Its been a while

Well, its been a while since my last post, and I am feeling very "writer-esk" tonight so I figured I would finally post something. Actually, my writing mood was sparked by my jog down to my favorite park at sunset tonight....

I decided to run down to my favorite park again tonight to watch the sunset, and was dreading the run because last time I barely made it down the first street before I had to stop and take a break! It is very important to me that I get better at running because I really want to be able to run with Matt when he gets home, so running is a very big deal! So, I started out running toward the park, practicing my newly learned breathing technique (breathing in through my nose and out through my mouth) and actually felt really good! To my surprise, I made it all the way to the park without stopping once!!! It may not be that far, but it was a really big deal for me! I was so happy, and so proud of myself!!!

Once I made it to the par I sat down on one of the big rocks to watch the sunset, and ended up (as I have been doing lately) watching the people and dogs at the park more than I actually watched the sunset. I love going to this park because Matt and I got engaged there...and because lots of people come together to watch the sunset, and let their dogs run around and play. I love people, and dogs, so I am literally in heaven whenever I am there :) I watched lots of people tonight, mainly a father and his little boy. The little boy just wanted to pet all of the dogs, so all of the owners made their dogs lay down so that the little 3 year old could pet them. It was just so amazing to me the depth of connection everyone had with that little boy, and how people went out of their way to let him pet their doggies. San Diego can be a very unfriendly place, so it is a rare occasion to see strangers going out of their way to be friendly to one another here. I was just so touched by the human connections going on in the park tonight, and my heart was filled with joy! The sunset was beautiful too, and the ocean was almost flat and sparkling as the sun sank down. I actually looked behind me and saw the best view of the sunset...in the reflection of a window on a house across from the park. It was absolutely breathtaking!!!

There were so many little boys and girls and beautiful dogs running around and playing together, and it made me so me so happy!!! It fills me with joy for the present, and hope for the future, and for Matt and I's future family. A little girl was running back and forth across the park with a dog, and her laughter was so precious, it brought tears to my eyes! I can't wait until Matt and I get to bring a little life into this world, and get to hear the child's laughter for the first time...I know that it will truly be amazing!

I just felt so thankful tonight for everything in my life. For having Matt in my life, and being able to hear God guiding us each and every day...for all of our amazing friends, who make we feel at home even when my "home" (matt) is out in Iraq...for being able to be here, where the sun is always shining, and the ocean is always sparkling...for the little things like flowers, people and dogs at the park, the laughter of a child, a little black chihuahua (my new best doggie friend jack), and for the chance to just wake up and live each and every day. I am beyond blessed...and know that the purpose for my life is to spread those blessings to others.

Tonight I just want to thank God for all he has given me...and for the ability to look back on my past, and see so many fond memories, to look at the present as a blessing that fills me with happiness, and to look to my future with only hope and excitement for what is to come!