Christmas Spirit

Hello readers! Are you getting into the Christmas spirit? It seems to arrive earlier and earlier every year- but I don't mind. We only get to celebrate the season for a quick month; let it begin as early as possible!

I've been so terrible about updating my blog this year. There are so many times I sit down to write, and it seems like there's either too much to say, or not enough. Do you ever feel that way? But- I decided to stop feeling *guilty* about not updating it, too.

In fact, the last couple of months, I've worked on letting go of a lot of guilt and worry. I am the QUEEN at both of those things. I constantly worry. And the worrying constantly leads to some sort of guilt on my end. Am I a good enough friend, daughter, Christian? Am I doing a good job at work? And that's just scratching the surface!

We all feel it to some degree. But I've had to really focus on letting go of a lot of that. Because, at a certain point, you freeze up. It's hard to make decisions, or even enjoy what's happening around you, because of what could happen.

Enough of that. And the good news- I have a savior who *wants to take on all of my doubts, fears and worries. Thank goodness for that! And what an amazing gift, to know we aren't in this alone. That my worries don't add a single day to my life. That there is a big picture I need to have complete faith in.

Giving it all up- allows me to enjoy my life. The world seems a bit more beautiful. I take a little more time to soak it in while I'm driving (often, these days) or biking, or running. I enjoy my family and friends more, my work more. And I'm easier on myself, which is a good thing.

Even though it's 70 degrees in Oklahoma, let's bring on the Christmas music and decorations and cheer!

It's never too early to celebrate the greatest gift of all.

Many Thanks

I think November is quickly taking the place of October as my favorite month. November means the heater and warm socks come on at night, and the short sleeves can come out- at least for an hour or two- during the day. November means my tree in front is a vibrant, beautiful red. November means family, friends, turkey. November means swapping iced coffee for almond amaretto latte at Quiktrip, sweet white wine for red.

November is a good month.

And, if you know much about the inner-workings of TV, that's saying a lot. Because November is also one of the most stressful months in television! It's a ratings month, or "sweeps." Meaning... every viewer counts. Meaning... every story has to be perfect. Meaning... long hours, lots of pressure.

Throw in three apartment fires, two meth lab busts, an election- and a partridge in a pear tree!- and it's almost too much to handle.

Almost. Good thing everything else about November balances it out!

So, needless to say, it's been a busy month. It's been a busy year! For everyone, it seems. But as we inch closer to Thanksgiving, my heart is bursting with thanks and blessings and gratitude.

Thankful for my family, my friends. Thankful for health. Thankful for a job that I enjoy- that pays my bills, and allows me to get a new iPhone when I drop mine and it shatters into a bazillion pieces on the driveway. :) Thankful for a wild cat who keeps me on my toes, a home that keeps me safe, a car that's almost paid off. A heavenly father who fills all the open places when it seems like something might be missing.

Thankful for a mom who bugs me to update my blog. :)

Lots of thanks this week!  Turkey day... hurry up!

October In Pictures

October was a busy month! I was out of town about as much as I was in town.

 

 

 

I met up with (most of) my family in Norman for Homecoming. I'm not sure why, but I love this picture of my sister and I. I sort of think it describes us perfectly! We're probably concerned about the grass at the moment. Always concerned.

 

But always ready to smile!

 

My friend Lauren at I at our 10 year high school reunion! Time flies! SO thankful for friends who I still love and cherish 10 years later. (That includes a few favorites who couldn't make it to the reunion!)

 

I love this picture. First of all- that pillow! My favorite. Second, Maizy. She is so big and sassy these days. Her face says it all.

 

My friend Micah and I tried out a new bar Friday night- Valkyrie. SO good! This chalkboard was full of weird, amazing drinks. Micah and I decided we will visit once a month to try new drinks on the board.

 

Her mint julep (left), my Final Ward. My drink was bourbon... a maraschino cherry... and that's all I can remember. GOOD.

 

Maizy, again. Her favorite blanket, her favorite toy. Again with the attitude. This girl loves pictures.

 

The Churchill Room, White Lion. It's a British pub here in town- and you have to reserve The Churchill Room. Which we did. It was lovely. We ate dinner (chicken & mushroom pot pie, known here as The Devonshire) followed by a few blissful hours in cozy chairs, drinking wine.

 

I'm trying to take more pictures these days... but I still have an iPhone with NO flash. Can you believe it? :)

Quest for Clarity

Happy November, everyone! Honestly, it's a little weird logging on, sitting down to write. It's been SO long. Blogging really seemed to take a back seat this year. So much going on! But it's more than just being busy.

I've said it before, this has been such a year of growth for me. But the past few months have certainly stretched me in new ways. I've had a restless heart. I've done a lot of thinking and praying and wondering and searching about what's "next" for me. And, when the answers don't come quickly or easily- I get frustrated.

So, it's hard to put that into words. It's hard to sit down and write about my day, my thoughts, my hopes & dreams- when it all seems a little confusing.

And the irony of that! I write words for other people for a living. But sometimes I struggle so much putting my own words to paper.

But I've started to have a bit more clarity lately. And, what the heck- even when I don't have clarity, I need to write it out. That's just part of my make-up.

At my high school reunion last weekend (um, yeah- 10 years!) my friend Lauren said to me... "God is so much bigger than your situation." Or something like that. :) The point being... God is big enough to work on me, in me, in my current set of circumstances. That was so powerful to me- and quieted a voice nagging at me for quite some time, wondering if I was in the right place in life... physically.

And then I realized, I was at the right place emotionally and spiritually too. Not perfect, not full of clarity. Just at the right spot. With just enough clarity to keep searching and seeking.

So, that's me- today, in November of 2012! I love my life. I know I'm where I'm supposed to be- physically, mentally, spiritually. The road is not clear, the answers are not always forthcoming. But I know I need to keep moving forward, keep my heart and eyes open. And just live for today.

I don't have it all figured out. And I'm learning to be OK with that. Now, I just have to assume you guys are OK with that, too!

Then maybe the words will come a bit more freely. :)