Thankful Thursday

As the Thanksgiving holiday gets closer and closer, I am thinking more and more about the things that I am thankful for in my life. This week was challenging for me both physically and mentally, so it was especially important for me to keep all of these things in mind and remember the positives. So, I replaced the gym with bubble baths, let myself just sit on my hour-long commutes and listen to music rather than do work, and wore my extra casual work attire (hello Community Roots zip-up, faded jeans, and sneakers). Here are three four of the many things I am thankful for this week:

1. That my boyfriend can cook. Because... I kind of can't.

I think about how lucky I am all the time that Brian not only is an amazing chef, but that he loves to be in the kitchen cooking. But I really gave this some thought as I attempted to cook myself dinner on Monday night. Now, I can manage to make some of the basics, but I usually resort to toast, cereal, or canned soup when I am at my apartment by myself. But, on Monday I had half of a deli sandwich left over from the day before that I did not want to go to waste. The problem was, I had no idea what to do with it. The bread was soggy and did not look appetizing. So, I called Brian. He immediately thought of a simple, yet brilliant idea, and suggested that I use the meat, tomatoes, and peppers from the sandwich to make an omelet. Of course! I hung up the phone and headed to the kitchen. I only had one egg to work with, so I could not mess it up. As I gathered my few ingredients, I realized that I didn't actually know how to make an omelet. How embarrassing. So I called Brian back, but got his voice mail. I did my best to cook my one egg white and I have to say, it actually turned out pretty great! I sandwiched my omelet of sorts between two pieces of butter toast, so that definitely helped. Although I had a moment of accomplishment as I finished my little breakfast for dinner, I mostly thought about how lucky I was that most nights I get to enjoy Brian's home cooked, amazing meals instead of my own sad attempts. And if he is not around, there is usually something yummy all prepared and ready to defrost in the freezer. I am a lucky girl.

I tried, I really did. 

I do know how to separate yolks from whites... move over Rachel Ray. 

2. Over-the-door closet shoe organizers.

I really do not know what I would do without them. They are an organizer's dream, especially when that organizer lives in a little one bedroom apartment. I have three of them and I would be a hot mess without them. Thank you Container Store. Oh boy, am I thankful for you.

3. Mid-week date nights.

After five years, I still get super excited for date nights. I love sitting across the table from Brian and being able to have hour long dinners filled with conversation and delicious food. Tonight, we are going to Hill Country BBQ for dinner and a blues show. I. Can't. Wait.

4. I had to add a fourth after the week I had... My schedule in my classroom finally says Today is Friday. 

Only one more day of waking up before sunrise to go to work before two glorious days of refueling and relaxing. You will not be missed, 4:45 am alarm. Whoever said teachers work 8-3, I need to speak with you. You have been misinformed.

What are three (or four) things you are thankful for this week?