I had not realized, until five minutes ago, my last blog post was from July, on the occasion of RWA19. It feels only yesterday I got to meet my absolute idol, the Queen Bee herself: J.R. Ward. Upon reflection of where I’ve been since, and even before, I realized this has been one hell of a year. And there’s a lot to be thankful for.

I am thankful for… My Job

In June, I rounded out my first year of teaching. It progressed better than other experiences I’ve heard about, but by no means was perfect. The most valuable thing I learned? This is my calling. I have found no greater joy than in teaching History. Now, half way through the second quarter of my second year, this revelation has not changed. I have a fantastic support system in my coworkers, and I appreciate my students. Even on the days when I want to strangle them.

I am thankful for… My Family and Friends

I have the best family. We’re not a perfect family, but whose is? We stretch from Florida to Maine, Connecticut to California, and yet, we thrive. I’m especially thankful for the safe return of my cousin from Afghanistan. She’s doing fantastic things as a Navy doc, but damn, I’m glad she’s home. I’m thankful for the support my family gives me in all things: writing, traveling, you name it they support it. Except for maybe ritual animal sacrifice…

I have the best friends. To Kathryn, my fellow writer, my soul sister, I owe everything. She inspired me to work towards publication, she inspired me to join writing groups, she inspired me. No words can express how thankful and happy I am to have her in my life. To my other friends, I’m thankful for the movies we’ve gone to see. I’m thankful to see another of my closest friends soon to be married to the love of her life. I am thankful for the laughs.

I am thankful for… My Craft.

As anyone close to me knows, I’m not the most outwardly confident in my writing. I never have been, and never fully will. But, I’m thankful for the minutes of bravery it took for me to hire an editor and a cover artist for the novel I hope to publish next year. I’m thankful for the writing conferences and workshops I’ve been able to attend throughout this year. My skills can only go up from here.

I am thankful for… Opportunity

I’ve done a few things this year that were way out of the norm for me:

Over Spring Break, I traveled to Germany to visit my cousin, and had an opportunity to take a stop off in Dublin.
I went to New York for a writer’s conference, and thanks to the generosity of the best woman out there, I got to see Phantom of the Opera live on stage. As mentioned above, I met my favorite author, J.R. Ward, got a picture with her, and listened to what was basically an hour pep talk about writing, and not giving a f**k about what people think.
When I returned from New York, I adopted the sweetest and bestest dog on the planet, and named her Juno. I am thankful every day to have the love of such a furry cutie.
I gave a few professional development presentations this year as well, spreading my enjoyment of the escape room phenomenon in the classroom. Also, I was nominated content team lead for World History.
For 12 weeks, I took a local department’s Citizen Police Academy, and came away with a plethora of knowledge and fun memories, a notable memory being the ride along I participated in. Not to mention, my fellow classmates elected me class president, and flexed my writing skills for the speech I gave at our graduation. I received many compliments. Oh, and not only was I president, but I also earned “Top Gun” overall for the class at the gun range.

I am thankful for… WW

Yes, WW, more commonly known as Weight Watchers. Since given the suggestion by another fantastic friend, I joined WW and have lost 27 pounds to date. I’m still a long way from my goal, but I’m proud of the progress I made. I’m thankful for the drive I have to go to the gym. It isn’t a chore when you go for personal training sessions with someone who is not only your trainer, but a close friend. Dani, I’m at this point because of you. I’ll always value your positivity and your cheerleading. I’ve found a confidence in myself I hadn’t realized was there before. Not to mention… I’M ACTUALLY WEARING DRESSES! LE GASP!

This list is by no means exhausted. I’m thankful for the food I eat, the roof over my head, the bed I sleep in, my car, my clothing… you get the idea. I’m most likely leaving something major out, but know, whatever it is, I am also thankful for. I can’t help it, I’m a Hufflepuff, I’m thankful for literally everything, even the person that cuts me off on the road.

So, in this season of thanks, I challenge you, dear reader, to reflect upon the things you are grateful for this year.

Ciao friends!

Jenn