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!

A Paper Purist



No downloaded paper for me!



Monday through Saturday it remains in a separated neatly piled stack in the upper left-hand corner of my kitchen island. But that all changes on Sunday when I ensconce myself on the couch and clear my mind's clutter for one of my favorite indulgences--one page turned at a time, savoring ink stained fingers and all.

Today I am grateful for:

*Digesting the Sunday paper cover to cover.

Muscle Motivator...

My personal trainer

When it comes to working out I've never done group (my lack of balance is one-enough-said reason!) unless it's hiking with my family.

To remain truly motivated, I've always gravitated towards activities that require that least amount of effort before I exert any myself.

Lace up a pair and hit the trail.

My natural surroundings provide all the motivation I need. Open space.The breathtaking Rockies. Even wildlife beyond the canine variety.

But in the winter months when that requires layering up in fleece, I opt out of the wind chill factor and head for the rec center.


Initially I struggled with the challenge to stay focused as my natural motivators were now artificial in nature--a trio of wall-mounted LCD screens; grunting outbursts from the over-muscled and the clanging of metal against metal. 

I needed to tune out all the distractions!

I briefly entertained investing in a personal trainer to stay driven, but decided I needed the commitment to come from within.

Thankfully, I have a nearly daily private session to get me through lap after lap and rep after rep.

Today I am grateful for:

*my 1st generation iPod--it's the best investment in a personal trainer I've ever made.