Day 360: Never Drive Faster Than Your Angel Can Fly

Near the kitchen door at Chris's parent's house, there hangs a little sign on the key rack that says, "Never drive faster than your angel can fly." Of the thousands of times I have entered and exited the Daniel house, I don't think there has been a single time I've passed that sign without reading it. I love it and even though I haven't stepped through the Daniel kitchen doorway since July, this little saying seems to stick with me.

Even today. I took a different way home from work today to avoid traffic and construction. I was deep in thought about work and didn't even realize I was driving 10 mph over the limit. Something sparked my attention, I realized what I was doing and slowed down right away. Not five seconds later, I rounded a corner to find a HUGE speed trap taking place. On the side of the road sat four motorcycle cops with radar guns poised, ready to pull cars over.

Thankfully, I was not one of the people stopped. I had an angel today who reminded me to slow down so he or she could keep up. And I needed that.

And for this, I am thankful.

Day 359: Deciding What's Next

Surprise, surprise...I got off on my day counting early on. Technically, I'm supposed to be up with my "365" on February 1st but since my habit of late night blogging has gotten in the way of my counting skills, I've decided to keep going for 6 more days. It's only fair, right?

So what is next? I haven't been able to decide. This last year has proved to be an incredible journey on so many different levels. (If you didn't have a chance to read this week's Glass Heel post, take a look for my full reflection.) I feel like it would be a mistake to just quit writing each day. I've found that these ten or fifteen minutes that I sit down each night to write have become sacred. It's my one time of the day to just kind of hang out in my head, if that makes any sense.

I love this blog. I love writing. Day 366 isn't so far off and what it or the following 365 will look like, I have no idea. I do know I won't stop looking around for moments moments of gratitude. This is a dramatic difference from where I was just one year ago. How it flows out may be just a little bit different. We'll see.

For now, I have a few days left of my daily reflections and I definitely will cherish each one. And for this, I am thankful.

***Please feel free to comment with ideas on what you think should come next!***

Day 358: Two Brains Are Better Than One

Today I snuck out of the house for a bit to meet my 7th grade planning partner, Kate. She also teaches 7th grade science and thanks to her, I've avoided drowning in a sea of new content this year. We met at this awesome little coffee shop in my old neighborhood and got a TON of work done. It was more than awesome.

Our days are filled with commitments and interruptions at school. It was really cool to meet on our own time, in super comfy clothes and with a warm cup of coffee to really get the thinking juices flowing.

Twice the work in half the time...I'll take it! And for this, I am thankful.

Day 357: Game Night

Sofia loves games. And I mean loves games! Thus, every once in a while, we forgo the normal bedtime routine in leu of a game night.

Tonight's game of choice was Headbanz, a guessing game where the players put on a headband, attach a card with a picture on it and try to figure out what is on their head. The three of us were having such a great time playing and Chris and I were astonished that Sofia kept figuring out her card so quickly...until we realized she was cheating! The little stinker was looking at her reflection in the glass kitchen table to see what was on her card!

Chris called her out and she was not happy. At all. However, it was a great lesson in how to play games fairly and all ended well before bed. I had no idea that game night would be chock-full of values and lessons.  I suppose that's a good lesson for Chris and I too...

And for this, I am thankful.

Day 356: Pillow Rest

My bed. I love it. It's been a long week and tonight, my pillow has never felt so good. Rest is on the way and for this, I am thankful.

Day 355: 10 Little Minutes

Ten minutes is all it takes. To stop and think and write about my day, that is. Ten minutes of my own thoughts without interruption. Ten minutes to be thankful. 

And that's pretty awesome. 

Day 354: Clean Bill!

I took Nico to the doctor today for his 18 month check-up. This is literally the first appointment in his little life that nothing was wrong! He measured in the 87th percentile for height and 51st percentile for weight, had completely clear ears, skin and was a picture of health! He even managed to shake off the tears post-vaccine in about 30 seconds.

I left the pediatrician's office feeling elated for the first time in a looooong time. God has blessed us with healthy, beautiful children. And for this, I am thankful!

Day 353: A Launch of Historic Proportions

I can guarantee with near certainty that tonight, around the family dinner tables of my second period students, the story of an exciting show their science teacher put on today is being told. Unfortunately, this show wasn't anything having to to with science. This show involved a backpack, high heels and a launch of historic proportions. 

A launch of myself. 

I nearly bowled over two girls and broke my neck in the process. It was pretty hilarious though. And, it definitely made for a great story. A little humor to a normal day...for this, I am thankful. :)

Day 352: Excuse to Exit

The plan for today was that Chris was going to pick the kids up so I could work a little late and get ahead on a couple of things in my classroom. But around 4:15, I was regretting my decision to stay late. I was beat.

And then my phone rang. Chris was stuck in traffic and wasn't going to make it to get the kids in time. I grabbed my purse and bag and was down to my car in less than 2 minutes.

Apparently I was looking a little more eagerly for an excuse to leave than I thought! Oh well, I'm home and can have an early night to sleep. And for this, I am thankful.

Day 351: Fashion Bait and Switch

I wouldn't ever consider myself to be a fashion forward person. I would say, however, that I do have decent taste. That's why today, when Christina asked me to help her pick out a new purse, I didn't think twice. We talked about different styles and options and set to work in the store.

Finally, the perfect purse. A medium, leather, pale pink bag with handles big enough to hold over the arm or slide over the shoulder and adorned with unique metal buttons. Perfect for any city girl looking for both practicality and style.

After a lovely afternoon with my friend, we pulled up to my house and as I stepped out of the car, she said, "Don't forget your bag!" I was confused. I didn't have a bag. "What?" I said. "You know, the purse you picked out for me. It was really for you the whole time!"

I was stunned. What a fun gift and totally unexpected! I love getting new purses and they are not something that I typically ever buy for myself. It is such an honor to have a friend that is so gracious and kind...not just to me but to my kids as well!

Christina, thank you for bringing out the city girl in me this afternoon. :) For you and my new fashionista purse, I am thankful!