10 things im grateful for or have learned this year

10. I have learned that i wont get things done, or go anywhere in life unless i try or put forth effort. Its not like i learned this only this year, but i definitely understand it now. Yes, its possible to barely skate by without hardly making a dent, but that's not going to fly in the real world.

9. I am grateful for the ability to smile, even when i feel miserable, (my mother always said, "when you feel your worst, look your best.") and it works. Even if at the time i feel like people can see right through the half-ass, kill me now look i call a smile, they buy it.

8. I have learned that managing my life does not only mean being clean and on time, but also maintaining a clean room and car and budgeting my money wisely.

7. I am grateful for my large family, without them (all my brothers and sisters), i would not be able to cope with noise, deal with annoyances, be so down to earth and laid back and i wouldn't be the strong leader i am today.

6. I have learned that i need to embrace every moment, because the older i get, the faster time flys by me.

5. I am grateful for the opportunity to live in such a rich and amazing country full of freedom, choice and the option to accelerate.

4. I have learned that success is the product of discipline, focus, drive, and perseverance.

3. I am grateful for my church community, Timmy Baugh, The entire Palmer family including the Watkins, The LaGro's, All the priests, Everyone who went on the Mexico trip and tons more. Its just nice to have a group of people i can hang out with who won't do anything to jeopardize my faith or morals.

2. I have learned that i am my own narrator, nobody else is going to write my story for me, as much as i want them to have the answers to all of my questions, its not gonna happen.

1. I am grateful for my family who has taken such good care of me even though i have put them through hell. They will always be there for me, especially when i mess up (sometimes big-time).

Proud to be an American

There are some things about America that I would rather live without. But lets face it, I'm sure other people would gladly live without some things in my ideal country.
There is no denying that America is an amazing country with abundant amounts of opportunity, education, and choice. Just the idea that i am free....to worship as i please, to talk and write and do whatever i want. That is pretty astronomical right there, i can be whatever i want. I can make my dreams realities. I can live where i want, and work where i want. WOW. i mean, WOW! Look at pretty much every other country. I was told that if a person makes at least $20,000 a year they are in the top 2% of the worlds wealthiest people. Its almost disgusting. But we are so blessed. Even when there isn't enough money for the name brand foods I'm ust to, but we still have just enough to cover groceries for the month even if we have to buy the no brand name mayo instead of best foods, or generic single-ply toilet paper instead of Charman Ultra double quilted extra soft toilet paper, we still eat and live really GOOD. I don't feel like a horrible person because of it, it just helps me remember how blessed we are.
I am proud to be an American because i have the choice to go to college and get a really good paying job, be a stay at home mom, or go to college, get a good job and be a stay at home mom. I have so many options. Sometimes there are so many that its almost overwhelming. I can practice my faith without being persecuted. I can write whatever i want on this blog. I can be a Senator, Governor, or even President if i put my mind to it. There are so many possibilities and opportunities. America is all around a great place to live. Even if we still should get rid of a few things *cough..abortion (definition: the slaughtering of millions of innocent children and destruction of women's bodies and minds)
God Bless the USA.