Time to brag.

Actually I was just kidding. It is not time to brag. But I do want to say something.

Do not get me wrong, I do NOT want to be one of those people chronicling their weight loss journey. That bores and annoys the hell out of me. But I am proud to say that I am successfully going to the gym daily and enjoying it. Also - I have picked up my Mediterranean diet again (per D_O_C's orders.) There. I said it, and I will leave it at that.

For my birthday, I have decided to take the photography classes that I have been putting off. Yep. Gonna do it. It will take a little or a year and a half, then I will have my "diploma." Very excited. FINALLY - I am going to make this happen.

All of this is in preparation for something really pivotal. My husband and I MIGHT go back to Egypt after he gets his citizenship (which is several years from now.) Yep. I may live abroad for a bit. I am actually excited. I also wanted to think of a way to earn some money. I love taking photos. Soooo....

Today will be a fairly busy day. Technically could be life saving. Tonight is the American Heart Association's first annual Research Reception in Birmingham. Basically it is an adult science fair. :-)

The life-saving part is - people with lots and lots o' cheese will be attending. In turn, they will see where their money goes - then hopefully, will be inspired to give even more - and in turn, the circle of "life saving" commences.

Technically I should feel privileged in life. My life experiences, regardless of the outcome, have been very adventurous/interesting/sometimes.. moving. I get to go to an invitation only party where scientist will reveal the biggest breakthroughs in cardiovascular disease and stroke - before the public really gets to learn about it. Life saving measures. Then to add a cherry on top - it is MY job to inform the public. I write about it, I get media to cover it, I find ways to utilize the scientists. Pretty cool... pretty cool.

Another big announcement, I finally got my egyptian to agree to officially give me 30 minutes to one hour a day in arabic lessons. I want to be fluent by the age of 40. I am 36 - well.. for a few more weeks. ;-)

I have to admit something now.. I was a little whiny and needy last night. Yep... I think the egyptian saw first hands a hormonal woman. LOL

Also - I have to make an even BIGGER decision. I am trying to decide whether to stay as a youth leader at my church or not. I feel like it might be time to roll on.... but even last night, after taking a 6 week break from it - the kids were thrilled to see me again. :-( At one point, our youth minister asked everyone to write on a sheet of paper what we thought our mission in life was. (loaded request there.) The young man sitting next to me, who is thinking of becoming a priest (maybe).. for fun, wrote that his mission in life was to get Nicole to stay as a youth leader. LOL Sweet... maybe thru the school year..... ??!!?? I don't know. I sometimes feel like just another chaperon in the room. I don't like that feeling. I want to be more useful. *sigh*

To keep everyone up on the talk with my egyptian about the divinity of Christ - I am reading "The Case for Christ" by Lee Strobel. I also plan to take the islam classes at the mosque. Compare and contrast - get it?

Fun research - from the inside.

Okay, much love to my friends, a big hello and welcome to my new readers, and then of course - to those of you being critical - this blog has been galvanized. hahahahahaaha.