Reflection on March 31.

This is my 4th year of participating in the slicing challenge and every March 1, I think "how am I going to find something to write about for 31 days?"  And . . . will each of my slices be "worthy" of a post.  But each day I write, and each day wonderful people make comments even on the slices I don't think are really "worthy"  :-).  It's amazing the inspiration I find reading fellow slicers.  Also, more amazing is the connection I feel to people I have never met face to face.  The connection comes through the stories I read as well through the stories I write.  And for this I am very grateful! It's wonderful that so many people participate, but then it's hard to reach out to everyone's slice.  I guess that's the "good news/ bad news" of this writing community.  Now the Tuesday slice of life will again begin and I can almost guarantee that next Tuesday I will be wracking my brain for something to slice about.  But as always, I can look to others for inspiration! Thanks!

7 Things That Made Last Week Great!

I needed inspiration so what did I do?  Yes, I read some slices and I found inspiration!  Here are 7 things I loved about last week! My list is in no particular order.

1.  My friend came to visit and I loved sharing a few of my favorite things here in New Mexico with her!

2.  I saw the first hummingbird of the season on Friday.  I ran and made some food for the feeder, but he/she hasn't retuned as of yet.  But I know it will!

3.  We planted some flowers, as well as a few herbs and got the yard ready to relax and enjoy.

4.  After numerous trips back and forth to the mall, I finally found a shirt and shoes for my husband for a wedding we have coming up.

5.  My niece called and said she's coming for a visit and bringing a few of her girlfriends!  We love hanging with the girls.

6.  After going back and forth in my mind for months . . . I finally ordered a new laptop and it came on Friday.

7.  We made definite plans and purchased tickets to fly out to Los Angeles to celebrate with my nephew for his 30th birthday in May!

As I look at my list, I am thankful for all the wonderful things that made last week wonderful!  Here's to another great one :-)

For The Love of Pizza!

If you have ever been to Chicago, or at least heard of the great city you must know it is one of the best cities for pizza! It's almost impossible not to love at least one of the famous Chicago pizzas.  I never really "got it" when friends/family would come back to Chicago and the first food item they would want is pizza. Well, NOW I DO!!  There are so many reasons I love New Mexico but pizza is not one of them.  We have asked so many people for pizza recommendations and not a one has come close to a Chicago pizza.  Last night we decided to try yet another recommendation.  We go with no expectation, and hope for the best.  It's sort of funny how while we sit waiting for the pizza, we tell each other not to be picky . . . keep an opened mind, but in the end it just doesn't come close. The pizza last night was not bad, actually it may the best we have had so far, but it's not Chicago.  If you are reading this and think I'm crazy to be making a big deal about pizza then most likely you are not from Chicago ;-)

My Happy Sounds

I was inspired by another slicer for this one . . . Sounds that make me happy.  Here is my list in no particular order.

Ocean waves gently coming to the shore.  I honestly could listen to this all day!  Once my niece was on vacation in Mexico during a very bad winter and she sent me a video of the waves gently coming to the shore.  I would play that video over and over closing my eyes imagining that I was there.

Windchimes- I love the "symphony" in my back yard.  The chimes that are soft and meditative are the best!

Propane Gas that fuels the hot air balloons.  Many mornings we can hear it right from the kitchen window because they are so close!

Seagulls that fly over the ocean.  It's as though they are welcoming the visitors sitting on the beach.

Early spring birds . . . The first time they return and I hear them after winter I always smile.  I hope they know how much I appreciate their return!

A crackling fire while sitting outside looking up at the stars.

Certain songs on my fitness instructor's playlist they motivate me to the next level!

Wonderful Visit with a Wonderful Friend!

Photo walk of my friend's visit.  It was so great to spend time with Griselda and share a few of my favorite things!  Upon arrival we whisked her to Old Town Albaquerque for lunch and a bit of shopping.  The day was warm and sunny . . . Picture perfect.  We came home and relaxed in the yard with a glass of bubbly to welcome her!

Stopping for lunch . . .a favorite activity of course!

First full day started with an early morning cup of coffee and then off to the gym for my favorite class of the 6 we do each week. After all, I said I wanted to share a few of my favorite things!  The class is a high intensity body combat class.  It incorporates boxing, kickboxing, cardio and then about 10 minutes of a killer core workout! It's great fun sweating with a good friend!  But no worries, I made sure we were rewarded with a trip to the therapeutic hot spring afterwards! Another gorgeous day, and another perfect soak in the hot springs.

My cousin, sister and Griselda enjoying the spring!

After dinner we sat around and relaxed and chatted on her last night. But I still had one more day to share another favorite thing before she had to leave in the evening.  We woke up had a nice breakfast then off the Petroglyph National Monument for a 2 mile hike.

A first look at a Petroglyph.

A girl with a BIG heart!

It was a great few days!  But even more important, it was great spending time with a good friend!