Twinkle Toes, part deux

Back in May I jotted down a few things that make my life a little better - the little things that bring me joy, no matter how trivial or mundane. They lift me up and brighten my spirits... I call them "Twinkle Toes."

This particular week in November is a popular one to publicly give thanks. It's definitely time for TT, part two. I'll go ahead and get the big ones out of the way: family, friends, beau, food, job, place to live. My gratitude for these staples are the drumbeat of my existence, pretty much every day.

Okay? Okay.


Twinkle Toes, Fall Edition:

* two of my old friends from long ago moved to Cincy and are now my new friends again.
* all 22 pairs of different colored tights hanging in my closet mean I hardly ever have to wear pants.
* the misadventures my cats are constantly having in exploring the new apartment.
* did I mention the new apartment? two words: CENTRAL. HEATING.
* Sunday mass at St. Francis Seraph - celebrating Jesus with my neighbors of every background.
* urban campfire nights at my friend's fire pit in Pendleton.
* Instagram 
* Audrey Hepburn - I have something of an obsession...
* watching the Bengals not suck this year.
* fresh picked apples.
* my quest to find the best home-made biscuit in Cincinnati.
* roasted root veggies.
* making friends at work.
* the Broadway Blast exercise class I attend every week - learning dances to show tunes gives me confidence and is so much fun.
* landing my second-ever lead role in a show.
* all the ways that connections happen in Cincinnati - in this little big town it's amazing to hear the stories of how people meet and have known each other through the years. It's even better when two completely different parts of my social circle connect for the first time.
* silly or sweet text messages from loved ones.
* bacon-wrapped date pizza at A Tavola.
* listening to records.
* Tough Love: Miami and The New Girl - my new guilty pleasure Hulu sessions.
* watching through Mad Men and Dr. Who with my guy.
* getting to know my new neighbors in my apartment building and in the area.
* making my 'hood better in tiny, secret ways (if I told you what they were it wouldn't be a secret anymore!)
* spiked hot apple cider and hot chocolate.
* calling my family and catching up with them.

Naturally, I gotta know...

What gives you Twinkle Toes?