Super fabulous self care morning

This morning has just been perfect. I woke up fairly on timeso I could pack my morning off with self care to dos.

First up, a long  walk with Bryce and her soccer ball. We both enjoyed the sunshine, leaves and brisk weather while Bruce also enjoyed running about like a mad thing!

Next, three miles on the treadmill for me followed by a good stretch and a long hot shower.  Felt sooooo good after this routine!

Then a date with myself at Sugar for brunch. In addition to enjoying my egg biscuit and homefries, I paid my bills (blessed be smart phones!) and  smiled a lot while writing a few christmas cards.

After, a stop by the post office to send some holiday cheer  before heading to the car wash. Armed wth quarters, armour all and a car wash coupon, I spent 30 blissful minutes car cleaning. Cost of car vac: $3.50.  Clean car satisfaction: priceless.

And now I'm home with 50mins to finish packing before I head to pick up the wife, dog in tow, for a friend-filled winter wonderland weekend (read tree trimming, cookie decorating,  black and white christmas movies, shared meals,  and holiday shopping). Fun fun fun!!!

Final four

Nov 27: I am thankful for traditions- like tree shopping and decorating, cookie making, family dinners and post-munch walks, holiday games, cheers and toasts. I love them all!

Nov 28: I am thankful for the mentors and guides who have been a part of my life: Mrs. Malkin, the teacher who reassured me that loving books and reading was nerdy AND fabulous. My nana whose loving patience still encourages me to calm my tongue and temper. Toni, whose affirmations, gentle challenges, wisdom and bawdy humor lights me to go further- in spiritual searching, social/political deconstruction, community building, and self care. My parents who root me in the ground and remind me thatbeing myself is a great thing and that family is priceless.

Nov 29: I am thankful for groupon and my kickboxing classes. For my wife who encouraged me to go to class even with a headache. For the instructor who corrected my form and praised my efforts. For the  awesome power of sweat and effort and release.

Nov 30: I am thankful for taking this last month to reflect on my blessings. I am reminded of the kindness that the universe has shared with me and that it is necessary that I take the time to appreciate all the outcomes of that kindness in my life. This is an exercise I'll carry with me and hope to mindfully continue.

Post- thanksgiving thanks

Nov 25: I'm thankful that my wife encourages me to go running. I'm also thankful that I can set out for a 2 mile run yet end up on a 3.5 mile outing and enjoy it. Thank you legs and wife and consistent training.

Nov 26: I'm thankful for all of the varied personalities that are my nieces and nephews. From the loud and lovely L6 clan to my favorite two Worrels, my little lovebug Mackenzie and those I've yet to meet. Their jokes, laughter, pouty insistence, cuddles, serious talks and crazy face running spurts fill my heart. And their varied art, dance, theater, music and athletic interests keep us all busy. Love and thanks for getting to be an aunty.

Morning thanks

I an thankful for morning cuddles and giggles. Fabulous thanksgiving wake-up :)

Catching up on thanks

Nov 21: I am thankful for quick and painless shopping excursions. And for salespeople who can adeptly tell you where things are in huge box stores like bed, bath and beyond. Makes late monday night sheet shopping so much more pleasurable.

Nov 22: I am thankful for our new bed and a good night's sleep :)

Nov 23: I am thankful for the peace of mind that comes with a 4 mile run. I'm thankful that I pushed myself down the stairs to go on that run and that I was able to clear my mind and enjoy it.

Nov 19+ 20th

Nov 19: I am thankful for Saturdays in Boston that feel like Saturdays in Maine- slow. With lots of naps.

Nov 20: I'm thankful that my wife and I think similarly and can happily negotiate our way through large decisions- like buying a new mattress and bed. I'm also thankful that while we're watching pennies, that we have the capacity to buy said mattress and bed. And, I'm preemptively thankful for the good nights of sleep that will arrive with the new mattress... no more 3am wake-up and morning back pain!!!

Nov 17th + 18th

Nov 17: I am thankful for my sense of humor. Whether it be sarcastic, witty or just plain goofy, laughter is an essential part of my life.

Nov 18: I am thankful for my mom-in-law. She has become, over the past 4 years, a good friend as well as a supportive second mom figure. I love our chats and walks, having her in my home and visiting hers. :)