The beginning of a new year.

Happy 2008 everyone!!! Here is a picture of Jan and I at the finish line of the Rescue Run, yesterday. I am the one in the yellow shirt. It was freezing cold outside. Jan had a bottle of water that she left at the start. When we got done with the race, the water had a big chunk of ice in it. The car thermometer said it was 22 degrees outside. I wore lots of under armour and felt just fine. I am so glad we did it. Thanks Jan. I really needed the run for mental and physical health. I feel like I started the new year in healthy way and I am looking forward to starting the Pikes Peak Grand Prix in March.

Here is a late shout out to our nephew, David. Yesterday was his birthday and we spent the afternoon and evening, celebrating at Jan and Michael's house. We had lots of fun and enjoyed just being together.

For reasons I cannot disclose, my thoughts have been on how quickly we make assumptions about people. My extended family in Florida have accused me of making rash decisions about getting my baby sister much needed help. They assumed that I contacted authorities about the care of her children. The problem is, I didn't. I called a counselor to see what our options were, concerning her care, but that was it. I wasn't even home when the authorities were called.

I am saddened that my family would assume these things about me, but I realize that Christ himself was falsely accused. Becca asked me why I would let them think I did something that I didn't do. We had a long talk about truth and not caring about what people think when you know what you are doing is RIGHT. I told her, that obviously, there was a need to blame someone and I was the chosen one. I have not spoken to my family because they were told that I did not call the authorities, but they failed to believe it. I think the true colors and feelings towards me, Tom, and the girls have come out. I am moving on now. I want to focus on bettering myself. For years, I have pleaded with my family in Florida to get help and counseling. For years, I have been told by them that I was a "Goodie Two Shoes". My girls don't understand, but they make it clear to me that the two of them and Tom are the MOST important people in my life. When God led me to Tom, he knew that I would need a solid rock to walk with me in this life. Tom is that for me in so many ways. A long time ago, a counselor told me that the best thing Tom and I could do for ourselves was to move out of Florida. We did and we are so very glad. Colorado is home.

There you have it. Today, I have aired what has been on my heart for a long time. I just needed to put it out there and I hope that if you are reading this today, you forgive me for going on and on. I know that if you are reading this, you are my friend, and that you understand that sometimes, putting things in writing really helps. That's one of the reasons I have a blog.

Antonio Porchia wrote - "Almost always it is the fear of being ourselves that brings us to the mirror.".

This morning I stand in front of the mirror, a little scared to be myself. Thanks to all of you and a few New Year Resolutions, I think I am gonna like what I see more and more.

Thanks for listening.