[i am] thankful

I recently made a promise; that I would try my hardest to let things “roll off my back” and not get to me like they previously would. Thus far, I’d say I’m doing an excellent job. Some recent issues with the ex/baby daddy have made that difficult, but I’ve made the decision to wash my hands of the drama, sotospeak, and just stay positive.

In the process of staying positive, I’ve come to realize there is so much to be thankful for in my life. I am surrounded by so many amazing people, and on top of the people here, physically, there are all my new sistas, who support me in ways I never thought imaginable. There’s my beautiful daughter, who in so many ways has taught me new things; most importantly what being a mommy really truly feels like [amazing, to put it simply.] My awesome boyfriend, who has shown me what patience and love truly is. Who gives me advice before I’ve asked for it, who listens and holds my hand, who tells me how he feels without “toughening” it up. My parents, who as crazy as they drive me, help me, support me, make me feel better about things I can’t control. My sister, who in so many ways is my best friend, she listens and lets me complain without judging me. My friends, you-reading this- included, for the advice, the hugs, the shoulders, the texts, the jump up and down excitement with me.

Then, there are the material things I’m thankful for:



Strawberry banana smoothies- seven am work/school days suck, especially with a three year old who likes to change her outfit five million times in a ten minute timeframe. Strawberry banana smoothies are a saving grace at 6:45 as we head out the door.


Antibacterial hand sanitizer- the person who created such is truly a genius. I work with kids on a daily basis. Kids who, especially this time of year, have snotty noses, coughs, and all that gross germ spreading stuff. I change diapers several times every hour. Without hand sanitizer, I’d be germ covered and sick all the time.


Music- I have a 30+minute drive to/from school two/three times a week, on top of a 20 minute drive to work. Music makes car rides so much funner, especially when the kid knows the song and sings along.


Family gatherings- Not just my family’s but M’s as well. I love family. I love big family gatherings. It seriously bums me out that I don’t get to see my extended family very often. I love the lunch dates we have. They’re always filled with happiness and tons of laughter.


Weekends with the boy- most of the time, schedule conflicts keep us from spending a lot of time together. By the time I get home, he’s getting ready to head to work. When he gets home and is ready for bed, I’m heading out the door. So workless weekends are definitely something we look forward to.


Reading- I love to read. Especially when it’s just for fun, not because some professor is telling me I have to. I’d read all the dang time if I had the ability.


My job- I love my job. It is, to put it simply, the best job ever. The people I work with are pretty awesome, as well. I work with kids; my days are full of smiles, laughter, and tons of fun. I get paid, not just with money, but by knowing that I am teaching these kids. The looks on their faces when something “clicks” whether it be writing their name, learning a letter, or counting; it’s an amazing feeling.


Sunshine- because without, my life would be so grey, literally. I am a huge fan of summertime, because of the sunshine that comes with it. The way the sunshine feels against my bare skin, it's a feeling I quite enjoy.

And here's my list of today's thankfuls. I'll add plenty more to this list soon enough; like falling asleep next to my favorite boy in the entire world, pregnancy tests, health changes for the positive, weight loss, the fact that pop is no longer a daily necessity for me, oh, and, some huge life changing discoveries. :) yes, I have a lot to be thankful for.