The Real World

It's been weeks since I've been able to get all my thoughts in a row. I have now moved into "#1 Sub" position, which actually means the teachers can call/text whenever they want and I show up.  Morning texts of "Are you available today" actually make me feel very tired.  I would rather get a text the night before.  However, you can't stop colds and general sickness down here.

Getting back into the swing of a full-time job that requires me to re-use my time management skills is taking its toll.  I have also found myself attempting to pull back from technology overload.  For instance, only checking Instagram/Facebook/Twitter at the end of the day instead of all day, whenever I feel like it.  The only social media network I have been consistently involved with is Pinterest.  I feel as if its more useful.  Actually, I suppose Netflix counts as well.  Karl and I have slowly been trucking through "Dexter."  I have found that I cannot end the night with Dexter as it is a bit sinister for me to go to sleep after watching; "Leverage" provides a much nicer note.

It's also been a trial to still maintain my exercise schedule.  Sometimes it's just easier to stay at home in my yoga pants, rather than venture out into the cold in my yoga pants.  Starting the car takes an extra effort.  Every morning I have been looking forward to a nice cup of a coffee from my French Press; instead, I find myself staying under the covers until the last possible moment.  Getting up early has not been on my plate for a long while.  Baby steps are in order, and hopefully I will be rising before the sun once again.

Either way, I've got letters to catch up on and journal entries to write.  It is nice to finally have a moment to jump back into the real world, even if it means earlier mornings and exercising.

A New Year

And we're back.  There's always something about coming back- sitting in your own chair, snuggling on your own couch, and lighting your own candles.  Whatever that something is, I typically enjoy it.  The holidays were full of visiting family and friends, and what better way to spend the holidays?  But now it's time to unpack our wrinkled clothing and get back to yoga.

There are many things I look forward to this year.  For instance, football is over in February.  Perhaps that means some weekend traveling, as we have yet to make it to Nashville, Atlanta, or other cities we would like to see.  Weddings and warm weather are also on the horizon.  What's not to love about those?

As for resolutions, I am not so good with them.  Generally, I tend to have trouble thinking of ones worth keeping for a whole year.  I would like to drink more water so that I don't die at yoga.  And I would like to be better at yoga in general.  But I guess I don't have any resolutions about them.  I'm going to attend a Financial Peace University class at church, as well as a book study on "Love Does."  But no resolutions or even goals have been made for that yet.  Perhaps I would like to resolve to make more friends while down here.  Our small group and Bible study have been going well, but I think I may need to put myself out there more. Contrary to popular belief, most times I can be shy around new people.  I am easily friendly, but opening up takes a bit more.  I am a firm believer in deeper friendships, but in order to have those, I suppose I need to invest more.

Overall, I don't like to make resolutions that I'm not fully invested in; otherwise, I tend to pull back and fail and say, "oh well, maybe next time."  What are some resolutions that you have made or would like to make?

Merry Christmas (Eve)!

I do love the Christmas season, and Christmas Eve is filled with a kind of magic that cannot be compared.  Sure, I love all the days in the holiday season, but there is something about the waiting, the candlelight service, the cookies, and (usually) the snow.  Although our Christmas Eve looks a bit different, celebrating as a new family is something I look forward to.  Karl calls me a child at Christmas.  He shakes his head in July when I'm in my swimsuit singing Jingle Bells, and he shakes his head in December when I'm shaking all the gifts under the tree.  And somehow, I've already opened three gifts, and I know that after the service, I will receive another one.  What a champ.

On Christmas Day and the days after, we look forward to celebrating and enjoying the warmth that family and friends bring.  But I just wanted to post to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas!  May we be truly thankful for the greatest Gift, and I pray that we never take these special moments for granted.

A Little Trip

Although our main destination was Tupelo, Mississippi, we veered off towards Memphis, Tennessee for a small tour.

We started the tour on Beale Street, a street famous for its bars and novelty shops.  Our bus tour was led by a singing tour guide- corny at first, but in a way, enhanced the tour immensley.  It was interesting to hear about the famous beginnings of singers who changed American music.  He would then sing small snippets of certain songs or types of music.  Even with the rain, Memphis is a sight to see.

Unfortunately, by the end of the afternoon, Memphis had a flood warning.  It was time to get out of there.  But not before we sampled Memphis barbeque first.  Needless to say, it might have won our small, internal contest.

But now that our little trip is over, our big trip is about to begin.  Christmas Day we are traveling back to Pennsylvania for a week and a half!  As of right now, the packing has not commenced- we will need a suitcase just for presents.  But perhaps I will get to it tomorrow.  Our schedule while we are back visiting family has filled rather quickly and interspersed are visits to the dentist (for Karl).  While I am especially glad to see family, I look forward to a nice cuddle with my mom's new kitten and waiting for Karl to say funny things after his oral surgery.  It's the small things in life.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!