Love

*Disclaimer: It came to my attention that maybe someone(s) think my blog is attention seeking. I do not think my "problems" (feelings) are more important than anyone else's, I do not give advice unless it is sought, I do not care if you take my advice, I do not think I am some "amazing" person, I just write because it's therapeutic to me. So, with that said... Don't like it, don't read it, aaaaaand get over yourself. End rant. Let's talk about love!*

Happy Valentines Day! I hope you all had a day filled with love, kindness, and treating yourselves well! This has been a crazy, busy, fast/long week.

Of course, in true Valentine fashion, I am going to write about love (I imagine a harp playing every time I type it). Love, *cue harp* is the greatest and most misunderstood phenomenon in human existence.

Love, to me, comes in so many forms. I love my family. They are the reason I am where and who I am today. It sounds cliche but they taught me what unconditional love is and should be. My Parents have loved each other since they were kids, went through things that would break most people, and have given me everything above and beyond necessity. I hope I can be half, a quarter, (I have been teaching fractions) the parent they have and continue to be to me. My brother is the greatest guy. He is funny, sweet, adorable, and very giving. He loved me when I was at my worst and once things came back around, he was there, with open arms. I am so thankful for rebuilding those core relationships. To quote my father, "I am the only man who will unconditionally love you. You could do the most horrific things and I would still love you." That's pretty powerful stuff and no, I will not do terrible things... For now! ;)

My dog, Claire. She is a little "unstable" at times but man that crazy baby loves her Momma. Her 3 foot leaps off the ground when I come home, the way she lets me hold her like a baby, and her hatred for non-blonde, green eyed, 5'9, Teachers who moonlight as Photographers, is insane. Love that pup!

My friends. My God, it is a running joke how many good friends I have in my life but the truth is.. I have a few. I have a lot of acquaintances but true friends, they are rare gems. The thing I love about these girls is that they have all been through some crazy stuff in life and give me such perspective. Thank you all for picking me up when I need a pick-me-up, coming to me when you need an ear, and being an ear when you are juggling your babies and whiny hubby's/bfs. :) You all have taught me the love that two friends can have and that gets me through any crummy day or week.. month... year.. lol You get the drift.

I love my students. Yes, I do. They drive me absolutely cray cray (as they say) but they keep me going. A year ago, I would go to bed after Student Teaching dreaming about becoming a Teacher. I was over the moon when I got a placement and I am not going to lie, the first year for a Teacher is like a bad Sorority hazing. Like the ones you see on national tv and closes chapters. That. Bad. I can be cussed out, chairs thrown at me, have my students bomb a test and want..okay cry. Then, the funniest thing will happen and I will bust out laughing with them, they hug me every single day when they walk out the door, and one looked at me today and said "For real, Ms. Mooney, you're the best teacher I ever had. Even my Mom thinks so." Love x infinity. Solve that problem, kids.

Finally... I can't believe I (of all people) am going to type this.. put this out in the Universe.. Profess my love.. Jesus take the wheel.. This is so NOT me... but... Love *harp* hit me like a ton of bricks this year and I have got to say that I have typed this paragraph, deleted, and re-typed it. I cannot put into words the love that a good man can bring to your life. Jason makes me better, happier, and sillier. He calls me on my B.S., he is hilarious (which, come on, that's tough compared to me!), and he is just the mac to my cheese. I didn't think it was possible to find someone who likes the same things I do, thinks (most of the time) the same way I do, dislikes the same things I do (UK and Pot Roast), and just makes me feel safe. He rocks. I love *harp* him. End of mushy stuff.

I think sometimes, we need a Love *harp* reality check. I feel warm and fuzzy already after this post. I hated Valentines Day and I still think it gets to be a bit "much" but reflecting on the love in my life, that is a great way to spend this day.

I hope your day was filled with chocolate filled comas, flowers besides roses, and handmade cards.

Have a great week!

xoxo-mere