A Biology Teacher's Thanks

Young ladies and gentlemen...it's been awhile, but I thought I would take a moment to post a Thanksgiving message.

Dramatic re-enactment of Thanksgivings past**

While you're nomming this week, I hope that you all take some time to be thankful for your life.

As a biology teacher - these are just a few things I am thankful for.*

1. The air that I breathe. I'm especially glad the mitochondria in my cells can use that oxygen to make ATP.

2. The glucose that I eat - also vital for respiration.***

3. The DNA in my cells - may it always replicate correctly.

4. The white blood cells and microbes that fight on my behalf on a daily basis.****

5. The individual cells in my body - may you continue to work together to form tissues, organs, and systems. I couldn't be here without you.

There are other things not so related to biology I'm grateful for as well. Things such as: family and friends******, my ancestor's genetic heritage - oh wait, that's biology too. I guess it all boils down to: I'm thankful for life. That is what biology is all about. I won't be here forever, and that's ok, I'm thankful for every bit while it lasts. I hope you will be too.

May you all take some time to be thankful - and if you happen to read this sometime this week, post what you're thankful for in the comments. I'd love to hear.

See you soon!******

*TEKS not included

**please chew with your mouth closed

***Just hope I don't enjoy TOOO much glucose.

**** I tweeted it last night, but if you haven't watched this video you should - and it's a nice intro for the immune system we'll be studying when we get back.

***** symbiotic relationships anyone? why are we friends with our friends? hello!?!? neuroscience!

****** next post won't have nearly as many asterisks. Promise!