Luck makes the world go 'round.

I think I must be the luckiest person in the world, I'm not kidding.

Take for instance, last Friday. I got to ride in a state plane to tour the Augusta Burn Center. I was touring the facility with the people who run Georgia government. I got to see how experiences like that can really affect what we do here under the Gold Dome. It's amazing when you can actually put a human face and emotion to the 'government machine.' And I got to be there!! I love my job.

Rewind to Thursday; a pipe burst in my apartment and flooded mine and 4 other people's apartments. But none of my stuff was damaged, my cat was ok, and I had friends who let me stay at their (posh) condo. I am so blessed! Even today, my apartment isn't fixed, but at least I have shelter there, it's liveable, just not pretty.

Thanks...

The season of Lent is almost upon us, and this year, I've decided to give up negativity and callousness. In that spirit, let me go ahead and list some of the many things I'm grateful for in life.

-Life: first and foremost, how precious is this thing we call 'life'?! Life is proof enough that God is good. Very good. Some people wake up, go to work, go home, and repeat. They miss all the good-and bad- stuff that makes life memorable. I try to find silver linings, and laugh my way through troubles; now I'll make a more concerted effort to appreciate all that life throws at me.

-Family: Whether its normal or dysfunctional, your family is always your family. I am blessed with parents who love me despite my faults and missteps, and grandparents with whom I connect on a very deep level. My family isn't the cookie cutter all-American family, but they're mine and I love them. I need to learn to say "I love you" more to them.

- Friends: Some friends are fair-weather, and others are in for the hurricanes, floods, and mudslides in life. I couldn't be happier to be able to call April my best friend. She is the sweetest, kindest, most humble person I know. Every day I see something in her that inspires me to be a better person. I'm proud that Libby and I are still great friends, especially considering all the, um, crap we've been through and put each other through. I know that Libby knows my heart, and will always give me the advice I need- whether I want to hear it or not.

-Job: I have the greatest job in the world. I couldn't ask for a more sincere, service-driven, humble boss. My co-workers are like family; I feel like I can count on Melanie and Rita for anything. They've offered me advice and love and friendship, and I will owe them forever. I love coming to work; even if I foul up 25 things a day, I have the opportunity to learn from everything. There is ALWAYS something new here, and I'm always learning. I can't believe I get paid for this!

- Health: So many people are in pain and suffering around the world, so I feel very fortunate to be of sound mind and body. My good health is something I don't plan to take for granted again.

- Freedom: I live in a country where I have spiritual, moral, and educational freedom. As long as I don't harm others or myself, I am basically free to make my own choices about basically everything I want. I couldn't imagine not being able to live my life the way I choose. How often Americans fail to realize how amazing democracy is!

I think that about wraps 'er up. I'm sure I'll add as time goes on. But for now- Mangez! Bouvez! C'est Mardi Gras!