A Stinky Situation

So here we are...the old house. I have to say it's SO nice to be closer to everything again. All of our neighbors have been really welcoming and sharing how it's nice to have us close, even for just a short while. We slept on couch cushions last night, on the floor. The one cat we brought is confused and meowed all night on and off. But honestly, I have never been so comfortable in my life! Those cushions with a feather filled blanket thrown over them, make the most awesome bed ever! I knocked out most of the cleaning in the kitchen and one bathroom today. I got the master bedroom cleaned last night before we slept in it. Not bad, if I do say so myself.

The only problem we have run into is, THE SMELL! The house has been sitting for a while without being aired out and oops (hee hee) I accidentally left a Tupperware filled with cooked broccoli in the refrigerator (covered with tin foil because I couldn't find the "real" cover, of course). It's been like five months. The smell is still lingering a bit. You'd be surprised how much broccoli can be the gift that keeps on giving (in so many ways:)

Hopefully we'll be finished soon. It's hard to be inspired to write with a rancid broccoli cloud hovering above. Wish us luck, something tells me we're going to need it:)

In a Slump of Repetitivness

I'm finding that my biggest problem in life seems to go something like this: We decided to move somewhere, I keep busy with boxing everything up. I'm excited to find things I forgot I had and can't wait to be "more" (I use that word so generously) organized in the new place. The boxing is good for me because it allows me to be a bit OCD and is a seemingly, never-ending project to take up my abundance of hyperactivity. Then we move. Another project ensues as I empty the boxes. I'm more excited now because it's all new and I love decorating and figuring out the best way for everything to fit into a room without taking away the spaciousness. Hubby and I are also kinda HGTV junkies. We love all the house search and renovation shows.

Then I get bored. Now please don't take this as a lack of thankfulness or a total discontentment with life. I just get antsy with routine. Perhaps it's the ADHD or just my artistic side but routine drives me BATTY! This is where I'm at right now. I get into a funk because I need something new and challenging and so I feel stuck. Then, I shut down.

I've been racking my brain on how I can change this situation for myself. Often we will get away for the weekend but that doesn't seem likely right now. I was thinking (and praying) and finally the solution hit me last night in bed as I lay listening to the lingering cough of my sleeping child. We still have the house in Alpine and it needs to be cleaned out and fixed up to sell. Why not stay there for a week or two? I can have a project, working on the house and be close to town. I am going a little nuts up here. So that's what we're doing later today. Sure, there's no furniture but hey, we're pioneers. And some time without TV is always a good thing. I'll let everyone know how it turns out. Hopefully I'll have lots of time to read (I can't do a book review on my website if I don't finish a book:) and write.

Footnote-Hi Vanessa.

Project 09'

I am starting a new writing project on January 1st. It's a hands on experiment of sorts and I will be living (and journaling) it for six months. I know this is incredibly vague but it's all you're getting for now. Stay tuned for many new writing endeavours in 2009. I have many ideas I've been putting off and I plan on making 2009 a writing year.

Imagine

Imagine a time long ago, the promise of a savior inside you to grow. Created to be mother to God's only son. Imagine if you were the chosen one. Imagine how hard it was to trust in God's plan. How blind faith must sometimes be when we don't understand. Imagine having to hold on to faith, when you would rather run, risking life's comfort and dignity for the salvation of everyone. Imagine how Mary must have felt like an ordinary girl, not good enough to bring the King of Kings into this world. Imagine how God came to her and said, "you know my will is best." And how she stood before him and said, "Lord my answer's yes." Think of the purpose every child's life holds and the prayers attached to each one. Think if your child's purpose was to die. If the world's redemption lay in the sacrifice of your son. Think of a father's sorrow and joy, felt at his only son's birth. Think how God gave with each one of us in mind and the price he thought we were worth. Never forget the way Mary obeyed or the first present given on Christmas Day. Remember every day of the year, to share with others why we are here. Remember we all have heartache and troubles but quitting is such a waste. We should spend our times helping others, as God helps us, we should be sharing His grace. Most important of all remember this, always let God's light shine through your eyes, for I'd hate hate to think that you turned your back on an angel in disguise. (C) J.L. 2008

What day is it?

Our Christmas party was a success. The tables were pretty, the food was yummy (although I didn't really eat any of it until today), and the people were lovely. Almost every child was hacking and snotting) I have a theory that it was part cold and part elevation change....yes, let's go with that. I am extremely tired today but for good reasons. Santa made a surprise visit and had presents for all the kids. And my party favor baskets went over nicely. I think everyone felt blessed. The only things to change for next year? Hire a maid to clean the house the week of and have the party catered:) Oh yes, and strike oil to pay for the above mentioned.

We missed those that were unable to make it but we'll have tea and crumpets soon. No seriously, I got a new teapot that I REALLY want to use.

I'll try and post party pictures soon.

Day ? Be more organized with days

I have been REALLY busy the past couple weeks so I've sorta temporarily abandoned my 21 days of change thing. Perhaps as part of the challenge I will take a little time off for reflexion. At least this makes me sound smart instead of flaky:)

Our "little" dinner party has risen to 33 people, yikes! The turkey has been ordered, one friend is in town and another arrives on Friday. I have made 22 jars of jelly and a basket full of bath salts for gifts. I have to make little bread loaves and then I'm done with the "party favors." Other than that........cleaning, cleaning, CLEANING! Oh blasted cleaning! I hate thee with pure hatred because thou art NEVER finished.

The presents are wrapped but I still have a little more to do for Jude. When I will do this, I am not yet sure. I'm figuring it will all come together...gulp! Christmas is the time for doing for others and despite the fact that I always over extend, I do enjoy doing it and making friends and family happy. It would be so much easier if I could just wiggle my nose and Poof! it all just was.

Tricia

It's midnight in New York, technically December 13th. I want to wish my cousin Tricia a happy birthday. This will be the second birthday she's spent in Heaven. I'm sure the celebration is so much more incredible there! But we miss her and so today we reflect on her life and the good she brought to us in her 34 years.

So, Happy Birthday Trish. I love you and miss you. I think of you often and all the good memories. Though I know the what ifs are pointless, I think of all I wanted to say to you that I didn't get the chance to. Somehow, I think you know. May Heaven celebrate you today and the angels rejoice!