I only post on holidays now

(Though last entry had nothing to do with Halloween...)

Since I have a half hour to fritter away before traveling to a Thanksgiving celebration of work friends, I figured I could revisit the tried and true November school writing prompt:

I am thankful for:

*6th graders who come back to visit PS 43. The best so far has been one boy who, despite having a lot of emotional/behavioral issues last year, was one of my favorites--a SMART kid who really wanted to succeed but couldn't always control his responses to his world... I asked him how middle school was going; he smiled with an expression of peace and answered with a genuine "Really well, Ms. Phillips." Cue tears of pride.

*An extremely successful inaugural service outing with the young adults of my church. Great turnout and all goals accomplished at the site! Love love love being engaged in a leadership role completely separate from school.

*Surprise packages and letters! Highlights from the past week include coloring book pages from Ellen's "best buddy" Maria (ELLEN-can I get an address to write her a thank you??) and frickin' BEAUTY AND THE BEAST on DVD from the fam. So. Excited. Also, did you know that the new Rapunzel movie is an Alan Menken-composed musical??? Why hasn't this been advertised? Poor marketing choice, Disney.

*A collective holiday of gratefulness that anyone and everyone can observe--it is warming in a small but significant way that I can wish a Happy Thanksgiving to all my teachers and friends and not have to guess whether or not they celebrate it. True, most people I know wouldn't be offended in the least by "Merry Christmas" (I received many of them last year), but somehow this one is different.

*Mariah Carey's "Merry Christmas" album. I am choosing to reject the reality of her "updated" holiday release. Only the original, please.

*Generous friends hosting a Thanksgiving gathering that is likely a little too numerous in guests for their space... Bring on the coziness and feasting and laughter!

*The ability to completely avoid the Macy's Parade and the 3.5 million people who attend it. That's more than New Year's, folks.

*Staying connected with friends and family around the country as they celebrate with friends and family of their own!

*Grandma pie. The celebration I will be attending is set on desserts (as if that's a thing), but I made one for myself just the same. If you can make the trip in the next week, you're welcome to have some too! =)

Have a safe and restful and warm-fuzzy Thanksgiving, friends!

Love, love, love.
K