"It is thankful people who are happy"

Friday, after a long, busy, stressful week I walked into my last exam and came out feeling worse.  I feel guilty admitting this but it seriously seemed for a moment the world was crashing down.  After listening to an inspiring story at Religion in Life of a family where their sixth son of twelve kids has had two heart transplants and they are just humbled he will make it past his teenage years, I thought to myself...there is nothing to be stressed about.  

My daily Pinterest quote search led me to these two quotes I have been thinking about latley.

"It is not happy people who are thankful.  It is thankful people who are happy".  

"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way (s)he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights." -Maya Angelou

I decided to make a list of 25 things that I am thankful for.  Some are simple and some are not, but I believe that if we do not find joy in the simple things in life, we will not be too happy.  

USU Basketball:  Even though we did lose earlier this week, there is nothing like doing the Scotsman   Or watching Reed dunk.  And being now top 25!!!

Hostess Donuts:  They always say when you don't have something you appreciate it more.  I'm not sure I can survive finals week without Hostess Donuts.  

No multiple choice tests: Seriously though.  This is more of a blessing than you would ever know.  I guess we will find out how much of a blessing though when I get my score back. 

The Wall Street Journal: Judge all you want.  

Library heaters:  I understand you may want to save on the heat bill.  But you think turning on the A/C in the winter is going to be cheaper?  Seriously.  Students do not need one more reason NOT to go to the library.  

Key Lime Pie Yogurt:  Anyday that includes Key Lime Pie Yogurt is happy.  

Spotify: Unlimited music!  Good for anytime of day.  5am.  2pm.  1am.  Anytime.  Parties.  Homework.  Getting ready.  Every Occasion.  

5 hours of sleep instead of 4:  Sadly I have thought this...no joke. What's really bad is when its 4 instead of 3!

I am only working 2 days this week:  First of all because I get to see my family!!!  I am stoked.  I miss them a lot.  But also because I will be losing less brain cells.  I mean after drawing thousands of small circles to entertain myself it starts to wear on you.  

Boots and scarfs: I had forgotten how cold it gets in the winter here in Logan!

Puzzle passes...when I had them:  I use to be able to read during work and I have never appreciated reading until then.  But now, I get scratch paper.  

Potatoes:  Cheap, delicious, can be eaten in so many different ways it seems like you are eating something new when you really arnt.  

My grandma's homemade quilt: My grandma is the best.  That blanket is good for any movie, homework at 5am, extra heat at night.  

Wheels.  That I don't have to pedal to move :) Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE biking.  But having a car this semester has saved my life!

Books:  I think I have taken forgranted education and reading all my life.  Learning is so great.  And if you haven't read The Help, read it.  

Internet Connection:  When Digis works, everyone celebrates.  Especially at 11:59pm when you are trying to submit your assignment.  

No registration this semester:  No stress over times, classes...its great.  And even better is the reason I don't have to register!

Front Row Parking: Like at church today, in the rain!  I literally cheer out loud when this happens!  A VERY rare occasion...especially at Pine View.   

Our Kitchen Table: My favorite aspect of our apartment.  That table holds so many memories.  Late night chats, game nights, sunday dinners, homework parties, pumpkin carving adventures, modge podge night...

Religion in Life: I'll be honest.  I had a very hard time making it to institute last year- maybe it was the class, me, I don't know.  But I do know that I have learned SO much this semester from going and wouldn't miss it for the world.  And Religion in Life!  Why did I not appreciate having so many great great people inspire my life.  

Safari Saturdays:  The best tradition in the world.  With the best people.  

Laughter:  They always say...you laugh or you cry.  Laughter just makes lifes problems seem like nothing.  I love laughter.  

Pianos:  As of last night I have started my grand piano fund.  That's right...someday I will buy a grand piano.  I miss playing so much.  There was nothing like just being able to sit down whenever and play to my hearts content.  Listening to piano is good, but playing piano is superb.  

Sundays:  I always though it was dumb that people didn't do homework on Sunday.  Like they were way too churchy or something.  A few weeks ago, I decided I would try it after being inspired by Kaitlin.  And its the only reason I am not in a coma, or in tears because of stress.  I look forward to Sunday all week long!  I can sleep in, eat breakfast, relax, go to church, make Sunday dinner, play games, write blogs, read, write letters, anything!  

People.  Genuine People. :  Over the past year I have come to appreciate people.  It fascinates me the way people think and act, and there is so much to be learned from people.  Before it just seemed if I had extra time I would spend it with people, but now I think people should be at the top of our list.  Spend time with the people you love, serve them, meet new people, and let them teach you things you have never thought of.  We are here together for a reason.