gratephul

I had my students make little turkeys out of recycled scraps of orange and yellow card stock and brown construction paper. I do something like it every year... a ten minute arts and crafts project that let's them know that I appreciate that they need a break and I value what they believe in.
This year felt a little different as I looked over them when I stuck up the last few classes on the community wall. Every single kid was grateful for his or her family and most were grateful for food and water and their friends.

I think that maybe the only good thing to come out of these times of economic hardship and a shrinking middle class- we see what's important and what's superfluous.

So, what am I grateful for this year?

1. Students who push me to be a better teacher. They may be difficult or misbehave. They may ask me questions that I don't have an answer to yet. Regardless, they make me want to make my class and the lessons we share memorable.

2. My family. It's nice to have people who want you to be happy and who realize that their version of your perfect future isn't yours and that's ok. I have room to make big decisions and take big risks knowing that no matter what, they're in my cheering section.

3. My colleagues and advisors. The people whom I have the pleasure of working with to make the place I work and the models of education that serve all better.

4. Music. Singing will always be my first love. And we have the great fortune to be living in an age where you can find any amazing song to enjoy so simply.
This song below makes me want to star in a production of The Fantasticks. I think El Gallo should be re-envisioned as a woman's part- and I should play it :)

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5. Food. I can't write symphonies. I can't paint masterpieces... but I can make some delicious things to share with those I love.

6. Finally, impermanence of everything. Sometimes it hurts. Sometimes it sucks, but sometimes knowing that there's a light at the end of every tunnel makes today a little more bearable... especially when that light comes with a hood and a new prefix.

Hope your Thanksgiving was lovely. Remember to bless the hands (and beaks and udders) that made the food.

What are you thankful for?