Thank You Spaghetti Squash!

A food of infinite possibilities! A little olive oil and garlic? Sure! Fresh pasta sauce? Absolutely! Sauteed pepeers and onions with a pinch of parm cheese? Indeed! Other ideas? Please share!

Thank you spaghetti squash for coming into my life! Thank you for teaching me how to play with the blank canvas of food! Thank you for being reasonably inexpensive and feeding me for many days! Thank you for helping me to overcome my fear of squash!

For what are you grateful at this moment?

Share with me, as we celebrate being grateful!

Thank You!!

12 or 13 years ago I made a conscious decision when one thing happened, I would do another.  I knew it would be years off.  Today that happened.

All morning I felt a bit foggy, and yet I had some of the greatest moments:

• sharing a coupon with an unknown person when price comparing in a store.
• seeing 70-100 swans out on the bay (and hearing them, too!).
• extending my stride on the rolley hills.
• swinging in gratitude, sensing what I was about to do.
• varying my yoga practice to what was needed.

When it came time to make the decisions I had agreed to years ago, I felt as calm and clear as possible.

So, as one door opens, and life is about to change in a major ways, I can simply say, Thank You.

For what are you grateful at this moment?

Share with me, as we celebrate being grateful! 







An Overnight of Gratitude!!

My sis, bro-in-law, and "little" nephew came to visit for a few days.  Mainly because the kid had a week off from school, and is really into jellies (as in jelly fish).  So they went they saw

and more at the Baltimore Aquarium, before heading out for a massive dinner.

The next day the kid made his first trip into DC and his second trip to a Smithsonian museum. 

Dad later questioned, "That's stuff from my childhood. Should I be in a musem?"

Of course they made time to check out one of the area's tallest points of interest.

While they had hopes of getting tickets to the top, the next available time was at 3:30...way too late for a Friday with a massive drive back home the next day.

All of that was experienced before I arrived at my folks' place, as some of us actually had to be in school this week!

In a serendepitious sequence of events, I missed a major turn, and had to wait for three lights before I could left (err...right) myself. As I was getting out of the car, I turned around, and there was my nephew!

All 4 feet something of him! Two months had pased since I had last seen him, and yet, he had gone from a "kid" to a little boy. Maybe there's soemthing magical about turning 7! (Which he did last week.)

And so the traditions began, once all was unloaded and all were hugged.

We ...

Learned a new "ride" called a "Ben Drop!" (a la the Demon Drop at Cedar Point).  To perform this, the kid is positioned on top of the feet (with the feet on his chest and abdomen).

and then the adult lowers his/her knees VERY fast so the kid drops, falls, and laughs!

Of course we spent time teaching him how to play

&

When it was all said and done, there was a morning of Dad's homemade waffles, sausage circles, milk, juice, and coffee.

A comfortingly short, and super special visit! 

Thank you sis, bro-in-law, and tickling nephew for a delightful time! Thank you for hugs, for good convos, for laughter, and for memories! Thank you sis for instilling in the little man manners, responsibility, and teaching him a different set of traditions (things like lunch at Kings, Sarris' choc-covered pretzels, the state game, and having "real" conversations), while being patient with the seven year old that he is.

For what are you grateful at this moment?

Share with me, as we celebrate being grateful! 





Thank You S!

Each half of a chapter, I assign my students two major vocabulary projects: repetition writing and a picture dictionary (aka a LdeV). Reality says, some love them, and some would prefer to never see repetition writing ever again. Yet, I base the assignments on research, and allow the LdeV to be done in any format of the student's choosing, as long as I can physically grade it.

Last week, one of my 3rd period students walked up to my desk with a small paper box, and said, "Here!" with a big smile on her face. I held it like one holds a newborn, and she said, "pull it" referring to the string that was sticking from the box that read, "pull me" on it.

Skepticism streaked my face, and she encouraged me to follow directions. I pulled the string, and out came her picture dictionary! She had written each vocabulary word, taped it to the yarn, drawn a picture for each vocabulary word (per the assignment), and taped it below the written Spanish word.

To say that my face looked like this... would be an understatement.

What touched me more was the following sequence of events:

• S. explained that she didn't have computer access, and she remembered how to fold the boxes from an art class last year.  NO excuses from her!!
• S. said that she showed her Mom her project, and her mom replied, "I'm proud of you." Grades are meaningless when compared to a mom's support, or any adult's for that matter. Sure, I'm glad she received the 105%, but knowing that she shared a special moment with her mom is more of a "grade" in my book.
• S. beamed when she shared her project with other classes. She's normally a very shy young lady who doesn't draw attention to herself. This was a project that demonstrated her talent, and she was excited to share with others!
• Another teacher learned of her project, and asked if I would loan it to her to use as an example for a different type of project. S. said to me today, "Mrs. F. talked to me! It was so cool! It made me feel warm inside." This is why I teach!

So..... S. thank you for being responsible, for living a no excuses kind of life, and for sharing with me something that looks a bit like this...

but it its own cool way!

By the way, I "borrowed" S.'s idea for a birthday present for my nephew. All of my students have asked about it, and said it was beyond awesome! S.'s creativity continues to inspire.

Thank you S. for all that you teach me, and all that you teach your classmates and other teachers!

For what are you grateful at this moment?

Share with me, as we celebrate being grateful! 

Thank You Swim!!

This afternoon I returned home.

It felt as comfy as my smartwool socks on a brry day, and as familiar as my favorite pen. 

I haven't been able to swim on a regular basis for about four months, because high schools in this area don't have their own pools (unlike where I grew up, where Bethel Park routinely battled North Allegheny for state championships...go Blackhawks!), and I'm of the firm belief that my former students should only have mental images of me in street clothes- NOT a swimsuit!

As a result of only swimming on some Code Red days and the recent changes in training and life, my goals were simple:  250 yd warm up, 1350 yd free continuous swim, 200 yd cool down.  I set tiny goals for the 1350, mainly to go out faster than last year, and to make sure it was a continous swim.

My legs have always been my strength, and have probably saved me from drowning a few times in the ocean. They started off strong, leading the pack, and I focused on form a bit. Yet, by the end, when I counted down each lap, my arms were leading the charge! I was truly blown away!  (...and it was a continous swim! Success!)

I had an "ideal" time goal, and went over it by 3 minutes. For me that was pretty darn wow-some! You see, while I feel most at home in the water, I've only been back at what I love since last year for a long-long time.

I know that today is only the start of great moments, where I feel like this.

Thank you high schoolers for being done with swim season! Thank you pool for being a place where I can feel free, challenge my body, and work on so much! Thank you body for holding up, as you did quite well! I'm proud of you, body!

For what are you grateful at this moment?

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Thank You Dr. V!

On a perfectly-timed Code Red day I had my 6-month dentist visit today. I normally am not a big fan of the ole tooth doc, because my teeth are super tightly packed together, and despite brushing 3(+) times a day, they seem to love plaque in certain areas.

From the moment I walked into the good doc's office, I was reminded of why I love this dentist:  very welcoming office staff who know everyone by name and come up with scheduling solutions like magicians, convient location, uber clean bathroom, great selection of magazines, squishy new carpet (a surprise, and it felt so much better than what's in my home!), and of course, the most efficient hygenists and supportive doc himself.

For those in the 95/1 area of NoVa if you need a rec, I'll gladly toss you his name. His wife runs the office, and she's the sweetest person alive!

Thank you Dr. V and crew for a great time! Thank you for explaining how things work in the mouth, Dr. V! Thank you for the easy cancel/reschedule e-mail system!

For what are you grateful at this moment?

Share with me, as we celebrate being grateful!

Thank You Wolves!

Today on my run, I ran into two wolves.  One acted like this,

and the other like this.



There was something different about these wolves. It was probably because the first, oldest, and most ferocious had these

and was wearing

under her pink down jacket that matched her skirt/dress.

As I initially approached the wolves, what I saw was a mom, a dad, two girls, and a double jogger. I was quickly informed with caution and care by the dad, "You might not be able to pass. Careful!"

I stepped nearer and nearer, and was scared out of my mind by wolves growling, arms above head, teeth baring, and faces in full emotion! (Okay, maybe not scared, but brought out of my "what the heavens?" mindset into "holy heavens!" mindset.)

The dad said to me, "Wolves! You might be scared!" I explained that I teach, and middle schoolers are a bit scarier, so the big wolf growled more. The little wolf did the same. I stared down the wolves, and walked by.

The little wolf didn't budge. She stood firm in the center of the trail. I started to walk by, but turned around, raised my arms, and growled! Little wolf smiled! I attempted to run little wolf back to her pack, but she was not having it! So we faced off again, and eventually she ran back to her protective and prospering-awesomeness pack!

Thank you wolves for teaching me that we should play more often! Thank you for welcoming to your world of wonder and imagination! Thank you for living it so fully in a place I cherish deeply! Thank you for being the coolest animals I've ever encountered on the trail! Special thanks to Mom and Dad Wolf for encouraging their children in the best of possible ways! (Is it any surprise that Dad Wolf is an elementary/middle school violin teacher? I think not!)

For what are you grateful at this moment?

Share with me, as we celebrate being grateful! 





Thank You Transitions Part 1

This post begins a series of posts on "transitions and in betwen times."  It is insanely fitting for my current state of life, and has been supported by discussions with Lindsay, Anne-Marie, and many prayers. I hope that you will find it meaningful in any way that is best. All italicized type pieces are my thoughts, and they are not the reflection of the works of Jason Crandell, Yoga Journal, or any combination.

Crandell, Jason. "the space between." Yoga Journal issue 236 (March 2011): 72-79.

"Transitions are a powerful part of practice. Take them slowly, and you'll build strength and awareness that serve you on and off the mat."

Gandhi once wrote, "There is more to life than increasing its speed." I remember reading that and saying to myself, "You need to work on this. Take it to heart. It won't be easy, but the change will be meaningful."

Two years have passed since this was on my computer at work, and the little things that once annoyed me are no longer a part of my focus. I embrace the little moments, cherish the opportunity to dig deep into learning, pause to smell flowers in the grocery store, share my food more frequently with others, and all around life a more happy and vibrant life!

"I am by nature a fast walker. You won't find me ambling down a street unless it's winding and paved with cobblestones and I'm on vacation. I never thought much of it until a friend in college told me that he hated walking to class with me because I rushed him. He preferred to walk slowly and take in the scenery. One day, he astutely pointed out that by focusing all my energy on getting from one place to another, I was missing out on all sorts of 'in between' moments in life. It was his way of conveying the old adage that the journey is just as important as the destination."

Slowing down is something I have struggled with at times. I wondered why, and realized (for me) that I equated speed to success. The more one does, the faster one does it, the more acclaimed someone is, right? Little by little I have come to understand that it's about quality over quantity. Savoring a meal is far more meaningful to me than rushing through a meal and then eating more.

When have you slowed down and enjoyed what was there, and been grateful for it, instead of rushing onward?

Walden Pond. Home to Thoreau, training triathletes, wandering writers, frolicking families, and more!

Thank you, readers for the opportunity to share! Thank you for what you may teach another! Thank you for any and all dialogue that may come through this.

Part 2 will come in the future.

Thank You Sunny Sunday Scamperings!

I went for a run near here today.

On the other side of the park from here.

The winds were active, but not the crazy 25-60 mph winds that caused massive fires in the area yesterday, and resulted in 95 being shut down due to lack of visibility (ah, that explains the abundance of traffic on Rte 1).

It was a bit slower of a run, because my training has taken a hit in the last two weeks. Yet, it was the most awesome of runs! My body was eager to be outside on the trails, my mind was rested, my spirits were calm, and all was in synch! I skipped and scampered like a baby animal with new legs! I hung in there quite well mentally on a "long" run, and made sure I took my "gratitude half loop walk" on which I just walk quietly, reflecting on all that I am grateful for.

Thank you trails for your continuous presence! Thank you sunlight for peeking down here and there, and bringing smiles to my soul! Thank you fellow runners and hikers for letting me pass on one of those random speedy moments!

For what are you grateful at this moment?

Share with me, as we celebrate being grateful! 

Thank You Baked Apple!

I awoke this morning, uncertain of how the day's events would unfold at the start of a three-day weekend. Somewhere about noon I realized I wanted to tackle my "make one new recipe each week" goal for the year. Hmm... hummus? black bean veggie burgers? a new muffin? something fruity?

Nothing sounded particularly soul-and-tummy target on, and as I waited I realized... baked apple! Now, it wasn't a new recipe, but I hadn't had one in over a year! A delicious organic gala apple, a pinch of brown sugar with cinnamon and nutmeg, a drop of butter, some water, and 35 minutes later.... divine delight!

Thank you baked apple for hitting the spot! Thank you for warming my tummy, and bringing smiles to my digestive and taste bud cells! Thank you for providing me with health one bite at a time!

For what are you grateful at this moment?

Share with me, as we celebrate being grateful!

Thank You UE!

Seek not to follow in the footsteps of the wise ones of old; seek what they sought. --adapted from Matsuo Basho (1644-1694) The Wisdom of Yoga - Cope.

96 years ago a humble man was born. Approximately 30 years ago I met him for the first time. A connection of the hearts was immediately formed. From the age of 8 or 9 until 2 weeks before his death (15 days before my high school graduation), we wrote letters back and forth.

We wrote the weather (he was a farmer), of school (I was a student), of family (we were great uncle and great niece), of relevant life happenings, and more. This wise old man never taught me how to live, he just told me of his life, and encouraged me to live mine in a manner of humility, stability, hard work, and helping others.

For the longest time I wanted to be like him. I chose him in a very special role in my life. I never thought I'd achieve his humility nor his selflessness. Little by little I realized I was doing okay, long after he passed on.

So, while he would probably be horrified that he has an entire post in some internet land, Happy Birthday UE! Thank you for all that you taught me, all that you blessed me with, and all that you continue to inspire me to do!

Quite simply, to the most simple of all men, my most heartfelt gratitude for being you, dear Uncle!

For what are you grateful at this moment?

Share with me, as we celebrate being grateful!

Thank You Stillness!

This is how my life feels. Looking forward on the seas of life, but uncertain as to where things will take me. A common trend in the posts lately. Little by little I accept this point of stillness more and more. I know that one day I will untie myself from the moorings, and set sail on a journey of a lifetime. Yet, this time of being tethered is actually part of that journey.

The journey of being still can be a challenge. It's not easy to trust and to just "be" when so often we're taught that being active equals success, accomplishments, and our identity.

Thank you stillness for your comfort! Thank you for the simplicity that fills my life! Thank you for reminding me that all that I need is all that I have right now!

For what are you grateful at this moment?

Share with me, as we celebrate being grateful!

Thank You Spring Reprieve!

Two days near 70* after some very brry days has been heaven! Running in shorts and a t-shirt, and feeling soft trails under my feet has been a pure delight! Sure, the bluebells won't bloom for about 6-9 more weeks, but that's fine!

Thank you Mother Nature for the warmth, thawed trails, and remarkable breeze-blown bay! Thank you for filling my lungs with rejuvenation and hope! Thank you for a warm fire drill today, too!

For what are you grateful at this moment?

Share with me, as we celebrate being grateful!

Thank You Yearbook Club Crew!

11 days ago our yearbook was a far cry from looking near finished, and I was in mini freak-out mode. A slew of hard work, determination, and some relief from last week's Code Day has brought us bounding ahead.

Today the yearbook club worked through lunch as a cohesive unit (not too bad when there were only five members present), and dealt with the challenges of the year with diplomacy and dignity. They sought to memorialize a fallen comrade with compassion, and enjoyed learning the ins and outs of mixing colors on the computer!

Thank you yearbook club for one amazingly produtive work session, and for an abundance of ideas! Thank you for listening when it was needed, and allowing me to learn through your eyes! Thank you, above all, for your selflessness that allowed us to accomplish so much and be respectful of all members of our school!

For what are you grateful at this moment?

Share with me, as we celebrate being grateful!

Thank You Mom!

Today was one of those stay-focused-and-keep-positive-at-all-times days. From the let's-shout-and-nearly-fight start between two kids to the staff meeting end of the day, I kept that mentality each moment! By the drive home, I just wanted a bit of relief, and only one bit of that was planned for tonight. However, Mom pulled the trump e-mail, and wrote the nicest three lines I've ever read.

Thank you Mom for your endless support! Thank you for knowing what I need most when I need it! Thank you for your love, caring, compassion, and all that you share with me!

For what are you grateful at this moment?

Share with me, as we celebrate being grateful!

Thank You Parents!

At school today we had a parent-teacher conference that was a bit different than any other I have attended. Within moments of the start, I thought to myself, "I wish they were my parents." Truly the parents with whom we were meeting were beyond phenomenal. Perfect? Nope. Honest, compassionate, realistic, clear communicators, firm, opportunistic, supportive, high expectations, understanding, rational, and more- yes.

Thank you to all parents for doing the best that you can! Thank you for taking time to invest in the present and future of your child! Thank you for your support of teachers (while we may not say it, we really do need it!)!

For what are you grateful at this moment?

Share with me, as we celebrate being grateful!

Thank You Times Four! (Special Valentine's Day Edition!)

With a day dedicated to...

I'm extra thankful for what life has brought me!

I have more to be grateful for than what I list below, but it's a pretty good wrap up for today!

My car!  I'm continuously amazed at how the beauty continues to run, thrive, and propel me to places! The whole system of things blows my mind away! By no means am I a mechanic, but I understand some aspects. I just really appreciate my little blue creature that puts so much ease into my life!

Thank you car for your reliability and your patience with me! Thank you for being fuel efficient and comfy! Thank you for taking me to places far away and continuing to make the general runs!



There are very few foods to which I have a strong addiction; however, when I ran out of the regular tamari almonds from Trader Joe's a week or two ago, I was seriously bummed! Thankfully TJ's was on my way to volunteer with cancer patients tonight!

Thank you tamari almonds for popping on my taste buds! Thank you for filling me up just enough to get through the day! Thank you for being something extra special!

True story- I made it home from Fairfax (where 495 and 66 meet) to near Route 1 in 29 minutes! I left Life with Cancer at 6:11 p.m., and at 6:40 p.m. I turned onto a side street near Route 1!  Wow! This might be a first for thanking DC metro traffic, but one needs to appreciate it when it happens!

Thank you NOVA drivers for being kind and courteous (only one "what the ???? are you doing!??!" driver) tonight! Thank you traffic for smoothly moving along! Thank you on ramp to 495 for having welcoming drivers as I merged! Thank you 95 south drivers for NOT slamming on your brakes extensively!

Perhaps the most special comes last. A friend sent me an e-mail telling me that when she finished FIRST in a 5k this weekend that this blog and our chats entered her brain. She was hurting, and yet she put up the mantra of "thank-you" with each step of her speedy feet!

I write this blog because it's what I love. Being grateful is something that has transformed my life. I do my best to live by example, and share only when necessary. Each of us, afterall, is the navigator of our own ship and life. 

Yet, knowing this person is a pretty cool human, it meant the world to me! She saw her physical pain not as pain, but as a gift that her body would run that fast! She appreciated her body for its efforts and for what it allowed her to do. That, my friends, is absolutely amazing!

Thank you running friend for your kind e-mail! Thank you for listening to me babble about stuff! Thank you for being who you are and setting the example that you do for others! Congratulations on the terrific run, and best wishes with each step of the journey!



For what are you grateful at this moment?

Share with me, as we celebrate being grateful!

Thank You Trails of Life!



The above pic was taken on one of my all-time fave running trails, where I first started hitting the trails after I moved to this area. It's the site of a major moment in US history. (Any guesses where or what?)

For the last few months I've felt that life is taking me on a different path, and today I'm about to explore it more fully. Like any run, one never knows what one will encounter: what roots will have shot up, how solid or not the ground will be, how many critters will cross one's path, whether or not one will follow the blazes, etc.

In the trail lies the beauty of life. Sometimes a new trail might perceptually be scary, more technical, longer, or filled with more spidey webs than the usual ones. Yet, it's all perceptions, and each step on each run (or walk or hike) allows us to grow more fully, to be who we are, to find out what we really love, and what is truly important to us.

Thank You Trails of Life for the lessons you teach! Thank You for the beautiful moments like bluebells on an April morning, squirrels scampering to and fro, or an eagle soaring high above the bay. Thank You for always leading us home!

For what are you grateful at this moment?

Share with me, as we celebrate being grateful!

Thank You Mother Nature!

This fell last night, ever so gently, but fiercely enough for a Code Red Day! It was a total shock, as the chance of snow had been downplayed greatly since last week.  So, today I'll spend the day hammering away on projects left mostly undone since the last Code Red time.

Yet, today will feel very much like what it is- a gift of relaxation.

Thank you Mother Nature for knowing the breaking points of teachers, and sending us a wonder of white day in which we can recharge our heart, soul, batteries, brain, and body! Thank you Father Time for the opportunity to make homemade granola, clean, do art work, read, and watch the sun rise over snow-covered trees above a creek!

For what are you grateful at this moment?

Share with me, as we celebrate being grateful!



Thank You Arms!

It's been a long few days, and a longer few weeks. I've been slacking on upper body lifting, but after hitting the gym, I decided to continue the workout at home with lunges and UB lifting. As soon as I picked up the icey weights, it was as if the weight of the last month had disappeared.  A broken yearbook camera- so what? Mid-terms rescheduled due to snow and ice- oh well! The death of 3 friends- ah, life goes on! Impatience on an IRS refund check- c'est la vie... it'll show up!

Thank you body for knowing what was needed! Thank you weights for allowing me a positive release to the tension of life! Thank you hallway for being the right distance for lunges while the arms rested a bit!

For what are you grateful at this moment?

Share with me, as we celebrate being grateful!

Thank You Great Support Crew!

Yesterday was one of the hardest days of my life. Remaining in "teacher mode" to support the many tears, anger, sorrow, regret, and more from my fellow teachers and super students as we learned to live life without Sandrita.

Knowing I could not take it all on my own, I e-mailed a request for distance reiki (to the LwC Reiki volunteer coordinator) to be sent. The response was immense, and just what I neeed!

No longer walking the path of healing alone, I have been able to take the hands of a mighty and wonderful group of humans. I look forward to next Monday with them when I will thank them in person, and celebrate the life of our Sandrita after she is laid to rest earlier in the day.

Thank you LwC Reiki vols and Linda our coordinator! Thank you Sharon for the conversation that foreshadowed this happening less than 18 hours earlier! Thank you to everyone who has played a role in supporting Sandra's family, friends, school, etc. as we look forward to each breath and cherishing life more fully!

For what are you grateful at this moment?

Share with me, as we celebrate being grateful!

Thank You Sandra!

When a child dies it's not easy to stay focused. Our school learned early this morning that one of our beloved 8th graders lost her multi-year battle against leukemia on Saturday. Her smile, kindness, compassion, and simplicity were remembered by every  student and staff memeber. Only positive came from the lips of all.

Thank you Sandra for sharing your life with us! Thank you students for supporting her and putting in your requests for future remembrances! Thank you VG for your honesty with us in the staff meeting!

Sandra, we will always be grateful for the time in which we knew you! May your peace be infinite!

For what are you grateful at this moment?

Share with me, as we celebrate being grateful!

Thank You VHTRC!

The great folks of the Virginia Happy Trails Running Club challenge me in every way possible. This afternoon's awards party was no different. Speaking from the heart about a late member of the club was far from easy. My legs shook the entire time, as did everything else but my voice and my thoughts. Afterwards the appreciation was great, the gestures were kind, and the thanks were sincere.

Thank you Alan, Helen, Brittany, Sophie, Anstr, Brenda, Tom, Joe, Ed, Ted, Gary, and more for your token of gratitude! Thank you Keith for the running picture show that eased my nerves! Thank you Jill for providing a steady example of Mike's life and the shoes!

What an afternoon!

For what are you grateful at this moment?

Share with me, as we celebrate being grateful!



Thank You Mike B!

I've been asked to speak about my take on an award tomorrow at a running group's party. Elements of this are not my comfort zone, yet I know it's best. Like many other runners who toe the line, uncertain as to whether or not the terrain will be best that day, I have humble confidence in what I know and all will be well tomorrow.

Thank you Mike B. for living as you chose to live! Thank you for this opportunity to step beyond my comfort zone while still having elements of it with me! Thank you for what you did to inspire so many others! Thank you for the opportunity to grow!

For what are you grateful at this moment?

Share with me, as we celebrate being grateful!

Thank You Listeners!

Sometimes it feels like there is more of this

than this.

Today reminded me that there are people who truly do listen to concerns, even when they may appear to be smiling with their fingers in their ears.

Thank you to Mr. G who heard my concerns yesterday and implemented a change! Thank you to JH who always listens no matter what! Thank you to humans everywhere who show love and respect through their listening to others, no matter what is going on in their lives!

For what are you grateful at this moment?

Share with me, as we celebrate being grateful!

Thank You JD and Tony's Cannoli!

Today was a teacher work day. The lunch plan was simple: Panera, but at about 12:25, that was replaced with a trip to one of the DC metro area's best pizza places:  Tony's. While 2 Colombians, 1 Romanian, 1 Navy Brat, and 1 Coast Guard wife chatted endlessly about the education systems and customs in other countries, I pondered completing my amazing slice of pizza with a cannoli, as I had never had one. A Pizza Angel was watching over me, as JD came to the taste bud rescue, and offered us all a sample of his cannoli.

Thank you JD for your thoughtfulness! Thank you cannoli for being the best ever teacher work day dessert! Thank you Antonio D'Agostino for feeding us all today, as you have for 12 years!

For what are you grateful at this moment?

Share with me, as we celebrate being grateful!