Because It's Time for Part 2!

As promised, if just a tad late:

 

26. When television programs intelligently (or at least hilariously) reference iconic pop culture phenomena, like the Slutty Pumpkin episode of HIMYM.

27. The simple joy of watching "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!" and getting my hopes up with Linus. I think it was a sincere pumpkin patch, too.

28. The safe delivery of the beautiful little girl at the top of this page! Tamara Grace, my cousin Jenny's little girl, born at 9:40 a.m. on Nov. 29, 2011, 7 lbs. 5 oz., 20 in.

29. The fact that baby Tammy wasn't born on a Monday night while I was in class!

30. Advances in technology that allowed my aunt to send me the photo above, and allow me to take many other photos with my phone.

31. The variety of colors of pens and highlighters available in the world. And the green binder clips my boss bought for me. Fun office supplies are a great thing for which to be grateful.

32. A loving God who I believe is actively present in my life and the affairs of mankind. I do not presume to understand Him or ask anyone else to explain Him to me, but I see His hand in both the good and bad experiences of life. And I thank Him for both, as the combination has made me, and is continuing to make me, the person I am.

33. The giant paper clip-like thingy I bought to keep books open while I'm typing or using multiple books. It's awesome. But maybe that should go up with the office supplies. No, it deserves it's own number.

34. DVR. I know how materialistic it sounds, but DVR is really, really cool!

35. The amazing family I was born into. They support me unconditionally and love me all the time, and I don't get to see them nearly enough. And talking on the phone with my Mama makes almost anything better. And talking on the phone with my Daddy takes care of most of the rest.

36. The incredible family I married into. They accepted this nerdy, sarcastic girl into their circle without (much!) question because their arms are inherently open. And they even humor my trivia addiction.

37. My blueberry muffin chef. I've been blessed beyond measure.

38. My Pampered Chef stoneware. That stuff is pretty great! I was a skeptic, but it really does bake things evenly and doesn't burn or stick after seasoning.

39. The freedom to take the occasional random roadtrip or historical marker hunt. I know we won't always have that freedom, so right now it is a privilege.

40. Jergen's Soothing Aloe Relief lotion. Takes care of my dry skin without being too perfume-y.

41. The Chicago Manual of Style, 16th Edition, in both print and online versions. It is my daily reference at work. I sing daily praises to the University of Chicago and the snarky editorial staff.

42. The door on my office. I don't close it often (maybe three or four times in the year and a half I've had it), but those times have been wonderful.

43. Warm snuggly blankets on my couch while watching movies and TV shows I've already seen but are like comfortable old friends.

44. The people I can see or talk to who never fail to make me laugh. Even when I am determined that I'm going to be in a bad mood. Thank you for not letting me stay there.

45. My office Snuggie. I have worn it down to the copy machine. And my warm desk house shoes.

46. Post-It Notes. And Post-It Notes on my computer. Both are fantastic reminders. And great ways to keep information for short periods of time. And it's extremely satisfying to be finished with whatever is on the Post-It and be able to throw it away either in the real trash can or the recycle in on the computer screen.

47. All the travel books we've acquired to plan our next big adventure, to Ireland and Italy.

48. A hand to hold to end this year and enter a new one.

49. Going back to school. As stressful as it is sometimes, it has been fun to sit in a classroom and have to think about things that I would not necessarily think about unless I had to, to analyze arguments, and to formulate opinions based on the evidence in front of me. I should do it more in real life.

50. The ability to write another list of things that I am thankful for, because it means I was given another year of blessings and life. More blessings than I could possibly count or recognize.