I'm Thankful for . . .

You may think it's kind of cliche to go through and list what you're thankful for in November, but I can't remember a time in my life where I've actually done a "Thankful List" so here it goes
(In no particular order):

I'm thankful for what I know about the gospel. Knowing there's a point to life, that it's short and temporary when compared to what's coming can help with the trials of life. It also helps me to be better and find satisfaction in doing what I do and not doing what I refrain from doing.

I'm thankful for the woman that married me. I never understood how much someone could help you to be better, do better, be happier and just make life so wonderful. She does so much for me that I could write volumes. (But that'll be a little more private than a blog)

I'm thankful for my bed. Sarah, when we got married, talked me into going to a clearance sale in Centerville, where we bought our bedroom set and mattress. We got a killer deal and I (especially on business trips) long for the comforts of that piece of furniture. To give you an idea, when I went to Phoenix a couple of weeks ago, I stayed at the Ritz-Carlton hotel. I still would rather sleep in my bed at home.

I'm thankful for a steady job. Crazy things happen in all walks of life; I'm glad I work for a company that tries to do the right thing and takes good care of its employees.

I'm thankful for the education that I have and continue to get. I will be REALLY glad when I graduate in February (Yee Haw!) and can move on. I've seen too many people that have not taken advantage of the knowledge that is available to them. "There are none so blind as those who will not see." (That's from a Moody Blues song)

I'm thankful for outstanding parents who brought me up in a loving household. I'm sure that I tested their patience greatly, part of that knowledge comes from the pure knowledge that I broke several wooden spoons and Dad's "paddle" with my butt cheeks. My parents put me in a position where I could confidently go out on my own with the knowledge of how to live in this world. They also bailed me out a couple of times when I didn't have a place to live (Like when Cole attempted to move to California or when my prospective roommates decided they were going to move out of where they were staying the day I was going to move in...).

I'm extremely grateful for brothers and sisters who have been so great to me. I have to laugh when I think about the crazy things we did growing up and still get a kick out of when Lisa and I swap text messages of stupid songs that we made up. Cole has been my savior on car problems, advice and helpful information. He was my best roommate (other than Sarah). Craig has always kept everyone laughing. He has a heart of gold and deeply cares about those around him. Melanie helped me feel like I was important as she came to me with questions and advice. She and I had some great times hanging out, especially after I returned home from my mission. I love you guys, though I don't let you know that enough.

I'm so blessed by the amazing friends that have been a part of my life. People who kept me out of trouble as I went through different times in life. People that have put up with me for a long time and still give me the impression that they still want me around. For example, I met Mike Green the summer before 7th grade. For 19 years I've been able to call him my friend, where we've laughed our bum bums off and helped each other grow. I get a big kick out of the fact that (as he told me) Sarah and I are the only people his daughters call "uncle" or "aunt".

I'm glad that my family has never been in a fight. I hear about people that get together with their families for the holidays and end up hating each other's guts. Even my extended family has never been in a situation that would detract from the spirit of being together and enjoying each other's company.

I'm thankful for my grandparents. I didn't get to know my dad's parents all that well (I do remember Grandpa Checketts sticking me out in the snow in my pajamas once), but have really enjoyed the experiences I have had with my mom's parents. Grandma became my best friend who always had a listening ear and was so concerned about what was happening in my life.

I'm thankful for my health, that lets me do what I want to do. Yesterday, I helped one of my clients open an account. She was blind. It blows my mind that people are fully functional when they don't have all the resources I have. I may not have the body of a god (unless you count Buddah), but everything seems to work like it's supposed to.

I'm thankful for music. All sorts. There seems to be something that music can do for you that nothing else can. Music has always been a huge part of my life and I just love it!

My life has been very good and continues to be so. Thank you to all of you who have made my life better and helped me to grow! I love you all!