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When my life started falling apart some months ago and pressures of daily living made life nearly unbearable, I gave up blogging. As the saying goes, "If you can't say something nice, then don't say anything at all." The good news is that I miss blogland and want to keep up with all you wonderful readers. Please join me on my road to recovery.

With Thanksgiving around the corner, I want to take some time to list some of the things that I am grateful for:

1. I took and passed the Utah Bar. It was pretty much a miracle that I was able to pull this one off. I had planned to take the Pennsylvania and New Jersey bar exams, but learning of my ex's plans for divorce caused me to re-evaluate. I prayed hard about this one and didn't get an answer right away. I considered Virginia, Maryland, Nevada, California, and Utah in addition to PA and NJ. I was about to just stick with the original plan when all of the sudden the answer came - just one day before the final filing deadline. Magically (aka thanks to enormous help from my Aunt Connie), I was able to obtain SIX letters of recommendation, fill out a 60-page application which required me to list every address and job I've had for the last ten years; get fingerprinted by the state police; obtain driving records for two different states, a passport photo, a credit report, a cashier's check, and a certification from the dean; get the whole thing notarized; and mailed it off in a period of less than 24 hours. It was one of the most stressful days of my life. The summer that followed didn't get much better. With all of the changes in my personal life, I know I didn't put the time or effort that I should have into studying for the bar. Luckily I passed anyway and now I can thank the good Lord that I am an attorney. I'm so grateful for this blessing.

2. I have a family here on earth that is so good to me. Seriously, my family is awesome. I'll just share one quick story to illustrate. On one particularly hard day, my brother Launce called twice and texted me three times even though I didn't answer once. I called him on the way home, with tears streaming down my face, to tell him what happened. He said that he had a feeling that I needed him that day and that's why he tried to call so much. He wanted to be there for me when I needed him and wanted me to know that he loves me. Others in my family have been similarly supportive. I don't think I could make it with out them.

(Launce and I at Temple Law graduation, May 2010)

3. I have fabulous friends. Going through the difficult experiences of the past year has made me greatly appreciate the friendships I have. For example, when my friend Jordan found out that I was going through a divorce, she went to her sewing machine and made me a purse! Seriously, how many people do this? Jordan has also strongly influenced me through her humble example. I have noticed so many instances of her serving other people under the radar. I'm so grateful for all the Jordans in my life. Many of my friends have kindly served me during the dark times of this year by sending flowers, sending thoughtful emails and facebook messages, calling me on the phone, going running with me, taking me out to dinner and lunch, karaoke-ing with me, and encouraging me. My friends have helped me to realize who I am, who I'm not, and who I want to be. Thank you for your kind service and examples.



4. I am in good physical health. Some of my friends and family have had to endure serious health problems this past year. My friend and former professor lost his leg. Watching those I love go through these serious struggles has made me appreciate my own good health and be more mindful and concerned for others needs. I was able to run my first half-marathon this year with my dad. I am grateful for this experience because it gave me a sense of accomplishment, functioned as psychological therapy, and became a bonding opportunity for me and my dad.

(Pop and I right after the Red Rock Canyon 1/2 Marathon, March 2010)

5. I have a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. When the person I should have been able to trust the most turned out to be not so trustworthy, all I had to do was get down on my knees and I knew I had one constant in my life that I could and can always rely on. One of my favorite scriptures has become D&C 112:13 - "And after their temptations, and much tribulation, behold, I, the Lord, will feel after them, and if they harden not their hearts, and stiffen not their necks against me, they shall be converted, and I will heal them." What a blessing it is to know that the Lord is there for us, just waiting for us to ask for his help, and will use his healing power for us.

Here's to gratitude! Happy Thanksgiving!