While I’m busy working on some very intimate posts, I figured I would take some time to update all of you on what’s happening in my life, and looking ahead to what I am grateful and excited for in 2011.

First off, there’s only 13 days left to “send me on my way”. I entered this competition at the urging of a friend who thought of me when she heard about it. It’s sponsored by Wyndham and helps to give women the ability to travel and share their experiences with others. There are 10 women chosen, and the top 10 are based on a combination of the most votes, plus their essay. Right now I’m probably sitting at or around number 8-10 based on the number of votes I am seeing. I would LOVE to be one of the 10 women chosen. You can vote everyday, so visit HERE to vote and please let your friends and family know. I need your help to make this happen. It will provide me with the opportunity for about 2 trips wherever I want go!

I was also recently asked to participate in the New York Women’s Ensemble on tuba! I haven’t played in over a year, to be honest, I haven’t picked it up except for one or two times since Kevin died. Out of the blue, I was asked to join this ensemble to play at an event in Carnegie Hall in November!! It’s a huge opportunity, in which 40 women will play, and all have a featured solo, to raise money for Children of the Night which raises funds to protect children from prostitution. I’m a bit nervous, ok A LOT, but I am planning on taking some refresher lessons and practicing hard this year to be able to compliment the band this fall. You can read more about it at Music For Life NYC.

Crazy me, I’ve committed myself to another blog adventure. I can’t release the details yet, but in the next few weeks, I’ll continue working with a friend and social media professional to launch a great and fun travel blog with a twist! The idea is fun and fresh, and I know that everyone involved is just going to have a good time with it. I’m looking forward to being able to write on a more lighthearted topic!

I have recently recommitted myself to writing the memoir, and yes, I know you’ve read this before. While working on categorizing my blogs starting at the beginning, I came across this blog and to be honest, I had completely forgotten. Kevin was the one who told me to share our story, to write a book about our journey. Reading this kicked my ass into gear, and no longer could I come up with excuses or procrastination. It wasn’t about me, it was about him. This book has always been about him, about sharing our former life with the world. So I’m back on it, and in the past couple of days, have written about 2000 words. I hope to keep it going, and I need your encouragement to do so!

I need a vacation. There were two things I said I would do when I graduated college: get off my anti-depressant meds and take a cruise. Well, I’m down to my last week on my anti-depressants, and I’m doing pretty good. I’m also looking forward to a big, hopefully FAT, income tax return so that I can book my first cruise! I plan to sail out of Baltimore with Carnival Cruise lines to Bermuda! I have done a bit of research, and this seems like the most cost conscious, and relaxing option. It means I don’t have to fly, and it forces me to RELAX without jumping from place to place. I’d love to hear your trips and suggestions on cruise travel!

So, I think that’s enough for 2011, at least for now. I know more will come, but for now, I’m really happy with how the year is starting out, and I look forward to sharing these dreams and achievements with you!