---- Day Thirteen {November 13}: I give thanks to 'A' Elementary. I cannot wait to start teaching preschool there in January. I was able to tour the school and meet my mentor teacher. I am in love already and have a new excitement about going into the education field again.
---- Day Fourteen {November 14}: I give thanks to baby snuggles. Babies have a way of trusting people that are not their parents. Ever since getting the job to nanny the boys I have been overwhelmed by how easy babies can connect with their caregivers. I have always been so amazed with how Preston and Ascher have both been so receptive to me when I am watching them. It melts my heart every Wednesday and I am so thankful for working with such a great family.
---- Day Fifteen {November 15}: I give thanks to teaching evaluations. Although this seems like something silly to be thankful for, I am. Today I had THREE evaluations now that's alot.
---- Day Sixteen {November 16}: I give thanks to time away and a train to take it all in on. I sit on a train today taking it from Michigan city to Chicago where I will spend a weekend celebrating six years. What an adventure it has been, and what an adventure the weekend holds!
---- Day Seventeen {November 17}: I give thanks to nature. It was a beautiful day and it was spent with my best friend and in the zoo. The sun was shining the animals were all out and lively. It was a beautiful day spent in and gorgeous place.
---- Day Eighteen {November 18}: I give thanks to rest. To movies, to blankets, to sleep, to just taking it all in and relaxing. It's something I forget to do so often but something we all need.
---- Day Nineteen {November 19}: I give thanks to love. I love being able to be loved, love others, love things, love objects, just love. It's a universal language and feeling and that is so amazing. Today I feel loved and am excited to mark another year off.
---- Day Twenty {November 20}: I give thanks to six years with the same guy, Brad.They have been fun, funny, kind, loving, hard, up, down. I look forward to where life takes us and for what is ahead.
---- Day Twenty-One {November 21}: I give thanks to old friends and new friends. It's fun to see how some friends change and grow and how others do not. How we can come together and set so much aside and how some things will never change. I like my new friends as a measure of who I am and how as you grow older you begin to surround yourself with different types of people. And guess what, that is okay.
---- Day Twenty-Two {November 22}: I give thanks to my family. As we all gather around the table at my grandmas we all can hopefully take time to reflect back on the past year and find something that we are grateful for. I enjoy the laughter, the food, the company, and the time to just immerse myself in family time.
---- Day Twenty-Three {November 23}: I give thanks to quality time. It doesn't have to be spent doing anything out of the ordinarnary but when cards are involved and people you love, it all makes for one great day.
---- Day Twenty- Four {November 24}: I give thanks to flashbacks. I watched a movie tonight that so vividly brought me back to a place. I sobbed, smiled, and overall enjoyed the movie. I encourage every one to stay tuned as I begin to wrap my head around it more. I will post on it soon along with many other things that have spiraled since watching it. My brain is spinning.
---- Day Twenty- Five {November 25}: I give thanks to memories. More specifically childhood memories that captivate the delicate places that so many take for granted. Today I am reminded of raw and unfamiliar feelings of losing someone six years ago. I think of her family often, and her spirit and fire never cease to leave me.
I hope as the weekend comes to an end and a new week begins that we have all reflected back and let others know why we are thankful for them. Happy new week friends. It is officially the holiday season!
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Monday, November 12, 2012
Giving Thanks [part two]
Feeling very lucky. Looking forward to what this week has to offer, and to escape this upcoming weekend.
---- Day Six {November 6}: I give thanks to having a voice and being able to have some sort of say in a democracy that is not guaranteed to so many worldwide. It doesn't make everyone happy, but I think it is amazing to see how for one day, maybe even a week the nation comes together. Some celebrate, some are disappointed, but regardless they all take part in something that many people take for granted.
---- Day Seven {November 7}: I give thanks to a 14 hour work day. While the hours for one day may seem like a lot it didn't seem like I was there nearly that long. I am so very thankful for having a job that I enjoy, that brings me a peace of mind, and a great escape from the city outside that's waiting to eat me up.
---- Day Eight {November 8}:I give thanks to a quiet night in Holland with movies. It seems like ages since I have rented movies and snuggle up in my basement with a blanket and my rented movies. I was surrounded by my parents, and was able to visit with neighbors earlier in the evening. Sometimes it is the familiarity of what you know so well that gets lost in the hustle of every day life that it is nice to be able to come home and become grounded.
---- Day Nine {November 9}: I give thanks to a fun, yet laid back evening out with great ladies. Tonight was spent tasting different wines followed by a nice appetizer dinner in a candle lit restaurant. It was relaxing, but it was accompanied with great company. Women who are strong, passionate, and easy to talk with. It was truly a great evening out.
---- Day Ten {November 10}: I give thanks to gatherings. Tonight we all got together at my brother and future sister in laws house for a nice appetizer and wine party. Many good laughs shared. But my favorite part of it all was my whole family being together under one roof, at the same time.
---- Day Eleven {November 11}: I give thanks to all the men and women who serve our country and are continuing to enlist every day. Those who have given up their lives to protect ours, and who are not afraid of what their duty holds. A job that often goes unnoticed or un-appreciated. Thank you to all that step up to give us our freedoms every day.
---- Day Twelve {November 12}: I give thanks to silence. Something I learned months ago on a cliff in Dakar, but I sometimes lose sight of what silence can do for you. I sat and worked my heart out on all the work I have to get accomplished for this week at a coffee shop. I sat with music quietly playing. I then followed my evening making a dinner, eating it alone, and now adding the finishing touches on this post, in silence. Silence is seen as intimidating, for me it is cleansing, and there is not a soul that is intruding. I feel close to Him, safe, protected, loved, and not judged. That is beautiful. And it gets a lot of my work accomplished and brings me peace while doing it.
Happy Monday Friends. Thanks for reading.
---- Day Six {November 6}: I give thanks to having a voice and being able to have some sort of say in a democracy that is not guaranteed to so many worldwide. It doesn't make everyone happy, but I think it is amazing to see how for one day, maybe even a week the nation comes together. Some celebrate, some are disappointed, but regardless they all take part in something that many people take for granted.
---- Day Seven {November 7}: I give thanks to a 14 hour work day. While the hours for one day may seem like a lot it didn't seem like I was there nearly that long. I am so very thankful for having a job that I enjoy, that brings me a peace of mind, and a great escape from the city outside that's waiting to eat me up.
---- Day Eight {November 8}:I give thanks to a quiet night in Holland with movies. It seems like ages since I have rented movies and snuggle up in my basement with a blanket and my rented movies. I was surrounded by my parents, and was able to visit with neighbors earlier in the evening. Sometimes it is the familiarity of what you know so well that gets lost in the hustle of every day life that it is nice to be able to come home and become grounded.
---- Day Nine {November 9}: I give thanks to a fun, yet laid back evening out with great ladies. Tonight was spent tasting different wines followed by a nice appetizer dinner in a candle lit restaurant. It was relaxing, but it was accompanied with great company. Women who are strong, passionate, and easy to talk with. It was truly a great evening out.
---- Day Ten {November 10}: I give thanks to gatherings. Tonight we all got together at my brother and future sister in laws house for a nice appetizer and wine party. Many good laughs shared. But my favorite part of it all was my whole family being together under one roof, at the same time.
---- Day Eleven {November 11}: I give thanks to all the men and women who serve our country and are continuing to enlist every day. Those who have given up their lives to protect ours, and who are not afraid of what their duty holds. A job that often goes unnoticed or un-appreciated. Thank you to all that step up to give us our freedoms every day.
---- Day Twelve {November 12}: I give thanks to silence. Something I learned months ago on a cliff in Dakar, but I sometimes lose sight of what silence can do for you. I sat and worked my heart out on all the work I have to get accomplished for this week at a coffee shop. I sat with music quietly playing. I then followed my evening making a dinner, eating it alone, and now adding the finishing touches on this post, in silence. Silence is seen as intimidating, for me it is cleansing, and there is not a soul that is intruding. I feel close to Him, safe, protected, loved, and not judged. That is beautiful. And it gets a lot of my work accomplished and brings me peace while doing it.
Happy Monday Friends. Thanks for reading.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Giving Thanks [part one]
November means so many things to me: one is that fact that the semester is almost over, there is Thanksgiving break, Brad and I celebrate another year together, but most importantly it means that the holiday season is right around the corner and with that comes lots of yummy food, time off, and most importantly time with family.
Holidays mean so much more now that I am older. I used to see it like any young child did a day to play in the snow and have Santa come, etc. Now it means coming together and seeing and sharing time with people that I am not able to see often. It really is a happy time of the year. It is also time to give back to take time for yourself and just to truly embrace the new season.
This November many people have been doing something that they are thankful for every day. I prefer to use my blog to do it and to do it weekly. I'm thinking I will do it in clusters of five days --- six posts of 'Giving thanks.'
Here's number one.
---- Day One {November 1}: I give thanks to my friend Jen. She is an amazing person inside and out. Has a heart of gold and would really do anything for anyone. She deserves more of thanks but I woke up today thinking of her and so today I am thankful for Jen aka Fish.
---- Day Two {November 2}: I give thanks to places to escape Kalamazoo [Farmington & Holland]. We all need an outlet and today I realized I needed out of Kalamazoo before I exploded. My weekends this month have me somewhere else every weekend. Surrounded by those who support me and are not associated with Kalamazoo and my coursework. While the work that needs to be done prior to the weekends is time consuming, it is all worth it once Friday comes.
---- Day Three {November 3}: I give thanks to hobbies more importantly biking. Biking through the trails on the east side of the state are not easy, they are trying, they frustrate me, but it is good for me. I need to get out in the fresh air, enjoy what mother nature has to offer. And put some more quality mileage on my bike!
---- Day Four {November 4}: I give thanks to the ability to have a roof over my head, and the heat to warm my house, and the food to feed my belly. Watching the news lately is a ever present reminded that those affected by Sandy have had their lives shaken and broken and have lost so much. While I can sit on my couch at night working on what needs to be done and aid as support for my friends I realize
---- Day Five {November 5}: I give thanks to my running shoes. Today I turn a new leaf, I get back on the track and I begin to work out more and run. Its a new goal to get certified to instruct classes. And I realize every day that I need some sort of outlet. My outlet has always been running and I am saddened I have let myself get so busy to not enjoy a good solid run. I still have my own personal running goals and May will approach much sooner than expected and I will be running the Fifth Third again. My doctor has even adviced me to find a way to de-stress. Running is the key. Hitting the pavement after class tonight!
I am feeling very grateful for where life has taken me this semester, it has been so challenging however I know that I need this growth. I find it to be so good for me to reflect on what I am thankful for and as the month goes on I will get more in depth I'm sure. Until then there are five days of thankfulness. Five more to come soon! Happy Monday!
Holidays mean so much more now that I am older. I used to see it like any young child did a day to play in the snow and have Santa come, etc. Now it means coming together and seeing and sharing time with people that I am not able to see often. It really is a happy time of the year. It is also time to give back to take time for yourself and just to truly embrace the new season.
This November many people have been doing something that they are thankful for every day. I prefer to use my blog to do it and to do it weekly. I'm thinking I will do it in clusters of five days --- six posts of 'Giving thanks.'
Here's number one.
---- Day One {November 1}: I give thanks to my friend Jen. She is an amazing person inside and out. Has a heart of gold and would really do anything for anyone. She deserves more of thanks but I woke up today thinking of her and so today I am thankful for Jen aka Fish.
---- Day Two {November 2}: I give thanks to places to escape Kalamazoo [Farmington & Holland]. We all need an outlet and today I realized I needed out of Kalamazoo before I exploded. My weekends this month have me somewhere else every weekend. Surrounded by those who support me and are not associated with Kalamazoo and my coursework. While the work that needs to be done prior to the weekends is time consuming, it is all worth it once Friday comes.
---- Day Three {November 3}: I give thanks to hobbies more importantly biking. Biking through the trails on the east side of the state are not easy, they are trying, they frustrate me, but it is good for me. I need to get out in the fresh air, enjoy what mother nature has to offer. And put some more quality mileage on my bike!
---- Day Four {November 4}: I give thanks to the ability to have a roof over my head, and the heat to warm my house, and the food to feed my belly. Watching the news lately is a ever present reminded that those affected by Sandy have had their lives shaken and broken and have lost so much. While I can sit on my couch at night working on what needs to be done and aid as support for my friends I realize
---- Day Five {November 5}: I give thanks to my running shoes. Today I turn a new leaf, I get back on the track and I begin to work out more and run. Its a new goal to get certified to instruct classes. And I realize every day that I need some sort of outlet. My outlet has always been running and I am saddened I have let myself get so busy to not enjoy a good solid run. I still have my own personal running goals and May will approach much sooner than expected and I will be running the Fifth Third again. My doctor has even adviced me to find a way to de-stress. Running is the key. Hitting the pavement after class tonight!
I am feeling very grateful for where life has taken me this semester, it has been so challenging however I know that I need this growth. I find it to be so good for me to reflect on what I am thankful for and as the month goes on I will get more in depth I'm sure. Until then there are five days of thankfulness. Five more to come soon! Happy Monday!
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Happy Birthday Blog!
My blog is one year old!
How exciting is that --- it also marks one year since I announced my exciting news!I could never have imagined where that exciting news would take me. What I would feel in my heart, and how I am forever changed.
I am beyond words for all of you readers who continue to read and keep me believing that there is something so beautiful out there. I have been broken down and built up and I am so very thankful for all the readership and kind words from you all.
This past year has shown me that dreams do come to true and that on occasion we must all do something for ourselves. That something 'small' for me was to go to Dakar. Hands down one of the best decisions in my life so far and I know now that there are many more to come.
The other day while sitting at dinner with Brad he said "I think that maybe you should go back to Dakar or move there" I laughed, and while he didnt mean it meanly at all --- I asked him why. He responded "You talk about it every day."
And I do. It was so amazing that it deserves to be remembered every day. And the daily constant reminders lets me know that I will be back.
Onto other things. It's November. And with that comes many great things. Most importantly being thankful. I think it is something that many of us over look but since Thanksgiving is in November we should take time to reflect on what we are thankful for.
I will be back tomorrow with a thankful post.Until then Happy November.
Be thankful.
How exciting is that --- it also marks one year since I announced my exciting news!I could never have imagined where that exciting news would take me. What I would feel in my heart, and how I am forever changed.
I am beyond words for all of you readers who continue to read and keep me believing that there is something so beautiful out there. I have been broken down and built up and I am so very thankful for all the readership and kind words from you all.
This past year has shown me that dreams do come to true and that on occasion we must all do something for ourselves. That something 'small' for me was to go to Dakar. Hands down one of the best decisions in my life so far and I know now that there are many more to come.
The other day while sitting at dinner with Brad he said "I think that maybe you should go back to Dakar or move there" I laughed, and while he didnt mean it meanly at all --- I asked him why. He responded "You talk about it every day."
And I do. It was so amazing that it deserves to be remembered every day. And the daily constant reminders lets me know that I will be back.
Onto other things. It's November. And with that comes many great things. Most importantly being thankful. I think it is something that many of us over look but since Thanksgiving is in November we should take time to reflect on what we are thankful for.
I will be back tomorrow with a thankful post.Until then Happy November.
Be thankful.
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