Days 38-40 Gratitude Check

10 MORE things I'm grateful for:

31. my friends
32. snow - we actually got some this year!
33. salt & vinegar potato chips
34. girl scout cookies
35. connecting with a student
36. hearing a student say "I loved this book"
37. hearing a student say "the book was way better than the movie"
38. when my kids are excited about driving because they can't wait to hear the next part of Harry Potter
39. reading together with my kids
40. Dr. Seuss a.k.a. Theodore Suess Geisel

Days 32-37 - Life Takes Over

I'm sorry I haven't written lately, but life took over last week, and I hardly had a spare moment to breathe, much less write. Usually, when I find myself in a week like that, I begin to feel resentful and put-upon, but this time I found myself randomly laughing or smiling, even at my most exhausted.

I think I am really getting there. I think I am finally finding peace with my life. My kids and I are in harmony. We work together to make things happen and we help each other out. I don't feel resentful that my husband isn't always around. I just get on with my life and enjoy the time with my kids. Instead of feeling frustrated by my job, I realize that it truly is where I belong.

My life isn't perfect, but I'm beginning to find joy even in the moments that are imperfect. Hallelujah!

Day 31 - The Happiness Project

Check out Gretchen Rubin's blog:

http://www.happiness-project.com/

Very inspirational.

Day 30 - Gratitude check

It's day 30! Time for a gratitude check!


21. LOVE!
22. Michael Buble
23. sunshine
24. my pool
25. days when it is warm enough to sit outside
26. pizza
27. my truck
28. cookies
29. warm, fuzzy blankets
30. spring break

Day 28 & 29 - All You Need is Love

Happy Valentine's Day! I used to really hate Valentine's Day. Part of it could have been jealousy. My parents and boyfriends didn't turn it into some wild extravaganza. There were always the predictable token gestures, but nothing wildly romantic. I also felt that you should be showing your love for someone every day of the year - not just when commercialism tells you to. You know, the typical intellectual response for someone who just doesn't want to be disappointed.

But I love romance. I love surprises. I love presents. So why shouldn't I celebrate this day? Why should I let my sweetie off easy? We should do something for each other. Not to prove we love each other, but just because we do. I mean, I expect a token of affection for my birthday, why not for Valentine's day?

If you don't have a significant other the celebrate V-Day with, you can still celebrate it. Share it with your children, your friends, your pets. Whatever! Just bask in the glow of those who love you. Heck, celebrate yourself. Who says you can't buy a beautiful bouquet of flowers and give it to yourself? You're special and it's important that you recognize it. Better yet, write a letter to yourself talking about all the things you love about yourself.

Here's mine:

Dear Lynn,

You have had an amazing year. You are definitely carving a place for yourself and your profession in your new school. Everyone is so impressed with the work that you do. You are super smart. It amazes me that you know how to find so much information on almost any subject. You are such a kind and caring person. And your students are learning about making a difference in the world because you are teaching them about compassion and how to appreciate all the wonderful things they have. The Pennies for Peace campaign exceeded all your expectations and that is because you really are making a difference.

You are a wonderful mom and wife. Trying to juggle your needs with those of your family is always hard, but you manage to do it without sacrificing who you are.

Lynn, you are a phenomenal woman. I know you are going to continue to accomplish great things.

Love, Lynn

Day 27 - Great Quotes

Here are some of my favorite quotes:


"Most people are only as happy as they make up their minds to be." ~ Abraham Lincoln


“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” ~ Thomas A. Edison

"All that we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." ~ J.R.R. Tolkien

"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

"There is no such thing as the pursuit of happiness, but there is the discovery of joy." ~ Joyce Grenfell

"If you want to be happy, be." ~Leo Tolstoy

"Talk happiness. The world is sad enough without your woe. No path is wholly rough." ~ Ella Wheeler Wilcox

"Far away there is the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead." ~ Louisa May Alcott

Days 23, 24, 25, & 26

Blah.

Is anyone even reading this?

Then again, what should it matter? I'm supposed to be doing this for myself, not for others.

Haven't felt much joy lately. Frustration with my job, annoyed with ignorant people, sick of crazy drivers who will one day kill me and my kids, blah, blah, blah.

Good things right now:
1. I have a job
2. I have a house
3. I have a car
4. I'm going to San Antonio in April
5. I'm going to Washington DC in June
6. I'm going to a Michael Buble concert in July

Lot's to look forward to, but each day is a blur of normality and routine. blah