THIS is love...

I am in love with this whole album. Her lyrics speak to me with all I'm going through in life right now. It's been playing at work and in my car nonstop for at least a week...if not more.
The first song I heard on this album was "Laugh". It's full of truths and so many great one-liners.
But lately...I've been listening to "Stuck in a Rut". I hear it and I want to cry. But not a sad cry. More like a "relief" cry if that makes sense? Like, I've had these thoughts before and I wasn't quite sure how to write it out so eloquently. And then I hear this song...and my heart breaks for her story. My story. A story many people I'm sure can relate to.
"...Is it wrong if I want you to hold me til it's right...?"
I'm also becoming quite fond of "Let Go That Weight". It's a fantastic song. Another I can relate to. And not just for myself...but for those around me. So many are going through trying times. Being tested. Well, the people I know are all fighters and strong, so I know they will get through it all.
"Let go that weight. Give it to me."
I wish I could take all the troubles of my loved ones. But I know that this too shall pass.

Cough

It happened at the most inopportune time. I'm sick. Four days before I leave to Indiana. Here's hoping I can fight this off before I leave!

Slacker

I slack at giving thanks. Or...at least writing them here...

Today, my thanks are brought to you by:

1. Coffee
2. Books
3. Friends
4. Family
5. Newest additions to families
6. Love
7. Education
8. Work
9. Laughter
10. Droid Incredible
11. Boots
12. Timone
13. Autumn
14. Music
15. Cookies

And finally, this new hair piece that my friends Shandra and Sara made:

Thankful: 5

This is a silly one...but I am thankful for the Holiday seasons and the atmosphere that encompasses them. Currently, I am listening to the Relient K holiday station while sipping on hot coffee with peppermint in it. The weather outside is crisp and a bit windy. I'm wearing a new, festive red shirt. Retail stores and markets are slowly starting to incorporate seasonal music into their mundane lists. Christmas trees, ornaments, decor, and lights are appearing in aisles and streets.
I remember as a kid driving around with my brother and parents to see the Christmas lights. My brother, Kenny, would proclaim "Chwistmas!" every time we'd pass the lights and to this day, that's what I think when I see them adorned across streets and homes.
I miss the simplicity of holidays as a child. Going from door to door in Grandma's housing track with my cousins Christmas caroling. Running around the house in pajamas excited for gifts. Playing in the snow. Now, I'm an adult. There hasn't been a set tradition for me in quite some years with Thanksgiving...I've celebrated with Chase, with my cousins, with friends, with family. Most of my Christmas time has spent with Chase and becoming "Santa" for his younger brother, Hunter.
I love this time of year. I love the layering of my clothes, wearing jackets, gloves, scarves, thermals...it's all nostalgia.
I can't wait to someday have a set tradition for the holidays. Something that I can pass on to my children and grandchildren <3

Thankful: 4

Today my thanks goes to Timone. Yes, a cat. I've been really down and feeling alone...and he's all I've got. I love walking into my room to have him meow and greet me, cuddle up against me, and just be. He's such a great cat. He sits with me while I'm working at my computer. Sleeps on me at night. Follows me around during the day. I love my little bubba. I am thankful that he has a clean bill of health and is in my life.

Thankful: 3

Today I want to give thanks to music. ♪♫♪♫
Whatever my emotion, music is there for me. It can make me happy when I need a lift. It can relate to me when I'm feeling down...not make me feel like I'm alone. Music...I love you. And I'm not sure how I would survive my days without you.

Thankful: 2

Today, I am thankful for a much needed vacation HOME to see my family <3 Yes, in just three short weeks I will be on a plane headed for the Midwest. Some people find it odd that I call Indiana "Home" but home is where the heart is, right? My family means the world to me, so it only makes sense that Indiana would hold a special place in my heart. I have only ever had one other sense of home, and this was with Chase, but I digress...
I am so pumped for the amazing times ahead of me. Thanksgiving with the WHOLE family, a wedding for my beautiful aunt and future uncle, singing in said wedding with my cousins, spending time with Adelaide, a day in Broadripple, quality time with loved ones...the list goes on!
I know this will be a jam packed week. I will also have homework and some papers to write this week, but man am I stoked. Indiana, HERE I COME!

Thankful: 1

This is a month about giving thanks. I know there are days that I become selfish and I forget to stop and just be. Be thankful for all that I do have. To stop focusing on what I don't have. So often I take things for granted. This month I will try to post one thing I am thankful for each day.
Today, I am thankful for my cousin Kate. Anyone who knows us, knows that we are extremely close. When we were younger we always had this bond and I was so afraid that moving 2,000 miles away to California would break this. However, years later in our lives that has proved to be untrue. We chat daily about everything. And what's odd...is that we seem to go through the same life experiences in unison. I love her with all my heart and am so thankful to have her in my life.

Accountability

I...am a yo-yo dieter. And I am sick and tired of food running me. So, starting today I am going to try my hardest to be accountable for my health. I need to stop eating to feed my emotions. I started my day out with a slice of one million oat and grainy goodness, oatmeal, and a black coffee. Okay, so maybe the bread didn't have one million oats and grains. I may start posting on here what I eat daily. But maybe not...I haven't decided yet. I want to feel healthy again. I want to look healthy again.

Believe

"It is the possibility that keeps me going … and though you may call me a dreamer or a fool or any other thing, I believe that anything is possible."
-The Notebook