One of the best investments I ever made was purchasing the extended warranty on my washer and dryer in 2007. I could complain that they’ve been out to repair it at least 5 times and it’s still not fixed, but there are two bright spots: A) They still work and B) I don’t have to pay a thing.

If I were to add up all of the service calls and parts that have been purchased trying to fix the error code, we would be well over $1,000. All I’ve really had to sacrifice is my time and patience waiting on the repair man to figure it out. I’m going to focus on the positive and look on the bright side. It’s a lot more fun over there.

I tend to take blessings and grace for granted. It’s not until I stop and actually focus on gratitude and appreciation (or until I need something) that I realize that it (or they) have been there all along. Today was one of those days. When I look around at the people in my life I can’t help but be thankful for all the support they offer to me on a constant basis. I count my friends, family, the people I work with and volunteer with as some of my greatest treasures.

We all screw up on occasion. Mistakes happen… even to the best of us. (Some of us more than others perhaps, but regardless… it happens.) It’s easy to tell others not to beat themselves up, but we sure do a good job of it when we’re the ones who cause the problem.

I made an honest mistake a few months ago and I’m still trying to clean up the mess. I take full responsibility for what I did and have tried to make it right. The grace in this situation comes from all of the support that I’ve received from family and friends who are working with me to help remedy the situation. I have people around me offering emotional support as well as real solutions to the problem. They are helping to clean up the mess I created, and for that I am truly grateful.

My family, friends, co-workers and fellow volunteers are some of the best people I know. They really are the A-Team – First String – Varsity Squad! I’m sure glad their on my side, because I’m bound to mess up again… eventually.

I’m finding myself a bit perplexed at the negative outlash towards San Francisco 49er Kyle Williams regarding his performance at yesterday’s game. I’m not really defending the guy… who knows why he played the way he did. Maybe it was lack of talent, maybe it was poor preparation… I don’t know. Furthermore, I don’t care. Actually, I’m not at all concerned with Kyle Williams. My frustration is directed towards those who feel a need to berate or punish him over his actions. Now, to hear that he is receiving death threats, I really question our societies sanity when it comes to sports.

Immediately following the game the flood gates of negative comments filled my Twitter feed and Trending Topics. It was the top trend again this morning. Really? This is what we talked about for 12+ hours in row…?

I’d like to think I have a balanced perspective on life and the things I enjoy. While I LOVE football… I can’t imagine spending this much effort on my disappointment for the events of one particular player, in one particular game. Now, I have to admit, I’ve pouted over losses. (Read back in my blog and you’ll find my whining.) But I understand the game. The outcome could be different each and every time. That’s why they keep playing. Part of the wonder of sports is the opportunity to improve and prove performance. It’s a test… and as fans… many of us fail.

But instead of being angry, I’m disappointed and sad. I feel sorry for those who take it so personally that they derive no joy from just watching two excellent teams compete. There is value in the effort and it is by grace that I am able to appreciate.

Yes, I love Twilight and I’m not afraid to admit it. I read the books (all of them) in about 10 days a few years ago. I wanted to see what all the fuss was about, and I was hooked. While the movies are not nearly as good as the books, they are still entertaining.

Today, I hosted 3 good friends for a Twilight Marathon where we watched all three movies (available on DVD) in a row. We did this to review the movies with one of our friends who is new to the series. We guilted her into watching the movies so she knew what we were talking about (after the release of Breaking Dawn Part 1 last fall.)

While I probably could tell you about the grace I have experienced from the Twilight Series (I do credit them for helping to heal me of a respiratory infection I had while I was reading the books) I will focus on real gift. The gift of friendship.

These four, faithful friends have been hanging out with me for about 15 years. Our daughters went to grammar school together. We meet most every month, usually for dinner out at a restaurant. Sometimes these dinners last several hours because we can’t stop talking. I treasure their friendship and enjoy their company.

Next month we’re going to conclude the series when the 4th movie is released on DVD. This just keeps getting better.

Today we were graced with an opportunity to help feed the hungry. For 2 hours, we joined other members of the Hilmar community and packed meals to be distributed by the organization Feed My Starving Children. The non-profit organization was founded in 1987. Faced with the reality that nearly 18,000 children die EACH DAY from starvation or starvation-realted causes, this Christian group partners with missionaries around the world to distribute the food they pack in orphanages, schools and relief centers.

The work was simple and fun. Each bag contains 6 meals. The ingredients are put into the bags, they are weighed, sealed and boxed up for shipping. Just a simple assembly line. We had approximately 230 volunteers in our session. There were lots of familiar faces but some strangers as well. We all had a common goal. In two hours, we packed enough meals to feed 133 children for 1 year. Not bad for just 2 hours of a simple task.

Amazing things happen when people come together to help others. If you ever get a chance to volunteer with this program, I highly recommend it. You will walk away feeling as though you made a difference.

To find out more about this program, visit their website at www.fmsc.org.

I could have told you at 6:30 am that today was going to be a terrific day.  I knew it instinctively this morning.  It didn’t make any sense, because I had been up several times in the night (from about 1:00 am on) with insomnia.  I was afraid it was going to make the whole day bad but just the opposite occurred.   How many times do you get to watch a completely awesome YouTube dog video from the treadmill that early in the morning?  And when I saw it, I watched it over and over again because it brought me pure joy.

Now, I’m not a Star Wars fan… I haven’t even watched the movies, but I knew immediately what song these guys were barking out.  It was so cool.  I think the smile that started so early in the morning never left my face.

Happiness and joy feel good. They really do. Our incredible bodies, minds and souls have a true physiological reaction to anything that makes us smile. I can’t think of anything (well, maybe besides love) that is a more vibrant encounter with grace than joy. For me, it comes this day in the form of a silly dog video. (Well, maybe not so silly… brilliant actually. The marketing strategy is ingenious.) The point is that the grace of joy is there to be found, but it’s different for each of us. Watching this changed my entire outlook for the day and that positive energy never left me. Who knew synchronized singing dogs could have such an impact.

It occurred to me today that my social relationships have made a dramatic shift over the last several years. In years past most of my intimate friendships and close relationships were with men. I had always preferred their company over that of women. I don’t know why, it just seemed as though we were more compatible. But as I evaluate those who are near me now, I am pleasantly surprised to say that most of them are women.

I’ve always considered myself an anti-feminist. I know that God created men and women very differently and for different purposes. These differences were not to be overlooked, but celebrated. I don’t get caught up in drama and I never complain about my husband to others. (I save all of those conversations for him.)

I can honestly say that I have surrounded myself with some great girl friends. These are women that I admire and respect. I really enjoy the women that I work and volunteer with as well as ones that I hang out with just for fun. Some of my favorites are the mothers of Sierra and Steel’s friends and classmates. What originally brought us to relationship is no longer a factor. We’ve continued to be friends because we really like each other.

With all of these women, I seem to be on the same intellectual and maturity level. Opening up and sharing is easy because there is trust and understanding. Now that I am aware of this grace, I’m going to try and figure out what’s different in me that has made this all possible.

My friend Trish’s mother passed away over night. She died peacefully in her sleep, but it was still a shock. When I first read the news… I was immediately sympathetic, but later, as I thought about it, I realized that I was also empathetic. And that was a graceful moment. From my own experience, I had been taught how to care for others.

I’ve had a lot of death in my life. And when I explain myself to people I tell them that I do death and funerals really well because I’ve had a lot of experience. While this sounds like a sad situation, it also means that I have loved lots of wonderful people. It also means that I know how to mourn. I have learned a deep understanding of why it’s important to live in the moment and to love those around you while you can.

It doesn’t matter how old you are, losing your parents is tough. My father died in 1999 and my mother in 2004. I remember thinking (after Mom’s passing) that I was now an orphan. Even at 36 years old I felt alone in the world. (I remember thinking I should put myself up for adoption on eBay.) I guess we really never outgrow being our parents’ kid.

I know Trish’s pain, and for that I can honestly say that I am grateful. The experience has taught me how to be a better friend. I understand her pain… and also know that this too shall pass. We are forever changed by the people we love. People only have meaning to us if we are transformed in some way by our relationship with them. For Trish, her memories are now painful reminders. But eventually, they will transform to bring her joy. Only someone who’s been there can understand.

It is quite possibly the most dreaded legal notice any of us will receive… a call to jury duty. I got one in December and had to call today for a possible appearance tomorrow. I have a million other things I’d rather be doing… but duty calls. (Pardon the pun.) As much as I dread going… I know it is part of the of living in a free society so I’m not going to complain… (too much.)

Fortunately I’ve been placed on call. I have to call the office again tomorrow to find out about a possible appearance later that day or Wednesday. I think that’s a good sign. It’s a holiday week… and they probably won’t start any new cases on a Wednesday… right?

In the meantime I’ll keep up the petitions to St. Joan of Arc… Patron Saint of jury members. If you’ve got a second, offer one up on my behalf, please.