Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Thankful

I've been thinking about what I'm thankful for. It may have been prompted by volunteering in Sunshine's classroom and them writing their Happy Thanksgiving cards, or it may just be that this time of year makes me think about that.

For much of this year I have been struggling with finding the balance of appreciating all that I have and not wanting for too much. It is a weird balance to find to appreciate all that I have in my life and still set goals and drive for things.

So I have had the opportunity to spend a lot of the year thinking about all the things in my life to be thankful and grateful for:

Sunshine- she is amazing. She is smart and funny and curious and allows me to see the world in a different way.
My family- both near and far. I have gotten to see family I haven't seen in awhile this year and it has been wonderful to reconnect, to help my elderly Aunt and see part of my history. I've gotten to reconnect with my cousin who is becoming more like the sister I never had than a cousin. My Mom and Aunt and Uncle who are nearby who are always around to help me and Sunshine. My Dad and Mike who are not so close but are a phone call away and who visit and are very supportive.
My friends- I have gotten to reconnect with old friends recently and I have such wonderful friends nearby who are there to have fun with, to help, or just to be with.
My health- I am grateful that I started running, that I found a sport that drives me and pushes me to be healthy and that I have had the determination to keep it up.
My home and my job- In this time of economic uncertainty I am thankful that Sunshine and I have a roof over our heads and that I have a job to go to everyday to help provide for Sunshine.
My animals- There is nothing like having a cat or a dog curl up next to you on a cold night or sit at your side when you aren't feeling well.

I suppose these things are things that everyone is grateful and thankful for, for me the key will continue to be remembering these wonderful things in my life no matter what else is happening.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Breathe

BREATHE. It seems like such a simple thing. It should happen automagically right? Our bodies are just programmed to circulate blood and air without us actually consciously telling our heart to beat or our lungs to move in and out.

But I forget. I forget to breathe. How does that happen? I don't actually tell myself to breathe, so technically can I forget to tell myself to breathe? Or is it I tell myself not to breathe?

I know I'm not alone. I hear people say it all the time- 'don't forget to breathe', 'I keep telling myself to breathe, but I don't'.

I've never been a tremendously goal oriented person, more of a driven person, as my cousin calls it- the relentless pursuit of perfection.

I think in my relentless pursuit I may forget to do simple things like breathe.

So I'm working really hard to remember that all I really have to do is breathe, sometimes that is all there is to do and the rest will fall into place.

Okay now, everyone take a deep breath.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Turkey, A Bull, Dry Ice and Wii, OH MY

One of my favorite days of the year happened this weekend- a couple of my friends have a great Thanksgiving party, we all get together and just connect, people we haven't seen since the last gathering and people we see every day. There is always good food, good friends and good fun. And this year was no exception. It was a fantastic day!


Carving the turkeys.

Look at all that great food!



Riding a manual bull. Can you say that? Is it a manual mechanical bull?



This would be me riding the bull, notice I had a smile the whole time!



And Sunshine takes her turn!



There was of course Wii playing


And what event would be complete without dry ice??

This is the throwing of the dry ice in a bottle and then it explodes.

And dry ice in the sink.

Happy Anniversary

I missed the actual day, but none the less- I have been blogging now for just over a year! It has been an interesting experiment for me. Being able to write about my life with Sunshine and also use the opportunity to write down thoughts and feelings going through my brain- help me to process parts of my life.

So, thank you all for reading and commenting both on the blog and in real life!

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Halloween Through the Years

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005
2006

2007

2008