Hey all-- it's been a few weeks since I've said hello. And what a crazy few weeks it has been.

It's a rainy Sunday here in Norfolk. Since I got home from work I've been sitting on my bed listening to the rain and clearing out emails. Which can sometimes be stressful but other times, a refreshing look back at your life in electronic communication. Lucky for me, today's session falls into the latter category. The messages I unintentionally allow myself to accumulate are often telling of my mood and what's on my mind. It's the ones I keep to read later that let me know what I really want at the top of my personal agenda.

This time, I found a lot of emails from a few healthy living blogs I follow semi-regularly. Both have wonderful, positive themes about living well and caring for your mind and body. More specifically, I noticed the messages that talk about taking time to be grateful for this moment-- this day in your life-- and enjoying it for the gift that it is. Whether it's taking charge of your fitness routine and fueling your body with things that will make it better, or living with intention-- controlling the urge to scroll through your Facebook feed (again) or get distracted by things that really don't matter. It's the moments we stop and really acknowledge that we are in control of our own path and our own perspective that mean the most. At the end of the day, that's all we have and a lot of what we need.

I know-- easy to say, but harder to live. I think that's part of why those emails are loitering in my gmail account. With a lot of stress at work, and pressure I have allowed myself to feel, it's tough not to slip into a gridlocked state of mind. That's where my girl Maria comes in....

As I was following one blogger's advice to 'close those tabs!', I came across the youtube video of her commencement address that I've been meaning to watch. I finally did, and what a great way to spend 20 minutes. She talks about the power of the pause. That rush of humble gratitude when we look around and marvel, because no matter the list of complaints, we made it here. We have SO much.

There's a lot of change coming my way in the near future. I'm excited and nervous and scared, even though 'change' is exactly what I've been wanting. I'll be moving on from a situation that isn't right for me, and diving into new challenges I'm not quite sure how to conquer. But with every moment that I spend feeling grateful for what I have, my worry about tomorrow feels lighter. Suddenly it's okay that I don't know exactly what the future holds. I don't know the details, but for now, I don't need to. I am happy to be right where I am.

One last little note I want to share...I had a few friends over last night and my neighbor, Shilpa, shared a lovely Hindu saying. This is probably not exact, but it's something like: 'It is not failure that we are afraid of, but the greatness inside us.'

Isn't that a great way to think?? Often we don't even know what we are capable of. And here's another of my favorites for the road...

But it had to stop. So in preparation for my LA/New Orleans trip, I made an effort and planned ahead. Making lists has long been a hobby of mine, but actually making moves--not as easy. If you can relate, this post is for you. I wanted to share a couple other blog posts that really helped me out.

Read this first-- http://zenhabits.net/kids-ultralight/

Leo writes about the joys of packing ultralight. I was/am nowhere near this feat, and I'm okay with that. But it was great inspiration for the those moments when you have the urge to throw in a few extra t-shirts, or shove in a cute pair of shoes you *might have a chance to wear. (How often does that actually happen?)

Here's the other post that I referred to more than once:
http://www.jseverydayfashion.com/2011/11/how-to-pack.html

This girl knows what she's talking about. The brainstorming and layering and picking your shoes first were great tips.

Both posts combined with my personal determination (and a ticking clock), enabled me to pack all the stuff I'd need for an entire week away, in a convenient little carry-on.Note: Thanks to my wonderful friend Christina for letting me borrow her suitcase. You'll remember, mine is on the sidelines for now. Probably leaning in a corner somewhere. :-|

I was really happy and surprised that it didn't take any crazy folding techniques or super-sealed Ziploc bags to fit it all in. I know lots of people making moves, big and small, in the near future...if you're one of them, check out the links and let me know how it goes!

Happy packing! (Yeah, right.)

Meet Chance. He is a three-month-old Havanese puppy. Totally cuddly, brave and kind of like your favorite teddy bear...except he likes to jump around and make you smile. And he's one of my favorite interview subjects as of late.

This little guy was thrown off a second story balcony just 10 days ago and almost died. But Friday, you could not tell at ALL. He was full of life and ready to love even though he's already been through so much at the hands of humans. Here's a link to the story:   PUPPY!

I've never been a huge animal lover, but in the last few years I've realized there are two categories that never fail to get attention: pets and weather. Weather is an obvious one -- it's the one story that affects ALL of us (heads up KOMU-ers, this is the answer to a Randy Reeves quiz question). But I never expect the kind of outrage and heated response we get on animal cruelty cases. We posted the story on our WVEC Facebook page and, whoa! the comments are intense, suggesting similar treatment for the suspect, as well as much harsher penalties. It's interesting to me how people have this soft spot for creatures like Chance, who suffer silently, often with no means of defense.

Just a bit of a happy twist on a story that could have ended on a much different note! Much better than the homicide and horrible house fire I covered Friday night.

Anyway, I hope it makes you smile on this bea Spring day. (Can you tell I'm in a cheery mood?? It's my last day before vacation! Eek!)