29 Gifts *Day 3*

Today has been a long day.  I think at 48 years old, a 12-hour work day is pretty darned long, even with some breaks in there, a drive to and from ... still, a long day.  I woke up to the sound of a dog & a cat fighting.  The newest member of our family, Spooky aka SassyCat and Meg (border collie) were having the stare down of all stare down contests in the farmer's office.  Oh well, I needed the incentive to get up.  I had put on a yoga DVD then decided I needed the fresh cool air.  So bundled up I got and off I went on my walk/run.  It was still pretty dark out, so with my two companions (Mattie & Meg Dog), I was off.  Great tunes on the Ipod, dressed warm, cold brisk air on my cheeks ... I was feeling good.  I did have to motivate myself to pick up the pace and get some running mixed in with my walking ... but I DID it!  Woo-hoo.  This was my first gift of the day ... the gift of health to me.  The gift of committing to my health & wellness ... to my body. 

On my way to the classroom I wanted to stop and get a GC for a gal who had helped me set up the classroom the day prior ... she was a big help in setting things up.  As I was in line at the latte stand I recognized the gal in the car behind me & then noticed another gal pull up behind her (she waved at me).  Both are students in the yoga class I teach and also each are widows.  While getting the GC I had intended to buy, I decided that the two behind me should have each have one also.  So I ordered up two more GCs, asking the barista to not tell the gals who bought them.  These were my gifts for the day. 

Later while sharing with a friend about my 29-gifts experience I realized that the gift I received today was the realization that I have been blessed with a wonderful husband who has his health, physical fitness and is an essential part of my life.  We may argue and disagree when we're sorting/working cattle (you'd have to be a cattleman/woman to understand that one), but the love is there.  We are still newlyweds (June 22, 2009) marrying later in life, but I wouldn't change that for the world.  The two ladies I had mentioned previously had long marriages and are probably in their late 50s to early 60s ... too young to be widowed, in my opinion. 

In 3 days I have been able to look outside of me, something I make a conscious attempt to do ... or at least I hope I do.  I am opening my eyes more, being more present and being more sensitive to all around me. 

Stay tuned for my ongoing 29-gifts challenge. 

p.s. My daughter called and she had received her tea today ... she was quite surprised.  <3