My Thanksgiving

Besides being the title of a really good Don Henley song, the title of this post goes along with what I've been thinking lately: how blessed I am. Since I probably won't have time to blog this on Thursday (when it's actually Thanksgiving) I decided to post this now.

1. I am so thankful for a job that I love. Even though the hours are less-than-ideal (11:30pm-8:00am) I can honestly say I enjoy going to work. This past week with two breaking news stories, it was really cool to see the whole morning team pull together and get things done. I really like being a producer, and I love the station I work for.


Don't mind our outfits. These are the producers I work with decked out for halloween. Brooke's a snowboarder, I'm supposed to be Betty White, and Jenn's a hippie.

These are the anchors I work with. I grew up watching some of these people, so it's still a little weird that I work with them, but they are some cool people. And I also like all the other behind the scenes people, but I don't happen to have a picture of them on hand. Sorry.

2. My amazing friends, but especially Brittany Mangelson.



Don't know if you've heard of her before, but you should probably make getting to know her a priority. She's hilarious, a great listener, a great writer (read her blog) and oh, just one little thing, she's an awesome mom to twin girls.



We've been best friends since about halfway through first grade, when-- true story: I got over hating her black jeans and she got over that I was her favorite teachers daughter, meaning she wouldn't ever be the favorite. We had sleepovers at each other's house 95% of the friday nights between ages 6-18, and when we got in high school, we were basically like sisters ("hallie, we're like twins" hence this next gem).



3. My amazing parents. Gary and Sue Chrystler are two of the most amazing people I know. Being an only child I think my relationship with my parents is different that a lot of kids have with their parents, but I wouldn't change my family for anything.

Taken at a totally inappropriate moment, this lovely photo of my dad and I is one of my favorites. My mom was cringing, and telling me to put the camera down. After we took the picture, an usher at the conference center kindly (or not) reminded us that photography is not allowed.

4. In the same vein, I have some awesome grandparents. I never really got to know my dad's parents, but I grew up talking with my mom's parents bi-weekly at least. They always remembered the dumb things in my life, like that I had a spelling test, my soccer games, and knew my friends names, and were always sure to ask how everything was going. They were married for almost 56 years when my grandma died, and I think they have probably the best marriage I ever saw, one that I hope to emulate.



5. My testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but more specifically the knowledge that I have a loving Heavenly Father. In times when things get rough, that's something I can always rely on. Even though I've had some doubts about the church in my life, and I may not always agree with the church's stance on certain issues, I really can't deny the fact that I know the gospel is true, and I'm grateful for the foundation it provides in my life.

So there you have it, just a list of a few things I've been thinking about lately that make me happy to be me. By the way, I really hate thanksgiving as a holiday. Cook all morning, stuff your face until you feel sick and then spend hours cleaning the kitchen? Not so much. I'm a 4th of July girl all the way. Fireworks, hot dogs, parades and 90 degree weather for me, thanks.