November 8

Tonight I am grateful that I don't spend 14 hours at work every day.

I am grateful that the sun has shown its face often enough for me to begin to take it for granted again.

I am grateful for my husband, who shepherds our little troupe through long days with panache, who provides the littles with endless crafts and activities and joy.

I am grateful for warm blankets and hot tea and snuggling in against the frosty winter-night air.

I am grateful for PBS.  For Antiques Roadshow in particular.  I love Antiques Roadshow.

I am grateful for computers and email and online shopping and all the unfathomable miracles of technology that make my life so very easy, in the grand scheme of things.

I am grateful for the chance to touch the lives of my students and their families, for the opportunity to problem-solve, brainstorm, build on strengths and help them grow.  In the midst of endless paperwork and standards and tests and deadlines, it is important to remember just how vital this work really is.