Days 8, 9, 10

1. Feeling more confident in my driving/parking.

2. Finding cute, comfortable, professional outfits to teach in.

3. Summer rain after a few days of high heat.

4. The rustling of leaves from the wind on a sunny afternoon.

5. Self-indulgent naps.

6. The Holy Land Cafe in Minneapolis-delicious middle eastern food.

7. Watching "The Great British Bake-Off" with Mom.

8. Feeling anxious about the future, and successfully retraining my thoughts to be positive and take things as they come.

9. A good chat and a walk around the lake with Dad.

Days 5, 6, 7

1. Being tended to by my loving family when I was sick.

2. Long walks with Mom.

3. Picking raspberries and chatting with Dad.

4. Pulled pork @ Mavericks.

5. New air-conditioner and sleeping in comfort during a heat wave.

6. Going through old letters and photos and feeling at ease with the passing of time rather than saudade.

7. Catching up with old friends, feeling happy for others' accomplishments.

8. New comfy, strappy black sandals I can teach in-thanks, Ma!

9. Family taco dinner.

Day 4

1. Beautiful gardens sprinkled all over the city. It's lovely to see how people's effort and pride in their gardens benefit everyone who passes by.

2. Fresh fruit and a fridge full of healthy, delicious food to eat thanks to my loving mother.

3. Podcasts that transport. The new Malcom Gladwell one, Revisionist History, is particularly good.

Day 3

1. Being able to pull relevant, helpful boosts from the homily today at church. Daily deeds determine destiny-alliteration aside, this reminder supports my latest efforts at keeping a more regimented routine in order to improve my future chances at success.

2. My yearly walk to the DQ at Lake Josephine with Daniel. I like that he still enjoys spending time with his auntie.

3. Eating mulberries from the mulberry tree on my walk.

Day 2

1. A long, safe & sunny stroll met with smiles and hellos by passer-byers.

2. Watching "Finding Dory" with the family. It's amazing what kind of animation they can do!

3. Driving home from "Finding Dory" with my lovely, patient mother encouraging me. Driving on the highway for the first time in years left me a bit anxious, so I definitely appreciated my mother's calm support.

Day 1

1. A family who loves me unconditionally-even though we don't share a lot of the same values in terms of religion, politics and lifestyles. I am grateful that I can be honest with them about who I am without them trying to change me.

2. Having a greater understanding of and support for "Black Lives Matter." Illumination/education being the key to empathy.

3. The Little Free Library. I love the concept and creation of this book swapping campaign.