On being sick

Travis and I have been fighting a cold for about a week. He stayed home from work, but I tried to make it. I lasted until 10:30! I came home, hoping I wouldn't throw up in the truck. I made it home and crashed on the bed. I am not sure if I took off my shoes! I slept until 1:00 and then went back to sleep at 3:30 and finally woke up at 5:00. I hope I will be able to sleep tonight.

We have been lazying around this evening. I had some RS stuff I had to do and I checked my work email. I really feel like a slug. I haven't been to the gym since Friday. I miss it!! I hope to be able to go back tomorrow morning. I do feel different when I don't go. To keep you updated, I have kept up my pace. We go to the gym (still) at 5:00 AM 4-5 times a week. Loss of poundage, no. But, I feel more invigorated throughout the day. The next step is certainly to work on what I eat. That is actually a lot harder for me than the early exercising. I love candy and carbs.

So, hmmm...What else? Travis and I went to Denver over the President's Day weekend. My sweet niece, Lindsay, asked Travis to baptize her. She also asked if I'd give a talk on the gift of the Holy Ghost. We were thrilled to be a part of her special day. It was great visiting with their family.

Here is to good health and getting back to the gym!!

The Day of my Birth

I am surrounded by incredibly generous and loving friends, family and co-workers. As the last goodie (huge heart-shaped sugar cookie) was dropped off last night, I was overwhelmed and brought to tears as I reflected on the celebration of the “day of my birth”. I started jotting down all the goodness that had come my way and all the people who truly went out of their way to show me kindness. The number of text messages, phone calls, cards, gifts, emails and people just stopping by to wish me well was too much to quantify. Gratitude sums up my feelings - true gratitude for my life.

I have had my health challenges and one significant unfulfilled dream; HOWEVER, that is not my life. My life is brimming with important and fulfilling relationships. It is filled with laughter, happy tears, and a joie de vivre. I couldn’t ask for a more loving and attentive husband. I don’t even know how to express how much I love and respect Travis. Really and truly (LYDLL). I am blessed with opportunities all over the place to serve and utilize my talents and abilities. I have seen incredible places all over this world and can’t wait to see more!

So, I am not afraid of the future. I am proud to be 36 and am grateful I feel as fulfilled as I do. That is a blessing.

Am I really 36!

I walked into my office to find a "heart attack" from my student employees. Very sweet! The card on my computer was signed with such nice sentiments from my co-workers. The card was drawn by non other than Johnny U. I guess the lifting weights, diet coke and my Paris trip is what currently defines me.

I have received numerous emails, calls and cards from family and friends and it is only 9:39 AM. Travis gave me a sweet card with a poem he wrote plus some spendable cash. Great day so far!

Renegade Book Club has a FAN CLUB!!!

I was delighted to arrive home from a long day at work and see a box marked "Good Mail from Melanie" on the porch. My first thought went right to the "Melanie" who recently commented on my blog for the first time. I then thought..."that is crazy! why would Melanie, whom I have never met, send a package to my house???" (I need to back up - the box was addressed to Collette and Book Club.) So, I was thrilled to be the one to open the box and see SIX SETS of this fun treat! Sorry the photo is so blurry!!!

As you can see, it is a delicious Cadbury chocolate with 5 darling Paris magnets. I called Jill right away and we debated whether to blog about this fun treat right away or wait until Wednesday when we get together for Book Club. Sorry to blow the surprise for you Renegaders, but we wanted to thank Melanie for her sweet gift! What a fun surprise!!! I guess we have our first official fan club member!