Many Thanks

Looks like my time at home with the family kept me away from the computer. No worries though, this weekend left me with plenty of things to feel thankful for.

(#55) Reunions- I got to meet up with a few of my old roommates on Thursday night. It's so nice to catch up with people and find out what's going on in their lives. We ended up making the Coney's employees stick around way past their closing time, but it was worth it. Good times were had by all.

I am so thankful to have a (#56) brother who is a good driver. On Friday night we drove up to Logan and ran into a snow storm going through Sardine Canyon. I have never seen the canyon so bad. The roads were completely snow packed and the snow was really coming down. For some reason snow-driving really freaks me out. I probably would have killed us had I been behind the wheel. Lucky for me my brother is an excellent driver. I would definitely put him as my #2 driver,  #1 of course being my Dad.

Saturday was the day of the big game. BYU vs. SDSU. I was so thankful to be at home watching the excitement on my parents (#57) big tv. It made the victory even sweeter. I never really thought much of big electronics, seemed like a waste of money to me. But I won't lie, it is so fun to watch sports on larger tvs. If those tvs have HD it's even better. I am grateful I can still be spoiled by my parents purchases.

 Going home to the family is always enjoyable because I have a (#58) mommy who still takes care of me. As much as I enjoy being independent, sometimes it's nice to have mom watch out for you. I woke up to waffles and bacon on Saturday morning, excellent dinner on Sunday, and the best room in the house. My mom is the best.

My last thankful for today is that (#59) February is over. I know it's the shortest month, but all throughout the month I feel like we are still stuck in winter. The weather hints and teases of spring, but in the end  February always brings back the snow. (Hence the mess we had to drive through) I feel like now as we head into March I can realistically hope for Spring, for warmer weather and sunny days. Lets hope they get here soon.

Can I get a fry to go with that shake

A few months ago my apartment came to the sad realization that with Dish Network we do not get The Mountain channel. This leaves us largely out of the loop when it comes to BYU sports games. It boggles my mind that with the millions of crap channels included in our package, we don't get that very important one.

Well a new discovery has turned my frown upside down. Turns out all you have to do is go to (#54) JCWs. A quick drive down there and you can watch the game while munching on delicious burgers and shakes. I'm thankful to have this restaurant right down the road. I'm thankful they have multiple tvs for my viewing pleasure. I'm grateful that the booth walls are really tall so employees don't stare at you wondering why you're still there two hours later. Most importantly I am thankful for the other BYU fans who come to watch, helping me to realize I'm not alone in my BYU devotion.

Ooooh, Ahhhh

Emily and I came out of the Provo Temple today to the most wonderful view. (#53) Beautiful scenery is something  I am so grateful for. I wanted to take a picture but as Emily said that wouldn't do it justice. From our viewpoint we could see out across Utah Valley and over Utah Lake. The sun was just setting and you could see a thin slice of pink sky sandwiched between the mountains and some overhead clouds. We actually stopped for a few minutes and took in the view. I spend so much of the day with my head down and hardly take the time to notice how beautiful our world is. Thanks for the beauty, it was much appreciated.

Green means GO

Today was one of those days where I could not get out the door on time. Right when I was ready to leave for work I remembered two or three things I needed to grab and bring with me. Thank goodness for all the (#52) green lights on the way to work. They are the only reason I got there on time. Driving down State St. can be a trial when you seem to hit one red light after the other. I am grateful for the beautiful green lights that let me speed into work just in time.

Let it snow

It (#51) snowed today! Snow in February doesn't usually bring me joy. By this time I am anxiously awaiting spring and loathe anything that takes us one step backwards. But today I was so happy to see snow outside. I think this may have something to do with the fact that snow has been scarce this winter. I guess I didn't get my fill because I wanted it to snow all day. It was white and oh-so-beautiful on our way to church. Thanks to the snow for making an appearance today.

Yes funtivities!

Happy Birthday Angela! Today was (#50) Angela's Birthday and there are many reasons to be thankful. First of all I am glad that she was born. Having her as a roomie is awesome and we have great fun together. Because it was Angela's birthday there was much fun to be had for which I am grateful.

The funtivities began at Texas Roadhouse where we all ate our weight in their delicious rolls. That was followed up with some excellent ribs, the remains of which are sitting in my fridge waiting to be eaten. Then it was on to see the movie Tangled. If you haven't seen this movie yet I would make it a priority, so cute! It's nice to see that Disney can still deliver a cutsie feel-good movie. Later at home we snacked on a fabulous and rich Oreo cake made by yours truly. The night closed with us playing multiple rounds of our favorite game Mexican Train. A funny movie, delectable food, and great friends made this a night to be very thankful for.

Man on the moon

I love the (#49) full moon. No not the one my brothers tried to show my when we were younger, the real full moon. I came out of the store tonight and there it was. I love how it lit up the whole sky, it didn't feel very late because it was so bright. I won't pretend to know very much about the moon or it's life cycle or anything like that. I just like to look at it. Now I feel like I need to go watch Apollo 13.

Clothes are overrated

My life has been changed by wearing a (#47) robe. I was introduced to this concept by my roommate Angela and it has revolutionized my morning routine. For those who are unfamiliar wearing a robe means you don't have to get dressed, you just hang out in your robe all day. Unless of course you leave the house, at that point I would encourage putting on some clothes. But until you walk out that door you can stay in your robe. Since massage school I have discovered clothes to be very restricting. As Angela would say it is nice to walk around in freedom.

I am very grateful for (#48) Turbotax. Thanks to this handy program I was able to finish my taxes last night in the comfort of my dining room. It's so easy to follow too. They hold your hand and take you through every single step. I am glad they assume I have no knowledge of taxes whatsoever, because I don't. But even with my lack of knowledge I am getting money back and that's really all that matters.

Time to get up sleepy head

My (#46) alarm clock receives great praise today. It is located deep inside my cell phone and is responsible for getting me up each day. I am very lucky that it is reliable because left on my own I tend to sleep the day away. My mother can confirm that all alone I am likely to sleep forever. Thanks to this trusty little tool I am able to get up at a decent hour and try to be somewhat productive with my day.

"L" is for the way you look at me

Today I am thankful for (#45) Valentine's Day. As a single girl I usually like to skip over this day. It's seems as if everything is trying to  remind you of what is lacking in your life. But today was actually one of the best Valentine's Day ever. While there is an absence of romantic love in my life, there is no shortage of other types of love for me.

I have great roommates. Some of these girls I have lived with for a few years. They obviously must think I'm awesome and love me to pieces. So that's something to be grateful for. Then there's my family. That makes ten individuals who I know love me and think I am the coolest thing since sliced bread. If they don't feel this way that really stinks for them seeing as they are stuck with me for all eternity. I am also reminded of all the friends, past roommates, and extended family who love and adore me. There are so many good feelings coming at me it's a little suffocating. But that's the price you pay when you are loved. I am thankful for a day to remind me of all the good stuff I have coming at me. Love you all!

Brushy Brush

I am thankful for (#44) toothpaste. Nothing is worse than having that filmy feeling on your teeth. Just using water and a brush would not be enough. I am a big fan of my whitening toothpaste. Clean and white, what more could you ask for when it comes to teeth.

Don't forget to say thank you

I have fallen horribly behind in my thankfulness. In order to get back on track I will be lame today and just go with some short ones.

(#41) Chocolate fountains- Endless amounts of liquid chocolate covering all sorts of fruit and treats. I don't think any other explanation is really necessary.

(#42) Superbowl commercials- I don't really care for professional sports, but the commercials are usually quite entertaining. Did you see the one with the little Darth Vader? Adorable. If you haven't seen it go check it out on youtube.

(#43) Cookie dough- Two food items in one blog, can you tell I've been hungry lately? Thanks to Emily and myself I have probably eaten my weight in cookie dough this week. And yet it still calls to me, tempting me to remove it from the fridge. Oh what a persuasive little snack it can be.

Twist him like a pretzel, you know how to wrestle

I love (#40) wrestling. Not the stinky gym, boys rolling around on a sweaty mat part. I love wrestling because it's a good reason for my family to get together. Today and tomorrow the State Wrestling tournament is being held at UVU. Without this event members of my family would have no excuse to come down and hang out with me for a few days. I admit that I know next to nothing about wrestling, other than the fact that it takes a strange person to subject themselves to such painful positioning. I cheer when everyone else cheers and yell insults at the refs when they do. Not exactly my sport of choice, but I'll take it. I love my family so any occasion that brings them down my way gets my thanks.

Let freedom ring

My (#39) day off is the best thing ever. Without it I think I would die. Ok I probably wouldn't die physically, but I'm pretty sure I would emotionally and mentally. There is something to be said for having a day of absolute freedom. Other than Sunday, my day off is the only time I have to do whatever I want. Most other days I either have to work, or there is the threat of having to work which is just as bad, maybe even worse. My day off gives me a chance to clean, shop, go to the temple, and work-out without the fear of being called in to work. The only bad part about this day is when it comes to an end. Now I have to wait an entire week for the next one. I hope I can make it that long.

Take two, call me in the morning

A big thanks to (#38) Ibuprofen tonight for taking care of my aches and pains. And a special shout-out goes to Dr. Emily who prescribed it to me. Sometimes I forget there are options other than "suck it up". Oh thank goodness for the meds.

Super Sunday

A few days ago I had a hard time finding something to be grateful for. Well today was the opposite thank goodness. I felt blessed by many things and had a hard time choosing what to write about. I decided to go with (#37) Sundays, because that is the first thing I thought of when I woke up this morning. I am grateful for Sundays for many reasons. It is a day to worship, go to church, relax from the daily grind and just enjoy your blessings. Today I also realized that Sundays are like a reset button. I find that towards the end of the week I have started slacking on many of my goals. On Saturday nights I usually hit the epitome laziness. I make it to my room at some late hour, throw all my clothes onto the floor and roll into bed. But Sunday gives me a chance to recommit myself to being a better person for the week. It is really sad that it has taken me this long to realize it, but Sundays are a much needed reminder of what I need to be continually working on. I am so thankful to get one day every week to recharge. It is a blessing.

Bump, set, SPIKE

Another tally in the win column for (#36) BYU mens volleyball. I just love watching these guys. The air they get when coming up to spike the ball is really amazing. I like watching volleyball because it is more up close and personal than some of the other sports. You get to be really close to the action. Tonight was a great game against UCLA. We shut them out in three games. The second game was especially great because we came from behind for the win. Oh I love sports season. What will we do when summer is here? I guess there is always baseball.

The wheels on the bus

(#35) Public transportation is great. Obviously this would not be my first choice when traveling, but in a week where I have been stranded multiple times it has been a blessing. Thanks to the bus I was able to get to work, the store, the locksmiths, and anywhere else I needed to go while my vehicle was M.I.A. For $2.25 the world was at my feet, as long as that world could be found on the 850 route.

One thing I love about the bus is that the heaters are always blasting at full capacity. This is very important since you are usually numb by the time you step on the bus. Another thing that I have noticed is that all the bus drivers, at least the ones I have encountered, are very friendly. They can chat it up with anyone who steps onto their bus. Whether you feel like talking or not, they continue to carry on a conversation.

I am very thankful for buses. And while I would never go out of my way to spend some quality time on the bus, I am very grateful it is available when I am stranded.

I'm too sexy for my scarf

I have recently discovered the amazing warming power of (#34) scarves. I shied away from scarves for the longest time because they seemed to be an unnecessary accessory. Being the  fashionably challenged individual I am, I decided to stay away from trying to add scarves to the ensemble. Well it turns out they do more than look good. They make a huge difference in how warm your face stays in the frigid winter weather.  Today I went out with a scarf and surprisingly my face didn't fall off from the harsh cold. This was a revolutionary moment for me. Finally I could walk outside and have my entire body be warm. Some days I get mistaken for Randy Parker as I waddle down the street  unable to put my arms down. But despite all the layers my face and neck are still freezing. Now I can walk about and not have to worry about my jaw going numb. Anyone who has put off the idea of scarves due to their fashion ignorance should reconsider their ways and give it a try. Good looks and comfort, who knew it could be possible.

Quackity Quack

I'm not going to lie, today really sucked. It was hard to find that silver lining or see something that I was grateful for. But I did find something. Though it may seem a little odd I am thankful for (#33) ducks. While I was sitting in my car pondering the events of the day I heard a faint quacking noise. This became louder until I realized there was a family of ducks socializing around my car. I have always loved ducks. Don't ask my why, I think it has something to do with their funny quacking sound but I can't be sure. These ducks brought a smile to my face at a much needed moment. So thank you ducks, I hope to see you again soon.

Oh peanut butter goodness

Today I was thankful for my (#32) No-bake chocolate peanut butter cookies. They were the one good thing to help me get through the night.