Reasons to Smile

While the beginning of this week started out on a pretty poor note, it ended better than I could have ever expected. Minus the weather ... and still being under the weather ... there are many reasons to smile today.

1. We found out about an amazing opportunity to install a solar array on our administrative building in Houston on Tuesday from a company that is owned by a board member of a foundation we submitted to in February. Long story short - we've sent about a dozen proposals for a reflective roof overlay since January (it would cost about as much to make hurricane repairs as it would to complete this project, and the overlay will save us quite a bit of overhead in coming years) and one of these proposals was to said foundation. Their decision on this project is pending and we'll hear back in May, but in the mean time their board member contacted us about this different opportunity that his company was doing in partnership with a Texas energy company. There were lots of phone calls, some e-mails, an application submitted, more phone calls and e-mails regarding an agreement ... and at end of day Friday, we learned that all had gone through. We will be installing a solar array at the office in June! :)

2. We also learned on Friday that full funding came through for our new riflery program at camp. I'm not sure how many of you know that I actually took a riflery class in college, but I loved it and am very excited about this. Securing the funding means we can set up the range, buy equipment and have girls learning gun safety and shooting positions during Resident Camp!

3. Although I've been sick, I was able to submit 8 proposals so far in March. While the economy may be bad and declinations likely, I really do enjoy increasing our odds and writing compelling proposals that really show why we're a good organization to support. The little things - as in each and every proposal/phone call/e-mail/lunch - really do matter, and celebrating these is more important than ever when the bottom line seems so far away.

4. Mike and I are taking a trip to Brenham in April to run the Blue Bell Fun Run -- in and over a bunch of hills covered in wildflowers! This is also the weekend of the Bluebonnet Festival. I'm excited to train, to travel and see a new part of Texas, to run the race, to see the flowers and to eat free Blue Bell at the finish line :) PS. No fundraising for this one, so don't worry - you won't receive any e-mails, phone calls or letters to donate! ;) Thanks again to all of you who DID support me in the Stride4Stroke, as it was my very first 5K and for a cause that will always be an important one to me.

5. My flight to Ohio leaves on Wednesday! I'm so excited to see family and friends. The 5 days are already jam packed with exciting things to do, and I wouldn't want it any other way.

6. Ash's wedding is in almost exactly one week! No one deserves this day more than she does, and I'm so happy I get to be a part of it. I can't wait to see her in her dress, the smile she'll have all day, to wear my own beautiful dress, to get our hair and makeup done together, to watch Shawn's face when she walks down the aisle, to watch their first dance and her father/daughter dance, to eat a great meal and fabulous cake, and to dance the night away with some great friends and adopted family. I can honestly say the only thing I'm not excited about is giving a toast --- I AM excited that I get to give one, just very nervous about actually doing it. I still hate public speaking ;)

7. Our taxes are filed. I'm a bit irritated by how much I owed to the Commonwealth of Virginia seemingly because I left mid-year, but overall we'll get a decent return and be able to pay down some debt. I won't complain.

8. I fell into bed last night around 9:30 with Kirby and Mo and didn't wake up again until 9:30 this morning. And all the dogs were cuddling with me. There is nothing better than a good night's rest and cuddly puppies. Especially when it's gray, rainy and cold outside.


What are your reasons to smile today?