Flurries on a Friday morning

As the snow flies outside, I am sitting on my sheet-less bed covered in blankets. My room is similar to my bed. Messy, unkempt, and completely me.

One of the greatest benefits when living alone is no one gives a damn if you clean. However it's nice to have a clean place when coworkers want to see your place before going out at night. so ultimately it's a win-lose battle that never gets resolved.

Since the new year is upon us, it's important to remember and appreciate obstacles and challenges that have made us who we are today. In addition, it's important to remember mentors, friends, family and daily life amenities we take for granted.

Obstacles and challenges that have helped me grow this year:

• Student teaching and the waiting time period for test scores

• Living on my own

• Graduating college and entering the "real" world

Things that I constantly take for granted which I shouldn't:

• My job - the ability to pay bills, the discount I get on the best food in town, the support of my coworkers

• My apartment- my bathtub, the old character of the building, the old door window that is in my bedroom

• Elton- my (crazy) cat that keeps me company

People who inspire me:

• My cooperating teachers- they are both so different but so helpful in navigating life

• My hair stylist- she is younger than me, doing what she LOVES and is passionate, driven, and kind

• Cassey Ho, Mathew Hussey, Jen Sincero

• Those small interactions I have with people who are full of life and energy