An Ode to Thanks Giving

As the hustle and bustle of Christmas starts earlier and earlier (Hobby Lobby selling trees in August!), I'm trying to focus on the what should be theme of before Christmas: giving thanks. I don't feel like I do it enough, or am simply bad at it. This has to change.

In my effort to have a happier, peaceful, and more productive existence, I have decided to cherish things more than I have before. I could deviate quickly into all the difficult or negative things in my life. They are few, but feel significant. There have been more blessings this past year than I could remember in years past, and I need to take a step back and soak it all in.

Mostly, I am grateful for my wonderful new husband, Justin. We of course have experienced ups and downs, like anyone, and I am thankful for his love, companionship, and never-ending support. Without him, I can honestly say I don't know where I would be. He keeps me going everyday, is the one thought in my head motivating me to press on, and the love of my life.

In an odd way, I don't think our wedding would've happened without me having a new job. That's why I am beyond thankful for the place, people, and students I get to work with. It's surreal to think about how I affect kids' lives daily, whether they realize it or not. Running into two kiddos at the mall yesterday made this obvious to me. They were so excited to see me, tell me of their adventures they were having with their Grandma, and about the exciting toy helicopter they were about to buy. I know it sounds a bit silly, but oftentimes I lack a sense of importance. But when the students are happy to see me, or I recommend a book they truly love, it means a lot to me.

Last, but not least and certainly not last on my list, is my family. My "new" family, combined with my "old" family, is made up of a colorful cast of characters that I am so blessed to know and have in my life. I hope that they see me as the same blessing as I see them. I have the BEST mother-in-law and am so grateful that she is so kind and loving to me.

I know it's not library, work, or literature related, but I wanted to share these thoughts. This is all what is on my heart today, the eve on the day when we're supposed to give thanks, and it seemed mighty appropriate.

Only two weeks until Thanksgiving?

Wow, this school year is flying by so fast. Maybe it's because of all the other stuff that's going on, or my working on the promotional video for the library, or just because that's what happens when work is so busy.

I'm excited that the next few days are super busy. There's something about getting as much as you can done between classes that keeps me going. Especially now, since our book order has arrived! Woohoo!

Also, getting back to that weekly reading bandwagon...I made it a goal of mine to read at least 4 chapter books a month. I haven't really been good about that, but am starting today. I have book one of A Series of Unfortunate Events at home, and am going to start Wildwood, Drooling and Dangerous, and The Lightning Thief. 

This weather is finally absolutely perfect for reading!

Right now, I'm working on some research for the promotional video, and making sure I have all the software I need. Here's hoping that Movie Maker is sufficient enough for this task. I still don't know how I'm going to be recording audio for the interviews, but I have some professional mics at home I can probably use. We'll see.

We're also developing our own research model, and are having a couple of board discussions in the following month. I'm trying to familiarize myself with some of these research methods. I will be presenting information about another local schools inquiry method. I'm trying to be well-versed enough to answer questions, but I imagine I'll also be pretty darn nervous. Just have to be prepared!

Off to finish Zita the Spacegirl and then start on some other PowerPoint projects.

What a whirlwind!

My posts have been lacking as of late, and I do apologize for it. Getting married seems to suck out every ounce of energy, time, and sanity from everyone involved! Now, I'm married and am slowly recovering from the exciting whirlwind, back to thinking more seriously about things in libraryland.

Before I left to get ready, I worked on a website for 2nd grade's Texas unit. You can check out the website I made here! Carrie and I wanted to make it user friendly, with all the info about Texas on one page. It's a little challenging to find facts about our great state, but we perused many encyclopedias and things to make sure we got what we needed. I cited things as best as I could.

This website project got me so excited; making things is what I love doing best. Weebly is so super easy and lets you be creative in ways you never thought possible. I have a personal website on there, too, which needs heavy updating! Now that I'm more confident in my Weebly skills, I may revisit that idea in the future.

Another fun thing we've all started doing is displaying what we're reading! We all have laminated pieces of paper saying "Mrs. So-and-so is reading ____". Mine is hanging on the back of my monitor, and is super awesome. I love how it is keeping me accountable to reading, and is a great conversation starter with the kiddos.

Right now, I'm finally reading A Series of Unfortunate Events. I know! I should have read it a long time ago. I wasn't sure what to think of it when it first came out, but I think I may like it better now than before. We'll see :)