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Today, I went on a personal retreat. I just did it at home. Started with an opening prayer. Then, I reflected on the year just past. Gave thanks for the blessings of 2009. I also reflected on not so good things that happened last year. Then, I came up with my mission for 2010.

I took the time to watch another DVD today. This time, I watched "Avatar". It's quite a long movie. Two and a half hours. But very interesting and exciting! I enjoyed watching it.

I'm sad to find out that one of my batchmates in Maryknoll just lost her 28 year old son to a tragic car accident. She must be feeling devastated. I am praying for her.

One of my nieces, Gina, has an ad for a sport goods store called Jack Rabbit. I'm proud of her!

30 day retreat

I "re-started" my 30 day retreat which Bo Sanchez is encouraging everyone to take.

I don't have marbles so I use colored paper clips for every day ( a total of 30) which i placed in a tin heart-shaped can. I put masking tape on top saying "My 30-day retreat". On the side, I wrote, "It's pure joy to be alive!"

I placed my yellow paper clip with smiley inside my duster's pocket. I kept touching it the whole day. I also kept squeezing a stress ball with smiley.

I wrote a list of things to do and I've cancelled out practically every item by now. My list looks like this:

...write three reports

...blog

...read the newspaper

...hear mass (TV and Internet)

...listen to Bible Reflections

...pray

...read Bible

...plan the week

...work on other writing projects

...plan fundraisers

...call up, email, and chat with friends

...be extra loving to my mom and son

WOW! All that in one single day!

I just learned that multiple myeloma has no known cure. Velcade will only prolong my life.

And so I take this 30 day retreat from a perspective of a woman who is truly dying even as I hope that God will heal me completely.

So here is my short, short prayer:

Lord,
I offer You this day
Every step of the way.

This, I have to say
It is bar none
A wonderful Day No. one!