Things That Are Bringing Me Joy

• Seeing the light at the end-of-the-semester tunnel shine bigger and brighter each day.
• Being able to write...really write...my own writing.  Because of the aforementioned light, I was able to send two revised manuscripts off to my co-authors in the past week.  On top of the pure productivity aspect, I really really like the "stories" these two manuscripts are now telling.
• Planning two new research projects for the spring.  The possibilities always seem endless in the planning stage.
• Having a student in my doctoral class say she was sorry there was only one class left after today...and really mean it.
• Having students in my undergraduate service learning class cry during their presentation because of the bonds they forged with the participants in their community agencies.  Now normally I don't like to see my students cry but this was an exception.  One of them said they received more than they gave.  Their community agency mentors were there and it was evident the feelings were quite mutual.  Almost brought tears to my eyes.
• Getting a call from Angel because he is excited about a paper he is writing (two days ahead of time) for a class and wanted to describe it to me.
• Knowing that Angel, Pumpkin and BB, will all be here for Thanksgiving and that they can all stay for more than 24 hours this year.
• Anticipating a visit from my sister!  One, where I will finally meet my future brother-in-law IRL.