Oh my goodness, I did it. I just finished the spring semester. I’m so grateful it’s over. On to the next class!
Month: April 2015
Day 284 / Evening Walk
Today after work Donovon and I walked from home to Ava’s school to pick her up. We wanted to get a walk in and the weather was perfect. Not only that, Ava was ecstatic that both Mommy and Daddy come to pick her up and that she got to walk home with us.
I’m grateful for such a nice walk with Donovon and Ava on such a lovely day.
Day 283 / Ava’s Love of Learning
There is something wonderful about watching a child learn. I don’t have enough patience to teach, but I’m giving it with my best shot. And Ava’s doing such a great job at this stage of learning to read. I’m grateful for her love of learning and all the progress she’s made so far.
Day 282 / Donovon’s Beautiful Tank
Our saltwater tank has been Donovon’s labor of love for over thirteen years. If you don’t know exactly how much work and expense goes into maintaining a saltwater tank, well, I can tell you – It’s a lot. I admire Donovon’s dedication to it. So many times he’s thought of giving it up. But then he takes the good part of a Saturday or Sunday to change the water and clean it and the results are amazing.
It’s a beautiful tank set up in the corner of our living room that offers serenity and comfort anytime I gaze upon it. It’s so esquisite and peaceful, and I’m grateful that it is part of our home.
Day 281 / My Cousin Frances
Frances is my oldest cousin on my mother’s side of the family. I lovingly call her Ate (ah-teh) Tata. Ate is a Filipino title of respect for older female siblings or cousins. Although Ate Tata lives half a world away, she’s like an older sister to me.
During each of my four trips to the Philippines, she always went out of her way to care for us, to make sure we were comfortable, and to guide us in our travels.
It was on my third trip that we buried my mother in her home town. I remember Ate Tata comforting and caring for my sister and me in our grief. As I reflect back on that trip, I realize how much I needed her and was so grateful for her love and care.
My most recent visit to the Philippines was in 2006. Tonight, I looked at pictures of that amazing trip with Daddy, Donovon, Alexa, my sister, and her husband. We had some great adventures and Ate Tata was there doing what she does best – accommodating us, guiding us, and caring for us. I can’t help but smile or laugh whenever I recollect that wonderful trip.
Now, over three decades since my first visit, Ata Tata is still here for me with comforting words and memories after the loss of my father. I am so very thankful for my cousin Frances, all her love, and all that she has done for me and our family.
I love you, Ate Tata and I hope to see you again very soon!
She is third from the left and that’s her daughter second from the left. 
Day 280 / Saturday Fun
Today I enjoyed a fun day of hanging with family and friends at a crawfish boil and later attending a big Evening Under the Stars Gala with Donovon at Camp Mabry.
I’m so thankful for such good times and so much fun this Saturday.
Day 279 / Friday Night Gaming with the Hubby
It’s been a while since I’ve gotten to play X-Wing with the hubby. I’m thankful that tonight we got in a round together. And that, of course, I got to enjoy a tasty martini while playing.
Oh, and I won. 🙂
Day 278 / Home Safely
After a successful and productive work trip, I’m thankful to be back home safely.
Day 277 / A Delectable Meal after a Long Day of Travel
Traveling in and of itself is exhausting, but when you don’t live in a hub city and have to connect to get just about anywhere, it makes for a long day. Today was no exception, and with barely thirty minutes between connecting flights and running over a mile through four terminals to get on the next leg (the train was out of order) missing any opportunity to grab lunch, I was both exhausted and starving.
My reward after such a strenous day was drinks and dinner with colleagues at Oyster Catchers. We shared ceviche, oysters, and calamari as appetizers. For dinner, I had red snapper, and later key lime pie for dessert. Drinks were flowing throughout. I more than made up for missing lunch, and the company was thoroughly enjoyable.
I’m thankful for such an amazing meal shared in great company.
Day 276 / Last Day of Class
Whew! My class and semester is over. Seven-week classes are intense. The workload and pace is doubled and a lot of material is crammed into a relatively short amount of time.
Tonight was my last for the semester. I’m so grateful for the knowledge I gained and more grateful that this semester has come to an end. On to the next one!
Gratitude Daily 