Gratitude.

So Thanksgiving may be next week, but I've gotta say I've had a pretty good-no, really good-scratch that, great-fantastical week. And it's Wednesday, and that means a new Glee episode tonight to make the week even better. And I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm insanely thankful to God for everything that happened this week, and even before. So here's a sort of laundry list of what I'm thankful for right now:

Thanks God, for the autumn leaves falling from the trees-you created it all.

For the orchestra concert that went pretty fabulously Monday night.

For the meteor shower misadventure that same night.

For seeing family and having that support only they can give me.

For the coffee cheesecake that's in my fridge.(Thanks, Grandma!)

For sweet caffeine fixes and bagel sandwiches at Einstein's-and the really good service there.

For the new John Mayer album that came out yesterday.

For all the random,quirky, and plain funny things that go on during my day (like a sick classmate sounding like Batman)

For possessions we can have but don't have to chase after all the time

For that time when my roommates are sleeping and I'm awake and I can have that personal time with you.

For lessons learned, usually in bible study, outside the classroom

For great friends to share them all with, the good and bad.

For the opportunities (that I usually take for granted) to share my faith and let my light shine before people.

And really, for just being plain awesome.

For those who say that nothing can really make them this happy, well, God can, In fact He can do anything. All we have to do is give Him all control-as hard as it may be- for only He can truly satisfy our souls. And He is the ultimate source of sunshine.
If you're reading this, really think about how you've been blessed in the last week or so, and try to be a blessing to others, even if it's just smiling at everyone you see. Thanks for reading and have a great week! :)

my bucket list.

Ah, November.
So I just had a Spanish test today and it's cold, rainy, and just plain miserable outside. Usually this kind of weather puts me in a lousy mood, but today is different. In spite of the depressing weather I actually feel.... happy. It's most likely because "Glee" is coming back tonight after a two-week hiatus, but seriously, I feel great. I feel like going out and singing in the rain, even dancing (even though it won't look remotely close to Gene Kelly).

This is the kind of optimism I've been talking about, the kind we should strive for. And we should certainly look to the future not with worry or anxiety, but with hope, peace, and joy. And that is why I've decided to come up with my bucket list. I know, I'm only 18 and this may seem a little ambitious, but here goes:

1. Fall in love and get married
2. Have 2 kids
3. Sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl
4. Star in a movie musical
5. Attend Fashion Week in New York, Paris, Milan, London, etc
6. Travel Europe/ the world-mainly Thailand, Ireland, Austria, and South Africa
7. Release a CD and win a Grammy
8. Win an Oscar
9. Wake up and watch the sunrise
10. Dance in the rain
11. Watch the stars with the person I love and fall asleep
12. Live in New York City for a year
13. Live in Virginia Beach for the rest of my life
14. Randomly break into song..anywhere and anytime
15. Adopt a child from a country in need
16. Go on a mission wherever I'm called
17. Write a book
18. Do something silly
19. Teach someone something worthwhile
20. Write or be featured in "Vogue"

So a lot of it probably isn't in the right order, I would have generally put 9-14 first but I guess the first 8 came to mind before that. Oh how I need to re-prioritize. Alas, this is my bucket list, and you should make one too. Whatever the weather is where you are, remember to always see the sunshine! Have an awesome week! :)