teachers list of thankfuls

I'm officially stuffed. I've sufficiently gorged myself and feel like I could go a day or two without eating...but we all know that never happens.

Now that the Holiday season is in full swing (a local mall opened it's doors for Day after Thanksgiving sales at 12:01am) and I'm on break for a few days and plan to sleep in tomorrow, here's my short list of what I'm thankful for.

My family---What I'd do without them I don't know. Thanks to Ben who puts up with me and my crazy life as a first year teacher; thanks to my mom who still looks out for me even though I'm a big girl (supposedly); thanks to my brothers and sisters-in-law who make me feel happy inside when we get together (we laugh...a lot!); thanks to my dad in Las Vegas who reads my blog and tells me to keep up the good work and who sent me school suplies that I don't let anyone touch; thanks to my adorable neice, Cassidy, who tells me she loves me and plays with my ears and for letting me read to her (and who could walk into my classroom and be smarter than over half of my students!); thanks to my other mom and dad (Hubert) who treat me like a real daughter and not an out-law; thanks to my other little brothers who respect me and make sure I'm a happy sister and addition to the family; thanks to my grandma who calls to check up on me. I have a super family.

My job---I told myself last year that I'd be royally upset if I didn't get a real teaching job this year. Well, I did, and I love it. Even though I have those bad days (don't we all?), and sometimes I wish I was paid more for what I do, I enjoy walking into B-27 every day and teaching youngsters the joy of grammar and spelling (even though that's not what they call it). I'm thankful that I'm actually using ALL of my degree that I worked so hard to earn and that I'm doing a pretty good job at "faking it until I make it." I'm thankful for the other teachers, even crazy resource lady and hippie dippy lady, because all in all, I think I've found a good match at that school. I'm also thankful for the diversity I see every day in my classroom and for the conversations I've had with students who come from places I will probably never visit. Another part of my job that I am thankful for is for my students. They are brats and they can really annoy me, but they are my guinea pigs and they are forgiving of my mistakes. They make me laugh, they make me remember how much I hated junior high and all that drama, they keep me on my toes, they challenge me to be innovative, creative, and patient. They spread their germs and they draw on my bulletin boards, but they are generally great.

My health---I'll tell you what, I've been sick for just about a week now. My cough is what's killing me. After being sick, I'm very thankful to have overall good health. I'm thankful I don't live my life in pain, or worrying about paying medical bills, or with some chronic illness. I'm glad I have insurance now and am thankful that I didn't get sick until that insurance kicked in. I'm thankful for Vick's vaporub, nasty cough drops, even though they make me naseous, and cold orange juice.

My freedoms---I am able to hop in my ghetto car, drive down the road, and walk into any store, no questions asked, and I think that's neat. I'm thankful for those who paved the way for that freedom, and for their families who supported their efforts. I'm thankful for being able to practice religion freely and for the things that religion brings to my life (I wouldn't make it through a day with out it). I'm thankful that I was able to get an education, vote, and make a living doing something I love.

My house---Anywhere Ben is, is where my home is. I'm thankful that we've managed to provide a warm place to call home--even if we live in a ghetto. I'm thankful for a furnace that works, warm water, and finally having working, fast internet. I'm thankful for my big levi quilt I made that keeps me warm when I'm watching tv. I'm thankful that I live so close to school so that I don't have to get up so dang early. I'm thankful that I haven't seen a mouse yet. I'm thankful for my junk room that is primarily filled with books I've read and enjoyed, and with Ben's childhood toys that he swears our children will play with. I'm thankful for a washer and dryer, my comfy bed, and for my walk-in closet.

Next week, I am going to start teaching a novel, Under the Blood Red Sun. I have plans tomorrow to read that novel and figure out some lesson plans. I also plan on sleeping in and staying in my jammies until the last minute possible.

Oh, before I go....Good News with the journalism issue---I got a big surprise yesterday when the Mustang Roundup was delivered during 5th period. I was able to distribute the Thanksgiving issue on time afterall. Yay!!!

Love to all!