30 Days of Gratitude: Writing (Day 30)

Today is the last day in my 30 Days of Gratitude series here at Certainly Candid. It's been a fun 30 days of writing, but I will be glad to return to writing book reviews and cultural posts. That being said, I will continue to be grateful for the things life has given me.

Writing (Day 30)

I am grateful for these 30 Days of Gratitude and the writing it has allowed me. Sure, there were days when I hit a writer's block, but daily writing has helped me. It has also shown me that even in my busy life, I can make the time for writing.

I am grateful for writing and my blog here at Certainly Candid, as well as the writing I do for GenTwenty. As I continue to work on my side novel projects, I am happy that I have the opportunity to do something I love everyday (and hope for the day that I can be published!).

Finally, I am grateful for all of you lovely readers who continue to read the writing I do online. You are the best.

Even though November is now over, stay grateful.

30 Days of Gratitude: What's in a name? (Day 29)

Have you ever thought about your name? If it has family significance, or if your parents chose it because they liked it for various reasons? Is it a name that has been in your family for generations, or something more modern?

What's in a name? (Day 29)

I love my name. Olivia. It's simple, yet elegant. It dates back many centuries. Being the nerd that I am, I love that I can read Shakespeare's Twelfth Night (one of my favorites!) and see that Olivia was a name in Shakespearean times. As a result (and again, nerd speaking here), I think I was destined to be an English teacher.

I am grateful for my name. Growing up, I was the only Olivia in my class. Not kidding. The only time I ever had another Olivia in class with me was junior year of college (when I was twenty). The name is rising in popularity to be sure, but in my day and age, it was a rare name.

I am grateful for the interactions that have occurred as a result of my name. I've had many people, when I'm first introduced, say, "Oh I love the name Olivia! It's so pretty!" I also like that there are a few nicknames associated with it. Liv. Livi. My little cousins used to call me Livi because Olivia, being the 4-syllables it is, can be a mouthful for a kid. I've never minded Liv or Livi, even though most people simply call me Olivia.

Finally, I am grateful that my name is easily spelled (I feel bad for the people who have to go to coffee shops and spell their name 3+ times before the barista gets it right) and that there are some famous Olivias out there. Olivia de Havilland, the famous actress. Olivia Newton-John, the singer (Grease, anyone?). Olivia Langdon Clemens, wife of famous writer Mark Twain. And the more modern figures: Olivia Wilde, Olivia Munn, Olivia Palermo.

Good work, parents. I'm grateful for my name. 

30 Days of Gratitude: The Lazy Mornings (Day 28)

I can't remember the last time where I woke up past 9AM, sat around in my PJs sipping coffee, and watched "Kelly and Michael" on TV. My life is so busy most days (and I love it!) but I also love the rare lazy mornings.

The Lazy Mornings (Day 28)

I'm a very motivated individual most of the time. My life revolves around the personal motto of: If you want something done right, you've got to do it yourself.

But some days, it is nice to be lazy (for lack of a better term). Sure, I have a million other things I could be doing this morning, but for the sake of my well-being I'm going to take the next 1-2 hours to just do something I love. Read. Play the piano. Decorate. Whatever it may be.

I am grateful for the lazy mornings off. They are rare, and because of that, I savor them. Sometimes I miss the simplicity of my teenage years (or even college years!) when these days were more frequent, but then I think of the life I live now and wouldn't trade it for the world. 

Finally, I am grateful for the lazy mornings because they allow me to relax before the hectic busy days begin again. I have more energy to tackle the early mornings, the meetings, the days of never-sitting-down, the early evening rehearsals, only to go home and grade papers, cook supper, and clean the apartment. It's a never-ending process, but deep down, I love every minute of it.

Do you have lazy mornings in your life?

30 Days of Gratitude: Happy Thanksgiving! (Day 27)

Happy Thanksgiving, dear readers and friends! I hope today finds you happy, blessed, and safe if you are traveling. Enjoy the day with your family and friends, and remember to give thanks.

Happy Thanksgiving! (Day 27)

While yes, today is Thanksgiving (which for some, would logically mark the end of this series), I will still be continuing the final 3 days in the 30 Days of Gratitude series here at Certainly Candid. There is always more we can be thankful for.

I am grateful for Thanksgiving itself. It is a reminder for me to slow down and enjoy life, if only for the day. I'm a very busy person, and the holidays remind me to take joy in the everyday things.

Finally, I am grateful for Thanksgiving because it lets me enjoy the anticipation of my favorite holiday: Christmas! Even though one holiday will be over today, another is soon on its way.

Happy Thanksgiving, and may your blessings be endless.

30 Days of Gratitude: Memories (Day 26)

Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory. - Dr. Seuss

I'm only a twenty-something, but I have so many memories of so many pivotal moments in my life. Reading my first book. Learning how to ride a bike. Moving away from one city to a new one. Family gatherings. Fireworks on Independence Day. I valued those moments, just as I now value the memories they have left in their place.

Memories (Day 26)

I am grateful for the memories. They make me recall a moment in time when I was happy, sad, joyful, or any other myriad of emotions. I love the memory of my students welcoming me back with hugs, cards, and loud voices after a 3-week hospital ordeal my first year of teaching. I recall the exhilarating memory of riding my bike down gravel hills with no hands on the handlebars. I savor the memory of endless laughs with my family from game nights of Quelf, or Guesstures, or Clue.

I am grateful for the memories because they help me during hard times. They remind me that life has ups and downs, and to cherish the good times so I can look back with a smile. I am grateful for the memories showing me the power of friendship, of love, and of freedom.

Finally, I am grateful for the memories because they provide awesome stories to connect with people. We aren't so different, and sharing our memories helps us interact with others on a daily basis.

Be grateful for the memories.

30 Days of Gratitude: The Conversations (Day 25)

I talk. A lot. Shout-out to my freshman year college roomie (you know who you are!) who I am still friends with almost 8 years later: I recall her saying she was nervous about meeting me before classes started in the fall of 2007 because she didn't know what to expect. But years later, she confided in me that I set her at ease and was "talkative and bubbly."

I'm a firm believer in open-ended conversations, and I think it is a trait I get from one side of the family. I once had a lovely conversation with an elderly lady at Target about the best types of artificial Christmas trees (she asked for an opinion on something, and being the only other person in the aisle, we had a lovely chat!). But I also try really hard to be a good listener. After all, conversations are a two-way street of talking and listening.

The Conversations (Day 25)

I am grateful for the conversations that I have every day in life. I love that I have people to talk to - and listen to - every day. Whether it be the silly conversations I have with my students, the meaningful conversations with friends, or the serious conversations with coworkers, I learn so much from these daily interactions.

I am grateful for the conversations because they teach me about people's dreams and wishes, backgrounds and fears. You'd be surprised how much you can learn about people, and starting by sharing something that is happening in your life is a great way to connect with others. I'd bet they'll share something with you too.

Finally, I am grateful for the conversations because it reminds me that we really aren't so different as people. Sure, we don't always agree, but we also have a lot of commonalities.

Have the important, the silly, the helpful, and the meaningful conversations.

30 Days of Gratitude: The Chords (Day 24)

I wrote about music and my piano in a few other posts during this 30 Days of Gratitude series here at Certainly Candid. Today focuses on one of my other instruments: guitar.

The Chords (Day 24)

Some days I find it strange that I stuck with flute, a woodwind instrument, instead of violin, a string instrument. I enjoyed my time in orchestra, and if I have a musical regret, it is that I didn't continue with violin (perhaps this can be a resolution for 2015, to start playing again).

In college, I picked up the guitar as a fun "teach myself the basics" instrument. Having an extensive musical background already, I figured I'd enjoy it. I was right. I am grateful for my guitar. It's a fun instrument that travels easily (unlike a piano, which is my favorite instrument!).

I am grateful for my parents for giving me a beautiful acoustic guitar. Instruments are expensive, and I am blessed to own four different instruments thanks to many kind individuals.

I am grateful for my guitar because it reminds me that all things take work and perseverance. Even with years of extensive piano instruction, building up calluses and learning the chords for guitar took time. I'm still working on it!

Do you play an instrument you are grateful for?

30 Days of Gratitude: Clay, Sketchbooks, and Thread (Day 23)

I've always been an arts and crafts kind of person. I will try to make something out of nothing if it is possible. I got excited about new crayons when I was a child. My mother is giving me her old sewing machine so I can go crazy with new projects.

Clay, Sketchbooks, and Thread (Day 23)

I am grateful for creativity. If it hadn't been for the math skills, I think I would have enjoyed engineering or some other profession that involves knowing how things work. If I don't know, I look it up. If someone can't tell me, I do what I can to teach myself. I read a lot of manuals, informational guides, and science books as a result.

I am grateful for the things that fostered my creativity growing up. The art classes, the crayons, the 4-H projects at the county fairs. If something needs to be fixed, I can usually think of something to make it happen in a way many wouldn't have considered.

I am grateful for creativity because has taught me to think outside the box. It has taught me to never dismiss initial ideas, because they can hold truth and possibly the answer to a difficult question.

Think creatively about your life.

30 Days of Gratitude: Pearls, Silks, and Fashion (Day 22)

I believe in looking nice. This is not only for myself and having pride in my appearance, but for looking the part in my profession. I once saw Ron Clark, a nationally recognized educator, at a conference in my state. What a powerful presence. His ideas resonated with me, even his views on educator professionalism. Yes, appearance plays into this. He writes about it in his book The End of Molasses Classes. Read it. Seriously.

Pearls, Silks, and Fashion (Day 22)

Just hear me out. I swear this is not a materialistic post. Let me begin by saying that I am all for appropriate casual wear, in the right time and the right place. I wear jeans. I am totally fine slumming around in my sweatpants on the weekends, or lounging in my PJs. 

But face it people: when you have a career, or reach a certain age, you are expected to look the part. Ron Clark said that day, "Dress the part. Attire matters." I am a professional with a university degree. I will look the part. As such, I am grateful for fashion.

I am grateful for fashion because it reminds me that while it is what lies underneath that matters, there is no harm in appropriately looking professional and, in the words of Ron Clark, "looking the part." I may not be rich, but you'd be surprised what kinds of bargains you can find on clothing. Or, if you're like me, how to get innovative on clothing alterations from items at the thrift store.

I am grateful for fashion because it reminds me to put some thought in how I am presenting myself. Fashion is like art, in many ways - a way to express ourselves to the world. Be appropriate about it based on your career, but your outward appearance should, in many ways, reflect your job and your personality.

 Save those sweatshirts for the gym. Look the part.

30 Days of Gratitude: My Phone (Day 21)

Today's post will be a short one, as I'm not sure I have much to say on this topic (but it bears recognition anyway).

My Phone (Day 21)

I'm going to be upfront about this: I am terrible about checking my phone in a timely manner, especially when I am massively busy. I don't understand the 21st century notion of needing to be attached to technology 24/7. If it is an emergency, rest assured I will be in touch with you right away.

Nonetheless, I am grateful for my phone. It allows me to connect with people I don't see often anymore and still hear from them about what is new in their lives. It allows for a personal aspect (as I prefer a phone conversation over a texting conversation any day).

Finally, I am grateful for my phone because it keeps me in the loop about what is happening in our world (especially since I am also terrible about watching the evening news because I'm rarely home at the time it is actually on).

Appreciate the technology, but don't get too attached to it.

30 Days of Gratitude: My Apartment (Day 20)

I love my tiny apartment. It is a space I can call my own, and a place where I can write without interruptions at whatever time strikes my fancy. At this time of year, it is a place where I can go crazy decorating for Christmas (yes, I am that person) and make cupcakes at midnight if I feel like it. Don't get me wrong - I love my home and family, but my apartment fills any additional voids (disclaimer: this is not a photo of my own apartment).

My Apartment (Day 20)

I am grateful for my apartment. It reminds me that I have one of life's essentials, even if it is nothing grand or fancy: a roof over my head and a clean, dry place to stay.

I am grateful for the freedom my apartment allows me. When I can come and go as I please, without having to worry about waking others up or keeping the kitchen 110% tidy, it makes some of the random daily chaos easier to manage.

Finally, I am grateful that having an apartment reminds me to be responsible. To better manage my finances (hey, I'm a twenty-something and it's not always easy), to keep the place clean, and to do all of those things that come with being a responsible adult.

Be grateful for the place you live.

30 Days of Gratitude: My Career Mentors (Day 19)

I think there can be a lot more taught in college about the education field. In fact, there should a class called "Things You Should Know About Education But Won't Learn In College: SURPRISE!" (but that probably wouldn't fit on a course syllabus, I suppose). Luckily, I have had mentors for that!

My Career Mentors (Day 19)

This is a really broad category, but it includes many individuals. I am grateful for the people who have taught me how to handle the things you won't learn from a college textbook (how to respond to a student who swears, says inappropriate things, spitballs around the room, and a multitude of other crazy things I will refrain from discussing on the very large internet).

These people know who they are. I am grateful to you all. My supervisor in student teaching, for her expertise; my cooperating teachers, for their guidance; my mentor my first year of teaching, for being totally awesome, helpful, and just great; my English cohort my first year of teaching, who, even though I don't see her everyday now still gives lots of great pep talks - lots of which are now theatre related; and all the wonderful people I work with and see everyday, and those who I used to work with (there are a lot of you, and you've all helped in so many ways).

I would not be where I am today without all of your knowledge, advice, and wisdom. So thanks. I am eternally grateful to have such an amazing support system.

Who has been a mentor in your career?

30 Days of Gratitude: The Great Days (Day 18)

Today was a great day! I accomplished everything on my to-do list before 10:30AM (oil change for car scheduled too!), my students were on-task, I ran errands this afternoon, took a nap, met up with some coworkers, and bought myself some early Christmas presents. I love the great days, even though today probably seems like a normal day to many of you. There are days where I just don't get everything done, or some things don't go well, or something happens to upend my stellar mood. I think we can all relate.

The Great Days (Day 18)

I am grateful for the great days. The ones that leave you spirited (or maybe drained, but in a good way) and make you feel accomplished when you go to bed in the evening. The great days are reminders that every once in a while, fate is looking out for you.

I am grateful for knowing that I have great days ahead. Even if I'm going through a stretch of very hectic and chaotic days, I know the stretch has to end sometime. And then: the great days are back! [happy dance here] I savor the great days, because when the going does get tough, it helps to remember when things went well.

In the end, I am grateful for the great days and the positivity they give me and my attitude. I especially love that a "great day" doesn't have to be something out of the ordinary - nothing major happened today, but a series of little things that made the day awesome. Remember those things.

Think about what makes your great days "great." Be grateful for that.

30 Days of Gratitude: The Rolling Fields (Day 17)

I miss my days living in the country so much. I know I've written about those times here on Certainly Candid before, but never fully in-depth. Today's post in the 30 Days of Gratitude series focuses on nature: what I love, and why I miss it.

The Rolling Fields (Day 17)

While I was skeptical about moving to a tiny rural community right after college, I savored the opportunity to get back in touch with my outdoorsy side. I loved going for drives in the countryside up and down the hills in the valley. I loved seeing the wheat fields in all their glory again after years of living in town after my family moved away from the country.

I am grateful for the rolling fields. I love the serenity of nature, and in my state where the prairie always meets the sky, I love seeing the rippling wheat fields. Around harvest, they glimmer like golden oceans with gentle waves in the wind.

I am grateful for the years I grew up in the country. For the snowmobiling, the tree climbing, the slippery sliding down shallow icy ponds. I am grateful for the towering oaks, the willows in the yard, the lone coyote calls at night, the silent deer in the rhubarb patch, the wild raspberry bushes around the yard, the rides to the pasture with my grandpa. I am grateful for the beating wings of hawks free in the sky, for the silent world after the first snow, for the glistening light of the moon.

In the end, I am grateful for the time in the outdoors. It allows me to dream of the day where I will live in the country once again. Where I can have an ATV, and do bow target practice in the backyard, and set up a hammock in the trees.

Find the joy in nature.

30 Days of Gratitude: For the Love of Chocolate (Day 16)

I have a huge sweet tooth. As per one of my previous posts in this series, I wrote about my love for coffee. Today focuses on my other love: chocolate. I actually have to avoid the Christmas aisles at Target now because of the Lindor Peppermint Truffles that I could probably scarf down in a day, easily. 

For the Love of Chocolate (Day 16)

I will apologize in advance if this post makes you hungry. I swear I didn't mean to! So, let's talk about chocolate. I love it. In brownies, in coffee (mocha, anyone?), in ice cream, in Hershey kisses and Lindor truffles.

I am grateful for the chocolate because it reminds me that life always has a sweet side if you look for it. I am grateful that I can splurge on little luxuries like this when I meet friends for dessert in the evening at a local restaurant.

I am grateful for the chocolate because it makes baking fun. I don't care what you think, chocolate makes everything better (unless you are allergic, in which case I'm sorry). Add it to cookies, to waffles, to toast (Nutella!), and voila! life is good.

Lastly, I am grateful for the chocolate on the rough days. I don't care how cliche that sounds: chocolate makes the rough days more endurable. 

What pleasure food are you grateful for?

30 Days of Gratitude: The Country, The Pop, The Rock (Day 15)

I love my iPod. The hundreds of songs are my constant companion on the road trips I love to take by myself (I don't care what people say - I love driving miles upon miles alone with only me, my tunes, and the open road). I don't mean to sound materialistic when I say I love my iPod. It simply represents more to me than the device itself.

The Country, The Pop, The Rock (Day 15)

I'd be lying if I say I love all kinds of music, but I will listen to pretty much anything. Music runs in my blood - both of my grandmothers are organists, I have an aunt who is an organist, I have music teacher cousins, my dad was in musicals in school, my parents were in marching band together... you get the idea. I was in choir and I played three instruments growing up: piano, violin, and flute. I picked up guitar in college. I share this for one reason: to imagine a life without music is unfathomable to me.

Having an iPod reminds me of how much I love music. I am grateful for the country, the pop, and the rock. The country music taught me to value my time with the "fiddle" (aka my violin) and country was one of my earlier exposures to genres of music.

I am grateful for all the other types of music out there, especially anything instrumental. My friends could tell you that I gravitate towards music with strong piano parts (Five for Fighting, anyone?). I still listen to classical music - anything Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, etc.

Finally, I am grateful for the device that houses all of my music: my lovely iPod. I don't know what I'd do without it. It was an investment to be sure, but well worth it.

Cherish the items that hold significance beyond the surface level.

30 Days of Gratitude: With Shimmering Colors (Day 14)

Art has always been a big part of my life. I credit participating in an art program at my high school (where high school students mentored elementary students and taught them basic art concepts) as the start of my passion for my education career. I love what art has represented for me over the years: an opportunity to escape reality.

With Shimmering Colors (Day 14)

I am grateful for art. Since I was a little girl, I was always artistic. Always coloring, always doodling in notebooks, always painting with Crayola art sets. As I got older, this naturally transitioned into many art classes in high school.

I am grateful for the shimmering colors. I see the world with an artist's eyes, and all that occurs around me is often the basis for the many watercolor paintings and sketches I do today (ex: the above painting I did was inspired by a photograph I took on a trip to the Split Rock Lighthouse in Duluth, MN).

I am grateful for the wonder I find in seeing other artists create and play with different forms of materials. I attend many art related events in my community and try to volunteer for these events when I have the spare time. 

What hobbies and interests are you most grateful for?

30 Days of Gratitude: My Family (Day 13)

My family puts up with a lot from me, but more importantly, they are always there despite all of those things. I love them - both my immediate family and my extended family. I don't know what I'd do without all of you. Thank you.

My Family (Day 13)

I am grateful for my family. They support me in so many ways, in so many different endeavors. I know that there are people who do not have supportive families, which makes me even more grateful for mine.

I am grateful for the things that come with being part of a family. The holiday gatherings of crazy games, caroling, cookie frosting, and taking the time to have fun together. I am grateful for the memories that are made during these times together, and the stories that evolve that are eventually told for years to come.

I am grateful for the times my family has consoled me in my darkest of times. The times I was sad, or angry, or hurting, or upset with the world. Knowing that someone (or more than one someone!) has your back during these times is very uplifting. Sometimes all we need is encouragement from our loved ones to take the next steps.

I am grateful for having a home to return to. Because believe it or not, home is always part of your family and the roots you come from. Home is my refuge, and I love being able to go there when I need it.

Thank your family for all they have done for you.

30 Days of Gratitude: A Healthy Lifestyle (Day 12)

My health isn't perfect. I've had problems, multiple surgeries, many different kinds of procedures, and yet for the most part, I am healthy. I know it seems frustrating when I feel unwell, but I do remind myself that there are others who are in worse condition and I try hard not to complain.

A Healthy Lifestyle (Day 12)

I am grateful for my health. It some days feels like a lot to maintain, but there are so many things I am capable of doing that others can only hope for. For my age, I know I have a lot for which I can express appreciation.

I am grateful for the doctors and health specialists who have never wavered in their goal to help me. I have had an incredible team of people over the years, over every surgery, every hospital stay, every procedure. Regardless of the health crisis at the time, they always helped me on the road to recovery.

I am grateful to be reminded that I need to foster good health habits. I'm not perfect, and probably don't get to the gym as often as I should, but I try really hard to exercise, eat right, and follow doctor's orders (I learned the hard way a long time ago that if you don't do what the doctor says, bad things happen).

What part of your health is important to you?

30 Days of Gratitude: My Freedom (Day 11)

Today is Veteran's Day. I hope you will take a moment to honor our veterans, and remember those who died in sacrifice for our country. Freedom is never free.

My Freedom (Day 11)

We live in a country where we are free. Not everyone in the world can say that. Because despite what many believe, the United States is a pretty safe country and one that values its people. We have many rich heritages in our nation, and I couldn't be more grateful for the people who have entered the various branches of our military to preserve our heritages, our freedom, and our honor.

I am grateful for my freedom. I am blessed to be able to vote, to make a solid living, to not have to worry about things that other nations face on a daily basis.

I am grateful for our veterans who have made my freedom possible. It is courageous men and women like you who put your lives on the line everyday because of your belief in how humanity should be treated. You are incredible souls, and I commend you for your service. I am truly grateful for you all.

And finally, I am grateful for the service of those no longer living. May those individuals rest in peace knowing that they preserved the freedom of future generations.

Be grateful for your freedom: it came with a price. Honor our veterans.