Open Hands

I guess I need that reminder about how blessed I am sooner than I thought.  Last day of vacation and I had my cell phone stolen.  I didn't just lose it or misplace it...someone actually took it.  I was so heartbroken and mad when it happened.  It's not just the cost to replace the phone, or the fact that I am so mad that someone could be so cruel while on vacation, but I realized just how personal my phone was to me!  So many special notes I had.  And I also had a lot of partial songs that I was working on in one of the apps, and I had some special pictures (from this vacation) that had not been saved yet.  And it's feels like such a violation to have something just taken from you.

However, as I got over my initial hurt and anger, I started to think about the reality that I should not hold onto anything in this world too closely.  Was it really that traumatic?  Frustrating and hurtful, yes, but I know that nothing here will last forever and I cannot take any of these things with me when I die.  So, as I thought more about it I felt that there was a lesson here for me.  Another reminder that there are so many things that are completely out of my control.  Was I willing to cling so desperately to my phone that it would ruin the rest of my time with my daughter, or effect my attitude in a long term way?  No, I didn't want to do that.  So, as much as it still hurts and still angers me a bit, I let go of my frustration and started to think about what my next steps would be.  And the phone, at least, can be replaced.  And how blessed I am that my husband is already looking into how we can get me another one right away.

So, thanks God for gently nudging me to make better choices.

Vacation

Here I am in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. It's very beautiful here and I am enjoying being very 'unplugged' from technology. Apart from some quick messages home, posting a couple of pictures and this post, I have been completely free of Internet and games and I am loving it! The only thing missing is my other daughter and my husband. Oh, and my mom and dad too, because they are fun to have around! And, I love them. :)
Anyway, just wanted to share a photo and a memory. I think I really needed time to completely shut off and recharge from certain stresses. I feel much more able to face things at home again. I hope to bring this relaxed feeling back into my home and support my husband who has been working so hard while I'm gone! This will serve as a reminder of how truly blessed I am.

Love and stuff.

My husband took me out on a 'date' last night for Valentine's Day.  I put date in quotes because, well, it's his version of a date anyway....lol....

A couple of weeks ago my cousin posted on facebook that she was in an improve show called, 'How We First Met.'  So, Robin mentioned to me that he would like to go.   When we arrived, we were asked to fill out a form with some brief information regarding how long we have been married, our occupation, a word to describe us, etc.  During the performance, they would pick 3 couples, one at a time, to 'interview' and then, based on their answers, someone on the team would sketch it out....with some liberties. 

So, couple number one was called up.  Married about 6 years and together for 11 total.  There were three acting couples and they chose who would represent them.  Their story was quite fun and interesting.

The second couple had only been dating about a year and a half.  Quite an....interesting story.  Made for some fun sketches....that's all I will say about them....:P

I just had a feeling that we would be couple number 3.  Since my cousin was part of the team, I thought she might help 'encourage' us as a choice.  And I couldn't believe it was her and her husband left.  I was actually quite happy they would represent us.  I found out after that she did, indeed, influence our pick. However, it was completely random that they were left to represent us. She told me when the one girl was going through the papers she said, 'oh, we can't pick this couple!'  My cousin did not know who she was talking about and asked why.  'Because, they met in church!'  My cousin laughed and checked the names and then said, 'no, it's okay, they are cool!'  So funny....

Anyway, it was quite interesting, to say the least.  I was actually petrified!  Robin was quite at ease and had a blast.  It was really fun to share how we met and it really added a lot of material for them.  Everyone there actually seemed to enjoy our story.  (Some highlights - our first date was at Harvey's....I ordered a sandwich, fries or maybe onion rings and a drink...he ordered just fries!  As well, it was fun to share how I did ALL the talking and he just listened....probably for at least the first few months of our relationship!)  It was really memorable.  And I even got a bouquet of flowers at the end which Robin has tried to pass off as coming from him...which, indirectly they did, but still.

I came away from it thinking that we should incorporate some good memories and share some of our stories with each other more often.  And it was really awesome to let our marriage shine for so many others to see.

Simple Things

This is a view of the fresh snowfall at the front of my house.  It's too bad the camera can't capture the true beauty of the falling snow at this time.  We have not had much snow this winter, which is very odd, so it's especially noted when it does snow.  As I sit and look out the window, I can't help but reflect on joy in the simple things.  I feel so fortunate to experience all the seasons.  As much as I dislike the cold and certainly don't like storms or dangerous weather, there is still so much beauty in each season and during the change between seasons. And I want to pause and reflect on these simple delights.

One thing about winter I have noticed is that the stars seem to twinkle brighter and the sun seems to sparkle when it shines.  Then, winter white will give way to springtime greens.  New life will sprout up - fresh flowers, new grass, leaves on trees, blossoms, seedlings.  As the season matures and summer arrives there is a warmth that envelopes everything.  Berries are fresh and ripe.  Things feel more laid back.  Nature is alive and buzzing - ants scurry about building their home, bees collect pollen and produce honey, birds sing merrily throughout the day - this seems to be the shortest season and that does sadden me a bit.  Before you know it the earth begins to prepare for winter.  The leaves begin to show off their colourful coats of red, orange, yellow and even deep burgundy.  Days become cooler and a fresh, crisp feel in is the air.  Foods are rich and hearty and evoke a sense of comfort.  

I've been inspired to really appreciate the seasons through a book I am reading called, 'Earth to Table'.  I really recommend it.  It's a wonderful reminder to do more than just stop and 'smell the flowers'.  I can also catch snowflakes on my tongue, float in a lazy river and jump in a pile of leaves.  Simple pleasures.