meet murphy:

my new little China buddy :)

scribbles

My gramma sends me cards every few weeks. I'm so grateful for them. They have divine timing, just like the one I had waiting for me in my mailbox this afternoon. Her cards always make me smile, but this particular one gave me a good laugh. When I opened it I found two newspaper clippings, and one of them was called 'Mood Meter: Tips from experts for getting happy.'*  She left a few subtle markings next to one of the items on the list:

Not quite sure what she's trying to tell me, but I thought it was worth ignoring my stack of grading to post about it ;)


*Apparently the government is trying to measure happiness levels? The UN has already published a World Happiness Report, too. Read it here--http://earth.columbia.edu/articles/view/2960

thankful

Tomorrow is Thankful Thursday. We have Thankful Thursday every week in my classroom. We take the first few minutes of our day to write down the ways God has blessed us--in big ways and small ways--during the week: birthdays, fishing trips with dads, new dogs, not having dogs in school because they're scary (said by one of my students last week!), letters from friends, etc.

I thought I'd make my list a day early. Here are a few things that I am thankful for today:

•  gorgeous fall weather
• catching the early (3:30) bus home twice this week 
• healthy check-up at the doctors
• my renewed love for reading
• naps
• homemade beef jerky
• quality time/talks/walks with some of my favorite China friends

 Thankful for so much more, but that's a good summary of this week :)