Thing #65: Snow in the Weather Report

As established, I am (nor are many people) not a fan of gloomy weather. There are a few instances when gloomy weather is not so bad. One of those instances is when there is a light dusting of snow incorporated into the gloom. Generally, the white powder floating through the air makes up for the existing general grayness of the day.

Today, it is snowing (not much, but some) while I sit in my gloomy study block class and grade equally gloomy homework assignments. But, as I look on weather.com, it shows me this lovely graphic including those wonderful snowflakes. I have to say, they are simply prettier than their liquid counterparts, even on a weather forcast. So today, I am happy for the snow in the weather report (as well as living in Virginia Beach where it was 50+ degrees yesterday so this snow will not stick and cause an epic shutdown of life).

Thing #64: Being Appreciated

I love teaching, but it gets exhausting wondering if what I am doing has any impact. Often, I think that it doesn't, and all these kids go about their lives in the exact same way they might even if I never entered it. Today, though, I realized that there may be some kids out there who actually have been impacted by what I did/do.

The SCA had a project that involved passing out paper turkeys to study blocks and asking students to address them to teachers who made a difference. They collected them and gave them out to us today. It was touching to read the comments students made, ranging from "You're cool" to "You're a really great teacher and I love English because of your class freshman year." Of course, they all came from students who I taught/am teaching during their freshman year, so I think that makes a difference.

Any way I look at it, I made some kind of difference to some kids. It's good to feel appreciated and useful, especially in a career that frequently seems to be unrewarded and looked down upon by many.

Thing #63: Trader's Joe's Christmas Blend Coffee

I'll be honest. Trader Joe's could probably populate an entire year's worth of "things to be happy about" posts. However, I will not sit down to provide such unsolicited positive publicity (to my four blog readers). Now, if it were solicited and paid for, I may consider blogging about a Trader Joe's item every day for a year.

But, alas, finding an alternative income is NOT the purpose of this post. Instead, I would like to mention on specific incredible product available during this holiday season. On Monday, I was in desperate need of a new container of coffee. My wanderings brought me to Trader Joe's (the aforementioned home of all things amazing). I spent a quick 3 minutes scoping out the coffee selection. I thought of going with the super affordable Trader Joe's blend, but then the holiday blend caught my eye. I am a lover of all things Christmas themed, and the flavors of holiday spices are no exception. It said that blended with the coffee were several seasonal spices. I didn't even care to read (though I did attempt to smell through the vacuum seal) what these spices were. I was hooked. I purchased my $6.50 goodie (along with many, many others) and headed home without further thought of my coffee. Until the next morning. From my kitchen wafted delightful holiday smells along with delicious smell of percolating coffee. Could it be? Could this smell belong to something that tasted as wonderful? Yes! It could be!

Needless to say, I have sucked down three cups of this delightfulness in the past three days. Each cup leaves me yearning for more. It's the perfect combination of holiday treat and morning caffeination. It surely makes 7:25 with students infinitely more barable.

There you have it, Trader Joe's. Testimonial #1. I have more where that came from, but I'm awaiting compensation. Sincerely, Katie.

Thing #62: Wedding Pictures

I remember a few beautiful spring and fall days at William and Mary when I happened upon a bride and groom having their pictures taken after their ceremony at the Wren building. It always seemed like I was catching a glimpse of something special and momentous. I couldn't help but smile. I feel like that often when I see the tell-tale white dress. It's as if I'm lucky enough to be a spectator in a big moment in those peoples' lives.

I say all of this because today on my run, I saw two wedding photo sessions on the boardwalk. The brides I saw today looked REALLY young, but REALLY happy. It was a little chilly, so they also looked a little bit cold and ready to go inside. Still, it was kind of happy thing for me, as I begin to think more and more about this big day in my life.

There's just something magical about it all - kind of like seeing the castle at Magic Kingdom for the first time - it's a little bit fairy tale and a little bit real. Plus, it's all kinds of special.

Thing #61: Christmas Lights

This time change is killin' me, Smalls. I can't seem to manage much more that puttering after the 5:30 hour o' darkness. I have organized some wedding stuff and managed to watch a lot of Bravo. I have not, however, managed to run, eat well, or be in any way active after the hour o' darkness. It's going to have to change soon, I know. Until it does, however, I have something quite exciting to light up my life: Christmas lights.

Yes, I know that it is merely November 9, but waiting until today shows a great deal of restraint by my Christmas-light-loving self. First, as I mentioned, it's very dark very early, and there is still a month and TWELVE days until the shortest day of the year. Lights make things brighter and far more tolerable. Second, these Christmas decorations are costly, and it seems that the most cost-efficient use of them would necessitate that they be up early. Third, I love lights. And sparkle. And lights. There are few things in this world that I find as enjoyable as a well-decorated and (likely overly) lighted Christmas tree.

Now, to be fair, I only put up my Christmas trees as a home for my lights (see title of post), so I am not completely ridiculous. I will save Christmas decorating for the much later date of Saturday. Too bad I'm not kidding, because this is potentially the most ridiculous post I have given.

But gosh, I do love those lights. I may go make some hot cider (also a thing I love neglected from my list) and stare at them. Oooh, lights. Sparkle.

Thing #60: Halloween Costumes

Let me begin this by saying that I am NOT a Halloween person. Perhaps in my childhood, I was more inclined to dress up, but I have rarely obsessed over the details of a costume after the 14-year-old trick-or-treating cut-off. I can think of maybe three costumes I've worn in these past 11 years - half of good and evil (I was evil), a rabbit, and a rainbow marshmallow from Lucky Charms.

Still, I think costumes are SO cool.

Yesterday, we all ran the Wicked 10K at the beach. It was hilarious. There are so many creative people out there, from the Adams Family to "Ghoul Runnings" to a centaur; the whole thing was just entertaining. I couldn't believe what some people were willing to run 6 miles in. It's nice to see a lighter side of people, too. It's difficult to be too serious when people all around you are dressed up like cartoon characters, cross dressers, and humorous renditions of serious things.

This year, we were the Lucky Charms, and it was amusing. It was pretty simple, but definitely worth it.

I mean, check us out. How could you not get a little chuckle from it? I am incredibly impressed, however, by the amount of time it must take to create more elaborate costumes, because these took many, many hours in their simplicity.

Moral of the story: I am amused and anxiously awaiting true inspiration for next year's Wicked 10K...

Thing #59: Uplifting Songs

As usual, I am exhausted. I wonder frequently how mothers of young children manage - especially teacher mothers who work - to grade papers, plan sweet lessons, and raise relatively well-adapted children. It is a mystery to me, but I suppose I will one day learn that the secret is merely severe sleep deprivation. And this of course, is all one major tangent to my real point for this entry. On my way home from my second church committee meeting this week, I realized that I needed some uplifting music. On my iPod, "Dream Big" was still pulled up from my previous night's drive home. This song served great uplifting work yesterday.

"When you see, see the beauty all around and in yourself

and it will help you feel okay.

And when you pray, pray for strength for when the troubles come your way.

And when you dream, dream big, as big as the ocean blue,

because when you dream, it might come true.

So when you dream, dream big."

I listened to this song again tonight, and it was still a lovely reminder that I need to smile and keep on moving. I mean, my life is easy compared with most, so who am I to complain? (Side Note: This song is also a ringtone on my phone, which has coincidentally been set as my morning alarm. This means I rarely actually listen to the words before shutting it off.)

Then, I needed more mmmph in a song, so I found my favorite song sung by Wynona Judd - "I Will Testify to Love." Now, this song is straight up inspirational.

"For as long as I will live, I will testify to love.

I'll be a witness in the darkness when words are not enough.

With every breath I take, I will give thanks to God above,

For as long as I shall live, I will testify to love."

This really made me think, "Am I actually testifying to love?" The answer is, "No." Still, I sang REALLY loudly and did a little praisin' in my car. I realized that I need to chill on out and not get so uptight. My goal is to testify to love, to be patient every day with my job and coworkers and students, to love the God in everyone.

Today, I'm not only "happy about" these songs, I'm grateful that they were on my iPod to give me some direction and clarity about my foul approach to stress. Really, it'll all get done. I have no earthly idea when, and some papers might be mysteriously "lost," but it WILL be okay as long as I smile, pray, dream big, and testify to love.

Thanks, music.