22 years of gratitude.

In honor of the ever cliche' tradition of being grateful this time of year, I wanted to post a very sincere list of things I am incredibly grateful for.

Since I've had 23 Thanksgivings, I think I'll make a list of 23 things I'm grateful for.

1. The education I've received since coming to school. I don't mean just in classes. I've learned a ton from being in multiple majors. I've learned a ton from having several roommates. I've learned from the number of different jobs I've had. I've learned from the countless friends I've had. I've learned from the callings I've had. I've learned from the blessings I've had, and I've learned from the trials I've had. I have received an amazing education the lat 5 years, and I hope to keep learning.

2. Music. I am so grateful for music. I'm grateful I was able to be a music major for the 3 semesters I was. I am grateful I have parents who are musical and taught me a love of music from a very young age. I love they taught me to love Handel's Messiah. I love that I've been singing as long as I've been talking. I love that music speaks when words fail. I am so grateful I've had the opportunities to appreciate music that I don't necessarily enjoy. I can not imagine life without music. It doesn't exist.

3. Old food. It means I had enough to eat that I could not finish it, and therefore had food for the next day. I am grateful that I've almost always been able to have left overs.

4. I am grateful for the Gospel in my life. It brings me joy and comfort and peace. It has sometimes been the only thing I had to hold onto. And I was sometimes holding on by the very tip of my fingernails. But it didn't move.

5. Family. As crazy as they can make me. I'm glad they are mine.

6. The hat and scarf my grandma made me. I just like them. And she made them, so they are even cooler.

7. The opportunity to sing at USU, especially under Dr. Evans. This is the first semester in the history of my life that I am not singing in a choir. Since my 3rd day of college I have sung with the choirs at USU either in Choral or Chambers. And I was able to sing under Dr. Evans, who is awesome. And funny. And I was able to learn a lot from him. I conduct my choir at church now, and I pretty much do what I learned from Dr. Evans, and my father. But a lot from Dr. Evans. The choirs at USU are amazing, and I am so glad I get to be part of them again next semester.

8. The fact that even though they sometimes barely run, I always have a car. And I can get where I need to.

9. Play Theory. I've needed a place to go play and it be a safe place. I have so much fun. I laugh so hard. And I've made some awesome friends. I love play theory.

10. A bed. I didn't have a bed this summer. I love having a bed to sleep in.

11. Institute. I love Institute. You meet amazing people and learn amazing things.

12. The fact that I have made some of my dearest friends in the last few months. They really have no idea how much they have done for me. I've needed friends like them. There are literally no words to express my gratitude for them and the kindness and acceptance they've extended to me. They are wonderful, wonderful people.

13. The opportunity to be the maid of honor for my friend Shararea at her wedding. It was so wonderful to see her again after so many years, and I felt privileged that she wanted to share her special day with me.

14. The fact that my friends are some of the biggest nerds you will ever meet. But it makes them who they are and I wouldn't trade them for the world. Plus, nerds just have more fun.

15. The fact that I have been able to meet, and know some of the coolest people on planet earth. Seriously. I know the coolest people ever!

16. A job. it is an interesting, and sometimes incredibly difficult job. But I am grateful for it and am trying to learn as much as I can from it.

17. Doctor Who. Sometimes, you just need a show that you love and is full of fun.

18. that my little sister is serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I'm glad she made the choice to serve and is doing good work. I also think it will help her grow up a lot.

19. Aggie Ice cream...if you've never had it...you don't understand.

20.E-mail. Making it easier to communicate with people.

21. Stars. have you ever just looked up at the stars and absorbed the grandure of it all? I love being able to look up at the night sky and see how incredible it all is. I'm also a fan of stargazing.

22. Laughter. Sometimes, you just need to laugh. And life starts to get better than it was.

23. Writing. That we have a way to communicate, not just with speaking. And not just straight forward, but the fact that we can play with writing so many different ways. It is incredible to me.

So there is this years gratitude list. May you all find something to be grateful for. We truly do have so much.