Happy 2011

For several years I've been kicking around the idea of starting a blog, but didn't know what to write about.  Today, it hit me what my concept could be about, after I noticed a plaque I have on my vanity table in my bathroom.  It has the phrase Smile*Celebrate*Love on it and was bought shortly after my 40th birthday to signify all that I had experienced the year leading up to that big day. After noticing it today I thought this would be a perfect way for me to capture and document all the things in my life that make me smile, my many celebrations both big and small, and the things and people I love the most.  I'm thinking this is more of a way to note all of the many blessings I have in life that I'm so grateful for, but don't take the time to reflect upon.   So...here goes the first post *drum roll please*:

Smile:  What made me smile today?
A text received at the perfect time from my almost 5 year old niece that had a bunch of happy face emoticons and said "I love and miss you Auntie!"  Somehow that sweet angel knows the right time that I need to hear those words.  I understand from her parents that she asks on her own to send a message and isn't prompted, which makes it even more special that she's thinking of others even when they aren't around often.

Celebrate:  What did I celebrate today?
I finally went to the gym!  Had to search high and low for my gym card only to be found in back of all my credit cards that were used much more than the gym membership card during the past month.  I met my friend, got caught up on her life and holiday season and committed to going back 3 times this week.  Ended up working out for an hour and walked 3.65 miles.  Then I came home and fixed a fabulous fish dinner with green beans and salad.  I celebrate that I also ate healthy today...gotta start somewhere!  I'm determined to win the battle of the bulge this year!

Love:  What did I love today?
I love that I'm starting Becky Higgins Project Life  to help me document all of my life's special moments.  I am hoping that it will keep me organized and inspired to capture all the experiences I face this year, both big and small.  It's a simple scrapbook that comes with all the materials, all you have to do is supply the pictures and memorabilia and journal what was happening.  I love that I've got this already organized so I don't have to think much about creating pages, etc and can just focus on ways I can remember the moment!

Thought for the day:
If you see someone without a smile, give him/her one of yours...it's the greatest gift you can give!