Give thanks for a little and you will find a lot. ~Hausa of Nigeria

There are two more days left in November, therefore I think I am going to call my 30 days of giving thanks a wrap. I know I would need to complete EIGHT more entries [if I were to reach my goal of thirty days]; however, I am tired of posting about giving thanks. 

The positive thing that has come about from all of this, is that I have learned "to give thanks in everything." In doing so, I find myself happier and more fulfilled. November was such a wonderful month for me in comparison to October. One thing that stands out the most to me is that in October, I mumbled a lot and felt sorry for myself. In all fairness, I went through a REALL tough time with friendships and finding myself again. Yet, I can honestly say that I complained more, which led to feelings of discontent and unhappiness. 

On the contrary, I took up an attitude of thanksgiving starting November 1st. I was determined to praise God during the good times and not so good times. I would be lying if I said every day was perfect this past month. I had a couple of rough times at work, that brought tears to my eyes and me to my knees. Yet I continued to praise God through it all. I would vent and get all of the heavy things off my chest, and then I would find one thing to praise him for. What a different kind of month I had. What a different kind of person I am when I lift up HIS name in praise. When I find something to be grateful for everyday. Boy - does that EVER put things into perspective. God is GOOD and he blesses us continually in so many ways.

I was searching for a quote about thanksgiving this evening, and stumbled across this blog. The author of this blog shared a poem about giving thanks, that I would like to pass along to all of you: 

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful in the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful when you have limitations
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge
Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary
Because it means you’ve made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful during the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful in the midst of your troubles
and they can become your blessings.

~ Author unknown. 

Remember that November is not the only month in which we can give thanks. Find at least one thing to praise God about each day, and watch how your life turns around. :o)

19. 20. 21. 22. Reasons to give Thanks.

I had the BEST weekend at the beach with my family. We traveled down to Rehoboth Beach on Wednesday and made the long drive home this afternoon. This was our last time traveling down to the beach for Thanksgiving. The beach house will be sold within the upcoming year. It is unbelievable to think that this has been a family tradition for 12 years now. It will be so weird celebrating in Maryland next year. 

Keeping with the theme of thankfulness, the past four days I have been thankful for:

My grandparents. 

They are getting up in age, but they are still huge parts of my life. I enjoy talking with them about their childhoods and hearing stories about the things they have accomplished in life. I also enjoy cracking up with them - they have a great sense of humor! This is my first year of living on my own and I have a bare Christmas tree that's been in my apartment for a couple of weeks now. My grandmother purchased these at the beach this weekend so that I could have my first two ornaments! These will forever be special to me <3 

The beach.

The beach by far is my FAVORITE place to relax. I envision myself getting married at the beach on day. My ideal house decor would be beach themed. I love flip flops, sand, sunshine, ocean breezes, the taste of salt on my tongue. I love the sound of the ocean waves and the feel of the ocean mist on my skin. I love the beach and I am so thankful that I was able to get away for a couple of days and relax in paradise. 

The sunsets.

The sunsets at the beach this weekend were incredible! I am a nature gal and nothing puts me more at ease then a beautiful sunset. It was a blessing to be able to see the sun and sky look like this every day :o) 

My sister.

We may not always see eye to eye [or get along] but I love this gal dearly. She celebrated her 22nd birthday this weekend. My how time flies. I pray that God continues to bless her and gives her insight in regards to what she is supposed to do with her life post graduation. 

My brother.

He is a great kid and he cracks me up. I love that he stays true to himself and always follows his own path. He is wise beyond his years and brings such joy to my life. I am grateful that he has grown to be such a kindhearted and caring young man. Even if his honesty gets him into trouble sometimes.

I have also been thankful for: my cousins. my parents. my aunts and uncles. safe travels to and from the beach. the delicious meals that my aunts cooked. family time. relaxation. money to purchase things. seeing Twilight. getting lesson planning done. catching up on sleep. and being alive and healthy.

I am so not looking forward to going back to work tomorrow ... however, the countdown to Christmas officially begins! 

Giving Thanks ... Day [18]

Came across this article on pinterest tonight. Such an odd place to find such a treasure haha. I started skimming it and thought - oh boy! I've got six years to acquire and learn a couple of important things. Thought I'd share here just in case I ever need to come back to this little dandy: Turning 30: 30 Things Every Woman Should Have and Know.

In other news ... I am thankful today for my part time tutoring job. The little boy is absolutely precious and it's a blessing that I am able to work with him every Tuesday, even if it's only reading a story with him and helping him do his homework.

I am also thankful that my Thanksgiving break has officially started! I kicked off my 5 day stretch of relaxation with a one-hour massage at massage envy. The massage was wonderful - although my muscles hurt now. I think the masseuse massaged the knots in my shoulders and upper back EXTRA hard this time.

Last but not least, I am thankful for fellowshipping with my parents and my sister this evening. I joined my family for dinner and ended up staying later than expected. We had many great laughs with one another and recalled some of the wonderful memories we have shared together.

I am leaving around 11AM tomorrow for the beach. I am looking forward to being by the sand and waves; and more importantly, to fellowship with my grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents, cousins and siblings. I truly love the Thanksgiving holiday and time spent with family. :) 

Thankful. Day 17.

Despite a not so good day ... I couldn't help but smile at a couple of things. These things are what I will be thankful for today.

1. One of my students proudly shared this morning that he drew a picture of me without any clothes on. I responded, "Oh!?" To which he innocently said - "I couldn't decide which outfit looked best on you." All I could do was turn my head and chuckle ... no words.
2. Another student - when doing a creative writing about a turkey - thought aloud: "Oh! I could write about a turkey that liked to shake his tail feathers at parties ... and he'd drink wine to get loose." What types of parties has she been a part of? She's seven ... I thought seven year olds went to chuckie cheese for a good time hahaha. My response to her however was: "Or how about you write about a turkey who likes to dance on the farm dance floor?"
3. I had wonderful conversation with my hair dresser tonight. As she washed and blow dried my hair, we talked about treating everyone the way you would like to be treated because you never know when you will be "entertaining angels." We also talked about loving others unconditionally, through the good times and bad times. Miss Brenda said, "After all ... you want to teach the little ones to love unconditionally too. To never throw the towel in when the going gets tough in any type of relationship." Wow! What a powerful statement. 

My vent session in the earlier entry today really cleared my head and relieved buckets of stress. Once that heavy load was off of my chest, I begin to feel better and remember the good that occurred today. I am not sure why I am having this struggle within the workplace this year. But I am sure that God has placed me back on the potter's wheel ... he's saying, "Christina, I am not yet finished with you." And I am going to pray that I can let go of the wheel, and let God direct my steps. He obviously has a plan for my life - one greater than I could ever imagine. And I need to let God's will be done. At the very least, I will be wiser and stronger this time next year because let's be real - what doesn't kill us makes us strong. And you grow through what you go through. 

14. 15. 16.

I had the best weekend! Although I was hardly productive, I was able to spend quality time with many of my best friends. I am thankful this weekend for visits from Alison and Kat. I am thankful for being able to see Twilight's Breaking Dawn: Part 2. That movie exceeded my expectations and I cannot believe the series has finally ended.

I am thankful for Friday being pay day - which provided me with money to go out on the town this weekend ... not once but twice. I am thankful for the fun times I had going out. I am like a Grandma these days - I hardly ever go out for anything other than happy hour or an early dinner. Staying out until 3AM on Friday and Saturday night with some of my college gal pals was quite the experience! It's been so long since we have done something such as that, but it was a ton of fun and should last me until New Year's Eve haha.

I am also thankful for being able to meet up with my friend Zach today. He has been in Florida for the past month and finally returned home this weekend. It was great seeing him and hearing about his trip. There were also some other high school buddies at this little reunion of ours - and it was fun seeing them as well. We have all grown up and changed so much, but yet we still have many things in common.

Here's to a two day work week ... and only fourteen more posts about what I am thankful for ;)

Thankful Again! 12, 13...

On Wednesday, I was thankful for ...

Me and Alison

• An unexpected phone call with an old friend. Alison and I talked on the phone for over an hour on Wednesday night. At first the conversation was awkward - as I have not seen her in a long while. But after ten or so minutes, we picked up right where we left off. I miss our college days at TU together. However I am so grateful that I can still consider her one of my dear friends. 
• The compliment, "I often forget you are a third year teacher. Teaching comes so naturally to you." Wow! I had a wonderful post conference observation with my assistant principal. I love her constructive criticism, feedback and support. She is a fantastic leader. 

On Thursday, I was thankful for ...

Me and Katie on St. Pat's!

• Life gets so busy when you're an adult. Wait - did I just admit that I am an adult? It's so easy to go weeks, even months without talking to dear friends. I have not seen Katie since my housewarming party in July. We made several attempts to get together, but it took us FOUR MONTHS to finally meet up for dinner. It was long awaited for and lovely. We dined on burgers at Red Robin and caught up on all the insignificant nothings that currently comprise our lives. 
• A phone call from my best friend Kitty - we made plans to hang out this weekend. 
• A phone call with my mother - she is truly the most wonderful individual I know. I shared a lot of my frustrations [with work] and she just listened patiently and tenderly like mothers do. 

Turning a Life Around [Giving Thanks:11]

Are you tired yet of my giving thanks posts? This has been the MOST positive thing I have done all year. However, I would be lying if I said I am not bored yet of these posts. But I made a commitment to give thanks for thirty days, and - gosh darn it - I am going to stick to it.

Today I am thankful for a lesson observation that went well [or so I think...]. My administrator seemed pleased with the lesson and my students did their finest. I am anxious to hear what feedback my administrator has to give me tomorrow. And to find out whether or not I had a successful or "passing" observation. I am prayerful that the lesson went well overall; and that my assistant principal has helpful feedback that will help me become a better teacher.

I am also thankful for ANOTHER lovely compliment I received today. In fact ... that makes me think about my post from yesterday. I had received a compliment yesterday morning at the dentist. And this morning I received a compliment from a parent. Good things always come in 3's ... so I wonder if something is in store for me tomorrow as well? 

I digress ... So a parent of a student I taught last year, stopped me today in the hallway to say she sees me everyday at home. She explained that her daughter has a picture of her and I hanging at the foot of her bed, that was taken on the last day of school. The mother shared that I have made such a positive impact on the life of her child, and the picture is a reminder of that every day. This compliment is so powerful - and more importantly - a statement about how our actions and words have the potential to turn a life around. 

Giving Thanks: Day TEN

The things that I am thankful for today ... all have a common theme:

• A compliment from the receptionist at my dentist's office: "You are such a beautiful girl! You have a beautiful smile ... and your eyes ... they twinkle when you smile." What a terrific way to begin my day, with such an unexpected but kind compliment.

• In a moment of despair, a tweet and text messages from my cousin Nicole. I have a formal observation tomorrow during reading instruction. I began to doubt myself ... my teaching abilities ... my lesson plan. Unexpectedly, but right on time may I say, Nicole contacted me and was nothing but uplifting and encouraging. I am not sure what prompted her to say those words - or to reach out so suddenly - but it was right on time. It was welcomed. It was needed. It helped me calm down and regain focus at 8pm at night, as I sat flustered and exhausted in my classroom.

• A phone call from one of my dearest friends, Stacey. We talked for over an hour and laughed and laughed and laughed. She may be ten years older than me, but I value her friendship so much. I trust her insight and seek her wisdom. I thank God every day for having had our paths cross three years ago. 

What's the theme you may ask? 

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. ~Leo Buscaglia

God is truly an on-time God. This evening in my moment(s) of frustration and despair, he placed on two angels hearts, the thought to reach out and see if I was doing okay. If that is not a testament of God's love and mercy, I do not know what else is. 

I am truly thankful for the three simplest things, but these three simple things have meant everything to me today. 

Giving Thanks: Day Nine

Today I am thankful for:

• sleeping in until 11AM
• a productive day of lesson planning and preparing for the school week ahead
• family dinner at my parent's house
• Oh! And Maroon 5 concert tickets

In regards to those tickets ... I am in LOVE with singer Adam Levine and I am SO excited my tickets came in the mail this weekend! I am going to see him perform in DC in April! It is so far away, yet I am already counting down the days until I can enjoy this musical experience. I am SURE it will be a concert to remember.

In preparation - haha I am a dork I KNOW - I've been listening to a Maroon 5 station on pandora nonstop! I have encountered so many NEW Maroon 5 songs that I've never heard before ... one of which is the video below. I have had this song on repeat ALL day and I couldn't tell you why. But I've shared it in hopes that maybe someone else out there LOVES it too!

Happy Sunday everyone! I hope you all have a blessed week. Remember to stay thankful :)

Giving Thanks: Day Seven & Eight

Yesterday morning I woke up abruptly at 5 AM in pain. My stomach was cramping and waves of nausea had over taken me. I contemplated going into work on time vs going in late, thinking that this stomach situation would pass in an hour or two. I ended up calling in sick - something that I have NEVER done in my three years of teaching.

Let me tell you that I am so THANKFUL that I did! I was down and out for an entire 24 hours. They were the worst 24 hours of my life! I was in so much pain and could not even get out of bed. I was in and out of sleep, only sleeping when the pain was tolerable. I called my best friend - and lucky for me - she was off work. I begged her to go to Safeway and to pick up ginger ale, pepto bismol and saltine crackers. I am so thankful for a friend who was willing to go pick these things up for me AND to drive 20 minutes to drop them off. There was no way I would've made it to the store on my own.

I am thankful for a day to rest. Even though it was not a peaceful rest, it was a needed break. My body was obviously telling me to take a time out and to take care of myself. I am thankful that I am FINALLY feeling better today. I was only able to eat four saltines and drink one glass of ginger ale yesterday. Yes - my stomach situation was THAT BAD.

I am not sure if I had the stomach flu or a virus. But I am so thankful for my decision to call out for the day. My students did not need to be exposed to those germs or to witness their beloved teacher die a slow, painful death. Ha!

Today I attended a conference on techniques and strategies to use with students with Down syndrome.

I learned about some neat strategies to use with these kiddos and my other students with special needs. The conference was TOTALLY worth sitting from 8 to 5pm on a Saturday. 

Tonight I look forward to spending some quality time with my sissy. We plan on watching a movie and hanging out. I am taking it easy for the remainder of this weekend. My body has been through enough. What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday - Day Six

It feels as thought it has been a long week! I am so pooped right now; and I cannot decide if it's because of the stresses of life or the fact that I've been working out every night. Any how ... let's keep this post positive :)

I challenged myself to writing a post in which I state what I am thankful for, every day, during the month of November. I have absolutely love it too! I am generally an upbeat, positive person. But goodness, sometimes life can get me down and make me a little negative. So these posts have helped me to not only reflect on the positive things that happen in my life each day, but to also give God the glory for the blessings he gives all day long.

With all of this being said, today I am thankful for:

• a hot shower first thing in the AM
• my morning face wash - the tingly sensation helps me wake up (because let's be real, I am NOT a morning person)
• a cup of coffee on my way to work
• my students - I absolutely love teaching and the best part of my day is being with the kids
• working out - even if it was only for 20 minutes 
• gLee - it's my favorite television show and the original cast was back tonight! 

In other news ... there are less than two weeks until I am at the beach with my whole family for Thanksgiving. I look forward to this trip EVERY YEAR! I come from a LARGE family and I absolutely love fellow shipping with them. We all come together at a beach house in Delaware and celebrate Thanksgiving.

 All of the grandchildren - minus two - on my Mother's side of the family

Some of my cousins and I with our Grandfather last year

Our Dads (the Son-in-Laws), Cousins and our Grandfather

It's fun to get away from Maryland and to take advantage of the black Friday deals [and no tax!]. This will be our last year heading up to the beach house. We've been heading there for turkey day since I was in sixth grade ... almost fourteen years ago. Crazy to think that this has become such a tradition - and that it will soon be a tradition no more. I will savor every moment of the trip - when the time is upon us. 

Anyhow ... I have to be bright eyed for my students tomorrow. Good night and I hope you took the time to stop and give thanks for something in your life today! Xo

Giving Thanks: Days Four & Five

Oh boy do I have a LOT to be thankful for! Yesterday, I was able to sleep in late (thank you Election Day) and wake up slowly. One of my best friends's from high school is in town for a few days. So we went out to lunch at Tara Thai.

I am so thankful for his company. All of the laughs we had - I mean we literally laughed for four hours straight. I am thankful for the delicious pad Thai I dined on and for the pumpkin spice latte that I followed up the meal with. I am thankful that after all of these years - and all of this time - that we were able to pick up right where we had left off. I am thankful that he is still the ML I adore and love. I tell you, there is nothing greater than an old friend.

I am thankful for an EXCELLENT Pilates workout with some of my favorite inspirational ladies. It felt so good to tone up and see their smiling faces. I am thankful for the hot meal at my parent's house afterwards and for the company of my mom and sister while there.

I am also so thankful for Barack Obama's win! To God be the glory ... I was so incredibly nervous about this election. Watching the results roll in steadily was enough to give me a heart attack. But it was God's will that Barack be granted another four years in office. My prayer now is that Americans - red and blue - will come together to help this country continue to get back on its feet. That Americans will stop standing divided, and start standing united.

Today I am thankful for my job. I absolutely love the challenges and joys of being a special education teacher. I am thankful for my administration and for four IEP meetings that went well today. I am grateful for the gift of writing and the gift of gab. For having the opportunity to meet and touch base with several of my student's parents today.

I am thankful for having a membership at a gym and for the food I was able to eat today. For having a car to drive - even if she's a piece of junk - and a warm home to go to later tonight. I am thankful for the love of my family and the text messages I received today. That means that someone was thinking about me today.

Thank you Jesus for all the blessings you bestow upon me. I am truly blessed and it's so uplifting to stop everyday and think about all of the good God is doing in my life.

What are you thankful for today?

Giving Thanks: Day Three

Today I am thankful for waking up on time for work and feeling well rested. I am thankful for having a professional day at work - one without students. I am thankful for having the opportunity to get special education paperwork done (or at least caught up on).

I am thankful for having Macaroni Grill for lunch with a former colleague. The food was delicious and I enjoyed hearing about how she was doing. I am thankful for spending time with my mother at the YAC center at the gym. I am thankful for a fantastic workout at the gym - kickboxing is a favorite of mine.

I am thankful for the few text messages I got today - especially the kind and/or sweet ones. I am thankful for the kind and thoughtful post from Jackie of primrose and company today on her website.

I am thankful for a home to come home to - that has heat and electricity. I am thankful for yet another day to be alive, happy, healthy and fulfilled.

What are you thankful for today?

Giving Thanks: Day Two

I am thankful today for a day of rest. For being able to sleep in and for setting the clocks back an hour. I am thankful for the tuna I had on half of a toasted bagel - it was so delicious. I am thankful for the opportunity to go to Zumba. I had a great workout and enjoyed seeing some old friends.

I am thankful for shopping with my mother this afternoon. We went to Big Lots, where I was able to purchase my very first Christmas tree AND the cutest matching snowman rug/pot holders. We had such a good time - her company is truly valued and appreciated. Heck! I am thankful for my mother. She's such a blessing in my life.

I am thankful for Sunday Night Family dinners at my parent's house. There is nothing better than a delicious home cooked meal and the love of my family. It is so uplifting to be able to fellowship with them every week on Sunday evening.

I am also thankful for the delicious fudgy brownies I baked - and that my family has found tasty! My cooking and baking skills are definitely improving.

What are you thankful for today?

Giving Thanks

I am thankful being able to sleep in this morning. Although I woke up at 8:30am, an extra hour of sleep does the body good. I am thankful for caring coworkers at BC. My Saturday job has it's challenges, but working with such sweet and funny girls makes the job so much better. I am thankful for getting paid today from my part time gig. That additional paycheck helps pay bills and gives me some extra spending cash each month.

I am thankful for the relaxing day I had at home. I am generally very busy and do not have the opportunity to be home long enough to enjoy my humble abode. Today- I had the opportunity not only to spend time here, but to also spend time in the company of one of my best friends. I enjoyed the conversation, laughs, pizza run (Little Caesars), movie viewing (The 5 Year Engagement) and backing of no pudgy brownies from Trader Joe's. I do not think I spent a dime today, other than $5 on pizza.

And currently, I am thankful for the opportunity to curl up on my couch and watch TV/read the blogs of my followers. Many of these ladies are gifted writers and have a great sense of humor (which is conveyed through their writing.) They come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, but their honest accounts of the joys and sorrows of life somehow uplift me and encourage me ... or make me feel as though someone may understand the joys and sorrows that occur in my life.

Today was a perfectly perfect Saturday ... and for that, I am thankful.