I distinctly remember the day my mom sat me down in the kitchen, took a deep breath and told me that she had applied for the mother-daughter series of "Wheel of Fortune," and had selected me as her daughter counter part of choice, with my sister serving as team alternate, naturally. Although we never made it to the show, and let me tell you we would have bought a vowel or two, I realize in hindsight all of the things I am grateful to have learned from my parents and siblings.

First off, I am so glad to have parents and siblings who tell me when I'm being an ass. Everyone has the capacity to be nasty, some people let it out more than others. I appreciate all of the times when my sister reminds me to get off my high horse and have some empathy. She reminds me that it isn't OK to take out my stress on the people closest to me, and that's something I need to be reminded of. More than letting me know when I suddenly morph into the grinch (and not the end of movie, post heart grown four times the size grinch), my family isn't afraid to tell me that I am wrong. Sometimes it's not even that I am wrong, my dad has this way of reminding me there is another way of looking at something. This practice has taught me patience, empathy and allowed me to find blessings in every event of my life.

Second grade and I knew how to make my own lunch, start the washing machine and operate the blender better the employees of Jamba Juice. I am so grateful that my mom didn't hold my hand through life. This didn't mean she didn't love me, just that the motto was always figure it out yourself. And so I did. An attitude that has propelled me through life thus far and fueled my ambitious and ferociously independent approach to life. This also doesn't mean I don't ask them for advice when I need it, it just means that without it I would be just fine.

As far as my siblings are concerned, I am grateful every day to have been and still be tortured to death. When other people are laughing at you, it reminds you to laugh at yourself. And laughing at yourself is one of the best habits you can create for yourself in life. The more you can let go of your mistakes, your flaws and your less than perfect moments the more you can emphasize your happiness and success.

Aside from some bad genetics and a deep love of coffee, they have given me so many wonderful pieces of who I am. With a combination of gratitude and wonder, I thank my family for making me, me.