- Friends who have supported me all year long, keeping me going through all the crap.
- A year of struggle and challenges that have only made me better.
- Buster and how sweet and silly he always is.
- A muggle job that doesn't destroy my soul, and continues to help me support my Theatre Addiction, financially and logistically.
- Being cast in Midvale Main Street's production of "First Date." I cannot WAIT to break out my "character acting" chops and be silly and ridiculous along with a really fun cast. (INCLUDING my love, Dustin Bolt, who i have yet to do a show with. it's about damn time.)
- Getting to go to CABO in 1 month, and 19 days (not that I'm counting).
- My immediate family, for being strong and smart and caring and loving at all times. And my extended family, both sides, for proving that love is the center of everything and that we're all always there for each other.
- The opportunity I had this year to push my boundaries in a lot of ways. I ventured into some fun and weird and wild worlds, and took some fun people along for the ride, and it was so liberating and wonderful. I'm so grateful for that chance.
- Student Loan consolidation.
- Health Insurance
- Voice Lessons
- Co-Workers who make me laugh and work hard, and a manager who lets me be myself and do my job and function like a real person and not a cog in a machine.
- "WIT". Working on that show this year was the best best best thing of all. I met the most amazing people, watched one of my favorite actors be brilliant and brave, and learned so much about humility and honesty and camaraderie. Priceless.
- Karaoke and it's power to free my soul
- An Adventurous Roommate
- Kitchens and Refrigerators and Stoves and the ability I have to cook, however mediocre my food may be. (i mean, i like it.)
- Zaxby's and Moe's and Popeye's coming to Utah.
- Chocolate & Pumpkin Spice everything
- Cars that get me from point A to point B.
- Puppies
- Text Messaging and it's ability to bridge the gap between SLC and NYC and San Diego and North Carolina and Florida.
- Tattoos
- Feeling secure and safe in my neighborhood and city.
- My ability to express my thoughts and opinions openly and without risk.
- My education in academia and music and theater and speech.
... to name just a few things.
I hope I'm practicing gratitude year-round, I definitely try to accentuate the positive in my life and express my thanks whenever I can. But at this time of year, when it's on every one's minds, I like taking an opportunity to once again express my thanks for the all the things I hold dear, no matter how big or small. I love seeing the things people find to be grateful for each day during this month- I'd like to hope that that attitude of gratitude can continue all year, whether outwardly and publicly, or quietly in our hearts.