How do I describe the 25 days I had off? I don't think I accurately can. It was emotional, heart-warming, soothing relaxing, stressful, trying, challenging, lazy, unique, peaceful, and EXCITING!!! There were ups and downs, lots of miles run, and quality time spent with family and friends.
However, I'm not missing the long and lonely days I had alone while Craig worked all day. I'm not missing the uncertainty of what tomorrow will look like (I like routine!). I'm not missing all of the driving. I'm not missing spending TOO much money during the holiday season. I'm not missing the anticipation of starting a new quarter. I'm not missing the chaos.
But what I do miss is my family. They seem so close but yet so distant. A text every other day or so is what keeps us informed and in the loop. Life is going on without us on the west side and sometimes that thought is big enough to haunt me. But what keeps me stable and steady is the precious silence of the morning over a steaming hot cup of coffee, Jesus Calling, and a time of prayer. Craig...yes...he keeps me grounded too. Medication and therapy? Well...that is for you to determine! But ultimately, I miss my Mom. Why did we choose to stay in Spokane? Oh yes! Because we have a dog, a house to maintain, an INCREDIBLE church, two jobs to hold, and a graduate degree to earn! And potentially new opportunities just right around the corner.
To sum up the 25 days off:
- Volunteered at Second Harvest Food Bank --> we bagged food that would go home with students!
- Happy Hour at Anthony's with Craig --> and running into a friend!
- Went to hear Ali Vincent speak and give a lecture on health/nutrition and her experience on The Biggest Loser
- Had Tiara & Ryan over for dinner --> homemade pizzas!
- Had Andrea, Emma, & David over for dinner --> BBQ Chicken!
- Took a tour of The Emily Program
- Met with Erin Schwab over coffee
- Found out I got my first 4.0 this quarter --> don't ask me how because this was mentally and emotionally my hardest quarter too!
- Playing secret santa --> one of my favorite traditional Christmas games!
- Progressive Dinner with our small group --> ending the night with a white elephant gift exchange!
- Maybe created a fake Christmas card for the Hara's and sent it out to... ?? ... people at church ;)
- Drove to Portland to celebrate Christmas with Dad, Karen, Bethany, Brian, Kylee, Tanner, Adam, Sophia, Molly & Dustin
- Boarded Luna for 5 days :(
- Spent 2.5 days at the Hospice House with Mom
- Met with Jaye Zern over coffee
- Brought Mom home via ambulance on Christmas Eve
- Had Marian (Craig's Mom) stay 2 nights with us in Federal Way
- Celebrated Christmas with the Smiths, Mom, & Aunt Becky
- Used our Wedding China set for the first time for Christmas dinner
- Spend time in West Seattle with Molly --> got to see her apartment and all three of us worked out at Snap Fitness together!
- Attended Craig's family Christmas dinner --> got to meet and hold Penelope Rose Haskins!
- Got excited for Craig getting a second interview
- Saw the movie: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty --> good movie!
- Swam...a lot...
- Ran...a lot...running my most miles EVER this month: 94!
- Said goodbye to good friends who moved --> miss you Chris, Julie, & William!
- Taught Luna how to 'play dead'
- Stayed with the Vanourek's at their condo in Kellog, ID
- Almost...ALMOST died and was ALMOST hit by a car at a crosswalk
- Only made it to 10:30pm New Years Eve night (second year in a row!)
- Hosted Dad, Karen, & Diego at our house last weekend --> wined and dined!
- Signed up for 30 days of unlimited hot yoga for $30 --> new obsession :)
Have I missed anything else? Probably! But this is why I miss winter break!!! June 15, 2014 can't come fast enough!!
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