The Unexpected...

"I'm looking for the unexpected. I'm looking for things I've never seen before."--Robert Mapplethorpe

I love how one can stumble across the totally unexpected when traveling to another city. Case in point--recently I found myself enjoying San Francisco's unseasonably pleasant weather with a bit of spare time on my hands.

I donned my runners and ambled up and down the city's lung challenging hills. While catching my breath on one particular corner, I happened to look up and see a reminder of what has remained one of my favorite childhood locales.

Today I am gratefu forl:

*Unexpected discoveries

The 1st...

I love the first day of a new month. It's a chance to reflect on the previous month and get plans in place for new starts, goals, hopes, wishes...

Here's to March and 31 days of promise.

"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade."---Charles Dickens

Today I am grateful for:

*Tulip tips just poking through the soil

*The start of baseball practice

*The indoor lap track taking a back seat to outdoor trails

RAK's

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." ~Aesop

RAK's the email subject line read.

I was already aware of yet another upcoming inservice day, 2nd trimester parent-teacher conferences, the spring fundraiser...

RAK's?!

Hannah and Hunter's elementary school was informing every parent about acknowledging and celebrating random acts of kindness.

Today I am grateful for:

*Taking the time to appreciate the random acts of kindness I am fortunate enough to witness.

Mmm Mmm Mmm...

Dinner!

"Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first." ~Ernestine Ulmer

And when chocolate is involved, sometimes dessert is dinner itself.

Tonight I am grateful for:

*Hannah's homemade hunka chunka chewy chocolate chip cookies and a glass of milk.

Second Chances...

I've always been a hard stick, but usually a nurse or phlebotomist can find a viable vein after one or two jabs. I knew I was in trouble when after multiple jabs and vein blow outs by two nurses on both arms the head nurse had to be summoned. After being instructed "Do not flinch" and transforming into a human pin cushion--seven sticks to be exact--success at last.

Now I was ready to brace myself for the yearly visit with the tube to ensure my ex-roommate remained just that.

Today I am grateful for:

*Celebrating my golden "second chance" anniversary. Eleven years tumor free sounds great to me.

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

"Every mile is two in winter." ~George Herbert

Since last week, we've had two cold days and a delayed snow day start.

With an especially mild fall I am more than appreciative for those things easily forgotten.

Today I am grateful for:

*Snow shovels

*Oatmeal with not one, but two spoonfuls of brown sugar

*Koufax and his pursuit of hide and seek ball in the snow

*Xcel energy

*Heated seats!

Eggsactly!

"The Incredible Edible Egg."--The American Egg Board

Yes, I'm dating myself again!

You can eat them scrambled, fried, over easy, hard-boiled, sunny side up...

I prefer eggs poached, peppered and served atop buttered toast--just the way my mother has always prepared them.

Perfect every time. Eggsactly.

Today, I am grateful for:

*Poached eggs, especially when they're breakfast for dinner!