The Beginnings of a Thank-List

I've been trying to think of something to blog about for awhile. But I'm kind of chicken, and I always am hesitant to put my thoughts out there for everyone to see. Hard to believe, coming from me, i know. Anywho, I've been thinking a lot lately about all the things I'm grateful for. Partly because it's Thanksgiving time, partly because it's getting close to Christmas, but mostly because someone helped me realize that I'm kind of a spoiled brat. I have so much, and I'm never really satisfied. I always want more, in some form, when anyone else would be perfectly content and eternally grateful. I decided this needed to stop. So, over the past few days (Wednesday and today, for the most part) I've been making mental lists, putting things into categories, and realizing how much I have and am blessed with. Since it's Thanksgiving, I thought it'd be fitting to list a few of those things:

I'm grateful for family. Mine, mostly. But other people's families also. I've kind of come full-circle over the past few months; gone from trying so hard to get away from my family because they drive me crazy to cherishing the few moments I get to joke around and relax with my family. I love them with all my heart. Tyler, who makes me smile always, especially when I don't want him to; Spencer, who is so freaking smart that he astounds me constantly with his knowledge; Joshua, who leaves me notes saying, "I love you! Love Josh." and cares so deeply for people at such a young age; and Mom, who is the strongest woman I have ever known, who would do everything and anything for her kids, and who has become my anchor -- someone I depend on constantly, even if it's just for a hug each day.

I'm grateful for friends. I've learned that my friends pick up on everything I do. They look out for me. They want me to be me, nothing more, nothing less. I have a crappy way of showing it, but this has meant more to me over the past few weeks than just about anything. I don't always understand why my friends do things the way they do. But I've realized that doesn't matter. All that matters is that I have friends who care about me, about who I am and who I am capable of being. Friends who know exactly who the real me is, even if I haven't found her yet.

I'm grateful for water. James and I stopped drinking carbonation in March. Crazy, I know. At times, I miss the taste of Dr. Pepper. Not going to lie. But I love the feeling of not being addicted to a substance. Even if that substance was just a soft drink. I have a new-found appreciation for water, which is usually my beverage of choice. Water has no addictive substances. It's cleansing. It makes everything better, actually. And it's become sort of an accessory. I carry a bottle of water with me an awful lot.

I'm grateful for sight. My eyes have been driving me crazy for months, yet my prescription hasn't changed. I ended up getting new contacts -- a smaller size, so they conform better to my eyes. The change has been incredible. I can see so much clearer, and it's been wonderful. On top of that, I am grateful for my new glasses, which are not only cute, but they're also the right prescription. My eyes have loved the break from constant contacts.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to give to others, and to serve them. I get such a rush from helping people out. It's so much more gratifying to give to people than it is to receive from them, and I only hope I can begin to serve those who help me out constantly in such a way that I may thank them for everything they have done for me.

The list continues for miles. But those are towards the top of my list. What're you grateful for this Thanksgiving? I hope you all got to spend the day with good company, and eating good food. There's another thing I'm grateful for: good food. :) I have some waiting for me now. Love to you all.

On the Election...

I was sitting in my government class today, and everyone except my teacher, my friend, and myself were bashing on Obama. In band today, my friend was dressed in all black, in mourning. My brother and I were watching McCain as he was giving his concession speech, and he said, "Are you sure there's no possible way McCain can come back?"

Last night, for family scripture study, we read Helaman 1 in the Book of Mormon. The first fifteen verses. In this chapter, there are three brothers, Pahoran, Paanchi, and Pacumeni. Pahoran, the chief judge, is assassinated and his brother -- I believe it's Pacumeni -- takes his place. My mom made the comment, "People are worried Obama won't be able to serve a full term, due to assassination attempts."

When McCain made his concession speech last night, an overwhelming feeling of security came over me. Since Hillary dropped out of the race, I've wanted Obama to be president. He's calm, tactful, organized, goal-oriented, and motivated by the will of the people. He speaks politely when addressing foreign policy issues, careful to not offend any international citizen that may be listening. The rest of the world would vote for him. It makes me feel safe, knowing that the world is on his side. I think he's a very personable person. I'm excited to have a president i can relate to, who is in touch with what matters most to me.

So to those who oppose Obama, deal. I wholeheartedly believe he's the change we need.