He Listens

Let me tell you soomething about the big man upstairs... you talk, you do what he asks of you, then he listens and he helps/provides you with what you need.  I am so glad the big guy and I are friends.  This year he has proven to me that he wants to listen, he wants to help, and he wants to show me his love.  He got me out of a bad situation and into a great one.  I am so excited that I am able to stay at the school I currently work at for the remainder of the year.  As of Monday, I have a NEW part-time job since the other teacher will be returning - yeah, I freaked about the part-time thing too.  Part-time means PART of the pay... but it seems as though things are falling into place.  I have had more babysitting, tutoring, and other job requests/offers all in the past TWO days than in the past TWO months.  Thank you Lord for listening, helping, providing, and loving me.

Things That Make Me ME

So as I was reading one of those "20 Things You Don't Know About Me" articles in People the other day... it got me thinking.  What would I put on there if I actually became famous one day? ha.  What are weird things that make me strange or unique?  The list began... (most of you will probably know these).

1. I hate coffee, red wine, and beer.
2. I eat some form of chocolate almost every day.  And graham crackers after dinner.  Weird, I know.
3. I only lost 4 baby teeth by myself and the others had to be pulled so I could get braces (6th to 11th grade).  Yes, that's FIVE years people. So yes, I still wear my retainer.
4. I woke up paralyzed from the waist down in 2nd grade and had lots of tests done/spent time at the hospital- doctors still can't determine what happened.
5. I am legally blind and would love to have laser surgery.
6. I had an imaginary friend named Samantha when I was younger.  She was real.  I swear it.
7. I exercise five to six times a week and plan out my daily schedule every Sunday.  Not because I am crazy about looking good, but because I love how it makes me feel mentally and physically.  I love to unwind with a nice, sweaty workout. (If I plan it out and write it down I am less likely to skip.)
8. My favorite vacation spot is Charleston, but I would LOVE to go to Europe one day.
9. I am not an animal person.  Just never liked having a pet and don't care to ever have one again.
10. My parents gave me a promise ring when I was 14 and I am able to still wear it today.  Let's just say, I will be able to wear white at my wedding with no guilt and I am proud of my decision.
11. I may be a teacher, but I do not enjoy reading.
12. I have never tried a cigarette or any type of drug.
13. I have never broken a bone.
14. It takes me 45 minutes to do my hair but only 2 to do my makeup.  Makeup is usually done in the car on the way to work.  oops.
15. I have had 5 speeding tickets.  I am bad about road rage. oops again.
16. I am obsessed with Law & Order: SVU.  I could watch the marathons all day, every day.
17. I sing out loud when I am getting ready, running, and in the car.  It is not pretty.
18. I have a huge bump on my finger from where I use my pencil and need bunion surgery on my feet.  They are so ugly.
19. I love every holiday.  I am like a little kid about them and always get really excited.
20. I am probably the most sentimental person ever.  I have kept every card, note, invitation, award, or momento that I have ever received.  I also love hugs.  I will hug you and you will like it. ha.

Home

Today will be my last thankful post since tomorrow is THANKSGIVING.  I am thankful for the ability to have somewhere to call home.  No matter how old I get, starting to see the Morganton signs, getting off the interstate and finally pulling into my driveway will always make me smile.  It's nice to come home and immediately feel the stress melt, the love of my family, and the relaxation mode start to set in.  I am so glad to be home today and I can't wait for the festivities to begin tomorrow.

Loving Support

Today I am thankful for the loving support I get from my family and friends as well as my coworkers, students, and random people.  Sometimes encouraging words are the best medicine of all.  Sometimes you need an opinion, sometimes you need advice, and other times you need someone to just sit down, shut up, and listen to you vent.  I am thankful for people that will give me all three more than anything, especially those that know me well.  Thank you (for those people who actually read this) for your loving support through the good, the bad, and the ugly.  It's nice to have the feeling that you're not alone on any path you take.

Breaks

Today I am thankful that when I leave work I will officially be on break. It will be time to relax, see family and friends, and basically have a mental break.  I will have 3 days to do absolutely NOTHING and I couldn't be more excited.  Let the countdown begin...

ROHO

Today I am thankful for places like The Ronald McDonald House (aka ROHO).  I volunteer there once a month and have been very involved with the organization since I joined ADPi (freshman year of college).  As I did my monthly duty this morning, I saw just how many people won't be having a "normal" Thanksgiving and how much we all have to be thankful for.  The guests of the house are so appreciative for all the help that the volunteers give each day - from the cleaning, to the cooking, to the small talk - it is all helpful.  I am glad that people have ROHO to go to when someone in their family is sick, especially as the holidays approach.

Pictures

Today I am thankful for my camera and the pictures it has captured.  I am so blessed to have taken so many trips, made so many memories, and have wonderful people in my life to pose with me.  I spent the afternoon going through old pictures and they definitely brought a smile to my face.  There were those occasional "what was I thinking?" moments but mostly they made me appreciate all the wonderful times I have had throughout my life. It is true... a picture is worth a thousand words.

Apartment

Today I am thankful for my apartment.  I am glad I have a place to come home to each night and call home.  I am lucky to live in a great area of a wonderful city with everything I need.

Sister

Today I am thankful for my sister, Keri, Keri Jo, KJ, Sissy, Little Brat, ha... just kidding about the last one.  But I am very fortunate to have a sister for so many reasons.  We have a unique relationship because we are very different.  She is way more artsy and creative with a wonderful personality.  My sister is truly her own person with her own style but beautiful inside and out.  We continue to grow closer as the years pass and I am so glad that she is a part of my life.

My Generation

Today I am thankful to have grown up in this generation.  Which I know sounds totally stupid and crazy but let me explain... today in class we got into this intense convo about how each generation is different and why it is important to share history with future generations.  I have noticed the following before but it really hit hard today as my students and I talked...  kids today don't know life without technology, without any conflict with other countries, and definitely without things to keep them entertained.  I told them how I remember my parents getting their first cell phones, computers, CDs, and when video games came out.  I explained how I grew up without electronic games, ipods, and other things... they said, "Uhhhh, what did you do for fun then?"  When I told them I went outside and played and just used my imagination - they looked at me like I was an alien.  This is all very interesting to me... I am thankful I know a life without technology and I am able to appreciate how it has helped communication.  I am thankful I knew what it was like to experience an attack from another country and the support America showed one another.  I am thankful that I have been a part of this huge revolution. 

Prayer

Today I am thankful for the power of prayer.  I truly believe that prayer works.  We may not get the answer we wanted, or even at the time we want, but eventually God does answer prayers.  Today one of my prayers has been answered (details coming soon)... but I am so thankful for the people who have been praying for me and that God loves me enough to listen. 

Chocolate

Today I am thankful for chocolate.  It makes a Monday so much better sometimes.  That little "pick me up" to forget how long the day seems is nice.  Yeah, today I loved some chocolate (like that ever changes).

Girlfriends

Today I am thankful for my girlfriends... the ones who have been with me through the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Without good friends I don't know how anyone exists.  There are just some things that no one else can relate to.  I am so glad I have been blessed with a great group of friends. I can't thank them enough for EVERYTHING.  Each of my best friends are unique in their own way and I love that.  It is nice to have a ton of friends but even better to have quality friends.  Quality over quantity - all the way.

Running

Today I am thankful for the ability to be able to run.  I forgot to post yesterday so this is more of a reflection from yesterday's events.  I completed my second half marathon yesterday and it felt great.  Today I am kinda feeling like my legs are about to fall off but it was definitely worth it.  I am so glad I developed a love for running, because it helps me to de-stress after a long day or just simply feel great.  Through running I have learned to love my body so much more.  Not because of the way it changes my body but because I appreciate how my body will support my love for running (purely that I am strong enough).  As I crossed the finish line yesterday I was so grateful that through these weeks of training my body has allowed me to continue, my mind has stayed determined, and my heart has remained true to my goal.  So today I cn say...MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Papaw

Today I am thankful for my grandfather who I called Papaw.  It is appropriate because not only does this post follow the one about my grandmother but also since today is Veteran's Day.  He is who I think of when I think of a veteran.  My grandfather passed away when I was in college, but I am thankful for the years I got to spend with him.  He was the most sarcastic, funny, yet humble person I have ever known.  I still miss him and think about him each and every day.  He was the only grandfather I ever knew, but I wouldn't have it any other way. 

Mamaw

Today I am thankful for my grandmother, who I call Mamaw.  Hearing her sweet voice or receiving a card from her is always the highlight of my day.  She is such a wonderful grandmother - always giving, there to listen, and spoiling her grandchildren.  She was more like my second mother growing up.  I have only ever known one of my grandmothers so she definitely made up for that.  After losing my grandfather, she had a rough time.  She showed me the impact that people have when they lose their true love.  However, she is a strong woman and has overcome so much.  My grandmother is kind, but ver fiesty when she wants to be.  I think I get that from her?  Also, I used to HATE my round face/cheeks (still kinda do) but I know I got that trait from her and I wouldn't want to take that away.  I am do thankful for such a wonderful grandmother who I continue to grow closer to each day.

God

Today I am thankful for my relationship with God.  I am grateful that I know Him, I feel like I can talk to Him, and that he loves me unconditionally.  I have been through some rough times this year and without my faith I don't think I would have been where I am today.  I was blessed with Christain parents who taught be the importance of knowing God and relying on Him.  As I have grown older, I have seen the power behind this and I am contantly amazed by his goodness and grace.  God is always listening, always caring, and always there.  He is the BEST best friend.

Yoga

Today I am thankful for hot yoga.  I love going to class - not as much as running, but still sweating it out in a room over 100 degrees is good sometimes.  Some days the thought of lacing up my shoes for a run sounds dreadful and it is nice to have another option.  I used to get injured from running because I would do it too much and not stretch after.  Going to yoga forces me to stretch out and take a rest break from running.  Hot yoga is great because it not only stretches, detoxes, and cleanses but you also get a mini life lesson from the teacher each time.  I am eager to see what tonight's class will be like...  If you haven't tried hot yoga... DO IT, NOW!

Music

Today I am thankful for music.  Whether it's a bad day or a good day, a happy time or an emotional one... there is always a song that you can relate to.  Songs bring back memories and they help you cope.  Today is a day I felt the need to turn it up and sing my heart out in the car. 

Dad

Today I am thankful for my dad.  He literally makes me smile with a simple comment or message.  He is always my go to person with any problem or when I have something good happen to me.  He is patient, understanding, caring, and always there for me.  I look up to my dad so much and want to marry someone with the same values and thoughts about how to be a husband and father.  My dad is what keeps my mom, sister, and I from killing each other too so he is very important to our family for numerous reasons.

Beautiful Scenery

Day 5:  Today I am thankful for the beautiful scenery of fall in the mountains.  On my drive home I saw how gorgeous the leaves looked and the mountains in the background made it even more amazing.  I am so thankful that I am fortunate enough to have this place to come "home" to.

Friday

Day 4:  Today I am thankful for Fridays.  What?  I never said these have to be all meaningful. ha.  I am not neccesarily thankful for the day but I appreciate the fact that the workweek ends on Fridays.  I love the feeling of Fridays and the way everyones attitude changes.  People are in such a good mood on Fridays and have the same mindset that day.  It's like a mini-holiday with everyone celebrating.  It seems as if people everywhere are just thankful for Fridays in general - doesn't have to be a specific one.  So yeah, today I am thankful too.

Mom

Day 3:  I am thankful for my mom.  Not because of all the obvious reasons that most people love their mom for... but because I truly think of my mom as a wonderful role model.  She puts my sister and I first at all times.  My mom showed me what it is like to be a christian woman and I aspire to be just like her in that way.  She dealt with the hardships of not so wonderful childhood spent living in an orphange with no real parents.  However, she did not let that stand her way of becoming a truly amazing person and mother.

Job

Day 2:  I am thankful for my job.  I am so blessed to be working somewhere that I enjoy going each day.  I know the difference in not loving your workplace and trust me, it is NOT fun.  The past few months have made me love teaching again and really opened my eyes to how important it is to love what you do.  As bad as it may sound... your work DOES affect your overall life.  You spend the majority of your time there and it has an impact on your mood, your stress level, and your well-being. Heck, I am thankful to even HAVE a job in today's crazy economy.  But having a job that affects the lives of children makes it even better.

It's Been Awhile... (Day 1)

I have been a little absent.  Life gets in the way I guess... But I have decided I will post one thing I am thankful for for each day in November until Thanksgiving arrives.  There are so many little things that I have been blessed with that I often don't take the time to appreciate how wonderful they are... so I am challenging myself to start.  Plus this will be fun to look back on.  I have 23 days to count my blessings... here it goes (in no order).

Day 1:  I am thankful for my health.  I am so glad that I do not have any serious disease or sickness.  I am thankful I do not have to rely on medicine for anything (which is totally fine if you do).  However, I am glad I have been very healthy and able to live a normal life thus far.  I haven't even been really sick with the flu or strep in several years (knock on wood!).