Each Day Is a Gift

A WONDERFUL Christmas day!  I LOVE that Christmas falls on a Sunday.  I was a little nervous about Sacrament Mtg. since my bishop asked me to be in charge of the program.  So so so grateful that everything fell into place.  It was not about me nor of one particular person nor song.  It's all about worshiping God and centering out thoughts on Christ.  We sang two songs and used the narration of the Christmas Cantata, Come to Bethlehem.  I substituted the Vocal Solo with a Primary song, "When Joseph Went to Bethlehem" sung by the Primary Children, Instrumental Solos still still still with "Away in a Manger" with David on the cello; the lullaby with Young Women singing "Little One" and added "With Wondering Awe" by the Young Men.  The choir finished with the last verse of O Come All Ye Faithful and the bishop addressed us before closing hymn of Silent Night.  The Spirit was there.  The Choir sounded so wonderful!  There were extra people visiting in the congregation among whom are some non-members and less active members of the Church. 

After sacrament we came home and my family helped me make the fixings that go with the turkey and ham already in the oven.  We finished eating around 1:30 and got on webcam to google+ with all the children and grandchildren who are in TX and OH.  While we were in the middle of web-cam chatting, Elder Steven Lew called from Taiwan.  It was as if we were all under the same roof visiting and talking about Christmas, about missionary work.  My heart was full.  

Went skiing bright and early.  We got to the ski resort half hour before the lifts open.  There was no crowd, bad sign!  The snow was adequate.  It got pretty warm in the afternoon.  We need a snow storm badly.  We left the resort early since we've had enough runs (I was able to do 21 green runs).  Had dinner early at Maple Garden.  Got home and took a 3 hr. nap!  Watched Jimmer played his first NBA game Sacrament Kings vs. L.A. Lakers.  Then hopped  on the Treadmill to run easy 10.25.  Perfect run to loosen up the legs!  

The family decided not to go skiing today because the snow condition was less than ideal.  Slept in and was so glad to get a text from Karen.  Ran a mile to meet her then we ran up to Highland crossing SR92.  We ran inside the Highland Cemetery where we stopped at the Veteran's memorial and looked at the stature: "Help for the Future" by Dennis Smith.  The story behind that stature is so AWESOME.  So glad Karen told me about it because there's no plague or description for it.  We then ran on the trail parallel SR92 and back to her home.  Perfect T with a little of sun and gentle breeze.  NICE run and chat about our Christmases.  

I sent in the registration for UVM. 

Slept in while the family went skiing.  I am very picky about my snow! :)  Met up with Wendy to run to Karen's.  Karen's sister, Jill, a marathoner visiting from Calif. and Karen's 21 yo son, a college athlete joined us.  We ran down 3rd west and Karen's daughter, Erin drove by and decided to join us.  We ran up on the rail trail and east on 3200N. So fun to run with the young adults! :) :) :)   

A scuffy man with a mustache in a red car drove past us 3 times.  Later on we found out he was following/stalking Erin and Jill who got the guy's license and reported to the police.  It appears the police has had dealings w/ him before.  The police is patrolling the area.  

Tried out the new elliptical for 2 miles.  

Myrtle.

3 circuits CSE. 

Ran 4.75 with Karen, her sister and bil up Bull River then down rail trail and back up 3200N to her home.  Then ran 5.25 by myself around the bench. 

PERFECT running weather, 35F, calm, cloudy w/ a little bit of sun, rain w/ a little bit of hail.   BEST part is the CLEAN air!!!  Hubby called me mid-run and reported that it's snowing at the resort! Hallelujah!  I will have better snow to ski tomorrow!  :) :) :)

Just checked my year mileage, may be able to make 2400 which is just right for me even though it's 370 miles less than last year.  2011 has been a good year! :)

Going to registered for Orphan Hope Marathon. 

ski all day with the family and extended family and friends.  Annual family NYE party at Asia Buffet.  This year's party theme was *funny trauma and re-runs*.  we did the count down at 8pm.  there were over 60 of us, some coming as far as D.C. 

Ran 7 miles on the TM at 9:30 watching the last part of Narnia and evening news.  Had MAJOR lephantitis legs! seriously they were so swollen from 5 hrs of skiing, 6 hrs of sitting, eating and partying.   I did it so that I would only need to run 10 miles in the morning before heading to a family wedding luncheon.   

went to bed around midnight only to be startled by a gaganteous hurricane howling wind storm!  It was disturbingly LOUD.  Didn't help that my knees were really sore!  Slept fretfully for a few hours.  Waited till 7:45 to text Karen hoping the wind would die down.  Luckily, she agreed to brave the wind. 

Ran 6.25 with Karen, her son and brother-in-law; 3.75 by myself.  Temp was probably in the low 30s but the wind chill made it feel like 20s.  Barely made it home in time to shower and go to the wedding luncheon.

Lots of family celebration, food and more food.  Said goodbye to David. :(  Picked up Jenn and Jeff from the airport and then to dinner at Tio...again more yummy food!

HAPPY NEW YEAR to y'all!!! :)