We finally had our turn at the first day of school thing around here last week.

I brought the kids out in front of the house to take the obligatory “first day” photos, like you do. I made a point of taking a few with the red door and blueish-grey siding behind them, so that someday they can use those background cues to identify how old they were when the photos were taken. In doing so, I officially made this home a part of their story – part of our story.

Much to my relief, the kids both enjoyed their first day of school, and then their second. Devin has made a few friends whose  names he remembers; Emma likes her teacher. I’m getting used to having alone time again, despite my concerns about sending the kids back to school.

I’m supposed to be using that alone time to work – and I am, mostly – but I also took three Bikram Yoga classes last week at a studio near my house.

I still think it is really freaking cool that there is a yoga studio near my house (in fact, there are two.)

The first class I thought I was going to die and/or throw up. The second class I rode my bike and thought I was probably the stupidest person in the world, but I didn’t even think about throwing up during class. The third time I discovered that I have weak feet muscles. Despite discovering new ways in which I am out of shape, I was really proud of myself for getting off my butt and finally trying out this style of hot yoga. And for not puking even once.

In other words, week two in Pittsburgh was a puke-free success.

What made you happy this week?

I start my week by highlighting what made me happy from the previous week because gratitude is the first step to being happy. I invite you to do the same because I want you to be happy, too. I’m a peach.