Skipping

Today, I took time off from my evening responsibilities to just rest. While I hated skipping out, it was necessary. So, today, I'm thankful for taking care of my health.

Art journey

Today, I set out on making a pair of Banksy replica shoes. They turned out nothing like I planned. Perhaps, that is the purpose of art, though. So, today, I'm thankful for the creative journey.

A break

Today, I'm thankful for a break - even if it was with a 5 mile race walk. I worked from sun up until past sun down so a break was necessary.

Morning sun

I love Sunday mornings for long, rush-free workouts and, today was no exception. This spot always captures me and I'm thankful for another morning to enjoy it.

Wild things and salads

Today, I indulged in my two current addictions: shoe painting and salads. And, I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed both.

Glitter

Today, I took a bath in glitter. Well, I did not intentionally, but after making a modge podge and glitter concoction, I might as well have. So, today, I'm thankful for the surprises that glitter continues to give.

Superhero

Today, I'm thankful for the superheros - the real and the painted ones. I'm also thankful for the time to paint. After a tiring week starting back at school, I needed some paint therapy.

Grilling

Today is day two with students and the fatigue is setting in. It's easy to forget just how draining the first week back can be. Fear not, though, salmon burgers were in store! I'm thankful for the mundane excitement of grilling.

First day run

I kicked off my first day of teaching in 6 years (at least with a full class of K-12 students) with a 5 mile race-walk. I'm thankful for the chance to get out my first day workout before my first day fatigue fully sank in.

Setting up class

Today, I set up my first classroom in 6 years. Though I share the classroom with other teachers so it is not entirely my own, it felt reminiscent of times ago. And, though, my original classroom days were rife with difficulties, I'm thankful for them and the kids who made me a better learner - not just a better a teacher.

Rainy morning walks

Today, I woke up to rain, so I took advantage of the droplets and went for an 8 mile walk. Since I can no longer run, it was my "treat" to myself. Today, I'm thankful for this freak week of August rain. It brings out the kid in me.

Geeking out

Today, I wore my handmade Wonder Woman shoes to go see Suicide Squad. It was the perfect treat on a rainy day, three days before school starts. Sometimes, a break is necessary and today, I'm thankful for that.

More shoes!

Tonight, I spent many hours working on my coding club "recruitment" shoes. I made a throwback to the original 8-bit Super Mario Brothers. Today, I'm thankful for inspiration and hopeful for a successful school year!

Coloring books!

Today, I indulged in the coloring book trend. Though I don't need another hobby to take up, I was literally drawn to them. Today, I'm thankful for color.

Sleepiness

Has set in before school has even begun. It seems it is the strongest this time of the year, every year. So, today, I'm thankful for the time to rest under the covers, piled by fury friends.

Rainy toes

Today, I indulged myself by taking a 5 mile brisk walk in the rain. It's seldom that it rains in Austin in August, much less 4 days in a row and 11 inches! So, I couldn't pass up the historical moment. And, I'm thankful for that.

Have you ever seen the rain?

Today, we did...all day long. And, it was lovely. So, we celebrated with wine, bread, and pasta. Delicious!

Wonder Woman!

6 hours later, I finished a pair of wonder woman shoes as I start a side business of selling custom-designed canvas shoes. I'm thankful for the time to create and the enjoyment of a product I can wear any day, any time!

Cake!

Today, we indulged at our favorite "fancy" restaurant, Magiano's. With the great couple's deal, we took a bite of chocolate crime in the form of a chocolate mouse cake. It was like the Great Wall of Chocolate! And, though my belly is not so thankful now, I'm thankful for a night to indulge.

Vinegar Girl

Today, I finished my first "for fun" novel that I've read in a while and it was a delight. It's part of the Hogarth Shakespeare series and is a modern adaptation of Taming of the Shrew. It was the perfect, fun summer read!

Superhero powers

Today, I worked on my third painting in my comic book superhero series. I'm thankful for the time to integrate art. However, I wish it didn't always come with the price of sleep.

Salmon, bacon, cheese, oh my!

It's Wednesday, so we grilled and, oh my, were they delicious! I found these pre-made salmon burgers at our grocery store recently and, all you have to do is put them on a grill. Simple, delicious. So, today, I'm thankful for the simplicity & also our tradition,

An evening walk

Today, I took an evening 5 mile brisk walk after a long day back on the job. I'm thankful for the time spent outdoors, exploring, setting, and being free.

Sleep...I.need.sleep

After a week of traveling and other chaos, I started back to work today. So, needless to say, I am beyond sleepy and am exhausted. Thankfully, I can watch these two live the life of sleeping and can dream of it...someday.

The 12 hour tour...

12 hours later, we are home! As I entered our house, I was greeted by the sounds of four meows and cats fighting for attention. Though I don't condone cat fights, today, I'm thankful for being home and being "fought for" even if it's by cats!

60 years

Today, we celebrated 60 years of marriage with my grandparents', my former neighbors. 10 years ago today, we celebrated 50. So, today, I looked back at 10 years. I'm thankful for the additional 10 years of memory, but saddened by my grandpa's worsening health. Today, I am thankful for another day to celebrate with my roots - my family.

Food

Today,  we waited over 2 hours for food.  It was brutal,  but I'm thankful for the laughter we shared after.

Family

Today,  I battled the in law.  The ongoing battle it is,  but I'm thankful for the sweet  love  of my nieces.

Smoothie for the soul

Today, I dealt a blow with medical costs. So, I needed this smoothie to easy my wounds. While the wounds are still there, it put on some nice fruity band-aids.

Spiderman

Today, I continued my Marvel & DC multimedia series with some Spiderman comics and drawings. And, I'm thankful for the time to indulge in some art and comics.