After such an amazing weekend, I worried that today would feel disappointing. Or that the good feelings I left the weekend with would not continue or last as I approached real life again. I happily report that I had a fabulous day. Likely one of the best I have had in awhile. Nothing spectacular happened, but simply a change in perspective from a refreshing weekend that reminded me of true blessings helped immensely. Some nice surprises to come home to didn’t hurt either.

While I was away, Peter worked hard painting a couple special rooms.

We switched Makenzie to the bigger room, with my old apartment’s bedroom furniture, and put baby B in her old nursery. I have a ton to organize between the two rooms and the playroom downstairs. I am so thankful to Peter for painting and getting the rooms ready for me to do that. Good thing I feel that nesting instinct kicking in!

I also came home to a special delivery from Theresa @ The Active Eggplant. She very kindly sent me the Stieg Larsson book series to read at my leisure. I miss reading books like this, but can’t find the time to finish books in the library’s time limit anymore. I can’t wait to dive in!

I also feel surprised at how much Makenzie seems to have grown in just a  few short days. That kid is speaking in longer sentences since I left.

One thing that did not surprise me was my happiness to eat my regular food choices again. I loved the food on the retreat, but certainly missed my oats and fresh fruit/veggies. It felt good to include those at my meals today.

And I guess it shouldn’t surprise me that even after many, many sweets this weekend, I still crave something sweet right now. I may just have to top off the night with a bit of chocolate “agape”…and time with my husband instead of even trying to catch up with all of this…

Sometimes you just have to…and there’s nothing wrong about it. I love you all and can’t wait to catch up more soon!

• Anything exciting to share with me since I had to skip out on reading this weekend’s posts?
• What was the last surprise you received?

Reminders:

• Sign up for the Holiday Gift Exchange if you haven’t already. I am adding as I go along, but with over 60 participating so far I can’t respond to every email. I will send out a verification email shortly before assigning partners in a couple of weeks. Thank you to all who have signed up already. Also, thank you to those who haven’t because they know they can’t commit.That is extremely respectable.
• Ask me anything for the November Q + A series. I have about 10 left right now and could use a few more to fill up November. 🙂

Happy Monday morning! Did you realize I have actually been gone since Thursday afternoon until last night? With no access to the internet…or even to a phone, camera, watch, etc. I literally unplugged myself from the world.

Remember the church “retreat” Peter went on two weekends ago? Well, this past weekend was my turn to go. We attended the Walk to Emmaus, which is a 3 day experience to truly focus on the love of God and learn more about all He offers. What was it like?

I spent three days being served by other women who wanted to help my sole focus be on the experience. I spent three days discussing and learning from others who had so much to share. I spent three days laughing and chatting with amazing women who quickly became friends. I spent three days crying off and on as the beauty of God’s love became even more apparent to me than ever before. Those three days recommitted me to everything I hope in and believe, stronger than I thought possible.

I cannot share specifics because these types of retreats exist all over and who knows whether or not one of you may attend something similar one day. Each experience is meant to be personal with no prejudgment. I also cannot share specifics because no words can describe it. Maybe a vague powerful, humbling, inspirational, fun, or…full, as there was much to eat. Sorry, no food pictures. No camera, remember? 😉 I did get lots of “swag” as you call it. Though it was “agape”, aka pieces of love, for us this weekend – books, teas, treats, ornaments, scarves, and so much more.

Would you believe this weekend even affected the blog? It recommitted me to Faith Fitness Fun and that all I put into it is worth it and something I am meant to pursue. Sometimes I have felt guilty for the time and energy it takes. However, after talks with others this weekend (hi, ladies if you are reading!) and a few special letters I received from loved ones (INCLUDING Lisa, Em, and even Lisa’s mom!), I know without a doubt that it is a good thing.

I can share here and reach out to others with love, support, and kindness for whatever their needs may be – body image, relationships with food, past struggles, a desire to love life, whatever! I’m not saying I blog with the purpose of changing others or inspiring others, but if doing something I love can have that impact on occasion as a side effect, who am I to deny that?

Thank you for listening to my long ramble! I will now leave you with a Q+A I have been waiting to answer and now seems like the perfect time:

I know you are a Christian but does that mean you feel like someone who isn't is not going to Heaven? I know this is very personal but I struggle with this. My husband and I are Jewish and it makes me sad to think that someone else thinks that about me and my family.

I do NOT think this, plain and simply because I do not think ABOUT it. I am not God and I know it is not my place to try to decide anything related to that. I believe God is loving, so all I hope to do in this life is love others, no matter what. I can only say that I have never felt more love, peace, joy, hope, and GOOD in my life since I have come to a Christian faith. The mercy and grace from those beliefs changed my life for the better. I will openly share that, but will never judge others (or their futures) for believing differently.

Now, I have a lot of catching up to do, so please be patient as I get back to emails, comments, etc.and understand why I have not been commenting recently. Time to live my life the best way I can.

• What would be the hardest for you to go without for 3 days? Phone, camera, computer, watch/clock/any way to tell time? I missed my camera!
• Do you ever unplug completely? What does it do for you?