This blog

I started this thankful record quite a while ago. To be honest, I'm surprised I still keep it up. It's definitely a habit. And one I hope to keep for a long, long time. Here's why: today was awful. I worked for 11 hours. I didn't eat "lunch" until 4:30. I had to fight fires (not literal fires...). I had to smooth things over that other people had ruined for me. I found out that a person I trusted very much has been lying to me. I had to do interviews (I HATE doing interviews). I didn't get to run on my lunch break like I had planned (because I didn't get a lunch break). I didn't get home until 8:45pm. And I had to work late last night. And I have to work late tomorrow. It was a rotten day. It was hard. But, despite all the awful things that happened today, I'm still in the habit of recording at least one thing I'm thankful for. Every night before I go to bed, I reevaluate my day and I focus on all the things I'm thankful for. Usually when I have an extra bad day, I'm just thankful that not every day is that bad! There is something very therapeutic about ending every day with a positive, thankful thought. That's why I'm thankful for this blog!!

A normal work schedule

Today I'm thankful for a normally predictable work schedule. And I'm thankful that most of the time, that predictable schedule is 8:00am-5:00pm. Today was not a normal work schedule. I had to work until 9:15pm. It was definitely not my favorite. 10:00 is WAY to late for me to just be getting home! 

My experiences as a Ward Missionary

A couple years ago I was called to be a Ward Missionary. I had a hard time saying no. Not only do I dread talking to people I don't know, I was also pretty devastated to leave my other calling as a Relief Society teach. Teaching is definitely one of my favorite callings in the church (and in other aspects of my life, too). I served as a Ward Missionary for a year until they called me to be a Relief Society teacher again. That year was tough, but I learned so much!! Tonight our stake had a missionary "blitz." We met at the church, got paired up and set out with a few names to do some missionary work. As we went about trying to find our lost brothers and sisters, I thought about my time as a Ward Missionary. Tonight I was thankful that I was blessed with that opportunity. I was thankful for the skills I learned - like talking to people I don't know. I was thankful for my lack of nerves and the joy I got out of serving in the Lord's church. I don't know if anything will come out of our efforts tonight, but I'm still thankful for the experience. 

Tyler time

I have a friend named Tyler and I just love him! I met him in high school and I'm thankful to have him as a friend into adulthood! A few months ago he got a new job, started working weird hours, started traveling always, and we just haven't seen him since!! But he came to church today. I'm thankful that we could chat with him for a bit and makes some plans to get together this weekend. It was especially great to see him today because today is his birthday!!

Extended family

I have never been very close with my extended family - neither side. I had one cousin my age and we were pretty close, but only through elementary school. We just don't get together. But today everyone on my mom's side got together to celebrate my grandma's 90th birthday (she actually turns 90 in November, but she knew it would be easier to get everyone together in the summer). I had so much fun seeing my aunts and uncles and my cousins and my cousins' children! It was pretty incredible to have everyone there!

My teeth

I had an awful dream last night that I hit my jaw really hard and all my fillings came out. (I have awful, awful teeth so the majority of my teeth have multiple fillings!) it was miserable, even if it was a dream. It hurt and even in my dream I had a very real dread of going to the dentist to get them all fixed. I'm not sure I've ever been more grateful that something was just a dream. I'm thankful for my teeth, even if they do have quite a few fillings. I just hope they all stay put!

Family in my house

I love my house. It's definitely "home" for me now. But I love my house just a little bit more when my family is in it! I'm thankful to have my mom at my house for a couple days. And I'm thankful Chris stopped by, too...even if it was just to visit my mom and eat my dinner!!