| t h a n k f u l |

I'm only a week late on the Thanksgiving post.
And I'd say that's pretty dang good considering I blog once every couple months.

Anyway, because of the time of year, I've been reflecting a lot lately on my life and I came to the realization that (for the most part) I'm pretty content with life right now. Which is pretty amazing for me.
I'm starting to see hard work pay off. And for someone who has always hard time with patience and usually wanting instant gratification, it was a big deal for me.

So, here's a lil' list of things that I'm extremely grateful for this year.

1. My Family- the big, mushy part.

I know, I know, everyone just has the best family don't they? But seriously, you guys, mine is the best. I can't even begin to say how grateful I am for them. I will also say that not living at home for the last year or so has only made me appreciate them more. I have a great relationship with my parents, I actually consider my siblings to be friends, and I gained a new sister this year.  My family is so incredibly supportive, especially my parents. I can't tell you how much they have helped me and taught me. With out them, I honestly would be lost. Because of my parents, I feel like I can pretty much do anything I set my mind to and I know that I can always go them when I need it.

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2. Friends-
the TV show.


seriously, the TV show.


Okay, I'm kidding.

 If I believed in soul mates,

 I wouldn't believe it to be  romantic or a man that I'd marry and be with forever, 

I'd believe it to be this girl

These loves. Miss you, Scotty.

The fantastic foursome. 

These girls are mine and Adri's other half. 

They've helped us survive the SLC move and made it amazing.

Any friends who will take a BMW pic are friends you keep.

These girls have been with me since the beginning.

I have many wonderful people in my life.  I have made some wonderful friends this year, and I still cherish the friendships I've had for years. It's amazing how people can influence your life. Just knowing that someone else cares for you, likes the sames things as you, and laughs at the same things as you, it makes life a lot easier.

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3. My Job & my kids-sorry, my students

When I say that I've seen my hard work pay off, this is what I mean. After 5 years of schooling that I didn't think would end, many tears, and having worked the hardest I EVER have in my entire life, I finally see the pay off.
I got my teaching degree and a job that I love.  I don't know how I feel about things being "meant to be," or "fate," but I absolutely, 100%, for the first time ever, can say that I feel like I am supposed to be at this school. Maybe it's just good luck and I happened to find a great fit for me, but I feel like I belong there. My principal has told me the same thing.

I know I said that I worked my ass off and school was hard, but NOTHING prepared me for actually getting out there and having my own class and teaching. NOTHING. The last 3 and a half months has been the most emotionally and mentally exhausting, absolute, hardest months of my life. I can't count the times I have wanted to quit. Or how many times I've cried on the way home (or during lunch and recess). Teaching is a time consuming and life consuming profession. It is also extremely rewarding. I have troubled students. I have a hard class. Every single day is a struggle. I have 30 little people that I care for and am responsible for everyday. Sometimes I want to hug them, sometimes not so much. But I wouldn't trade them for the world.
How can I complain when I can say I like my job and actually feel like I'm doing something worthwhile?

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I finally feel like things are paying off. I can afford things like a new car. I can provide for myself. I can FINALLY plan trips I have always wanted to take. I can go on all the adventures I want.
For someone who typically has a more cynical outlook on life, who struggles with depression and anxiety on a daily basis, and who has had years from hell... to feel this way about my life is extremely incredible. I'm going to do my best to not take it for granted.