Novemberisms (part 3)

November 14th: Even though I haven't been in a while, I am thankful for Zumba with Whitney! Can't wait to get back in the swing of it in Jan. through March once life calms down a bit! By the way: she's doing a groupon special soon....Dionne, Stephanie, Melissa, Fain, Laura, and anyone else who joined me for classes, I'm talking to you! ;) I'm also thankful to Becky for introducing me to zumba back in West York!

November 15th: It might seem silly but today I'm grateful for technology and how the internet can bring us all together. Feeling that connection with loved ones near and far via email, Facebook, texting, & Skype is something I'm grateful in this day and age. Granted there is nothing like getting a surprise handwritten card/letter (thanks Ashley !!) or package in the mail but having that (almost) instant access to others via other means is wonderful too. Check out this surprise Halloween box of treats I received from my newest nephew, Thomas, Mark, and Liz the other day! Love my Philly family! ♥ — in Dover, DE.

 November 16th: I'm thankful for ALL of my friends but today, I'd like to give a shout out to my fellow Catholic Young Adults buddies. From the Philly area to Greensboro to New Jersey to Winston-Salem to Harrisburg to Lancaster to Minneapolis to High Point and alllllll points in between, I'm a better person for having met & known you all over the last 3 years. From retreats to Catholic Undergrounds to conferences to masses to volunteer service projects/fundraiser banquets to concerts (Love Shack Bayyyybeeee!) to dinners out to hours of Adoration to even playing kickball (well, once or twice), we've had fun while also helping to lift one another in faith & I'm very thankful for these blessings! ♥

...and book studies and weddings and 5ks and Theology on Taps...and the list could go on & on...it's awesome how YA groups exist all over the US for fun, faith, & fellowship to occur no matter where you go!

November 17th: As we prep to leave the First State (Delaware), and drive through 2 others (Maryland & Virginia) to get back to "home" for now (North Carolina), I'm grateful for living in the good ol' U S of A!

November 18th: As I woke up in my brother's and sister-in-law's home in NC this morning, I was thankful for the last 27 months of their generosity in allowing (Dusty and) me to stay with them as I work on my PhD. I love being a part of their children's lives and will always cherish the memories we've made/will make in the next 18 months....especially the one that will happen in less than 1 month when the newest little Kemmery will be here & our family grows some more! 

November 19th: I'm thankful for hearing aids...both personally and for my chosen profession. This is pretty self explanatory. :)

November 20th: As I go in for another busy day of meeting after meeting after teaching after meeting, I'm thankful for having a purpose. I also appreciate the collaborative relationships with my colleagues and the "food" that comes along with some of our marathon meetings.

 

November 21st: I came home last night to one of the biggest and satisfying blessings of all! AES had (finally) granted me teacher loan forgiveness and my IUP undergraduate loans are PAID OFF in full!!!!!! Yes, after 13 years of making payments, this process that took me from the beginning of January 2012 until now & after 3 failed attempts in the last 11 months, they finally granted my application approval! Had this been approved back in January, I would still have had some payments to make but only in God's timing does it all work out as perfectly as it did...what a lesson!

November 22nd: It's here....best. holiday. ever. ever. seriously. really. ever. everrrrrrr. yes Taylor Swift, ever!

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

November 23rd: This time of year always reminds me of family and friends. There are so many memories associated with Thanksgiving for me. Today, I'm laughing over a memory that involves one of my first Black Friday shopping experiences in high school. I was still learning to drive and Aunt Maureen, from Boston, let me drive in the Laurel Mall Parking Lot...on the busiest day of year....in a crowded shopping mall parking lot......!!! Don't worry, no accidents or fender benders occurred and I've been driving short and far distances ever since. Wish me luck as I try to hit up 8 stores before 1pm. ;)

November 24th: I'm thankful for this trusty laptop that has helped me to get through the last 2.5 years. While the printer won't scan anymore or print on both sides anymore, at least it prints when I individually feed each paper in one at a time. And yeah, the laptop is slooooow and I've already had to replace the keyboard, battery, and had it crash on me last January, it works. I knew I would

November 25th: I'm thankful for stuffing. Had some yummy stuffing last night at our Thanksgiving dinner (we celebrated yesterday instead of Thurs.). Why did they decide to call it stuffing? What funny name for something so delicious. Kudos to Patrick for making one of the most delicious varieties I've had last week! Mmmm, leftovers for breakfast? Yes, please!