Excitement for Things to Come

I don't think I have ever been so excited about the month of February in. my. life.  

Unfortunately, I usually dread February.  It's cold... spring still seems far away... I've had several loved ones pass away in the month of February... it has just always seemed so "blah" to me.  

Not this year.  I am thinking only positive thoughts this February and we have SO much to look forward to: 

1) My brother and his family are coming to Tahoe!!! 

2) They are predicting 200% precipitation for the month of February!!!  We desperately need the snow!  Maybe I'll finally get more practice at powder skiing (and maybe I will get in shape).  

3) We are taking our first trip to HAWAII!!!!  

I am pumped!  That should carry me through to March.  

There have been several things that have happened to my sweet little hometown lately.  There are people going through much more than I am!  They are so inspirational.  Part of our move to Tahoe was to help us live every single day to it's fullest potential.  Sometimes I forget what a blessing my life is.  Several years ago (in February... imagine that), one of my PT professors recommended that I see a neurologist due to some muscle atrophy in my hands.  The next 3-ish years, I saw a couple of neurologists for testing to track the progression.  I had just done a HUGE project in PT school on ALS and as I did more research, I realized there was a legitimate possibility that my presentation fit the signs/symptoms.  

I am ridiculously blessed that I have a non-progressive neuromuscular issue.  A friend I grew up with, who has a very thorough understanding of neurology explained it very well:  "Being diagnosed with monomelic amyotrophy [which is what I have] is like playing the lottery only once in your life and hitting the jackpot!"  I couldn't agree more!!!   I have no excuses not to live every single day of my life!  Luckily I married a man who enjoys living his life to the fullest.  He pushes me out of my comfort zone and I am learning that life is good outside of my comfort zone!  In fact, I'm just making my comfort zone bigger!

So, to summarize: 

Life is awesome... 

February doesn't have to be depressing...

Just remember what a blessing every day is!

And... here's a few random pics from the past few weeks: 

When there is no snow... go mountain biking!!! 

Biking gets you muddy! 

Our dog is THE BEST CUDDLER EVER!!! 

We have cold rivers... they should be frozen solid! 

Seriously... we need SNOW!  

This was the same cabin last year in February! 

This is a start.  But, not nearly enough!!! 

Hate the mustache... but love him!

So happy and grateful for all of my friends and family (those that are 3,000 miles away and those that are 3 miles away).  Life wouldn't be the same without you all!