Happy Thanksgiving

I'm thankful for
1. My funny family. These are my favorite comments from today.
Will: "Not to put too much pressure on you, Casey, but if your rolls don't work then you will have ruined Thanksgiving."
Casey about 20 minutes later, realizing that the dough wasn't rising: "We're having unleavened turkey biscuits." (She made the best of the situation and rolled the dough and cut them with turkey shaped cookie cutter.)
As usual, we told countless funny stories from years past. Amy couldn't stop her nostrils from flaring while she laughed. Soon, tears came to her eyes. Casey was laughing so hard about a story that supposedly wasn't really that funny that we couldn't understand her.
2. My predictable family. I wrote a letter to a friend just before going to bed last night. The pages were filled with my predictions for the day. Most all have come true and I've only been here four hours. For example, my mom said she wished we would stopping telling nasty stories at the table. Amy immediately followed that were her high-frequency dinner conversation word: genitalia.
3. A warm and safe house and plenty of food to eat. I have no needs today. I'm completely taken care of. I'm grateful that I am. I know there are plenty who are without today. My heart and prays go out to them. May God provide them with protection, peace, and happiness.

Thanksgiving eve

I'm thankful for
1. Haiku! Creating my new haiku blog is the best decision I've made in a long time. Writing in haiku has been a lot of fun. My sister just got involved. She sent me a collection of some of our past haiku adventures. I posted some today. Read her comments on this post. The haiku collection about love and relationships is amazing.
2. Advice. I called my sister this morning seeking advice regarding my apprenticeship at the elementary school. She gave me very sound advice. I'm grateful to have a sister who is wise and can advise me.
3. Sleep. I slept a solid nine hours last night and even took a short nap this afternoon. It sure felt good.

Raindrops on roses

I'm thankful for
1. Thanksgiving break. Tomorrow at 11:45am I will officially start my extended weekend of happiness and joy. It couldn't come at a better time.
2. Unmotivational posters. Look at them on this random person's blog.
3. Being alone in the dorms. I'm quite excited to have the place practically to myself.

24 (with associated sound effects)

I'm thankful for
1. Finale Notepad. It's free. Or at least it was last year. I think it's $9.95 this year. I used the program to update two arrangements for the Christmas program at church. They now look official...so much better than my rushed handwritten copies.
2. Awkward moments. I'm reminded when I'm socially awkward that I'm a real person and that I have room for growth. Also, it helps me realize how far I've come. Social situations used to always be completely awkward all the time. Now, on the rare chance that it gets awkward enough for me to care, I realize that it hasn't been awkward for a long time. (I also realize that this explanation is a bit awkward.)
3. Fun books. I started reading a Jerry Spinelli book called "Star Girl" in the car ride home from Orem. I didn't have time to read it again until Thursday during silent reading at the elementary school. I read a little more on Friday. Today, the students were working quietly and independently, so I took the opportunity to finish the book. I rationalized it, because students observing the teacher wrapped up in a book has got to be a good thing. I was able to finish it this morning. It was such a cute book. It's an easy read and also very pleasant. I learned a lot about myself while I read it. Children's literature has that ability. I texted my friend, Eliza, and she'll be bringing me the second book tomorrow in class.

On the 23rd day of November

I'm thankful for
1. Singing. I got to sing a special musical number in church today. I sure do love to sing.
I was getting antsy the other day. I realized it was because I hadn't sung in forever.
The biggest downside to living at the dorms is that I don't really have the opportunity to sing. I could go to the Institute, but I find that no matter where I go, someone walks in. I want to sing in peace without people interrupting. I also get nervous thinking that someone might be listening.
I'd sing in my room, but the walls are paper thin.
The only time I can get back to my folks' house is when someone from my family is home. I usually get distracted or interrupted.
I'm excited for the Thanksgiving break. My neighbors should all be gone, so I'll be able to sing in my dorm room. Also, I should be able to find some time at my folks' house to sing. Or since gas is cheap enough, I can drive out in the middle of nowhere and sing for hours.
2. Markers. I sure do like writing with markers.
3. Crayons. Nothing is more relaxing than coloring with crayons.

22

I'm thankful for
1. My mother. Today is her 50th birthday. She smart, funny, kind, silly, and a great example. I love her.
2. My annoying brother. He tells the most ridiculous stories and knows how to annoy me better than anyone else, but he also knows how to make me laugh better than anyone else. He's always been my hero.
3. Cheap gas. I never thought I'd see gas for less than $2 a gallon ever again. I was able to fill up without crying.

Twenty-one alcohol free days of gratitude

I'm thankful for
1. Mimicry. In other words, the best form of flattery. A boy stopped by my dorm room and noticed my bed turned sideways. He ran straight home to change his.
2. Shopping with cool people. I had to go shopping for supplies for a couple activities. I didn't want to go, but I got two amazing girls to come with me. It made the short shopping adventure tolerable and even fun.
3. Random tackles. I was talking to a friend at her apartment. She was on her balcony, and I was standing in the lawn. One of the boys downstairs made a George of the Jungle sound, so I mimicked it. (Hmm...nice.) He shouted out my name, ran outside, and tackled me to the ground. He followed it with a quick apology when he realized the grass was wet. All the while, another girl pretended to fight him off.
4. Silly students. I felt like a fifth grader today. I sat at one of the extra desks and really enjoyed the school day. Many of the students challenged me to arm wrestles. I won every time. (Thank goodness.) Two boys were jealous that I was sucking on a peppermint. They wanted one as well, so they bet me one peppermint each. They had to go the rest of the day without talking unless called upon. They enjoyed it. I enjoyed it. They won their peppermints. When the other students figured out what was going on, they begged to participate. Before long, I had the quietest classroom in the whole school. My mentor teacher had no idea it was going on.

Twenty days of gratitude and bliss

I'm thankful for
1. Monkey bars. They make for great conversation.
2. A fifth grader who talks in his sleep. We went to see Beauty and the Beast at a local high school. Not to dis the performance, but his sleep talking was incredibly entertaining. I only wish I could have sat next to him to listen. As the teacher, I could've forced a student to switch me spots, but the kids next to him were enjoying it far more than I would have.
3. Melody. I began to panic when the hour was getting late and the show wasn't over. I was scheduled to present with my classmates right at the beginning of class. I called Melody and asked her for a ride on her way into town from her elementary school placement. She brought with her a pleasant attitude and my own personal sanity.
4. Silent films. The highlight of our presentation was a silent film I created starring my classmates Eliza and Danielle. Currently, it's a PowerPoint. I need to put it into MovieMaker or PhotoStory and upload it. Some day.

A month of thanks: Day 19

I'm thankful for
1. Interlibrary loan. I've been having trouble finding journal articles for my lit review for a case study for school. Jodilyn mentioned that she got some of her articles through interlibrary loan. Thanks for the tip. I requested some articles yesterday and four came today. I finally have some decent material.
2. Hook-ups. Again, I got hooked up with some free prints at the library. A nickel (or several) saved is a nickel earned.
3. Happy helpers. Twenty DESA members volunteered at the Math and Literacy night at my elementary school. They were all so pleasant and seemed to enjoy the experience. They made me look good in front of my principal and staff developer.
4. Free educational activities. I, along with the other volunteers, gathered up all the games they played tonight. These resources are priceless.

I'm thankful for
1. Libraries. I spent a couple hours in the college library tonight. I checked out seven books and copied ten journal articles. I'll be up for a while reading. I'm thankful that I have access to all this information for free!
2. Haiku. Writing in haiku will be a great outlet everyday.
3. Canceled assignments. One of my professors alleviated quite a bit of stress when she canceled a few assignments today.

Seventeen

I'm thankful for
1. Life.
2. Liberty.
3. The Pursuit of Happiness.
4. Freedom.
5. Opinions.
6. Education.
7. Knowledge.
8. Rights.
9. Privileges.
10. Opportunities.

Sweet sixteen

I'm thankful for
1. Compassionate friends. I'll admit it. I'm a little crazy. I like to have control. I need it sometimes. I went out of town with some friends this weekend. I had been asked to speak in church, so I had to clarify before we even left town what time we'd leave on Sunday morning to ensure I'd be home in time. My friend said we'd leave by 7, but that would have stressed me out way too much. I requested we leave at 6 and she consented. Saturday night when it was brought up again, I was mocked. I am not too confrontational, so I began freaking out in my mind. I didn't dare say anything out loud.
I packed up all my stuff, so I'd be ready to go. I set it in the kitchen. I went downstairs where my friend was watching SNL with her cousin. I had intended to offer to load her stuff for her, but then I chickened out. I didn't want to offend her. Rather, I only printed off my talk and went to bed.
I was surprised this morning when her alarm went off before mine. I got up and got ready and then offered to help her load her stuff. She explained that she did that before she went to bed. We were loaded and pulling out of town minutes before six. I found out later this morning, that she had stayed up with her cousin until 3am. She barely had two hours of sleep but got up without complaint.
We arrived at my place at 9:35am. I was so happy and so relieved.
My friend showed great compassion and understanding. She got me home in ample time so that my experience at church could be a pleasant one. She truly is amazing.
2. The hand of God in my life. I went on exchanges with the Sister missionaries tonight. I walked into the home of the first appointment. I noticed the family cat right away. In the recent years, I have become allergic to cats. The last time I was around a cat, my itchy eyes, throat, and skin, as well as runny nose and headache lasted almost the entire day. However, tonight I was truly blessed. I didn't have an allergic reaction at all. I sat undisturbed. I recognize this as a miracle in my life. I didn't want to disrupt the lesson or offend the family because of my allergy. Neither happened. We were able to teach the lesson uninterrupted...at least my means of allergies.
3. Opportunities to serve. As I mentioned before, I spoke in church today. That was not the only way I contributed to the meeting. The ward music chairperson texted me on Thursday and asked if I would play for the congregational singing. I mentioned that I was speaking but would be more than happy to if she needed me to do it. Therefore, I played the organ for the meeting as well. A girl asked me a few weeks ago to accompany her for a special musical number. She plays the viola. I agreed without any hesitation.
This meant I showed up at 10:30 to rehearse with the violist. I played the prelude music. I played the organ for the opening and sacrament hymns. I sat on the stand during the first two talks. I accompanied the violist for the special musical number. I went from the piano to the pulpit to give my talk. I went from the pulpit to the organ to play the closing song and minutes later the postlude. I joked with my friends on the drive up that I might as well say the opening and closing prayers while I was at it. And you know I would have had I been asked.
I was slightly embarrassed when a member of the stake presidency who was in attendance commented on my contribution. Embarrassed but thankful. I am grateful for my talents and the opportunities I have to share them and to serve others through their use. My talents and abilities have grown significantly as I've shared them. The more I participate in my church meetings and share my talents in my everyday life, the more I improve. I know that it's no coincidence. I am blessed for my service.
4. Conversation. I stopped by Jodilyn's house at the end of the night to tell her about my weekend. We had a brief yet wonderful conversation.
I talked to another friend on my way home. That conversation made me happy as well.
I talked to Cristina during rounds tonight. We have great talks every week.
I went to another friend's home after rounds and talked with him for two hours.
I love conversing with my friends. I am grateful to have friends. I am grateful they are great listeners. I am grateful they have the time and desire to talk with me.

Fifteen

I'm thankful for
1. Cortney Moore Scott. I do love my friend Cortney. I love her Moore. I got to see her for the first time since she got married this summer. She gives the best hugs!
2. My family. I've been a little negative lately in regards to my family and particularly my mother. I've come to realize that they truly are amazing. My mother, although annoying at times, has given me so much and been such a great example to me. I love my family.
3. Fallen leaves. I had about twenty minutes to kill before my lunch date with Cortney, so I played in the leaves and took some pictures. The contrast of the leaves as the color fades is so beautiful. Fall is such a wonderful time of year.

Fourteen days of thanksgiving

I'm thankful for
1. Absolutely amazing evenings. I had the most pleasant time tonight. I went to a Thai restaurant with a totally dreamy guy. If you want details, you'll have to ask me in person. We met Eliza and Stephanie at the BYU basketball game. The cougars won thanks to my spirit fingers. We weren't done since we were hyped up from the game and from freakin' for fractions. We considered a movie, but nothing interested us. Instead, we bought a ginormous orange flying disc. We played in the parking lot at Shopko. One of us should have been hit by a car, but it never happened. The evening ended far too soon. If it weren't for the cold, I could have enjoyed this moment forever.
2. Bargain books. I went to the BYU bookstore today. I bought several children's books, mostly picture books. I found one that I can't wait to give to my classmate on Tuesday!
3. Quirky BYU Mormons. Stephanie and I had quite a few giggles today while on BYU campus. They had all their statues wrapped in plastic in preparation for the big rivalry game next week. We couldn't help but laugh out loud when we saw a statue family wrapped in plastic. The best part of the day was Eve's dropping on two boys walking behind us.
"He just met someone new. I'm excited to see how quickly this progresses."
"He could be just like my friend who got home and five weeks later he was married."

Not at all unlucky on day 13...only blessings

I'm thankful for
1. New friends. I secured a new friendship today. It should be a good one.
2. Family stories. I'm in Orem at my friend's home. I enjoyed listening to her swapping stories with her father, mother, and cousin. They had some pretty amusing tales. Telling silly stories with my family is my favorite thing about Sunday dinner and casual get-togethers.
3. Computer skill. I need the internet to finishing writing my talk for church this week. I had some talks and scriptures bookmarked on my computer, so I wanted to access the internet with my laptop. Fortunately, my friend's family had a wireless router. They hadn't been able to connect it successfully yet. I was able to set it up and get online in less than ten minutes. I'm glad that skills like that come easily for me or can be learned readily.

A month of thanks: Day 12

I'm thankful for
1. Giddiness. Something happened today that made me giggly and giddy. I love that feeling. I was so excited that I wanted to shout from the rooftops. My shouting likely would not have included words, rather silly sounds only. I hope I feel that way again very soon.
2. Handel's Messiah. Rehearsals for Messiah started last week. Being so antsy today, all I've wanted to do is sing. I can hardly wait for rehearsal tonight. It begins in 31 minutes.
My gratitude for Handel's Messiah goes beyond the need for an outlet for my extra energy and to express myself through song. I love the music and the scriptures that make up the text. I love singing songs about the Savior. Handel's Messiah was truly inspired. It is glorious. I am grateful that I can once again be a part of the presentation of this masterpiece again this year.
3. Cleaning checks. My room has been messy for about a week. It has been driving me crazy. Unfortunately, cleaning it never seemed to make it into the priority list. Fortunately, cleaning checks at the dorms are on Friday. I'm leaving town tomorrow, so I just finished cleaning my room. It sure feels nice to once again be in a clean and organized space. Now I just have to clean the bathroom, do a little homework, and pack after rehearsal before I go to bed.
4. Four minute posts. I just checked the time. It has taken me four minutes to type this much. That's not very much time out of my day to take time to be thankful. It also is now four, make that five now, minutes closer to rehearsal.

11 days of thanks on 11/11

I'm thankful for
1. Kind words from friends. I just received the most thoughtful email. I appreciated the lovely ending to my day.
2. Yoga. Tonight was my first experience with yoga. I quite enjoyed it. I felt very relaxed. It was a very peaceful and even spiritual experience. I felt connected: mind, body, and soul. I'll definitely go back to class next week.
(Some of you may be giggling to yourselves knowing that I may not be thankful for it in the morning.)
3. Heaters and 10pm bed times. I know that's what I said last night, but I can't tell you the difference it made in my day. Because I slept so well, I was so happy and energetic all day. I even knew that I was being evaluated by my education advisor during a lesson today. I knew that I had class with my creepy professor. Nothing could get me down. Even now, I'm in an incredible mood.
4. Books. (I am doing a fourth just because I did have a repeat.) I brought home 38 more children's books to add to my collection today. My college classmates do the Scholastic book orders that I remember well from elementary school. All I ever ordered were posters, because all I ever had was $0.50. It's fun to order lots and lots of books. I'll also be thankful when I have a decent collection of books to share with the children in my future classes. I do love books and reading.

You thought I was going to forget.
5. Veterans. Today, the 11th of November, is Veterans Day. The day is dedicated to the cause of world peace and is a day to honor all veterans. There have been countless men and women who have served our country and the cause of peace. I appreciate their service, sacrifice, and dedication.
To all the military personnel serving now, God be with you. I pray for your safe return. I also pray that we will find a way to establish freedom and justice in a more peaceable way so that we can bring you home.

Ten and Thanks both start with T but don't sound the same

I'm thankful for
1. The heater! Finally, the heat has been turned on at the dorms. It has been a long and very cold weekend. The heater was such a pleasant gift today.
I overslept this morning, because my head was covered with six blankets. I didn't even hear my alarm. Good thing I was having a ridiculously stressful dream or I wouldn't have woken up.
2. Haircuts. My friend, Emalie, did such a great job cutting my hair. I couldn't have lasted one more day or even one more hour. I'm glad she was available. She cut off a ton of hair. There was a giant pile at her feet when she was finished. She used thinning shears and a razor to make it look piecey. I'm excited to style my hair in the morning. It's been a while since I was excited about doing my hair. I should have a lot of fun with this haircut.
3. 10pm bed times. I have some homework I could do, but I would much rather get a good night's sleep. I haven't had that opportunity in three weeks because of the cold and obligations. Good night!

Nine days of thanks

I'm thankful for
1. Callings. I love teaching Sunday School. Today was the first time in four weeks that I got to teach gospel doctrine. I learn so much and definitely enjoy the experience.
2. Awesome girls. I've never really gotten along with girls all that well. Fortunately for my forced interaction with the 33 girls in my cohort and in Relief Society, I think I've finally figured them out. I didn't even hesitate to join a couch full of girls tonight to watch a movie.
3. Markers. I love writing with markers on paper and on the white board. Markers are magical.

GrEIGHTful

I'm thankful for
1. Canceled rounds. The other RA I was supposed to round with is in California. My Resident Manager, Mike, opted to do rounds with a campus police officer and gave me the night off. Thanks, Mike. Now I can go to sleep three hours earlier. That should make my Sabbath day even more enjoyable.
2. Female vocalists. I listened to a variety of female vocalists today while sewing and doing a few other projects. I like being able to sing along in my own register.
3. Clearance. I bought a few new items of clothing today on clearance. I like sales and markdowns.