"Don't forget to take your vitamins"

My dad’s best advice before the commencement of student teaching was to take care of myself – something middle schoolers don’t always do. “Take vitamins…lots of vitamins,” he advised. I have never been one to submit to the realities of other people’s hygiene, and I figured my body would always be able to fight back at any moment of vulnerability. However, I have learned in my 21 years of life that my Dad is almost always right. And usually the only time he’s not is when he says he’s wrong. Mrs. Parsons fills the room with hand sanitizers and tissues to counter the inevitable germs, but the reality is that vitamins won’t hurt. Our bodies are amazing machines, but we have to nurture them as they ask for it.

As I was thinking about the small pleasure I have in my daily vitamin intake, I decided to ponder the other aspects of my life which are seemingly petty treasures but consequently measure up to be great gifts.

- The nap I look forward to after school if time permits. My naps have significantly decreased since my days of college classes, but my early rise each day asks for a few extra hours of sleep when all my work is done. Even one hour before dinner proves to be helpful and I am grateful for any day that allows me to do so.
- Intramural Basketball. This includes playing and having a night or two at my favorite place of college employment. My club soccer team has managed to create a team of our own for this season and it usually ends in a night of laughs. I have been employed with intramurals since my freshman year – officiating and supervising – and it has been one of the best decisions I made while here at Drake (talk about a great way to finally appreciate the job of a referee). I enjoy the staff immensely and appreciate every shift I have. I wouldn’t be there if I was in it for the money, and I will be truly sad when it is my time to leave.
- Fridays. Student teaching has given me a whole new appreciation for the weekend. I like to say it is a blessing in disguise, as I think those who are privileged have a difficult time giving value to the things which are meant to be valued. When I was registered for college classes, I had no more than 3 or 4 days of class a week. The weekends became longer and I don’t think I gave the appropriate worth to my free time because I had a lot of it. “Working” 40 hours a week has shown me the gift of an energized Thursday as it soon leads to Friday night.
- Donuts in the teacher’s lounge. You’d be surprised at what an impromptu box of donuts can do for you.
- College-aged friends. Spending your entire day with 12 year olds can certainly take its toll. Most of the staff at school is a riot, and their true personalities come through behind closed doors, but that typically starts and ends during the half hour of lunch break. Being grounded by funny roommates at the end of the day is wonderful.
- I Love Lucy re-runs in the morning. There are only two circumstances under which I do not run outside: Above 100 degrees and Ice. Lately, the latter has prescribed my running to the treadmill only. I am fortunate enough to have a cardio room in the basement of my apartment as well as a TV to accompany it. My selective days which find me up earlier than I’d like to mention are complimented by the simple pleasure of being alone in the room and being able to flip the channel to this old favorite show of mine. Typically the only time I am able to laugh when running is when a family member or friend is there to provide comic relief. I would say I Love Lucy does the trick just as well.

I’m starting to realize the small things are slowly becoming the big things. A call from Mom, a letter from my big sister, and the things in life that put a smile on my face can change the course of a day. My time in my running shoes and the time in the classroom are two of my favorite things, but all of the other delights make everything extraordinary.