the Big 1-0-0

So, as I was mentally preparing myself to formulate another blog post this afternoon, I happened to realize that my next post would be my 100th blog entry. And, thinking that 100 is no light matter, I pushed my other entry to the side (hopefully actually to the top, where it shall be if I am able to make myself post it after I am through with this one). To kill two birds with one stone and also celebrate the upcoming Thanksgiving, here's my list of

100 Things I Have Learned to be Grateful For

since my first post on September 10th, 2008.

1. My parents, and the values and methods and beliefs and respect they instilled within me.
2. Sisters nearby.
3. Missionaries willing to sacrifice to serve.
4. Professors who understand what it's like to be a young adult.
5. Agency to make my own choices.
6. People who have the courage and kindness to be friendly.
7. ClearPlay DVD players.
8. Vehicles and modes of transportation so travel is more quick and painless than ever.
9. People who enjoy food as much as I do.
10. Nature and the beauty of fall.
11. Warm clothes on a cold, windy day.
12. A microwave to make my wait for dinner more manageable.
13. People who open my mind to new ideas and points of view.
14. Electronic Reserve at the library, so I don't have to leave my apartment.
15. Color, and how it brightens my whole attitude.
16. My fun, rewarding, easy job at the Testing Center.
17. The opportunity to be married for eternity in a partnership with God in one of His temples.
18. Blogs, Facebook, Twitter, etc. so I can keep up with everyone I love.
19. Google and other smart people who make technologically amazing things useable for free.
20. Other students who share their passion for learning.
21. A clean home.
22. Parents and people who believe in you and your ability to choose the right.
23. The importance of each day, even though they seem to fly by.
24. Cable.
25. Smiling, and how I simply feel happier each time I do it.
26. The vibration setting on my cellphone.
27. The opportunity to learn about what I love.
28. Christmas music.
29. Friendship, and how especially rewarding it is after you work hard at it.
30. Classes that fit into my desired time slots.
31. Money enough so that I can get some of my wants, too.
32. Movies that are happy, optimistic, and uplifting.
33. The outlines that Heavenly Father has lovingly given us.
34. My getting a place in the WWII class.
35. The self-assurance to be able to laugh about embarrassing things later.
36. The motivation to get things done.
37. The gospel, which, as well as other things, reminds me of my eternal importance as a daughter of God.
38. Leadership of the Church, who show me that older people are a lot kinder and wiser than I sometimes think.
39. Couples who show me an example of how I want to be in my eternal relationship.
40. Friends who are boys with no dating stigma attached.
41. The hope and faith in a bright and happy future.
42. People who remind me to be tolerant.
43. Being reminded of my own faults and deficiencies.
44. Photos, to more easily remember my history.
45. Exercise and staying healthy.
46. Pizza, the sustenance of life.
47. Peanut butter, which practically never expires.
48. Coincidences, which just show you Heavenly Father's omnipotent watch over each of us.
49. Writing the number 8.
50. A convenient and nearby piano.
51. The Christmas feeling.
52. Light, and how it makes you just feel happier and less dull, too.
53. Unlimited texting.
54. Movie marathons.
55. The importance of free time in keeping one's sanity.
56. Talents, and people's willingness to share them.
57. Slide-out keyboards on cellphones.
58. People and agencies who provide financial help for me to go to school.
59. People who follow through with their dreams and desires to help others.
60. Getting mail.
61. Having stamps.
62. A laundry facility in one's house.
63. Living today, in this time, with these freedoms and rights and privileges and opportunities we have right now.
64. The people who lived, worked, fought, and died for us to get where we are today.
65. Examples of strong faith in the gospel, even through hard times.
66. My mom's cooking, which I didn't take advantage of enough at home.
67. Precipitation!
68. Non-squeaky beds.
69. People who love and share with a smile and ne'er a complaint.
70. Not having to play sports.
71. People who care enough to keep in contact.
72. Not being raised to be super uptight or demanding or rude or crass or violent.
73. Forgiveness.
74. Cute shoes.
75. Dressing nicely and feeling beautiful.
76. Flowers.
77. Pumpking-carving patterns.
78. The ingredients on hand to cook anything you want whenever you want.
79. Kissing.
80. When the store has the exact color in stock that you need.
81. Online shopping.
82. Psych, which makes me laugh and feel friendly.
83. Long-lasting batteries, so I never have to charge my iPod.
84. Having a confidante to tell everything I need to get out of me to.
85. Living in a relatively safe area where I really needn't fear rape or murder or violent criminal activity.
86. The revitalizing power of sleep.
87. Being able to remember what I can, at least.
88. For a Heavenly Father who knows us the best and knows what's best for us even when we don't know it ourselves.
89. Alone time.
90. A dishwasher.
91. Openable windows.
92. Conference and the easy accessibility of all Church talks, devotionals, firesides, etc.
93. The ability to say what I want through writing.
94. Other people's ideas and willingness to help.
95. Working facilities, electricity, utilities, etc.
96. My own computer.
97. Creativity, which empowers and blesses everyone.
98. Birthdays, and being able to celebrate each persons' importance and value to the world.
99. The experience of being in band in high school.
100. Kurt.