SOL- November 24, 2015
Taking Time to Be Thankful
I was telling a colleague just yesterday that somehow Thanksgiving is my hard holiday to be away from family. We agreed that Thanksgiving has special memories to both of us of long ago, family- based times. I told my son via Skype this weekend that I love Thanksgiving because it is a reminder to me to be thankful (and I do not know about you, but I need that reminder sometimes). So today my slice is a fairly random list of things I am thankful for (definitely not in order of importance, and incomplete).
I am thankful for:
- books and being able to share my love of them (slicing on a Tuesday means I have always just come home from my Tuesday after school activity, Book Love, and it really fills my heart with joy)- love our Mock Caldecott!
- getting my internet reconnected after two days of not having it (it only took 25 minutes on the phone)- yahoo!
- having time to write and read (and I really am going to try to do more of both)
- my cat (she is good company even though she is way too clingy since her brother’s death this summer)
- the progress I can see in my students as I slog through reports (and the goals we will set together for the rest of the year)
- the chance I have to live in different parts of the world and explore even more (looking forward to a trip to Vietnam next month)
- family- even though we are far apart I love them so (ack- this time of year is hard without them)
- friends- although I do not have many I am glad to have a few (I really have to do more with friends)
- great mentors (some I know in person and some I just “know” via their work- teaching is something I always want to improve and these people make me better
- being a mom (even though my “babies” are 22 and 24 being a mom is something I appreciate beyond words)
- colleagues who are both friends and mentors (I left a few of them at my last school)
- technology- even when it makes me crazy I love the opportunities it provides for sharing, learning, and creating
- trying new things (in school and beyond)
- the fact that I will get to celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday (pumpkin pie and all the trimmings!)
- the fact that a student who is changing schools has the next few weeks to say goodbye (so sad- a really great kid and I will miss him)
So today I’m feeling grateful and I hope to hold those feeling through what I know will be a crazy 3 1/2 weeks until break. Thank you for reading!
I am grateful for you and this list and so much! I, too, love Thanksgiving! Such a beautiful way to celebrate…by showing gratitude!! Enjoy your holiday!
Such a heartfelt, reflective list that contains many things to be grateful for. Thanks for sharing.
I loved reading all you are thankful for. We have lots in common!! MInus the cat, your list could be mine, too! I consider you a strong virtual friend that I just haven’t met in person yet!! Happy Thanksgiving!!
This is such a beautiful list, Erika. Lots of be thankful for even though you’re far away.