Stranger Things

It's been a week of...Stranger Things. Today, we ended it by watching the final episode of Netflix's The Stranger Things and eating Eggos, a staple of the show.

I'm thankful for a week of imagination and inspiration.

A hammock, a bike, and a picnic

Today, we enjoyed month 8 of our year of dates presents. This month's date: hammocks, bikes, sketching, picnics. Though hot, I'm thankful for an elementary school style picnic.

Spock dreams

Today, we watched the new Star Trek and it was a trip down memory lane. During the before show, they showed old Universal Studio family videos of Star Trek...something my family did when I was a child. Sadly, the videos they showed were not my family's, but it was reminiscent enough. So, today, I'm thankful for memories, including the one where I got to be Spock for the day.

Simple pleasure

JFK said it best: "Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride." And, today, I honored that simple pleasure. I wish everyday started with a bike ride and a view like this.

The rain

Today, I woke up to the welcome sounds of rain. This marks two days in a row of rain. And, thank goodness for it. I even got to enjoy a 7 mile walk/run in the hot, but cool rain.

Multimedia art

Today, I decoupaged vintage batman comics onto canvas, painted a batman image with bats and than, ran it through the Prisma app. The end product - a unique piece of multimedia art. And, I'm thankful for trying a new art form.

Rain

For the first time in two months, it rained. And, I'm very thankful for it. I even got to play in it...and, eat tacos and get 1980s comics.

Bike Rack

Today, we installed my hitch-mounted bike rack and I'm super excited! For the past two years, I've been using my boyfriend's since I didn't want to pay for the hitch on my crossover. But, I bit the dollar-s and got the rack. Now, to start using it without having to wait for someone else!

Downtown

Today, we took our cruisers downtown and biked our downtown - something I have wanted to do for a while. However, due to time limitations, we were not able to do an "east-side food tour" like I wanted. So..that means we get to try it again!

Crazy nieces

Today, I got to spend some wild hours with my  nieces who did everything from dancing the Rolling Stones, paintings, running to dancing and singing Shattered by The Stones. I'm proud of my rock-loving, 16-month old niece. And, thankful for hours to spend with them.

Paneers

Today, I finally installed my paneers and rack on my cruiser. With several parts on back-order, I had to delay my overhaul of my bike, making it ready for commuting. So, today, I'm thankful for a project completed - even if it took weeks!

Turkey

After a day of presenting and then, driving four hours to teach two hours of spin class, I was whooped and ready for some grilling. Luckily, we had turkey sausage and grilled veggies in store. And, my stomach is forever thankful!

Sewing circuits

Today, for my tinkering fundamentals course, I sewed circuits. Though I've done some work with Lilypads, it was fun to try it all again. And, after seeing technolojie.com, I'm inspired to try some new tech-infused artwork!

Underwater bowling

After reading a friend's Facebook post about doing "underwater bowling" at the Bass Pro Shop, we figured we should try it out. And, though, it turned out not to be an actual aquarium, it was still fun to give it a try. And, hey, I improved my bowling score from last week by 10! Now, for another three years before I bowl again...

Lasagna & Shakes!

Today, I was treated to my favorite food - lasagna - by my mom, one of the best cooks I know. And, I'm not biased. For dessert, we made strawberry peach shakes. Delicious!

And, my stomach is thankful for such deliciousness after many, many miles of biking in the heat!

Three attempts

Today, we attempted to bike to a local taco shop. Unfortunately, I got a flat and then, when my boyfriend came with the repairs, we were still missing supplies...so, we drove home, fixed it, and attempted it again. Three attempts. But, I'm thankful for the third attempt as it brought us to wonderful tacos!

Fruit!

Today, after over four hours of working out and doing yard work, I was whooped, hungry, and thirsty. So, I treated myself to raspberries, strawberries, tomatoes - yes, a fruit! - and peaches. And, I'm thankful I did!

Cruisin'

Today, I took my cruiser out for a 20 mile ride since my cross bike is getting tuned up. And, now that it is complete with a basket, bell, water bottle holder, light and more, I feel like a big kid! So, today, I'm thankful for cruisin' into childhood.

Succulents

Today, I continued planting with some succulents and rocks to continue the backyard transformation. And, I'm thankful for plants that can grow from one leaf!

Bowling

Today, we had our July date - part of our "year of dates." The outline: bowl by rules of M&Ms. For example, if you get a blue candy, you must bowl backwards and so forth. As it turns out, I can't bowl normal, but I'm an ace at backwards and one-legged bowling. For that awesome awkwardness, I'm thankful.

Tinkering

Today, I caught up on some tinkering...with the help of my kitten, Maggie. I'm thankful for the opportunity to build and explore motors, drawing materials, and recycled goods to produce simple circuits, machines, and art.

Once I was...4 years old

As my now four-year old niece says. Today, I'm thankful for my sweet, sensitive, friendly niece who keeps getting more amazing every day.

Just look at that smile!

Books!

Today, we took a detour to the book store, one of my favorite places. Though I did not get this book, it is on my list. I did, however, walk home with three new books I'm super excited to read! Today, I'm thankful for literature.

Tiramisu

Today, we tried out a new Italian eatery and I treated myself to some tiramisu. I had not tasted the scrumptious dessert in several years so, I'm thankful for the treat. Here's to the next several years until we meet again!

Laughter & BBQ

Tonight, we had some of my favorite Texas bbq - Iron Works - and some of Austin's best night life - Esther's Follies. I'm thankful for a full stomach and lots of laughter. Enough said.

Shade plants

Today, I resumed my planting by tackling our backyard with some shade plants. Our backyard has over 10 trees in it, which produce so much shade that no grass grows. So, today, I'm thankful for shade...plants.

Shoes

At the request of my sister-in-law and niece, I made some "Monster High" shoes for my niece's upcoming birthday party. So far this summer, I've been in an outdoors-zone and less crafty than my other season-self. So, I'm thankful for the opportunity to use my creative brain.

Neighbors

Today, we participated in our annual cul-de-sac firework celebration and it was a...blast. Though, I don't particularly care one way or the other for fireworks, I'm thankful for the time to meet the neighbors.

Nieces and peaches

Today, I got to spend the afternoon with home cookin' and my two, sweet nieces. And, as the older says, "Aloha - that's 'hi' in French." The laughter continues with these two and I'm thankful for it.

Spur of the moment

Today, I'm thankful for the spur of the moment. After doing over four hours of exercise this morning, I found myself restless this afternoon. So, we took the opportunity to take a "cruise" around the block. And, it was the needed cure.

Peaches, blackberries, oh my!

Today, I went peach and blackberry picking for the first time. I left with over 15 pounds of fruit! And, I can't wait to do it again. Today, I'm thankful for early mornings and fruit.