I'm always glad to see New Year's Day.  For a long time, my family has made New Year's Day all about fun, food and fellowship.  I also appreciate the themes that you hear tossed around by the media... Talk of resolutions and fresh starts.  Our God is the God of clean slates.  I'm just glad I don't have to wait until January first each year for Him to wipe mine clean.

I love to hear birds singing outside.  It reminds me of my childhood, growing up on the farm, and my time spent at the lake, where the closest road noise is two miles away.  And while I know that these birds are claiming their territory or wooing a mate, I enjoy their songs and choose to believe that in that moment, at that time, God blesses my little life with a song from one of His creatures.

I'm immensely grateful for grace and forgiveness.  It is by the grace of God that I am who I am today, and His forgiveness is one of the things that gives me hope for tomorrow.  Forgiveness from others is also precious, for I'm simply a mess, and I make loads of mistakes.

The ability to communicate is a huge blessing.  Having spent a fair bit of time in a foreign country where I wasn't fluent in the native tongue, I find this blessing most valuable.  I've mentioned before different mediums of communication for which I'm thankful.  But today, I'm simply thankful that, if I so choose, I can convey with my mouth the thoughts in my mind, and the people around me can fully understand.

I'm thankful for the breeze.  On a miserably hot day, it can bring momentary comfort.  On an autumn day, it holds the promise of winter.  It carries scents and smells, and with them, memories and feelings.  Each breeze that crosses my cheek brings many blessings.

I'm thankful for computers. In high school, I wrote book reports by hand. In college, I wrote papers on a typewriter. Computers have made my job simpler, and they will, hopefully, make my children's road through education a bit simpler.

Those closest to me will probably ask if I had to choke out this post......  I'm thankful for Christmas.  (And yes, I am choking a tiny bit.) 

I'm thankful that our world pauses at this time of year and recognizes our Savior.  And they/we do this in various ways.  Some people give to others when all year long they've only received.  Some people go to mass or worship for the first time in months, or possibly years, and they let the love of God into their hearts, even if it is only for a short period of time.  And some people forgive and make amends with long lost friends or family members.  While there are many things about this holiday that I don't care for, in the end, I'm thankful that it promotes Christ. 

I'm thankful for grandparents.  I'm thankful for the memories I have with mine.  But I'm also thankful that I get to see my children making memories with their grandparents.  A grandmother models a special sort of love to her grandchildren, and a grandfather is a kid again when playing with his grandbabies.  I feel so blessed to be a witness to and recipient of these wonderful relationships.

It does my heart good when I see my oldest being a caring big brother.  I've made so many mistakes in parenting him, but seeing him offer kindness and caring to his siblings when they are sad or hurt gives me hope that maybe, even after all I've done wrong, he will turn out alright in the end.

I love being the quiet observer when my younger two children are playing pretend with one another.  They interact well together, their play is positive and creative, and we're all having fun.  I'm thankful that my children are good friends, and I pray the friendships will continue into adulthood.

I've come to really enjoy time in the kitchen with my daughter.  She is full of questions, and it is fun to see how wide-eyed or entertained she can be by work in the kitchen--something that can often be mundane to me.  I'm thankful for these moments with my daughter.

I'm thankful for the times when I'm alone in the car with my younger son.  Very rarely do we have each other's full attention.  These times alone are a precious commodity.

I'm thankful for times playing catch or shooting hoops with my older son.  Most of our interaction with each other isn't pleasant, as it involves arguing and fighting.  But these times together with a ball in hand make our relationship less volatile and more meaningful.  I'm so thankful we can interact this way.

I'm thankful for the Bible.  I love the stories of the Old Testament that demonstrate how fiercely God loves His people.  I love the stories of Jesus, and how salvation is revealed to us.  I love the words of encouragement and advice for practical living.  And I love the glimpses of heaven, that give us hope for our future.

I'm thankful for my parents.  I've mentioned before that my family carries with it a certin degree of dysfunction, but I'm thankful for the road my parents chose to walk.  A road of faith.  A road of debt-free living.  A road of love and tough love.  And today, I'm (usually) able to stand on my own two feet thanks to the values they instilled in me.

Here's another arguably silly one... I'm thankful for entertainment.  For movies, for games, for television.  I'm thankful for these things that draw me closer to my family and friends, and sometimes offer momentary distraction from the not-so-pleasant things that this life can bring.

Electricity is a wonderful blessing.  I'm not sure I can expound upon it more than this and this.  I'm simply thankful for it.

The chaos of life and sickness have prevented me from keeping up with my list of things for which I'm thankful.  Here's my catch-up list.

Dec 14 ~ I’m thankful for wool socks and whoever had the brilliant idea to invent them.  I have chronically cold feet.  It’s part of who I am.  I’m thankful that, in the winter, my toes can almost become toasty thanks to my wool socks.  Warm feet make me happy.

Dec 13 ~ Silly as it may sound, I’m thankful for naps.  I rarely get them anymore, but each time I wake up from a nap, I’m thankful for the time—however brief—that I was able to sneak in a bit of extra rest into my chaotic life. 

Dec 12 ~ Prayer is a beautiful gift.  I’m thankful that I can speak with my Father about the concerns on my heart, whether they are silly or most grave.  I’m thankful that, when I can do nothing to help a friend in need, at least I can pray for them.  I’m thankful for the comfort and solace time in prayer can bring.  And it seems that I’m almost always filled with hope after ending some time in prayer.  It is a huge blessing in my life.

Dec 11 ~ I’m thankful for the ability to walk.  I admit, it is something that I take for granted.  I’m thankful that I have two healthy legs that can bear my weight, stand in the kitchen while preparing dinner, carry me throughout the grocery store, and—if I ever get my act together—will walk and run daily in order to get healthier.

Dec 10 ~ What a colorful world we live in!  I love color!  I find that color in things—in our children’s eyes, in the sky surrounding us, in the faces of our friends—is often the bearer of great joy.  Look around sometime at all the shades and dimensions of color that nature brings.  What an amazing gift from God.

Dec 9 ~ I’m thankful for early warning systems.  Countless lives have been saved, I’m sure, thanks to the early notice of the presences of severe storms. 

Dec 8 ~ Gloves are a marvelous little invention that I’m so thankful for.  I can get pretty cranky when my fingers are cold.  Mittens were a nice invention, but gloves keep your fingers individually mobile, and I’m glad for something to keep them warm in the winter.

Dec 7 ~ I’m thankful for telephones.  I can connect with someone in mere moments to ask for help, check on someone, express gratitude, or simply shoot the breeze.  And while it isn’t my favorite communication venue, I’m still thankful for the telephone.

Dec 6 ~ I’m thankful for dates with my husband.  In the midst of a most chaotic life, dates keep us familiar with one another and having fun, reminding us why we chose to be together.

Dec 5 ~ Among our many blessings are the people who care for my children while I am at work.  Our care givers are helping form and mold our children, and I’m thankful that they are all wonderful, loving, godly people.

Dec 4 ~ Oh how I love blankets.  I’m so thankful that on cold winter nights I can add layers to my bed and they keep me warm.  In days gone by, wealth could be measured by how many blankets a family had.  By that standard, my family is quite wealthy.

Dec 3 ~ Modern medicine is a huge blessing.  I could list probably a hundred things that modern medicine has revealed or improved upon, but for now I’ll just say that I’m thankful to live in a country and state and city where medical opinion and treatment are readily available and easy (for my family) to obtain.

Dec 2 ~ I’m thankful for opposable thumbs.  I cannot count the things I do routinely—no, daily—that require opposable thumbs.  I continue to marvel at the human body, and what a wonderful and genius creation it is.

Dec 1 ~ My faith is a tremendous blessing.  It serves as a compass when my path doesn’t seem clear and a comfort when my life is rough and painful.  It grounds me, it guides me, and it helps me to grow.

Nov 30 ~ Despite the various levels of dysfunction, I'm thankful for my family.  We may not always see eye-to-eye, but we do love each other.  I’m sure there are thousands of people out there who wish with all their might for a family, so I’m thankful for mine.

I'm thankful for my health, and the good health of my children.  God has blessed us immensely with bodies that function well.  We have only a few aches and pains to groan about.

I'm thankful for rain.  I love that "rainy day" feeling of wanting to curl up under a blanket with a good book.  I love summer showers, and the smell that lingers in the air for the moments before and afterward.  I love the emotions that it arouses in my heart and mind.  And I'm especially thankful for the benefits that it brings to our lovely world.

I'm thankful for toothbrushes.  I just hate the feeling of a grimy, dirty mouth.  Toothbrushes are a fabulous invention, and I'm extremely thankful for them.

I love music.  I love how diverse it can be.  I love how it can cause me to feel, or better communicate what I'm feeling.  I especially love music in worship.  It seems as though I praise God more fully when I'm singing.  Music, in my book, is a beautiful blessing.

I consider photos a blessing.  I adore how they capture moments in time.  The remind me of feelings and smells and sounds.  They can also tell a story.  (I especially marvel at photographers who can tell stories with their photos.)  So, I'm thankful for my photos.

I'm thankful for my salvation.  It is such a tremendous blessing that I cannot possibly define it in one small blog post.  But I'm thankful that God loves me enough to provide a way for me to spend eternity with Him.  And oh how I long for that day.

I'm thankful for the ability to read.  Reading educates.  Reading helps your imagination.  Reading grows your mind.  I'm thankful that I can read.

I'm thankful for the blessing of modern kitchens.  By modern, I do not mean the latest styling trends or most expensive appliances, granite countertops or Italian marble floors.  I don't have to grind my own flour or corn.  I don't have to cook over an open flame, or even in a clay oven.  My kitchen may be modest and small, but it is modern, and I'm thankful for this blessing.

I was going to say today that I'm thankful for jeans.  Instead, I'll say that I'm thankful that I and my family have clothing.  I heard a story last week from a man from Africa who said he didn't have a stitch of clothing until he was about ten years old.  He didn't know an existence without nakedness.  And then, when he was about ten, UNICEF came in and gave each child in his village one pair of underwear.  He said that was what they wore to school.  And when he got home, he had to wash it each night so he could wear it again the next day.

I'm thankful that my children have clothing.  That they have not only undergarments, but also multiple pairs of socks and shoes, jeans, shorts, dress clothes, tee shirts, casual shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts, coats, jackets, hats and gloves.  My family is extremely blessed.

I count my freedom as a blessing.  I am free to work where I want to work; to live where I want to live; to have as many--or as few--children as I want; to stay out on the town past the midnight hour, if I want; I can vote--or abstain from voting--for those in our government; and I can worship freely and frequently any God I choose. 

I'm thankful for the five senses.  What a blessing to be able to taste my food, to smell the rain, to feel my daughter's sloppy kiss on my cheek, to hear my sons' raucous laughter, and to see this beautiful world that God has created.  Probably the blessings I take most for granted are the those that these senses provide for me every moment of every day.  Thank you Lord for these gifts!

I'm thankful for the co-worker who has become a sweet and precious companion outside of our workplace.  She is wise, fun, funny, loving, governed by her love for God, and brave enough to call me to the carpet when I need it.  I can't imagine a life where she isn't present.

I am thankful for the colleague who has become like a brother to me.  My work with him has allowed the greatest chance for professional growth, while my personal interaction with him has led to a deep friendship.  I'm blessed to count him in my circle of loved ones.

I am blessed by the people with whom I work.  There's the daily "good morning" from the person who greets me when I walk in, the sage advice from the person who has walked a similar road as I, and even the encouragement and praise from persons in authority over my position---I am simply surrounded by fabulous people, and what a fabulous blessing it is.

I'm blessed with a great boss.  He is easy to work with, values my work and (most of) my opinions, and would go to bat for me in probably almost any situation.  He models Christ in his life, and is a fine example to all who know him.

I'm blessed to have a job.  An even greater blessing is that I really do love it.  It seems tailor made to suit my gifts and the things I'd hoped to do with my life.  I arrive at work almost every day looking forward to the tasks ahead of me, and I leave feeling fulfilled and genuinely appreciated.  My job is a tremendous blessing.

I'm blessed by my home.  I'm thankful that it is comfortable.  That it is warm when it is cold outside, and cool when it is hot outside.  I'm thankful that the roof doesn't leak, that the windows have glass panes, and that the floors aren't just dirt or thatch.  I'm blessed to have a comfortable home.

I'm thankful for my mother-in-law.  She has been an anchor for me over the past eighteen months.  She is always kind and considerate, always offers encouraging words, and looks for ways to make my life easier.  I can't imagine what my life would look like today if not for the loving touch of my mother-in-law.

Today, I'm thankful for quality time with my children.  This has been a hard week.  But the quality time with my children was like a salve for my soul.  We played at the park.  We took a trip to the library.  We ate cereal for dinner.  Then we hung out in front of the TV.  It was an all-around great evening.  A healing change of pace.  Thank you, Lord, for this evening.

While I certainly don't feel like doing it, I'm choosing to count these rough times I'm experiencing as blessings.  The Bible says, "My brothers and sisters, when you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience" (James 1:2-3 NCV).  The past two days have felt especially troublesome, and I'm trying to be full of joy.

I'm thankful for deodorant.  Not only my own deodorant, but that of others as well.

I am thankful for day planners.  If I can remember to write down what I need to remember, and remember to look at what I write down, my day planner keeps me in check.  At least when it comes to remembering things. 

On the heels of being thankful for my spouse...

I'm thankful for birth control!

Amen.

I'm thankful for my spouse.  The past two years haven't been ideal, and the past three or four months have been really rough, but I'm still thankful for my husband.  I'm proud of his achievements.  I'm blessed by what a great daddy he is.  And he supports me in all of my endeavors.  Not every wife can say that.  So I'm counting myself blessed.

Today I am thankful for my washing machine.  I'm thankful that I don't have to walk three miles to the nearest water source and beat my clothes against a rock.  Or even use a washboard and handmade soap.  I'm thankful that I have a clean water source in my home, and a machine that will do the work for me.

Giving Thanks, Day Four

I'm thankful for my small group.  Even though our group dynamic has changed a lot since we began, and I fear our momentum may be dwindling, I dearly love these people.  We've shared happy times and challenging times, and I fully believe that I could count on these folks for anything if I was in need. 

Giving Thanks, Day Three

Since this is a day late, I find it appropriate to say that I'm thankful for the things in my life that keep me busy.  I said it... I'm thankful for busy-ness.  These things give me a sense of purpose, they help me set goals to accomplish, they keep me out of trouble (HA!), and give me things to anticipate.

Giving Thanks, Day Two

I'm thankful for the progressivly positive behavior demonstrated by my children.  Eighteen months ago I wouldn't have dared to enter an eating establishment on my own with them, but dinner last night proved to be an altogether managable task.

Giving Thanks, Day One

I'm thankful for water.  Especially CLEAN water.  I can drink it.  Cook with it.  Clean with it.  And I'm thankful for the indoor plumbing that brings it immediately to my faucet.

Dear Pei Wei...

Eating your new Lemon Grass Chicken Noodle Salad was like consuming a bowl of black pepper with slight hints of citrus.  Shall I introduce you to the drawing board?

Dear Traffic Jam I Recently Experienced...

I wish I could say you were full of marvelous blessings in disguise.  The noisy children in my car prevented any meaningful prayer or planning time.  The selfish drivers around me made me angry.  So I guess I want to say "thanks" for making me long for home.  I was glad to get there.

Dear Heartbreak...

Why is it that you're not contained to just one stage of life?  Why must you be a familiar acquaintance throughout life's journey?

Dear Saturday...

You came at precisely the right time, but you departed entirely too quickly.  Come again soon, but stick around longer next time.

Dear Little Girl Who So Delightfully Engaged Me in Conversation This Morning...

What an adorable person you are.  I'm sure that angels periodically rejoice at your beautiful existence in this world.  Thank you for brightening my day.

Dear Benevolent Snack Bringer...

Thanks so much for your providential timing.  My breakfast had long worn off and lunch time was so far away.

Dear Chiropractic Care...

Bless you for keeping me aligned.  I just wish you weren't so stinkin' expensive.

Dear Boredom...

I really don't know what to do with you.  You're such a stranger to my life that I simply don't know how to entertain you.  So, I'm extending you an open door invitation.  Come around more often so that we can get to know each other a bit better.

Dear Offspring...

Please stay in your beds.  All night.  Every night.  Amen.

A Housecleaning Tip

Never use the vacuum to dispose of a dead cricket.  It might turn out to be alive and subsequently stain your nice ivory-hued carpet and putridly stink up your otherwise nice-smelling home.

Dear Eating with Chopsticks...

You give me a special sense of gratification, especially when I've successfully eaten noodles while using you.

Dear Labor Day 2011...

You were day full of absolutely nothing.  And I loved every moment of you.

Dear My Inclination Toward Laziness...

Most days, you guilt me into doing enough around the house to keep things running.  Last night, however, I gave in to you, and you were a comforting, therapeutic friend.

Dear Common Sense...

At what age do you start showing yourself?  Because all three of my kiddos seem to be a bit short on you.  Come quickly, my friend.

Dear Friday...

I hope you live up to my expectations.  I've been looking forward to you all week.

Dear High Heels (addendum)...

My husband says that any pair of shoes that causes you to walk like a velociraptor is a poor choice.  Hence strengthening my belief that comfort should always rank above style.

Dear High Heels...

Why is it that I've yet to find a pair of you that don't hurt my feet?  Surely you exist.  Am I just not paying enough cash?  Or is the term "comfortable heels" an oxymoron?

Dear Freckles...

I love how you delightfully litter my children's cheeks.  Examining you makes me quite happy.

Dear My Life...

You really suck.  On the suckiness scale, I'd give you an eight.  And if I used harsher language, I'd have a few more choice words to further describe just how sucky your are.

Dear Leftovers...

Thanks for being there for me, because I really don't want to cook dinner tonight.

Dear Shopping for School Supplies...

You're a poignant reminder of my childhood, and a bittersweet annual event with my children that reminds they're growing up too quickly.

Dear Self-Centeredness...

I wish you'd go away.  After all, the world doesn't actually revolve around me.

Dear Writer's Block...

Go away.  And soon.

Dear Pandora Radio...

Thanks for providing the exact music I want when I want it.  I think you're pretty cool.

Dear Family Gathering Tonight...

You were oh so painful.  But thanks for the cake.  That was your one redemption.

Dear My Quippy Comebacks...

Thanks for providing little boosts to my ego.  It needs some stroking now and then.

Dear Potty Training My Children...

You were three of the most difficult, messy, stinky, hair-pulling, time-sucking, smelly, hilarious, frustrating, exhausting, victorious and rewarding experiences of my life.

Dear Instant Messenger...

You are one of my favorite forms of communication.  You've created for me an atmosphere of immediate yet private conversation, and have helped keep me close to my closest friends.

Dear Paper Clips...

You're such a fabulous invention for people like me who have committment issues.  When I'm not quite ready to use the stapler, I can rest well knowing that you'll do a good job keeping my papers together until I am, in fact, ready to bind them.

Dear Coffee...

I don't like you enough to develop a daily need for you, but I'm so thankful that, when I need your caffeine jolt to stay awake, you come through like a champ, and in a tasty way, too.

Dear Laughter...

I love that you're as unique as each person around me.  I love the sound of children laughing.  I love that I can occassionally make my friends laugh (even if the only evidence are the letters LOL).  And I love that laughing makes me feel happy, lightens my mood, and can nearly always turn the day around.  You really are a good medicine.

Dear Bickering Politicians...

I'm guessing if YOUR jobs or salaries were at stake, you'd find it easier to compromise on these budget issues.  As in many areas of life, division will not solve our problems, but unity will. 

Dear Lawn Company Who...

...thought it would be a good idea to mow, edge, trim, weed-eat, and use all kinds of loud machinery at my neighbor's house this morning at 6:30am.  I know it is wicked hot here, but, gimme a break!

Dear Skin...

You are such a fabulous and amazing creation.  One way water barrier.  Built in temp regulator.  Certain degree of elasticity.  And truly unique per person on the earth when one considers wrinkles, color, freckles, blemishes, cracks, tone, texture, scars, age spots and beauty marks.

Dear Moments of Clarity...

I feel so blessed when you arrive.  I just wish you'd stay a bit longer, and that you'd visit me more often.

Dear Drivers Across America...

When you're driving on a highway, and another driver signals to get into your lane, you're supposed to let them.  I'm quite certain this is taught in driver's ed.

Dear Sticky Shoes...

Thanks for creating a simple and catchy melody as I've walked today.  And thanks, too, for reminding me of that episode of Friends where Phoebe caught a cold and loved her sexy sick voice.

Dear To-Do Lists...

I find it highly intriguing that you can be either my best friend or my nemesis, simply depending upon how the day unfolds.

Dear Yesterday...

Despite your prospects, you turned out to be a really good day.  Thanks.  I really needed that.

Dear Recent Home Repair...

I really resent having had you.  I was quickly reminded, though, how blessed I am to have a home, whether it needs repair or not.  So... thanks.

Dear Reading to My Children...

You are one of my very favorite things.  While a fly on the wall might say, "That person is nuts," using creative voices, accents and animated tones to help the story come to life make the time that much more enjoyable for all involved.

Dear Massages...

I adore you.  I wish that I could afford you more often, and that your effects were longer lasting.

Dear Sunburns...

You really suck.  Remind me next time to use sunscreen.

Dear "How to Train Your Dragon..."

You are one of my favorite flicks.  From the powerful score, to the charming and endearing animation of Toothless, and even the quirky and unique voice of Hiccup, in my book, you are an A+.

Dear Gardening...

Thank you for being the one activity that, for me, is equal parts relaxation and productivity.

Dear Falling Asleep to a Thunderstorm...

You're like nature's lullaby, shutting out the other sounds of the world and rocking me into a deep, peaceful sleep.  I wish you'd come 'round bedtime more often.

Dear Forgiveness...

Why is it that you are so easy to receive, but so difficult to give?

Dear Tattooed Young Mom at the Park...

I really enjoyed meeting you.  Your daughter was such a delight.  And your laid back way of guiding and playing with her reminded me that I don't have to be uptight to be an effective parent. 

Dear BFF...

I never tire of your wittiness & charm, your open door & wise counsel, and your sense of humor & infectious laugh.  I consider myself richly blessed to call you my friend.

Dear Curtains in My Bedroom...

Thank you for almost completely blocking out the light provided by the morning sun.  Bless you for holding the day at bay, even if it is only for a few moments.

Dear Rafael Nadal...

These past five years I thought that everything John McEnroe and Mary Carillo said about you was just hype.  But after watching you in the final of the French Open, I'm now a believer.

Dear friend who volunteered to babysit my children today...

What a marvelous gift you've given me.  If nothing else, that time alone allowed my head to clear and life to come back into focus.  Bless you.

Dear Cable Television...

It has been six months since I cancelled you.  And I've only missed you once or twice.

Dear Bad Habit...

I genuinely want to be rid of you. If only I could muster the will-power to match that desire.

Dear Laundry...

It seems you could go on forever.  If only I had your endurance.

Dear Yellow...

Thank you for being so cheerful.  You brighten nearly every day in which I see you.

Dear Facebook...

I've been quick to criticize you in the past.  But you have single-handedly kept me in touch with loved ones while abroad, and for that, I'll do my best to hold you in higher esteem in the future.

Dear My Big Mouth...

Exercise a little discretion, will ya?

Dear Mowing My Lawn...

Thank you for reminding me about times I mowed my grandmother's lawn.  She had to have it all "just so."  But now that it is my lawn, I can create elite patterns in the grass or wreak havoc with the lawn mower.

Dear Cigarette Smoke...

I think the only thing you're good for is to remind me of the time I've spent in Europe.  Your scent makes those memories vivid as if they just happened yesterday.

Dear "You've Got Mail"...

You're like an old friend.  No matter how long it has been since I last saw you, we settle back in together as though we were never apart.

Dear Webmail...

Thank you for making my life a tad simpler.  I need all the help I can get.

Dear Yogurt...

Thanks for satisfying my urge for ice cream.  You're an infinitely healthier alternative to that guilty pleasure.

Dear Toddlers & Tiaras...

Seriously?

Dear backyard project that has been looming over my head...

At last, you're done.  I'm sure my body will ache terribly tomorrow, but I hope the graification for having finished you will far outweigh it.

Dear Exhaustion...

Thanks for bringing me back down to earth and reminding me that I cannot actually do it all.

Dear Words with Friends...

Thanks for simultaneously entertaining and challenging me.

Dear Bedside Lamp...

I hate to break it to you, but I think our time together is at an end.  I'm ready for a change.

Dear Bread Making...

Thanks for always being so rewarding.  The sense of accomplishment I feel afterwards is second to none.

Dear Microsoft Office 10...

I'm not sure you've improved upon yourself.  In fact, I'm quite certain that you've done yourself no favors with a number of your new features.

Dear Imagination...

Sometimes, I fear, you are not an especially healthy facet of my personality.  Perhaps we should spend some time apart.

Dear Sleep...

Please don't be so evasive tonight.  I could really use the rest.

Dear My New Haircut...

I find you extremely refreshing and empowering.  Thanks for being one thing about my appearance that accurately reflects my inner self.

Dear Black Widow Spider...

I'm officially creeped out.  Job well done.

Dear "Bridesmaids" The Movie...

I felt you were a fairly mediocre flick.  However, one line of your dialogue was particularly good.  "You are the problem.  But, you are also the solution."  It was a diamond in the rough.

Dear Spouse...

Thanks for that phone call.  Even though we both knew it was inconvenient, it was exactly what we all needed.

Dear strong-willed son who challenges me daily...

You're a blessing.  You're beautiful.  You're a miracle.  I love you.

Dear Google...

Thanks for making the internet so much more accessible.  If it weren't for you, I'd rarely open a web browser.

Dear Co-Worker

Thank you for being the embodiment of everything I don't want to become.  You're a daily reminder that true life change requires commitment, hard work and sacrifice.

Dear friend that I never knew I needed until I had you...

Life has been more rich because of your encouragement and influence.  I truly hope it has gone both ways.

Dear Life...

You are a world of unending conversations.  Thanks for plenty of material.