Pondering

About a year ago at this time, I had some big plans in the works. Looking back today, I can only remember two of them off the top of my head. I was going to move and I was going to start school again. Well, I started school in September and I still find myself here. When I made the decision to stay here, keep my job, and do school part time, it really felt like the right thing to do at the time. It was just a couple of months ago, but I've started wondering how long it will continue to be the right thing to do.
I feel this longing in my heart for something more, and I don't know quite how to achieve it. Is it just a funk that, after a few days, I'll get over or is it something deeper than that? If I look back over my life in 5, 10, or 50 years, will I regret staying here longer? Would I regret it more if I leave? Should I be looking to do something different than what I am doing now? Should I stay and ride it out? It seems like such a vicious cycle. I'm not looking for any specific answer, just putting it out there.

On a much lighter note, Christmas has come to our house. The tree is up and decorated, there are lights and extra candles; it now 'feels' like Christmas. When I was younger, Christmas seemed to be all about me and what I could get out of it. As I've gotten older, and this year in particular, I am seeing opportunities to share and give. I think it's important to keep Christ at the center of Christmas and I personally hope to maintain that attitude, not only through this season, but all year long.

Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving! Today has been filled with lots of yummy food, good times spent with family and friends, and reflection. I have been reflecting a lot on what I am grateful for (thought it was a good time for it), so I decided to share some of that list here.
In no particular order, I am thankful for...
Family who loves me unconditionally
Friends who accept me and my quirks, and there are a few
Music that brings joy to my heart
Sunshine that helps keep me sane
Daylight Saving Time which helps me appreciate the sun
Snow that occasionally causes a day off and lots of adventure
A place to call home
A job that allows me to make money
Children who let me be a kid myself; I L-O-V-E being around them
Opportunities to serve
Laughter

The one thing that I am most grateful for is the knowledge that my Father in Heaven loves me and has a plan for my life. I love knowing that I am not alone in this life and that He is aware of me at all times, regardless of how I feel. I am glad that he has sent me family, friends, and sometimes complete strangers, to help me figure out all life has to offer.

Have a happy day thinking about the things you are grateful for. Hopefully we don't just do it one day a year.

Life

I LLLLLIVE! (think "Mushu", from Mulan). Two days in a row without my head in a fog, a nagging cough, no headache or muscleache - I feel awesome! And, just in time for Thanksgiving!

Medical vacation

Swine flu...check
Sinus infection...check
Bronchitis...check
Lots of naps...check

We have all been out for the count for over 10 days (except for the 2 when I foolishly pretended I wasn't sick and jumped back into work at full force...probably what brought on the sinus infection). We are so ready for this all to be over with. The silver lining here is that since we are all sick, we are spending almost all of our time together, whether we are in a state of consciousness or not. And for that, I am grateful.

My Creation

A couple of weeks ago we went to our wards Trunk-or-Treat/Halloween party. Every year there is a scary cake contest but for one reason or another, I've never really been tempted to make a scary cake. This year, however, I did. I got this idea in my head and couldn't let it go. See what you think...
Bloody Eye-Ball Soup.

I've already made my 'what I'd do differently' list for next time because there will be a next time!