...Four hundred!

This is my four hundredth post! Crazy, no? That just seems like a lot. And some of you (or maybe just me) have read them all.

Well, to celebrate, I'm going to list 400... okay, just four things I am really, truly grateful for:


1. My religion: It keeps me grounded. Some look at the Mormons and all they see are things we "can't" do. But I am a free agent and I choose to act in the way prescribed by Jesus Christ. I know that my life would be insanely different if I didn't know what I know and if I hadn't made the choices I have and continue to make. There are so many horrible things going on in the world; if I didn't recognize how blessed I am I'd lie down on my floor and not get up for weeks at a time. I am very thankful for my faith.

2. My family: Sometimes I can't believe I am related to these people. My parents are highly motivated, can do almost anything they want to with their hands, and extremely supportive, and never forget to remind me that they care. My brothers and sisters-in-law are confident, compassionate, talented, smart, funny, honest, and love me for who I am. My nieces and nephew are a complete joy. My extended family are endlessly concerned about my goings-on, and the always the first to wish me the best in everything I do. I am thankful for their influence on my past and present life experiences. I can't imagine trying to navigate this world without them.

3. My friends: Holy cow, where did I find these people, and can they really adore me as much as I them? My girl friends especially blow me away with the way they persevere through difficult times, listen without judging, and pour joy and comfort on me. I am not always very good about keeping in touch, or following through when I think of calling or visiting, but I am always glad they are a part of my life. I am thrilled to have so many strong women at my fingertips!

4. My health. I hear the physical ailments that people close to me are dealing with -- cancer, seizures, serious allergies, so many others -- and I am so grateful I just have hay fever and the occasional cold to hamper me. I can do nearly anything I want to. I am active. I am sometimes reckless. It's often said that we're not really thankful for something until we lose it. That's not me this time. I hope to enjoy my good health for as long as it lasts, which will hopefully be years and years and several years more.

There are other things I'm grateful for, of course, but these are the top 4. Thanks for reading a celebrating this milestone with me!