Retro

Today, I'm officially on the schedule for teaching cycling classes. It's a gig I've wanted to do for a while and now, I get to join in the fun. Today, I'm thankful for new opportunities.

Popcorn

So, this is totally not my photo today and I'm ashamed of it. However, I'm thankful for my endless supply of popcorn today during X-Men's Apocalypse. It's a restful start to the beginning of a restful break!

Defiance

Today, I have a defiant cat. She now refuses to eat her food and becomes agitated when told to eat - much like a teenager or tween. Today, finding a thankful moment in this defiance is hard, but we continue to try.

Resin galore

Today, I continued work on my resin crafts. Though it's quite the mess, I'm thankful for time to try out a new craft.

Date night

Today, we redeemed month 5 of my year of dates anniversary gift I gave Aj. It was full of German food, jazz, and trains! Today, I'm thankful for a night on the town, even if we were done by 9PM.

Zzzzzzz...

Today, it was supposed to rain and, as of yet, it hasn't. That didn't stop me or anyone else in my house from using it to get some quality nap time. Today, I'm thankful for some naps, even if they could have been longer.

Feet up

Today was a rather stressful day with a lot of things to get done. After 15 hours going strong, I finally got to put my feet up and am thankful for that.

Mud

Today, I tore up the area of mud and rocks outside our back door and put down brick slates. This is after I took the hose and hosed off. I had several pounds of dirt on me. However, I'm thankful for the mud and for time spent outside in the comfort of our house.

Grilling

Today, we put on some turkey sausage and veggies on the grill. It was just what we needed - good food and good company. Today, I'm thankful for new days.

Day two

Today marks two days since saying goodbye to our good friend and cat, Louis. Today, I'm thankful for our remaining furry friends + Satan the cat. Though, Louis will always have a special place in our hearts.

Getting through the hills

Today, we did the Real Ale bike ride. Since our hearts are still heavy after losing our cat, it was an added challenge. However, I'm thankful for the reprieve the hills gave me from mourning.

Rest

Today, we had to put our beloved cat, Louis, to rest. He was not even five years old and it came as a surprise after a quick two-day sickness. He was a true gentleman and he will be missed. Today, I'm thankful for several great years with the best cat anyone could ask for.

Failure

Today, I "threw my name into the hat" and was rejected not once, but twice. It's these days where it's hard to persevere and continue trying. It's these days where you define yourself. It's these days where you grow. So, today, I'm thankful for the things in my life that are growing...including these guys.

Friendship

Today, Louis (King Louis), one of our cats, is ill, but his faithful mate, Clark, is here to keep him company. Today, I'm thankful for friendship. It's a simple thing but sometimes you just need someone to lean on.

Crazy eyes

Today, my cat, Satan, had dental surgery - a costly one at that since they ended up having to extract FOUR teeth. As a result, she is on morphine and pain killers...in addition to her Prozac diet. Today, I am saddened for her pain, but enjoying the crazy eyes she now has...

Seriously, where are her pupils?!

Memory Lane

Today, I was reminded of my day one year ago. It was a glorious day and am thankful for the reminders I get. I can't wait to try it all over again this weekend!

Hidden falls

Today, we explored another side of a popular trail. It's one I used to go to as a kid, but had forgotten about it's beauty. Full of many small waterfalls, it is also full of beauty. Today, I'm thankful for a cool May day filled with the sounds of water.

Goo

Today was a day of Goo...Google that is. I spent it presenting on all sorts of Googleness. And, though, I love spending my Saturdays working out outside, I am thankful to have had a couple hundred excited educators in my company!

Prepping

Today, I prep for multiple presentations tomorrow at #txgoo. While tiring - when you take into consideration the drive - I am thankful for this Drive...not the actual drive.

Certified

After six weeks of intensive cycling training, I'm officially ACE certified to teach indoor cycling. Now...time to audition!

Today, I'm thankful for the opportunity and strength to take on this endeavor.

I want to ride my bicycle, I want to...

Besides the Queen song, I love cycling. Seriously - love it. Though, I did indoor cycling today, this quote and picture sums up my feelings on the subject. And, it also happens to be this month's featured quote on my cycling calendar. Today, I'm thankful for cycling.

Rocks and flowers

Today, I completed my front rock bed with some additional flowers and...rocks. I only use plants that are natural to the area in order to ensure the least amount of water usage.

Today, I'm thankful for knocking one chore - even if it's one I like - off the list!

The face of guilt

Today, I'm thankful for this face. Though, she causes plenty of trouble for her small size, her face always gives me a laugh. You rang...

Dedication

Today, we dedicated my niece and Goddaughter. It would have been my grandma's 79th birthday and, in honor, of the mother of them all, it was fitting to dedicate this young'en today.

Today, I'm thankful for all of the great women in my life - those who I would have loved to have conversed with longer and those I am lucky enough to still have in my life.

Maker Faire

Today, we went to the Austin Maker Faire (what used to be the Mini Maker Faire is now an official Maker Faire). It was heavily represented by local makers and many creative ideas. Personally, I'm excited to make some awesome utility belts like these for my own makerspace or, better yet, the kids can make them!

Modge Podge

Today, I used modge podge to adhere maps to two doors for the dresser I'm making over. I can't say enough how amazed and thankful I am for something that is not much more than corn starch and water. It's the small things...

Maker music

This year, I started holding monthly maker parties in my office to drum up interest in the makerspace and to help it grow. This week, I held a "make your own music instrument" party and was excited by the creations! Though only a few students (end of school makes it difficult!), they were committed and have come back every day since to develop their projects. And, we've decided to hold a maker concert next week. So, today, I'm thankful for their enthusiasm and creativity.

Overestimating yard work

Today, I tackled more than I realized. After tearing up a portion of the yard that was really only weeds, I realized I had a ton...yes, a ton...of dirt to bag up. So, I had to enlist help. after 15 bags of dirt, I was whooped. Nevertheless, I'm thankful for progress.

The beginnings of a makeover

Today, I started giving our dresser a makeover. It's been around for quite awhile so a face-lift is in store. I'm excited to see the end product but thankful for the time to create!

BIskers the Cat Fennewald

Or...Satan as we know her. Today, I picked up a prescription - a very expensive one at that - for my satanic cat. The label: Biskers the cat Fennewald. I wish it would have said her real name: Satan.

Despite our love-hate relationship, today, I'm thankful at the prospect of calming this pee-ing machine down.

Inventions

This morning, I awoke to cat pee all over my work bag and its belongings. To spare you the gory details, I'll just say I'm thankful for washers and dryers...very.

(By the way - this is not the culprit)