The last couple weeks

As it has been for most people, the last couple of weeks have been a flurry of activity. So much that I couldn't bother to take the ten minutes required to come up with a list of ten bests for an entire two weeks. So here I am, attempting to make up for lost time, and cheating a bit in the process.

The ten bests of the last couple of weeks are as follows:

1. Shamelessly self-promoting my blogs to a whole 42 people by including the Web addresses on our Christmas card inserts.
2. Seeing a young girl and her father at Kopps, all dressed up as though they just left a holiday school program – the girl smiled and twirled and ran with every step she took. She couldn't have been happier and it was a joy to witness.
3. Feeling a sense of peace at my grandpa's funeral earlier this month. I felt his presence there, I'm sure of it. He wasn't physically in the church with us but he was absolutely there within my heart. My grandpa deserves a list of ten bests honoring him. And I have a story to tell so more about Grandpa Ray in the near future.
   
4. Exchanging gifts with dear friends at work.
5. Helping my friend, Greg, and his wife with their monstrous Christmas card mailing. I proofread a total of 1,012 cards. A bonus in this process is spending time with Greg, a most unique, wonderful, and generous individual.
6. Celebrating Mark's birthday! We enjoyed an authentic full English breakfast at the Brit Inn, a definate treat for my "Engrish" husband.
7. After at least a year-long dry spell of not discovering any new music, recently being bombarded with some amazing finds.
8. Sending in the $50 rebate for my new mobile phone. It was a painful process getting there, Mark will second that.
9. Wendy stopping by last night with Diesel's favorite dog pal, Gertie – and knowing that we will be spending much time with them next week.
10. Crossing items off a list that has finally stopped regenerating.
    

On another note, I was completely touched by a story I saw on the Today Show this morning. I blogged about it here. My thoughts and prayers go out to Danelle Ballengee as she recovers. Adventure racing has always been intriguing to me so I read more about Danelle and am absolutely in awe by what she's done. Besides all the racing, she's the only woman to have climbed all 55 of Colorado's 14ers. So inspiring, slightly crazy – adventure racers are a unique breed. I admire them.

Thinking of adventure racing reminded me of a card I bought the year I started the original ten best lists. It depicted a mountain climber and had the most inspirational, yet simple, phrase printed on it. Of course I have no idea what the phrase is anymore, nor do I know if I could still find that card, but it is what inspired the look of the original ten best lists. I remember a distinct feeling of empowerment that year due to working with a personal trainer and a fantastic fitness regimen. That card epitomized it perfectly.