Jam

Today was one of those hard days. And, with that I figured, what better than jam and crackers. And, you know what? I was right. Needless to say, tonight I am thankful for crackers and jam - a simple life pleasure.

We are NOT superheroes

Tonight, I had lofty ambitions. Tonight, I took a nap. Tonight, I realized I was not a superhero, but instead a very tired, over-worked human. And, tonight, I'm thankful for that realization.

Nerd - glam

Tonight, I combined glam & glitter with Star Wars. And, it was fun to let the two collide. Tonight, I'm thankful for being proud of being a nerd-glam.

Dr. Seuss

Today, I am thankful for Dr. Seuss. After one of the most difficult days I've had in a long time since becoming a teacher, I had to remind myself of Dr. Seuss and some of my favorite quotes of his. Simple, but true.

Audio books

Today, I'm thankful for audio books. I developed the addiction over the summer. And, now, it's the thing I look forward to every morning -  driving in traffic so I can listen to my Audible book. I listen to it when I work out, when I rest, and when I drive. Yes, I'm an audio book addict. And, today, I'm thankful for it as I conquer my first sickness of the school year.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Air

Today, I got another low tire pressure message on my car, indicating a small leak in my tire. While my ears have too much negative pressure, my tires do not have enough pressure. So, today, I'm thankful for handy fixes to tire pressure. Air machines are worth the quarters!

False hopes

Today, our kayaking tour we had booked turned into a major bust. From the "guides" literally snoozing on the job to treating other guests rudely, it was a major disappointment. However, today, I'm thankful for new dreams. Tomorrow, we try again and today, we make plans for a better tomorrow.

Dolphins!

In light of the terrorist attacks on the LGBTQ community and a focus on what defines hate, I'm thankful for the opportunity to focus on love today and what brings us together. In this case, it was dolphins. I am thankful to have watched dolphins, swimming together, as one. And, at the same time, it brought people from all of life's paths together.

Monk seals

Today, we stumbled upon a monk seal. It was alone and just off the shore. It was still moving so we were unsure if it was feeling okay or if it was ill. As an endangered species, seeing them is rare. I'm thankful for the opportunity, but saddened as I fear it was not well.

Cutting

Today, I got by quarterly haircut in honor of the first day of summer "break." It was also a day of cutting grass - all around cutting. I'm thankful for a day to cut back the old and make way for the new.

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.