Coming up for air...

I never would have thought that things would be so busy.

Everything is a good busy though.

I've started my part time contract work again which is five additional hours a week. We've been out and about just about every weekend with family or friends. This weekend we are protoring the SAT on Saturday. I'm not sure if we are doing anything on Sunday, except church. I'm looking forward to Veteran's Day because I do not have to work but, I think I may try to visit some very special people that day (if they are available). The week after that I am going to a conference for the day with the principal in Philly. (Down and back, one day, YIKES!) Tonight, I am working late for the school's Open House. Grades are due next Friday. Last week, we were at a conference for three days.

The hubby has been working his usual hours (a couple of late nights during the week).

Last night, it was was nice to to just relax. We were able to eat dinner together at a normal hour. I cooked Shrimp and String Beans with Garlic Soy Sauce. It was tasty but, I still wish it was TSUBO (my favorite Japanese Restaurant on Long Island). Hopefully, we will get there soon. But, a nice dinner together is always a welcomed change from the hurried take out routine. We even cleaned a little last night!

I'm glad I decided to do the November -Give Thanks... because it lets me stop and think about what I am grateful for each day.

November - Give Thanks...

Today, I am thankful for education.

I am grateful that some of my students want to learn more and crave understanding.

I am grateful for their parents who provide them with this opportunity.

I am grateful for my teachers who gave me the foundation I need to do my job well.

I am grateful for the persistence and dedication of the teachers that I work with.

I am grateful for my parents who instilled the value of a good education in me.

November-Give Thanks!

Today, I am thankful for my right to vote.

The hubby and I got up bright and early this morning to vote. Everything went smoothly. I kind of missed the switches in the voting booth. I found it difficult to read the ballot. But, I got a lovely little pop up on the scanner that says my vote was counted! I was the 17th person to cast a vote in my polling center this morning! Go me!

Tonight as I was driving home, I loved seeing that the Empire State Building was dressed up for the occasion!

Where have I been?

On Wednesday, the faculty left for ECLEC. We have been eagerly waiting for this since the last one three years ago. We were privileged to ride together in the new school van. It was a nice treat to be able to be together. In the past, we have been split up in to various cars. This conference was a wonderful opportunity for fun, fellowship, rejuvenation, and professional development. I can honestly say I don't think I have ever laughed so hard. I learned to play two new card games. (I don't know that I am particularly good at either.) We talked a lot about how to help our struggling students, how to do motivate them to do homework and bullying.
(It is unfortunate that bullying is such a big issue.) We returned on Friday. I slept to make up for all of the lost sleep over the past few days.

On Saturday, the hubby, some friends, and I joined my family for Fordham v. Georgetown in the Bronx. The team won and we got to have some tasty italian food on Arthur Ave.

On Sunday, we went to my parents house to help hand out candy and celebrate Halloween. I broke out the old green M&M costume. We had a few laughs. There were several children dressed as Michael Jackson. ( A sign of the times...I guess...)

November-Give Thanks!

I am stealing her friend's idea on Facebook and posting a new "thing I am thankful for" each day in November.

Today, I am thankful for my awesome job, getting to do something I really love to do and work with great people, and teach teenagers, who need someone to believe in them. I doI