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.