Hey there.  Things have been a little crazy around here.  It comes in waves, either we are overbooked with activities or we have a week with absolutely nothing going on.  Keeps life interesting, I guess - right?  I'm actually more nervous about the week after next, the first week of February.  That's going to be very intense. 

Dominic will celebrate his First Communion on that Sunday.  Big day for him -- should be cool.  In the Methodist tradition all people are welcome to receive communion regardless of age or belief.  Four years ago when Marisa was in 2nd grade I introduced a class (you know me and my Catholic influence...) for children.  It's called "Taste the Bread" and teaches about communion.  We bake the communion bread together on that special Sunday and I made up a workbook for each child to complete.  It was very well received by our church, and is a lot of fun too.  I'm surprised about how much more I've learned about my own faith. 

Then on Monday I am coordinating a "community dialogue" for the Troy region (dialogues are going to take place all over Metro Detroit) to address the issue of race relations in Metro Detroit.  The event is facilitated by a nonprofit organization in Detroit and will include dinner and then small group discussions about racism.  About 50-75 people will attend, and I'm sure it will be very interesting and eye opening.  I'm already getting nervous about having to speak in front of so many people. 

The next day - Tuesday, I get to see Dr. Kovach in the morning for my annual heart exam.  That will be the highlight of my week.  I am so eager to see what she says.  I am nervous about the possibility of needing a pacemaker.  On a positive, I'm excited to see how my valve looks on the echocardiogram.  I remember Dave said it had “attitude”. 

Later that night I am attending a 4 hr diversity training session for my Ethnic Issues Advisory Board.  With all this "diversity & inclusion" stuff - I really have jumped in with both feet -- hopefully my involvement will turn into a paid position sometime.  We'll see...

By Wednesday things should slow down.  Although, both weekend nights Dave and I have plans - but they’re just for fun.  We play euchre with neighborhood friends on Friday and have an Awards Banquet on Saturday night. 

Geez...that was a lot of typing.  Don't know if it was a very interesting read - but I feel so much better writing all that down.  I get stressed thinking about all that is coming up, and by just writing it out - my shoulders feel lighter.  I have noticed my palpitations get worse when I'm under stress.  May-be I'll have a lot to tell Dr. Kovach on that Tuesday.

The sun is bright today - not a cloud in the sky.  We had a couple of inches of snow last night, the kids were hoping for a snow day.  They were all bummed when I pulled them out of their warm little beds this morning.  Snow won't really matter to us come mid-February.  We are all really looking forward to our Florida trip.  I can't wait - I missed a lot of summer in 2006, not being able to be in the sun due to my meds and of course - living in the recliner 24/7.  I hope the weather cooperates.  It will be great to see Dave's parents, and to catch up with the Jones and Taylors as well.  We really missed out by not being down there at Christmas, all the cousins were together.  May-be next time....

Well, I'd better run.  Natalie is waiting patiently for someone to play outside with her.  Better dig out my snowsuit....

Take care & God bless, Michelle