Thankful Thursday - on Saturday morning

Good morning! I am working at a conference this morning and had a lull in action so I decided I would quickly get together my Thankful Thursday list, since it's a little late.

1. The opportunity to see some family members I don't often see. Two of my favorite humans are in town (and of course brought their darling baby - although he was sleeping when I visited last night) and I am thrilled. Po and Sara - it was so great to see you....makes my soul happy. This is going to be a good weekend! Pictures to follow later.

2. The Utah Philharmonic Orchestra in their annual Halloween concert. As per my tradition, I attended last night - and took two first-timers with me (a dear friend and his son). It was great to share this experience with them, as it is a favorite of mine. So first we went to Libby Gardner Concert Hall and then hit up The Pie for pizza......in our costumes. My friend and his son are both dirt-bikers so they wore their motorcycle outfits and I wore my high school cheer outfit - we fit in great at the orchestra, but stuck out a bit at The Pie. :)

3. Work. I am exhausted and burned out and desperately needing a break from the pressure, but it tests me everyday and (I think) makes me better. I will eventually balance in a more consistent way.

4. Social grace. Yesterday I spent the day walking on eggshells due to lack of social grace on the part of another person. This individual decided to make my day as awkward as possible through her silly actions and as much as I was disdainful of her poor behavior, I was equally embarrassed for her mother, who clearly did not have the sense to teach her social grace. I am grateful to my parents/brother for reminding me often that social grace is priceless.

5. Halloween. What a fun holiday! I love costumes, pumpkins, witches, sparkles, candy corn, etc. This is a great time of year.

6. Niece Diva. She is home from the hospital - and cute as a button. Can't wait to get to Seattle and hold her!

7. My knowledge of the Plan of Salvation. As I spend time with my grandma and watch her struggle, I am more grateful than ever to know what happens after death - and for the eternal nature of families.

8. Delicious lipstick shades made possible by the change in season. "O" from MAC has been a favorite for a long time, but it's on a fall/winter color, so I am thrilled it's time again! If you are going to Fashion Place and need a cosmetics-artist, ask for Liz....we have been friends for a long time and I think she's amazing.

9. Christmas music.....I know, I know - too early - but when it started snowing this week, my team started listening to Christmas music and I got sucked into it. By Tuesday morning, as I wandered through their cubes, the seasonal sounds of Kenny Rogers, David Archuleta, and Josh Groban were floating through the air.....and I was hooked. Now I am ready to start listening to Christmas music. 'Tis the season!

10. My harp teacher Jessica. I am playing my harp in church tomorrow (so anxious!!), but she's such an incredible person that it has definitely helped. I haven't played my harp in public before - in fact, I've never played for more than 4 people at a time so jumping into an audience of 250 people is probably dumb, but hey, we're supposed to be Christians so they should be forgiving of my musical mistakes and love me regardless. I am grateful for Jessica and her teaching skills - now if only my harp-playing skills will be decent tomorrow.....

Happy Saturday!