Checking off my 26 in 2026 list, learning a few new things, and, of course, feeding my Halloween T-shirt obsession!
Yes, I’ve purchased at least two new Halloween shirts this season. In my defense (not that I need one!), one was a replacement for a favorite that had simply been loved a little too much. That totally counts as a necessity, right?
A Little Coffee Exploring in Gilbert, Arizona
I recently spent a few days and nights in Gilbert, Arizona, for an acro convention. Of course, being somewhere new meant I had to explore a few coffee shops. It would have been rude not to!
And let me tell you, these three coffee experiences couldn’t have been more different!
First stop: Dutch Bros.
I tried a chai with caramel added, and it was delicious! The funny part? We have Dutch Bros at home, but I’ve never taken the time to stop and try it. Apparently, I needed to drive to Arizona to discover something I could have had all along. Go figure! I’ll definitely be visiting one closer to home.
Next up: Bikini Beans Coffee.
Well, this was certainly a different coffee experience! Yes, the servers really do wear bikinis. Fun concept, but definitely not my uniform of choice. I’ll stick with my Halloween T-shirts, thank you very much!
I ordered a hot White Ninja, a creamy combination of Irish cream, chocolate, and white chocolate. And yes, hot coffee for me, even in Arizona. Some habits are just not meant to be broken!
Third stop: Black Rock Coffee Bar.
My choice here was a hot Caramel Apple Butter. Doesn’t that just sound like fall in a cup? Another fun stop and another coffee shop checked off my list!
And then there was Swig!
This was another first for me. I’m really not much of a soda drinker, but they have some wonderful refresher options. I tried sparkling water with pineapple and watermelon, and it was so refreshing! A nice change from my usual hot drinks.
So, looking at my 26 in 2026 list:
- Try new, fun coffee shops — CHECK, CHECK, CHECK!
- Walk into somewhere new and try something different — CHECK!
I do love a good list, especially when I get to cross things off!
A Little Work, A Lot of Learning, and Some Amazing Kids
The main reason for our Arizona adventure was the Accelerate Acro Convention, and what a wonderful experience it turned out to be!
I brought eight tumbling students, along with their families, to experience something completely new for all of us. I am so grateful these families were willing to take a chance, travel, and be part of this adventure with me.
For me, it was a great opportunity to learn, refresh my brain, and be reminded of some skills I absolutely love teaching but haven’t used in a while.
Tick-tocks, different variations, combinations of three or four tricks, and even some new ideas to bring back to class. Sometimes you don’t realize how much you’ve tucked away in that teaching brain until someone reminds you!
One of the highlights was watching four of our dancers earn the opportunity, through auditions, to participate in a professional show. What an incredible experience for them! Seeing these kids step outside their comfort zones, challenge themselves, and be part of something so unique was truly special.
I was one proud teacher!
Would I do it again? Absolutely! We’ll see what next year brings and whether the convention changes things up a bit.
I’m also exploring the possibility of taking a hand-balancing class and eventually offering some workshops. I love finding new ways for kids to discover their strengths, especially those who might not realize what they’re capable of yet.
And that brings me to something I feel very strongly about.
One of the greatest joys of teaching tumbling has very little to do with the actual tumbling.
Don’t get me wrong, I love seeing a child finally land that skill they’ve worked so hard for. But I also love watching the friendships form, confidence grow, and kids discover that they don’t have to be the best in the room to belong or to succeed.
There is so much more to gain from being part of a class: discipline, commitment, organization, teamwork, friendships, kindness, empathy, and learning how to encourage others.
Sometimes the biggest accomplishments aren’t the tricks they land but the people they’re becoming along the way.
And I feel pretty lucky to have a small part in that.
Meanwhile… The Halloween T-Shirt Obsession Continues!
Yes, it’s still going strong!
I haven’t been quite as consistent with posting my Halloween shirts this year as I have in the past, but I promise I’m still wearing them!
I actually started a few days before October 1st. Why wait when you have a closet full of Halloween happiness?
I’ve also been doing pretty well with my pink shirts on Wednesdays. A little pink mixed in with all the pumpkins, ghosts, and skeletons never hurt anyone!
This year, I’m trying to figure out how to make my shirt posts a little more fun and interactive. I love sharing them, but I’d also love to get everyone involved.
I tried one little shirt survey already and want to do more. Maybe next time I’ll let everyone choose between two colors or two designs.
Of course, this requires me to plan ahead, which sounds much easier than it actually is when my brain has about 47 other things going on!
But stay tuned. You may get to help choose what I wear next!
Next Up: November, My Month of Kindness
As October rolls along, I’m already thinking about one of my favorite traditions: November Kindness Month.
I love finding little ways to brighten someone’s day, especially when they least expect it.
And I’ll admit, I’m a big fan of anonymous acts of kindness. There’s just something wonderful about doing something nice for someone without them knowing who did it. No recognition needed, just the hope that it brought a smile, made a difficult day a little easier, or reminded someone that people really do care.
It doesn’t have to be something big or expensive. Sometimes the smallest gestures make the biggest difference.
So now I’d love to hear from you!
What’s your favorite random act of kindness?
Do you prefer to do something anonymously, or do you enjoy seeing someone’s reaction?
Have you ever been on the receiving end of an unexpected kindness that really stuck with you?
I’d love some new ideas to add to my November list, and maybe we can inspire each other to spread a little extra kindness along the way.
Until next time, I’ll be over here drinking hot coffee, wearing another Halloween T-shirt, checking things off my 2026 list, and probably planning three more things before I finish the first one!
Here’s to trying new things, appreciating the little moments, and remembering that a little kindness can go a long way!