1) My faith. It's not for everyone, but it gives me hope to get through the tough times, and compassion and drive to make the world a better place. 2) My loved ones. My best friend and I have been like sisters since we were six, and her sons now call me "Auntie". I have friends on four to six continents, depending on the year or season, and I have learned lessons from my grandmas and great-grandmas that I couldn't have learned anywhere else. 3) My education. I was encouraged by family and teachers alike to devour every book I could get my hands on, and college was where I truly found myself. Now, after three years on the work force, I'm going back to school, and while I may be somewhat scared, I also couldn't be more thankful for the opportunity to do so.

Long-time fan, but relatively new reader, and this is the first time I've had the delight of reading this piece. I can really relate to FINALLY getting that chance at the rite of passage, only to have it slip through your fingers--mine was burning Grammie's Thanksgiving rolls! Thank you for sharing these wonderful glimpses of your life with us, and I wish you many more such joyous occasions to come. :)

My favorite memory of the 4th was when I was 11 or 12. It was one of the FEW non-rainy 4ths we had in Western Washington, and my grandparents had just had a huge cedar cut down on their rural property. All of the wood had been cut and stored, but the branches were still in huge piles like nests. My brother, my cousins, and I climbed into one and watched the fireworks from there--slightly damp, slightly scratchy, but it smelled amazing and felt like our own little hideaway. :)

Boston Globe, may I remind you that it's 2011. Is the clutching of the pearls really necessary? Kit, you're wonderful, and I think your readership stats tell you that. I know I don't always comment, but I read every post. As for why I feel like Superwoman, I'm the wardrobe coordinator for a theatre. This means I: do the laundry, repair the costumes, steam the wrinkles out, help the actors dress, etc. I feel like a mother to the whole cast! It can get very exhausting though--six hours straight, and the only time I get to sit down is when I have to sew something. And forget about getting a break; the last time I got a sick day while working a show was in college in 2006. But nothing compares to the feeling of watching my actors get out on that stage and perform, hearing the audience go crazy for them, and knowing that I'm a part of making that magic happen.

I've been eying the Lilo Insignia Isla, but it's out of my price range. Powerful, quiet, waterproof? Yes, please!

One time my 4 y.o. nephew (accidentally) kicked his father in the face mid-tantrum, and when he was told to apologize, said something to the effect of, "I'm sorry you're a big meanie-head." Someone was clearly still not happy he wasn't getting his way. ;)

Roses are red, Violets are blue, I'd rather be single Than regretting something new.

I'm thankful for food and shelter, loved ones near and far, a current job that brings me joy, and a career path that brings me hope.

My little brother ate primarily hot dogs and/or macaroni & cheese for the better part of two years when we were kids. I don't know how (or why!) my parents did it, fixing two full dinners every single night...

I'd decided based on your title that I'd go with "chocolate", one of my favorite things. And then I remembered about the chocolate chip cookies I'm bringing with me to my night shift this evening, which everyone is bound to keep asking about and thanking me for. ...This could get interesting!

When I was a senior at a very conservative Christian college, someone recommended a karaoke bar to me, and a friend and I went on a non-karaoke night to check it out and see if we liked the atmosphere. The waitress brought us our drinks and asked us if we were staying for the show. You know, the DISNEY-THEMED DRAG SHOW. As my friend said as we left, "I've never had so much fun having my childhood destroyed!"