Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 137

Today's Daily 5:

1. The relief that comes from discovering that my phone will likely still work, after I accidentally dropped it in some water late last night
2. making two new recipes (both healthy, but somewhat sweet, while low in sugar, snacks)
3. the fun of preparing and collecting what I need for nursing orientation tomorrow
4. the apple pecan salad at Wendy's (complete with Blue Cheese!)
5. curling up in bed with a book

Whimsical Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Welcome to the first Whimsical Wednesday of the new year!  I've been hanging out on pinterest a lot lately, letting myself get inspired, and these are just a few of the images that have recently captured my attention.  As always, I'd love to know which is your favorite, and why it stood out to you.

Source: flickr.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: myfotolog.tumblr.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: londonmayhem.tumblr.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: tinywhitedaisies.tumblr.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 136

Today's Daily 5:

1. a day with just the right balance of quiet and productivity
2. finding little ways to embrace the goals and dreams for this year of Still in my day to day choices
3. playing a bingo game on facebook
4. a little bit of chocolate
5. crawling into a bed with freshly washed sheets

Tuesday Anticipations, January 2, 2012

I'm out of "You Ask, I Answer" questions for the moment, and I was wracking my brain to think of something to blog about on Tuesdays.  So, for now, I'm going to blog about the things I'm anticipating in the week ahead.

I remain ever mindful of the lesson I learned (and continue to learn) from a guy named Stan.  A lesson about postponing joy.  In fact, when I find myself focusing too heavily on the idea that the only joy is that which is coming, I remind myself that I can choose to be present and find joy in the present moment.

That said, there is also a great joy in the anticipation of things that are special, that are unique to a day or a week, that hold the promise of love, and laughter and joy.  Those are the things I want to share with you in Tuesday Anticipations.

So... welcome to my first list of anticipations:

• I'm anticipating the thrill of completion of several necessary (and much procrastinated) errands and tasks
• I'm anticipating the orientation to my nursing program, with the quiet thrill that comes from a peace in the timing that this acceptance has played out in, and the joy of knowing that something I risked longing for has arrived.
• I'm anticipating the first house church gathering of the new year, and the chance to spend time praying for and with each other, and praying for guidance as we head into the new year.
• I'm anticipating the chance to spend time at the zoo with one of my oldest friends and her daughter.  People I love and a place I love - awesome!
• I'm anticipating the fun of shopping for textbooks and uniforms

They're mostly simple things, but they all hold the promise of joy, and that's what I want to share with you on Tuesdays for a while.

Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 135

Today's Daily 5:

1. Spotting the mountains in the distance
2. a productive morning
3. audio books
4. hugs and the chance to chat with some dear friends
5. sharing the joy of knowing that orientation for school is only days away, with friends who appreciate the fullness of the journey these past couple years
6. celebrating a special little girl's first birthday
7. time for reading on the bus
8. the thrill of knowing, even if it was only one day, that I consciously worked to make healthy food choices
9. a very warm day for January
10. a clear view of the moon walking home from the bus
11. paging through a magazine, reading, and clipping articles, words and images for future inspiration and projects
12. string cheese
13. a soft pillow
14. scheming, dreaming and planning for the year to come
15. little moments in which to celebrate independence and happiness