Closing out the weekend and preparing for the new week with a gratitude check. Thanks to this weekend, I’m grateful for:

• Two strong runs — even in this unreasonable heat (above photo was taken during today’s run)
• Almost a full day spent with my younger son — and the fact that he still enjoys hanging out with with his mom
• An afternoon spent at the neighborhood pool — and the triumph of not letting self-consciousness get in the way of doing so
• Knocking out some chores that I’ve been putting off
• Air conditioning
• Half-marathon training with a running partner and accountability buddy. This is new for me and I must say that it makes training soooo much easier.
• Answered prayer
• A really good book
• Daily communication with both of my boys
• Did I mention air conditioning?
• Feeling the benefits of building healthier eating habits
• Fresh cherries and other summer produce offerings
• Texts from my older son with examples of his latest creative work
• My hometown and all of its amazing offerings — especially Forest Park (shown above)
• “I saw this and thought of you” texts from friends
• And…. air conditioning

Wishing everyone a wonderful and blessed week.