Merry Christmas Eve

At the start of the week, I was very upset that several of the third grade students I work with tirelessly, only gave gifts to my co-teacher. I was shocked that the thought never occurred to them or their families to at least give me a card, wishing me a happy holiday. The worst part was seeing my co-teacher's desk pile up with gifts from the students, while my desk remained empty. I felt pangs of jealously throughout the day, although reflecting on it, there was no need for jealousy. I am abundantly blessed. I have everything I need. I teach to make a difference in the lives of these students. Not to walk away with a mountain of Christmas gifts.

But I was truly humbled by two acts of kindness that occurred yesterday.

In addition to my co-teacher in third grade, I have two co-teachers in kindergarten. When I entered the classroom of one of them on Tuesday morning, she came over to me with an envelope and said, "Here's your part of the class gift!" She explained that our students had collectively contributed $210 dollars for the class gift, and in my envelope was half of that sum.

Overwhelmed at the generosity of the students, I asked which kids contributed so that I could write thank you notes. While peering over her shoulder, I realized that this gift was supposed to only be for her. The slips of paper that kids had returned with their contribution, indicated that the money was being collected for my co-teacher ... not the two of us.

She would probably never admit it, and I will never question it. However I was truly humbled by her generosity. She could have easily pocketed that money. Stuck it in her purse and continued about her day. I would have never known. But she felt that we were a team, and that the gift should be shared equally between us.

Ya know the old saying, actions speak louder than words? THAT was an example of exactly that. I will ALWAYS remember her kindness. Her spirit. Her heart. Her action speaks volumes about her character and who she is as a person, and I am so grateful for a caring co-teacher.

I was humbled once more by another act of kindness.

I have a student who has two parents under the age of twenty. His family clearly has very little and I did not expect any gifts. However, his mother gave me a white envelope with a $5 giftcard to McDonald's. I could tell she was embarrased. She repeated over and over again that she is so sorry that she did not have anything more to give. That the gift was not much. But that gift touched my heart. She was thoughtful. She was kind. She gave when she did not have much to give. She wanted to let me know she's grateful for the work that I am doing with her son.

I realized this week, I was entering this season of Christmas with all of the wrong ideas. Money was on my mind as I splurged on gifts for loved ones. Money was on my mind as I asked for gifts ... and I took note of what gifts family and friends were planning to give me. It was not that I was keeping score, yet a part of me felt that it was necessary. At work, the number of gifts from staff and students was on my mind as I collected gifts with open arms. Here unfortunately, I was keeping score.

I am ashamed at my selfishness. I am embarrassed at my attitude. I am abundantly blessed. I have everything I need. Anything extra is exactly that, extra. A blessing. A kind deed. A kind thought. So as I prepare to host family tonight for a Christmas Eve gathering, I am humbled to remember that Jesus is the Reason for the season. Let us find joy in celebrating the birth of baby Jesus. In spending time with loved ones from near and far. In remembering that we are abundantly blessed, and God gives us everything we need. He always provides.

If you're reading this, I wish you a Merry Christmas! May you too be humbled this Christmas season by the love and/or kind heart of another.

Romans Eight Twenty-Eight

The neat thing about this blog, is that it has provided a creative outlet for me over the past five or so years. When browsing through past entries, it ceases to amaze me how much I have changed and grown over these years. I am humbled by the trials, struggles and heartbreaks I've written about. I am humored by the various adventures I have embarked on. I am comforted by the posts about individuals who have made a difference in my life. Who have loved me and supported me through the ups and downs. I am inspired by accounts of hope, joy and friendship. I marvel at my beautiful life. Forever changing. Ups and downs. Tears and smiles. How beautiful it is to be alive.

Just the another night I had an "aha" moment, when I realized the past two or three years of been periods of tremendous growth for me. I look back at who I was, and at times, I no longer recognize that girl. I have blossomed into a lady ... one whom I am very proud of ... one who I admire. Heck, I may not have it all. And I may not embody all of the traits I desire. But I really like me. I like who I've become. I like where I am going. I know who I am and whose I am. I do not have everything figured out - but I am okay with that. I am living in the moment and trying to live each day to the fullest.

Just last Thursday, I hosted my first Thanksgiving. And the next day, I purchased my first car. I am twenty-six years old and half way through graduate school. I have a career that I love. I career that I am passionate about. I am somehow managing to keep a roof over my head and food on my table. I am saving for the future and paying off college debt. I have a loving and supportive family. I have loving and supportive girlfriends. I am healthy and vibrant - the possibilities for my future are endless. I can only dream of what the future entails ... what it has in store for me.

And I realized ... that is what I am thankful for this year. My last post was so generic ... borrowed ideas from another author. But they were not my ideas. They were not from the heart. I took to my blog Thanksgiving morning ... and could not find the words to properly express what it is that I am thankful for. But tonight ... I found them. The words bellowed out of my chest, onto my fingertips and finally into your hearts. I am so thankful for the blessings in my life.

Sometimes I loose sight of all the good that is occurring in my life. The daily stresses and frustrations of life bog a girl down sometimes. My heart sighs heavily with grief when I remember I am still up for grabs in the marriage department. But I no longer wish to be someone I am not. I no longer covet the traits of my peers. I like who I am. I like whose I am. And that's something within itself, because it took me a hell of a long time to get to this place.

Twenty-six has been interesting. To say the very least. But I am liking it. 25 was a hell of a year - a life changer for sure. That year was monumental for me in so many ways. But I am beginning to realize 26 [and 2015] may have that effect on me too.

So raise a glass ... here's a toast to being Thankful. Not only during the month of November. Not only at Thanksgiving. But all year long. And I also raise my glass to toast the month of December. Here's to remembering to give thanks each and every day. To appreciate good company. To praise God for the the blessings he bestows upon us daily. And to good faith ... keeping hope alive ... keeping our chins up ... knowing that everything is working out for our good. [Romans 8:28]

Thankful Thursday: Happy Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for:

1. That anytime something hasn’t worked out the way I wanted it to initially, something better did. Always. Without fail.
2. Friends who have loved me more than I loved myself, and who taught me how to love myself.
3. That nothing lasts forever, which is, essentially, just a call to be present.
4. Second chances. Third chances. Forgiveness. The ability to say: thank you for that experience, and mean it.
5. That I have rent to pay, dishes to do, laundry to fold, and dinner to cook; because it means I have my own home, have eaten, am clothed, and have more food available to me.
6. How much joy the little things bring (knowing that that joy is always accessible.)
7. Everything I have healed, everything I have learned, and how being happy, being present, creating more, and being abundant in every way, always begins with thankfulness.

[as inspired by Brianna Wiest]

[Race Recap] Across the Bay 10K

Best experience of my life. Loved every second of this race. It's phenomenal and I would do it again next year. My only regret is not training more beforehand. But I ran 6.2 miles in an hour and fifteen minutes ... pretty darn good if you ask me. Here's to 2015 and many more races ... I think I am addicted now! 

The Sting.

Even as a grown adult, it still hurts when a person defriends you on social media. It's like a bee sting to the heart. The pain subsides as quickly as it hit, but the memory of the sting can last a while.

Life has been great lately. But I can see - literally see - that Satan has been busy. It's like he keeps trying to steal my joy. Steal my peace. Shake me up and get me upset or insecure. I have to stay strong and see these moments for what they are.

I have to be okay in my skin with who I am. Regardless of what other people think. Regardless of whether they want to be my friend on social media or not.

But ouch ... that sting.

Bay Bridge 10K TOMORROW!

My heat starts at 9:30 and the race will be 6.2 miles across the bay bridge. I am both excited and nervous. I have not trained properly but I am looking forward to the challenge! Hopefully I'll be able to walk on Monday ... time will tell! 

The Happy Thirty: Fall Edition Day Twenty-Nine & Thirty

Well I reached the happy thirty! It's one of my favorite blogging topics/traditions. There is no better way to re frame your thinking and to put your life into perspective.

On Friday (day 29) I slept in and visited with my momma at her workplace. She allowed be to borrow some teaching materials for my kindergarten friends. I picked up some chic-fil-a for lunch and worked at my job until about 5pm. I called up my sister and one of my best friends to go see Gone Girl and we ended our night with dinner at the Corner Bakery. It was the perfect, low-key way to celebrate Halloween as a twenty-six year old. And I would not have it any other way. We laughed and laughed and laughed ... and I must say, I am grateful for the friends you can have deep belly ache laughs with. There is no better feeling and it's one I will not take for granted.

On Saturday (THE HAPPY THIRTY) I slept in late again and spent my morning cuddled on my couch. At some point, I decided to get up and start my day. I ran to the bank and took care of some plans for Thanksgiving (guess who is hosting this year). Then I went to the mall with my momma and my sister. We did some shopping for a birthday gift for my dad. I scooped up a couple of new wardrobe pieces for myself. Then we went to dinner with Dad at Coastal Flats (yummy). We had a great time and ended up coming back to my place to fellowship for a little while. I ended my night by going over to Natasha's house and hanging out with her husband and their friends. What a group! I have not laughed SO hard for hours on end, in so long. The boys were so fun and kept a smile on my face until 2AM in the morning.

I am so glad I decided to do the Happy 30 again! I feel like myself again and I recognize that I am truly blessed. I am looking forward to entering the holiday season .... who knows what blessings are in store for the remainder of the year!

The Happy Thirty: Fall Edition Day Twenty-Sev/Twenty-Eight

Had two incredible days! Again - counting my blessings and appreciating the simple things. My students continue to be both an inspiration and a motivator to me. I have an incredible support system from my best friends and family. I am healthy and happy. I survived the month of October AND the first marking period of the school year. We are nearing holiday season with Thanksgiving and Christmas. Life is blessed currently.

Had a Halloween party today at school with the kids. No work tomorrow. Who hates a three day weekend? The third grade team and I surely do not!

I will not be celebrating Halloween this year ... beyond the scope of the school day. However, if you celebrate and are reading this ... Happy Halloween! May your candy bags be full of more treats then tricks! 

The Happy Thirty: Fall Edition Day Twenty-Six

Gorgeous spring weather. Yes ... I said spring. Cool breeze flowing through the school windows opened wide. Two successfully run meetings. A big hug from the kindergarten student who baked me a pie. An afternoon run after getting out of work. These are the things that filled my heart with happiness today. It's the little things in life ...

The Happy Thirty: Fall Edition - Day [Twenty] Two, Three, Four & Five

Life has been busy lately. But it has also been blessed.

On Friday [Day 22] the highlight was witnessing a breath taking sunset. The air was cool and crisp and that view ... was unbelievable. It was like looking at God's canvas ... slowing turning into a masterpiece. I then had a great time with Cait at happy hour. We laughed and goofed off and talked about everything. Felt like old times and it was good.

Saturday [Day 23] I slept in and lounged around my house all day. Around 4pm, I met up with family to celebrate September/October/November birthdays. The entire family <<all fifteen of us>> went to the Texas Roadhouse for dinner. I dined on a delicious steak -- but it was not as tasty as the steaks my momma can whip up. What did happiness look like on Saturday to me? My younger brother, who was visiting from college for the weekend, shared that he finally felt like he was friends with my sister and I. He said he planned to make more time in the future to hang out with us. He felt like he was one of us ... like he belonged in our circle ... like we all could connect and relate. For a many of few words, that was the most meaningful and touching thing he has ever said. And I will cherish that dinner ... that moment ... forever.

Sunday [Day 24] I slept in again. Let me tell you something ... there is something to be said about sleeping in, in your own bed. I spent the day lounging around, again. Then I ventured to the the mall to do some window shopping. Followed by returning home to make a home cooked meal and to bake muffins. What a great, relaxing afternoon at home. I truly felt blessed this weekend relaxing in my own home. The weather - too - was divine.

Monday [Day 25] Happiness is a warm apple pie, baked by one of your kindergarten students. It is talking to you momma on the phone after a tough day. It's her encouragement and support ... her listening ear ... her reflection on where you've been and where you're going. It's knowing that mom will always understand. She always understands. Happiness is a phone call from your best friend. To feeling like everything is normal again. To confessing secrets and feeling relief. To knowing she is your other half. Your safe place. Your confidant. Your soul mate. To being thankful for God choosing HER to be in your life. To be your backbone, your strength.

It's been a crazy few days. And the new couple promise to be even crazier. But I am grateful for the good, the bad and the ugly. And when things get touch, I find solace in remembering, you had a bad day not a bad life. There is something to be thankful about every day. And for that in and of itself, I am thankful.

The Happy Thirty: Fall Edition - Day Twenty One

Sleep does the body good. And so does a thermostat set for 65 degrees. I woke up feeling positively positive (and well rested). I had an interesting day to say the least, but again I tell you that there has been a change in me. A positive one. I am not sure what it is or why. But I feel lighter. Less stressed. Less worried. Less angry and upset. I have no clue what to attribute this to. But I am so grateful for how I have been feeling. It had been a long time since I felt this way ... and currently, I am trying to savor every moment. I do not want it to end.

This weekend my best friend said some things to me that angered me a little bit. But my key take away was that whenever doubting or negative thoughts creep into my head, I need to immediately think of something else. Something brighter and more positive. I have to actively retrain my brain to focus on the good and not the bad. I have to actively stop myself from going into pits of despair. The power of the mind. The power of now.

Today I had a few moments when I realized my thoughts were creeping back to that place. And I would stop on a dime and change it up. I would think about squirrels or my favorite Starbucks drink. I would inhale the brisk air or hum the tune of my favorite song. I am working hard guys to change. To regain control of my life and my emotions. It's a constant battle. An every day struggle. But I am trying my best!

This post was slightly raw ... for that I am sorry. But I leave you with this message:

The Happy Thirty: Fall Edition - Day Twenty

Grateful for another great day. More specifically, I decided to look beyond the imperfections of the day and count my blessings. I have a wonderful intern and I am excited to work with and learn from her (as much as she will learn from me). I was able to get a ton of things accomplished today, including two to three cases of IEP paperwork. I had three great reading groups with my third grader kiddos. I had a delicious salad with fresh chicken for lunch. I was able to tutor - and the session went really well today. I adore Tyler. I had a home cooked meal for the second (maybe third or fourth) night in a row.

But the most important moment of my day ... the thing that brought real joy to my heart ... was hearing from a parent that I've made a difference in the life of her child. That I am all the child can talk about from the time she wakes up to the time she goes to bed. And that her daughter was never excited about school until this year. The mother thanked me for whatever it is that I am doing with the kid. And that my friends, is the reason why I teach. It's the reason why I return to the job day after day, even when the job gets tough and my evenings are long. I teach because I want to make a difference in the life of a child. And if I make a difference in at least one child's life each year, I am changing the world.

After getting off the phone, I affirmed out loud to myself ... my charge for this year is to stop at nothing to help this child grow as a learner. She's crazy below grade level and struggles so much with all taught concepts ... but if I can help her make a years progress in a years time ... all while having fun and continuing to come to school with a smile on her face each day ... then all the sleepless nights, and workplace blues will be worth it.

So tonight as I fall asleep and count my blessings ... I am counting Kenzie. I thank God that he chose me to be her Angel. To be someone who had the power to change her life. I hope I do not fail this task ... I owe it to her to help her be the best she can be. And I will not give up until we succeed.

The Happy Thirty: Fall Edition - Day Nineteen

Today was a good day. Not perfect. But a good day. I felt productive. I enjoyed working with my new intern. I felt like my old self at times - cracking jokes and laughing. I enjoyed the time spent with my kiddos. And I ended that day with a yummy home cooked meal and spending time with my momma and sister. Sometimes it's the simple things in life that bring happiness. I praise God for that <3

The Happy Thirty: Fall Edition - Day Eighteen

Slept like a baby last night. In my own, warm, comfy bed. Woke up late but still managed to get out the door by 7:30AM. Had a great day with my kiddos. It was SO good to see them after being separated for four and a half days. I felt so calm and peaceful today. More like myself while around the kiddos. It's amazing what a break can do. What taking a breather can do. I praise God every time I think about my decision to take last Thursday off. Best decision ever made. Thanks to the special person who made me even consider doing that. Stayed at work until 9pm. The only downside of today. But I'll run with that. Today was a good day, and tomorrow promises to be even better. Keeping the faith and upbeat attitude.

The Happy Thirty: Fall Edition - Day Sixteen & Seventeen

Day Sixteen: Saturday

Woke up in my own bed. Felt refreshed. Cleaned my apartment from top to bottom. It smelled like heaven and felt like it too. Dishes washed and put away. Laundry washed. Bed made. Floors swept. Carpets vacuumed. Ran some errands. Attended a homecoming football game with my bestie. Went to a housewarming party with college buddies. Great Day!

Day Seventeen: Sunday

Went to the Redskins game vs the Titans. Tailgated. It was AWESOME. A tad chilly but fun nevertheless. Tossed around the football. Played some horseshoe. Ate delicious hot dogs off the grill. Drank some bud light lime. Enjoyed the game. Spent time with good friends. Visited home and had a home cooked meal. It was delicious.

My soul feels restored. I needed this 4.5 day weekend. It was selfish. But I've never felt better about a decision that I made. I feel like I am myself again. I feel upbeat and ready to take on the world. I missed this girl. I hope she sticks around for a while.

The Happy Thirty: Fall Edition - Day Fifteen

Day Fifteen. Half way through the happy thirty. This time feels different. Cannot put my finger on it but different it feels.

Today was wonderful nonetheless. Slept in until nine o'clock and the sun was finally shining. Took a nice warm shower and called up one of my girlfriend's. She was traveling to Harrisburg, PA today and needed a riding partner. I gratefully accepted the offer.

Two lessons learned about myself today:

1) I should NEVER, ever volunteer myself to work on my days off. That includes No School days and weekends. NEVER. Because let's be honest, I am at the point in my life where extra money just isn't worth getting out of bed on my day off. How's that for a life lesson? Crazy to think just last year ... I would've given up every moment of free time for a dollar. Now I'd rather enjoy the moment and see where the day takes me.

2) I am someone who LIVES for spontaneity. The more spontaneous, the more the adventure fills up my soul with happiness. So an impromptu trip to Harrisburg WAS in fact the very thing I needed today. It was not preplanned. It was decided last minute. I did not second guess or over think. I just did and enjoyed. And my friends, I think that is how I would like to continue living life. In the moment.

Anyhow, Cait and I ventured up to Harrisburg, making a pit stop at the Gettysburg Outlets. We found dark rinse skinny jeans for TWELVE dollars! YES - $12. No tax. How about that for spontaneity. All after I made fun of her for wanting to go into Aeropostale. I mean who are we kidding? We are twenty-somethings who are professionals. Twenty-something professionals DO NOT shop at Aeropostale. But we did it and it was glorious.

We then traveled to Harrisburg and scooped up her nephew, then to travel back down to Maryland. Her little buddy is staying down here for the weekend, for lots of fun filled activities. I will join back up with them both on Sunday for the Redskins game -- which should be a great time.

But today was good. My spirits feel higher. I feel happier. My stress levels are down. Taking a day off yesterday was the BEST decision I could have ever made. And having no school today was the icing on the cake. I am SO grateful for two days of rest. And I am hopeful that the rest of this weekend will be just as pleasant, uplifting and fulfilling. I hope if you're reading this, that you are having a fantastic day too! What made you happy today?

The Happy Thirty: Fall Edition - Day Thirteen & Fourteen

On Wednesday, I woke up in a grumpy and foul mood. I was late to work and did not shower. I had no make-up on and my messy, disheveled hair pulled into a bun at the base of my neck. I wore jeans and a grungy old shirt. I did not smile or laugh ... and I literally counted down the minutes until I could leave early for a training. I did not feel like teaching or being around people in general ... and I was so grateful to find a smile while working with some of my kindergarten friends. They were jovial and funny ... hardworking and patient with me. And my mood began to change ... another reminder of why I do what I do. I love the kids ... and I love entering their world and making a difference ... one small moment at a time. The training was a nice break from the work day, and afterwards I made an impromptu visit to my childhood best friend's home to visit with her and her little cutie patootie baby boy Monty. We dined on the MOST delicious comfort food - Pad Thai - and conversation flowed naturally. We caught one another up on our lives. We talked about the lives of our friends. We laughed and giggled about old memories made together. We dreamed together about the future. And we absolutely adored little Monty and all of the love and cuteness he had to bring us.

Today, I called in slick. Something I do not think I have EVER done in my five years of teaching. I needed a break. A mental health day. To get away from all the stresses of the workplace. And it was the BEST decision of my life. I slept in late - and that sleep was super peaceful and perfect. Then I finished up my final grad paper for EDUC 514 and submitted it. Yahoo - another class down, four more to go. I lounged around in my comfy sweat pants ALL day and ate four of Mike's homemade chocolate chip cookies. They were DELICIOUS. I watched netflix and drifted in and out of sleep. I am feeling content and happy right now ... and I am grateful for the little things in life.

Here's to a restful evening and a restful three <<er four for me>> day weekend ... considering we have no school tomorrow!

The Happy Thirty: Fall Edition - Day Twelve

So I am not even sure if I spelt twelve right in the title of this post. I am not even sure I am spelling words correctly right now - thanks brain. However, I do know that I am thankful for my students today. For a blah feeling on a dreary sort of day, my kindergarten and third grade students were the sunshine in my life. I take to this blog to complain about the injustices in my life <<haha>> but I truly am thankful for the opportunity to touch the lives of these little ones day after day. So Kindergarten & Third Grade Students ... thank you for being you. For lighting up my life. Even when your behaviors aren't so lovable or tolerable. And thank you for loving me, even when I am not lovable or tolerable. I'd say we are all peas in a pod. A disconfigured and discombobulated pod.

The Happy Thirty: Fall Edition - Day Eleven

Whew! What a marathon day. It was rainy and the kids were wacko ... parents in every corner of our building too for open house. But I survived and I am still alive ... and for that I am grateful. A dinner of a chipotle burrito bowl, guacamole, chicken AND steak made today perfect. There's nothing like comfort food for when you're stressed, right?

The Happy Thirty: Fall Edition - Day Seven, Eight, Nine & Ten

So I have been super busy the past couple of days ... however I have LOTS to be thankful for.

I am thankful for my second to last grad class on Thursday for EDUC 514. Next Thursday, I will have four more classes between me and the LAST year of graduate school. This program has been flying by - and I have matured so much as a leader in my school. I am beyond thankful for the opportunity to study educational leadership (for FREE) and to be another step closer to being a M. Ed. holder.

On Friday, I was thankful for a fun happy hour with two coworkers that I think very highly of. It was so nice to relax over beers and appetizers, giggling and laughing like little school girls over boys, workplace drama and our dreams for the future. Also - I am SUPER thankful for my kindergarten students. Although they are a tough group to teach - due to their age and all - it totally made my day to see their smiling faces and see their faces light up each time I entered the classroom.

On Saturday, I slept in until 12 noon (after falling asleep around ten o'clock the night before) - holy need for ZzzZZzz's! I woke up feeling refreshed and quickly dressed to go to brunch with an old friend from high school. It was so nice to catch up with Jenny and chat about our lives. We dined on delicious meals in a cozy little spot ... and did lots of clothes shopping afterwards, steadily chatting about our hopes, dreams and fears for the future.

I then met up with one of my best friends, Erica, for an evening of spontaneous fun! We made an impromptu visit to a psychic and then traveled down to a friend's house for a bonfire. At the bonfire, we nibbled on pizza, toasted marshmallows and drank some bud. We listened to an awesome spotify play list of 90s songs and played cards against humanity. It was a perfect Saturday evening with great people.

Today - Sunday - I slept in until around noon again. Then I decided to hike Sugarloaf Mountain with my momma and sister. We had so much fun hiking the mountain and breathing in the fresh air. After our midday hike, we enjoyed a yummy steak dinner this evening with asparagus and mashed potatoes.

I had a fantastic weekend and I feel so blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life. Here's to a four day work week - and many more days of happiness!

The Happy Thirty: Fall Edition - Day Six

Is it possible to hit rock bottom, but keep falling? That may be the simplest explanation of work currently. But on a positive note, my day ended in the company of old friends. 

Some of my high school buddies and I met up for dinner around 6:30pm, and did not leave the restaurant until 9:30. 

We laughed and giggled. We gossiped about fellow SV alum and shared news about our life's happenings. We discussed politics and faith and race ... and ISIS ... and Ebola ... and old cartoons (Doug, Rugrats, Rocko's Modern Life...) and anything else in between. 

And although we all did not see eye to eye on every single topic, and although we all come from different walks of life ... the conversation was good and it warmed my soul.

It's a tough thing to do ... to grow an old friend. Someone who knew you before you were the you that you are now. Someone who has seen you at your very best and your very worst, and continued to love you through it all anyway. And I feel lucky to have four friends <with whom I see maybe once every three or four months> be exactly that ... an old friend. 

And although today was yet another terrible, no good day ... I am grateful for the people God has placed in my life. I am fortunate to know some wonderful people. Wonderful, bright, funny, intelligent people. Who can make me laugh and feel whole at the end of the day, even if it will be months before we pick up where we left off again. 

The Happy Thirty: Fall Edition - Day Five

Work is SO stressful. Sometimes I forget how to enjoy my job and have fun ... because teaching these days is all about test, test, test, accountability, evaluation, data, data, data. But a two mile run this evening and curling up on my couch made for the perfect ending to a crazy day.

Here's to a better day tomorrow :)

The Happy Thirty: Fall Edition - Day Four

What made me happy today? 

Falling asleep in my warm comfy bed around 10 o'clock last night.
Sleeping with the windows open ... the air in my room crisp and chilly.
Waking up feeling well rested.
Food in my fridge - already prepared on Sunday evening.
Iced coffee in a mug from my kitchen sorry Starbucks].
Students who make me giggle.
A job [although stressful] that I love.
Ending the day with comfort food, on my couch in my cozy apartment.
Remembering that I am worth something. And that I have a lot to give.

Although I am exhausted, there was good in today. And for that, I am grateful.

The Happy Thirty: Fall Edition - Day Three

"There comes a point where you realize who always loved you for you. Who was always there for you when you needed it and never left you hanging! Those are people that you need in your life because they proved to you that they need you in theirs." 

I have had a productively, positive Sunday ... yet I am feeling kind of down. While searching through facebook for Lord only knows what, I accidentally stumbled across posts from 2009 and 2010. The posts were so overwhelmingly positive ... quotes about life, love, happiness and positivity. Several people, who I still think fondly of today, responded to the posts acknowledging the positivity and acknowledging my positive energy. Some of the comments and posts from others brought tears to my eyes today. It reminded me of a place I once found myself in. It reminded me of the wonderful people I have in my life. It reminded me of the love and warmth that is still surrounding me to this very day. It was right on time. It was something I needed. In an unexpected twist of events, there was a reason I stumbled across those old posts this evening. 

The quote above was used in one of the posts I once wrote. This quote brought a smile to my face tonight. I am beyond grateful for the friends in my life. I have made several new friends and lost countless others. But there are a few who have remained in my life throughout the years. Throughout my ups and downs. Who have loved me at my best and my worst. Who have laughed with me and cried with me. Who encourage me to be my best self and inspire me to be even greater. These girls may not know how important they are in my life ... and they may not know that I consider them the truest of girlfriends (which are rare and hard to find). But these girls ARE my true friends. And I want to state today that thoughts of them are what make me happy today.

Alison Kurtz. Kathryn Keenan. Michelle Harris. Anne Lee. Erica Johnson. I do not know where I would be without you girls in my life. Thank you for always loving me for me. Thank you for always being there when need it. I need you in my life. And I hope that you continue to need me in yours. 

The Happy Thirty: Fall Edition - Day One & Two

I was browsing through photographs on facebook last night, and realized there is such a natural beauty that illuminates from me in photos when I am truly happy. My eyes sing a song of happiness and my smile lures the onlooker deep into my soul. I was so incredibly happy and vibrant during the month of July ... and in honor of a new month ... my favorite month ... I think it's time to begin "The Happy 30" again.

So what is currently bringing happiness to my life?

Day One: Yesterday I spent the evening with Alison. We enjoyed a delicious dinner at Honey Pig Korean BBQ in Baltimore, and it was fantastic! This restaurant is a place I will definitely return to in the near future. I enjoyed spending time with her and reconnecting. We had lots of laughs and giggles together and I literally enjoyed every moment in her company. My heart smiled from the inside out as I drifted off to sleep last night in her guest bedroom. It was the perfect ending to a stressful week ... and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to spend some time with her.

Day Two: This morning I woke up and drove five minutes down the road to visit my best friend Kat. We traveled to Starbucks for breakfast and enjoyed a pumpkin spice latte. It was so incredibly delicious and is my fourth or fifth latte of the season. We perused through Target looking for a new pair of jeans for Kitty and a leather jacket. Her engagement photos will be taken soon, and she needed a new outfit to rock for the pictures. We left Target to browse the racks of Old Navy, TJ Maxx and the Columbia Mall. The day was perfect - gorgeous fall weather and quality time with the one person I consider my soul mate. I am forever grateful for every moment spent in the company of Kat. She is an amazing friend and we never have a dull moment together.

This evening I am attending a fright fest of sorts with several friends. I look forward to screams, chills and giggles as we trek through the dark woods. Work has been so stressful lately ... so I think it's extremely important that I find reasons to smile each day and take a moment to count my blessings at the end of the day. Life is so good to me ... I just sometimes fail to recognize that. Here's to 30 days of Happiness and finding the good in every situation.

Happy October!

Fall Bucket List

I was going through posts last September ... to see where I was/what I was writing about a year ago today. One post I stumbled across was my fall bucket list for 2013. To my surprise, there were SEVERAL items on this list that I never did last year. So here's to making the effort to cross these items off my list in October/November 2014:

Fall Bucket List

• drink a pumpkin spice latte I've already had TWO this season
• snuggle by a fire I sat by a bonfire Saturday evening & can still smell it in my hair 
• tailgate at one football game Tailgated at the Ravens home opener! 
• oogle a guy in a peacoat
• go apple picking
• go pumpkin picking 
• dress in layers and leggings
• kiss in the rain
• have a scary movie date Saw Annabelle with Mr. Mike Terwilliger :)
• crunch leaves
• watch hocus pocus fell asleep watching it ... does that count? haha
• visit a street fair  Does the Alexandria Art Festival count? 
• bake pumpkin bread Baked pumpkin bread last night :)
• sip apple cider
• wear dark nail polish does dark nail polish on 4 out of 10 finger nails count?
• splash in puddles
• enjoy homemade pie apple pie baked by Ally
• carve a pumpkin
• wear uggs Did this last year ... no doubt I'll do it again this year :o) I mean UGGS are a staple to my fall outfits...
• devour some halloween oreos finished the bag this weekend ... they were not as good as I hoped 
• break out some blankets
• inhale the fall crisp air sure did, early in the morning, and it was such a sweet smell 
• take a foggy AM walk
• stay warm in a cozy cardigan wore a long sleeved cardigan jacket thingy today that kept me toasty 
• watch ABCs halloween marathon
• get spooked at a haunted house
• make a yummy crockpot stew
• jump into a pile of leaves
• read by a fire
• toss back a pumpkin ale took a sip of a pumpking ale ... that counts, right?
• go on a hayride
• make some chili
• breathe in the scent of firewood
• go to a halloween party
• shop for new fall clothes 

Quote of the Day.

"Most of us spend our time seeking happiness and security without acknowledging the underlying purpose of our search. Each of us is looking for a path back to the present: We are trying to find good enough reasons to be satisfied now.

Acknowledging that this is the structure of the game we are playing allows us to play it differently. How we pay attention to the present moment largely determines the character of our experience and, therefore, the quality of our lives." –Sam Harris

Peace in the Midst of a Storm

My life has been relatively quiet the past few days. I have found peace with the changes going on ... and I am not sure how long this inner peace will last. But I will count my blessings where I can and enjoy the present moment for what it's worth :) I give thanks everyday that the storm *seems* to have passed ... I am hoping the worst is over -- because to say "I was on a roller coaster" at the beginning of this month is an understatement.

For a fun flashback ... here's a look into what I've been up to recently:

Happy Almost Fall :o) Hope if you're reading this, that you're finding peace in the midst of your storm as well!