It's November, y'all. November means... gearing up for holiday craziness. For me it also means writing term papers and frantically grading all my student's final essays so I can make it to Christmas break as quickly as possible. This year, it also includes preparing for a trip to Australia and a Christmas wedding. Even though this season can feel incredibly stressful at times, I have come to realize that it's no excuse to stop being thankful for the MANY ways my life is blessed. Sometimes when I get too grumpy or negative, my amazing husband, Micah {although I never think he is amazing right when he calls me out on my negative attitude...} makes me stop and say ten things I'm thankful for. He honestly won't let me finish my task until he has heard ten legitimate "I'm thankful for..." phrases come out of my mouth. Good man. It has seriously changed my overall attitude when life doesn't seem to be going my way. So today, in the midst of the oh-my-goodness-it's-November-that-means-it's-almost-Christmas-all-I-want-to-do-is-sleep feeling that is in the air, here are TEN things that I am thankful for.. {1} Laundry Yes, laundry. Even though I hate when laundry piles up, it reminds me that I have soooo many clean, warm, and stylish clothes to wear each day. Many do not have this luxury. And I only let myself watch TV while I'm folding, so it's a double blessing really. Hello catching up on Parenthood! {2} Legs Even when I don't feel like working out because I don't have the time or I want to quit halfway through a run because I am tired, I remember that I am not entitled to my legs. Not everyone has the ability to walk or run. I try not to take my healthy legs and feet for granted. {3} My favorite appliance I happen to be blessed with an at-home espresso machine. Best wedding gift ever. This machine and I are pretty much best friends every morning when I make myself a delicious latte. Come over, and I'll make you a tasty caffeinated beverage! {4} Books Even though I usually feel pretty beat up by school at this point every semester {papers to grade and papers to write is never a good combination}, I am so thankful to be a college instructor and to be getting my PhD {a lifelong dream} at the same time! {5} My iPhone Although smart phones have become widespread, I am not really entitled to an iPhone. But I love mine and it makes my life so much easier. We are about to celebrate our one year anniversary next month. I love Phoebe {that's her name...}! {6} Writing I know I've been blessed with the ability to write well, and I don't ever want to take it for granted. Whether it's a scholarly paper, a blog post, or a note of encouragement to a friend, I hope I always use my gift for God's glory. {7} Online Marketplaces I know this one is random, but seriously, isn't it rad that we can buy and sell things online? I sell books on Amazon, furniture on Craigslist, and a variety of things on eBay. I also buy all my books for school online and an assortment of household goods and gifts as well. I buy my jewelry from Etsy and other online shops as I support my crafty-mama-friends who work from home by selling handmade goods. I love the Internet! Currently selling... Micah's Dell on eBay. Because who needs a PC from 2004 collecting dust on their desk? {8} Weekend Getaways Yes, big vacations are fun, but sometimes the best trips are the three day weekend getaways. I love going to San Diego for the weekend or escaping up to the mountains of Arizona to go camping in Sedona or Payson. There is just something so restful about spending a few days away without having to pack a whole suitcase or deal with airport security. La Jolla {9} The Guest Bathroom I'm not a crazy, creative DIYer by any means, and since we know we will only be living in our current house for another year or so, I must admit it's not decorated the way I want it. It's cozy and cute enough, but there are a lot of blank walls and empty spaces. However, I officially completed the guest bathroom the summer, meaning I think it's cute and well-decorated and don't imagine adding anything new to it during our time here. Yay for one completed room in the house! {And I'm extra thankful for the free candle holders I got from a friend's giveaway pile that were the finishing touch I had been looking for!} {10} This guy My sweet husband is the one who taught me to play "ten things" in the first place. He is so great at encouraging me to live life with a thankful heart! Now it's your turn, friends. What are you thankful for today? Happy Thanksgiving week! |Linking up with Rouge and Whimsy / Wild and Precious| ... Read more
