A note written by a student in a thank you card given to me last week (mistakes included):

My lovely teacher!

From the bottom of my heart, I want to say that you're the greatest teacher I ever have in my life. Since I have been in this country, nowhere makes me feel comfortable like your class, and nobody makes me feel warm like you. Thank you for all the good things you did.

Thanks,
(student name)

We had a big potluck party the last day of class for the trimester (last Thursday) to celebrate that we have a week off for Thanksgiving. My students asked me to say a few words before we all ate (and ate and ate). I expressed how grateful I am to have the job I do, one where I get to go to work every day and see their lovely faces and have FUN. Who knew work could be entertaining? I'm grateful not only to have a job in this poor economy, but to also have one that I enjoy as much as I do. I'm truly a lucky girl.

But my luck goes well beyond my job. I'm so thankful for everything going on in my life. I'm happier now than I have been...well, maybe ever. I have a great family who supports me in (almost) everything I do. I have the world's most amazing boyfriend who would do anything to make me happy. I have loving support of friends who enjoy seeing me so happy after the craziness of a few years ago. I'm just generally grateful for this whole, big gift--the good and the bad--of my days on this earth. I hope I still have many more, but the ones I've had so far have been worth everything.

I am one thankful girl.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends, and to all the non-Americans who might stumble upon this blog, I wish you the gift of appreciation and gratitude. We're all so lucky.