I give thanks

1. For the God who showed me the meaning of grace, and then has the grace to show me again when I (still) fall.

2.For the mother who gave birth to me, and her incredible sacrifice.

3. For a family that allows me to be authentically humorous, passionately lazy, creatively overwhelmed, cross-wired, cross-worded and cross-cultural.

4. For Carmen Marie, because she has and continues to facilitate an inspired side of me that I never knew could exist, and sees substance in my emptiest of times.

5. For Alex, who encourages me to straighten my priorities, asks about my day and enables my love for bacon.

6. For my roommates Wizard and Mego, who put up with my ADD 24/7 and are still excited to cook meals together and to know the ins and outs of my life.

7. For someone who shall remain unnamed, for forgiving my possessive attempts at love.

8. For everyone who has ever showed me genuine friendship

9. For health, which, with every minor setback, has taught me that life is temporary but good.

10. For beauty and the language of love.

11. For the blessings that are disguised, and for those that are apparent.

12. For all the women at Hope Place, who taught me that I am beautifully broken.

13. For the outstanding opportunity to be educated in a supportive environment

14. For the freedom to say, write, or do what I believe is right without having to fear for my life.

15. For my love/hate relationship with technology, and the invention of the "OFF" button.

16. For my passion to help others, along with the guidance and skills to do so.

17. For the ability to whistle, sing, hum, drum, run, skip, walk, hop, dance, sit, slide, yell, cry, smile, laugh and be angry-- that they might always serve me well.

18. For writing, as an outlet and as a companion that I will always know to be a mystery.

19. For the way a baby can fall asleep in your arms, and for the overly dramatic steps of a toddler learning to walk. They offer perspective.

20. For my puppies, who have provided countless hours of amusement and cuddly warmth.

21. For a job in a difficult economy

22. For memories and the experiences that create them.

23. For time which offers perspective, healing and the ability to fly.

24. For music. It has changed my mind and soul.

25. For sunsets over the Olympics, or anywhere, really.

26. For Bacon, and it's deliciously artery-clogging goodness.

"I thank you, Lord, just for the ability to thank you."

So really.

Thanks.