful home for me to grow up in. I have good values and those street smarts I was telling you about? Yeah, that came from them. By being honest with me throughout my life I could also learn from their mistakes and take their advice knowing that they've probably done worse things than I have in my youthful and rebellious phases. I know I can tell them anything and never be judged by them. My parents love me as a parent should, Unconditionally. For that, I will always show the same love in return. I love you mom and dad and I will forever be grateful for being blessed with you in my life.

Grandpa

   On November 18, 2010 the greatest man I've ever encountered passed away at 81-years-old. This great man was my grandfather. I heard stories and memories that made me even more amazed with him. He read so many books and was so profound and passionate about his faith. He loved so many but more-so was loved by many. He never made an enemy and could befriend even the hardest of people to get along with. He was quite the jokester and always had such soft hands. He didn't speak much but when he did whatever he said was either profound or hilarious. He could tell stories better than anyone I know. He had such character and greatness. He truly was an amazing man.
   The funeral service was beautiful. The life sketch my 3 beautiful aunts presented was so touching. Afterwords I got the privilege to play the piano for the grandchildren's musical number. It was the combination of I am a Child of God, Love is Spoken Here, and Bring the World His Truth. It was a beautiful number that my aunt Cindy helped me put together. The stake president and bishop spoke and the family choir sang. At the grave site there was a military service. It was a beautifully sad day.
   My grandpa was an extraordinary man. I love him very much and I believe he's in a better place where he can walk, run, jump and do all the things he hasn't been able to for years. I firmly believe I will see him again and he will greet me with his open tender arms. I love you grandpa! Run among the angels <3