I realize that this is now a record for virtual silence. I haven't even bothered to look at the date on my last blog because it's embarrassing! All I know is this is long overdue and I do miss blogging terribly. As usual, however, I can make no promises to be bettter in the future, so let us just enjoy the moment and I will take advantage of this quiet time at two in the morning with a pie crust in the oven to just reflect and be thankful.
I know I am early for Thanksgiving, but we are celebrating tomorrow.
This year my South African co-teacher, my "partner in crime" as she says, has come to La Roda with her son to join the celebration. I am so happy and thankful to be able to share the best of American holidays with yet another international friend.
And best of all, my mommy is here to partake of the feast (and help cook...or clean up after me, as the case may be). ;) She's been here nearly two weeks and flys home Sunday, so our celebration isn't a moment too soon. It is so special for me and maybe especially for Emily that she can be here with us. She even adventurously took the bus on her own into Granada center today in search of fresh cranberries...and was successful! At 4.50 each for a small basket, I'm afraid it was rather an expensive endeavor, but we will have the most delicious cranberry relish this side of the Atlantic, for sure!
I am thankful for my hard-working wife, who actually is the reason I can even afford to work this crazy job which leaves me with no time for anything, but does at the end of the day feel rewarding and important. She's the reason we can give Emily a different kind of education, and one that I feel is empowering, enriching and far superior to the public system. She has my back, despite frequent grumbling ;) but in the end I couldn't do any of this without her.
I am thankful for my beautiful, intrepid, increasingly naughty, funny, dramatic, amazing daughter. She delights me every day. It is such fun to watch her play and interact with her Ga. They are two peas in a pod.
I am thankful for my job. I am thankful that it allows me a means to continue learning and growing personally and professionally. It is stressful and hectic and far from perfect...but things quite often are.
I am thankful for quiet moments like these when I can sit and send a message out to all of you whom I love so much and are so far away. I am thankful that you can read this and know I am thinking of you and wishing you a very happy Thanksgiving with your own families and friends.
The smell of pumpkin pie calls.
