things that make me smile this week 11/20

so this covers the past three weeks.

- talking with my mom and hearing how much she is enjoying her phone.  it's helping her to reconnect with friends. and she gets to watch her newest grandbaby.  it's fun to get her texts and to video chat with her and my dad.

- pioneer woman's christmas line came out this week. it's so pretty!

- the cubs won! bill murray's face was priceless.

- i was really sick this week for few days with lots of green goo pouring out of my nose and hacked up lung too. J took great care of me all week, and i really felt loved and cared for.

- i got new glasses.

- my husband coming home from work and we hug for a really long time.

- meeting a goal to go to the gym three days this week.

- primary kids singing and sharing their testimonies during our sacrament meeting program. they are so full of light and desires to do the right things.

- deciding that something is not right for me anymore, and following through on it.

- i really love the bbc4 show "detectorists" because it's so quirky, nerdy and human.

- saying i'm sorry.

- prayer. it really does change things, but mostly it's me that changes.

- the late afternoon sunlight slanting through the trees and illuminating the jewel-toned leaves on the almost bare trees. honestly, there's not a more beautiful sight at times.

- crunching leaves on a walk through woods.

- waking up at 4am so i can leave work at 2:30pm. (i'm trying to be positive on my early mornings.)

- pumpkin roll. good earth tea. salted caramel hot chocolate from starbucks. chopping vegetables. thick socks and boots. layers of clothing. heat. hot water. hope. hard work. fall colors.

- this view from my porch.

The #viewfromthefrontporch is so pretty these days. 🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁The last of the #fallcolors are winding down. So sad to see them go. So thankful for the beauty of this place. #calvertcounty #fall #autumn #autumncolors #myhome🏡

A photo posted by Christine Boyer Cole (@cmboyercole) on Nov 15, 2016 at 12:40pm PST

- this video on faith being a principle of action and power.

things that make me smile this week 10/30

- lunch with RO at shake shack last saturday was such a treat.  the chicken sandwich from there is best. but best of all was catching up with RO and doing homework together. her little pug is always so excited to see me and i just love them both.

- primary kids practicing for the sacrament meeting program. these kids are the strongest, cutest and most loving kids i know.

- mexican pulled pork in my crockpot, and rice beans on my stovetop. when you combine these in a tortilla with cheese it's burrito magic. plus you can make burritos and freeze them for later. so easy!

- when you're friends with someone since you were toddlers it's always a treat to share a visit. it was so good to see KH and show her a glimpse of my maryland home.



- my husband really likes watching gilmore girls. it's so fun to watch together. AND YES we're both excited for the new episodes coming out over thanksgiving weekend.

- texting with my mom is really sweet. i love her enthusiasm to learn new things.

- i deactivated my facebook account for a couple of weeks about a month ago. let me tell you it was the most peace inducing thing i have done for a while in my life. i am starting to have a love-hate relationship with facebook. i'm honestly considering being with it completely, except that i really do love seeing posts from family and friends. i'm thinking about my way ahead on fb and how i want it to be a part of my life or not. so, thinking about deactivating my fb account again makes me smile.

- i'm doing the pathway program through byu-idaho. it's been so fun to be back in school again.  the dread i felt over the years as i contemplated going back to school is gone. i'm enjoying learning in a school again. i'm grateful for this.

- i had a pretty intense day at work on wednesday. when i got home that night i posted on fb that i needed a shake and fries to take away the stress of my hard day. a couple of hours later there was a knock at my door. i opened it to find my friend AG standing there with a chocolate shake and fries. i was in tears and stunned by her kindness. i know she has health struggles and her day hadn't been easy either, but there she was serving me and lifting me up. i felt so loved and all i could was smile through my tears as i worked on my homework that evening. thank you AG!

- i made a goal last week to not focus on reading about the election and instead read other news or general conference talks. this really made me smile a lot, because i wasn't getting angry. an article i read talked about how angry and uncertain people in the usa are feeling because of the election. i dislike being angry so i wanted to work on changing my focus. i'm not sure how successful i was but at least i felt more aware of how i was feeling instead of just going with the flow. plus, quitting reading an article after the first paragraph a couple times just made me smile.

-  thinking about thanksgiving this year and my list of things and people for which i'm grateful. i decided to begin posting my things that made me smile lists again. i have ignored my blog for a while. i think this will help me get back to it.

- relaxing music. reading the scriptures. herbal tea. lifting weights. gouda is my spirit cheese. homemade burritos. my husband washing the dishes--seriously.  chocolate.  cinnamon. lemon tea. thinking. quiet time. reading. a hot bubble bath.

- this little video on the sacrament.


- this photo on instagram. i love autumn.

A photo posted by Julia (@humphreyandgrace) on Oct 23, 2016 at 1:42am PDT

- the lindsey stirling concert on a monday night date with my love.

A photo posted by Lindsey Stirling (@lindseystirling) on Oct 25, 2016 at 2:45pm PDT

what made me smile in january

* the first phone call of many phone calls.

* the answer to a prayer that came right as something new was starting in my life. thus opening the way for what i really, truly wanted to come into my life.

* my nephews not wanting to talk to me on the phone when i was because they didn't want to get sick with my cold. silly boys!

* a feeling, a tangible and very real feeling, of being supported and loved.

* snow flurries and flakes that accumulated just a bit. i love snow.

* daffodils, hyacinths, and dark chocolate from Trader Joe's.

* my mom talked to me about this article from elder scott and asked me to read it. i've been reading, pondering, and even listening to it a few times. i'm being taught some of the things that i need.

* playing the piano. singing. cooking. baking. bacon. cheese. cold, clean water. cups of tea. sleeping late on saturday mornings. organizing. laundry. sewing.

* my sister's birthday is in january. i sure do love my becky-doodles. sis, you are such an amazing, righteous and strong woman. i hope that i can be more like you. love you!

* my brother R1 is doing his final semester of law school in tokyo with his entire family. it's so fun to hear their adventures and follow along on their blog. i so wish that i could go and visit him.

* a couple of years ago the relief society (the women's ministry from my church) from my congregation made hats for the oncology ward at children's hospital here in dc. we had a goal of 500 and we ended up donating over 1100 hats. they recently contacted us again, to ask if we would be willing to make more because they were out of hats. so we are starting to make hats again, and i'm teaching people how to make them on knitting looms or crocheting. i'm really excited about this. one of these days i need to learn to how to knit though. if you're interested, please leave a comment below and i'll get in touch with you about how to help.

things that made me smile...

* a weekend without alarm clocks. sleeping until i'm ready to be awake. cooking avocado omelets for breakfast.

* a new calling (or assignment) at church. i'm the single adult representative for my congregation. should be interesting... ?

* fall cleaning. the feeling of a room that's been deep cleaned, it feels more open and brighter somehow.

* my nieces and nephews starting school and listening to their thoughts on new teachers and classes. so fun!

* a friend who is a fellow chief and whovian, who asked some very insightful questions when i talked with him one night about something i want to happen in my life. our conversation led me to some insights about where i am and a couple of things that were holding me back. thanks bro!

* the excitement of possibilities that meeting someone new brings until they don't. i'm so grateful for answers to prayers. sometimes it's important to try things out and see how they feel.

* my sister who listens without judgement. love ya!

* dinner with my cousin. so fun to catch up, enjoy good conversation and amazing food at ambar.

* painting a friend's basement. i found it easy to clear my mind and stop thinking for a while as i painted.

* word of advice: if you happen to end a meaningful friendship that is holding you back from being open to what you really want, do not watch the series finale of a beloved show. because you will cry, the ugly sobbing cry as you watch everyone say goodbye as they go off to their new duty stations on starships around the galaxy. thanks Star Trek: Deep Space 9 for nursing a breaking heart.

* a new season of doctor who has begun! so many new adventures to enjoy. (hopefully, moffat doesn't ruin anything else i enjoy in this world, like angel statues, libraries, the internet... )

* so, i've been lazy about being faithful to a goal that the bishop of our congregation set for us to read the complete book of mormon this year. it's not that i haven't been reading it, but i've been reading the parts that call to me. so, after he spoke again about our goal in church yesterday i'm setting the goal to read it all the way through by the end of the year. i'm using this 90-day schedule, so i have a bit of wiggle room. feel free to join in.

* my mom is learning spanish without even trying. being immersed in the language as she teaches english and attends the spanish-speaking congregation is really helping her to catch on. it's so fun to hear her excitement as she realizes what she understands.

* the soundtrack of guardians of the galaxy is pretty awesome. every time i play awesome mix vol 1, i'm dancing and singing around the room or in my car. always makes me smile.

*  holding a new baby is the best thing in the whole world.

* founding farmers for dinner with my best friend. best food-gasm in a very long time.

* a new star trek t-shirt. i seriously love this print.

* a stuffed elephant. excessive nerd syndrome. air conditioning. long walks. my book shelves. a clean bathroom. clean sheets. ted's millionaire bar milkshake. a good deep belly laugh. taking photos.

more things that made me smile

* this post on how Heavenly Father can bless us when we do our part... or when we don't. been there, heard that a few times in my life. nice to know i'm not alone.

* so, i was supposed to fly to germany this weekend on orders, but that didn't happen (long story). naturally, i was disappointed, but all in all okay with how it turned out. i'm at peace with it, and that's a good feeling.

* i was asked to be a co-sponsor for a former sailor as he goes through chief training. it's such an honor.

* two junior officers who care about a shipmate and are bravely doing the right thing reminded why i love the navy. and i needed that reminder one day last week.

* a friend and i were chatting, and he reminded me just how much i love the show MASH. seriously, being the navy i have worked with all those characters in real life.

* re-learning a lesson. you know how you end up in a situation where once you have some hindsight you realize that you once again were learning a lesson that you thought you had already learned? yeah.... that was me again recently. i'm very thankful for do-overs. hopefully, i got it this time and will remember it for the next time.

* going from a hole in the wall to an AC unit in the wall. it took 3 friends, 3 prayers and lots of patience.

 

* the realization that many of the things on this list are navy-related. funny, cause i wasn't feeling it last week. 

things that make me smile

so many smiles with laughter, and smiles through tears lately. i just feel the need to say it all out loud again.

* my family's reunion in nauvoo, illinois. so much fun and so many memories. a loose tooth, scaring older cousins again and again, river sunsets, hugs, fireflies, concern for my singleness from my nephews, cousins!, ice cream for lunch, a's little smile. all this and so much more did my heart good!

* time spent with 3 lifelong friends who can still come together to make new stories while retelling the old ones, who just love each other, who just enjoy the good company.

* time with family friends who were part of our missionary experience.

* people i work with who say, "I'll pray for you and your family." and knowing they mean it.

* a quick trip home to paradise, utah. even though it was for my aunt's funeral it was so nice to be with my family again. my heart needed it.

* weeding. nothing better than yanking weeds to take life's frustrations.

* answers to prayers before i knew i needed to pray them.

* sunrises.

* dinner with friends and catching up after not having talked for years and years.

* a lonely cat who wanted my company.

* coming home.

* next please. i'm ready.

* a best friend who: picked me up early from the airport. made sure i ate actual food. got home safe. checked in with me the next day and made sure i ate real food again. was good company. gave me hope. and confirmed a right decision.

* getting on the earlier flight which i made by the skin of my teeth.

* flying over the Grand Canyon. seriously beautiful.

* keeping my mom company.

* hugs from nieces and nephews who saw me only a week prior, but the hugs are just as enthusiastic as if it's been a year.

* time talking with my sister and mom.

* aunt 'tine and aunt becky in action.

* my poor nephew's face after he met the treadmill on high. ouch! his big sister and cousin who jumped in to save him and unplug everything.

* seeing someone I grew up with who is happy in her life. and having things work out.

* the serendipity of asking for a ride from the airport and getting the opportunity to visit with a high school friend who was giving her husband a ride to the airport at the same time. not much more serendipitous than that.

* a cancelled flight.  a paid for hotel room. and being able to receive the phone call.

* i caught a fish and cleaned it. it was so gross.

* washington, dc at night on the mall.

* the illinois sky at night. stars, stars and more stars.

* this book: A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet was perfect reading for flying home and back for a funeral. reflections on why family stories are necessary to life. amen!

* conference talks. 3 Nephi 11. Matthew 6:10.

* siblings who text me photos of their kids. smiles galore.

* a housemate who prayed right then and there for me.

* mountains.

* homemade cinnamon rolls.

* my own bed.

* waking up without an alarm.

* friends who send texts at the right time.

* a ride to church.

* second chances.

things that make me smile this week returns

So, the past few months have not been particularly easy for me. I've been in a winter funk brought on by life creeping up on me with some realizations that left me with the wind knocked out of me. And so I retreated, and hid for a while hoping no one would notice. But Someone did, and He made sure I was taken care of, loved and given what I needed, and I am so grateful.

So, at the urging of a friend who says my life is more interesting and that people like me, I am recommitting to sharing my little light through my blog. And so I will start by once again sharing the things that make smile on a weekly basis.

- Mom and Dad are coming for a visit!!!! This caught me by surprise, because I invited them, listened to all their reasons for not coming, and thought that they wouldn't actually get on a plane to come out here. But they are, and I'm so very giddy to have them visit.

- They are coming out because I am reenlisting in the Navy Reserve for two more years. Yes, I am actually smiling about this. I need to renew my enlistment contract in order to be eligible to retire, which is still in my plans. I'm excited too, because the ceremony is going to be pretty cool, and performed by a close friend. I'll share the details when it actually happens.

- I've talked on the phone with my family a lot this week, and it's been really fun. The other night two of my brothers and I all met up for a Google Hangout session and it was so cool to have the three of us and the little ones hanging out together for a few minutes from different parts of the country. Just makes me happy!!

- I really love hearing about the adventures of my nieces and nephews. I had forgotten the magic of a hotel room as seen through the eyes of a child. Nephew G hated the art museum, because he couldn't touch anything or run around, but still could tell me about the art he saw that he thought was cool. And Niece L loved the lily painting by Monet because that flower is her namesake and they grow in the water. It was so fun to hear about their trip.

- It snowed this week, and got really, really cold. And yes, I know, it's the first week of spring, but I really liked the snow and the cold, and bundling up to stay warm.

- On the way to work the other morning, I saw a herd of deer and a flock of wild turkeys right in the middle of DC. Granted, I was driving through a park area, but it's surrounded by a very large urban residential area. Apparently, it's enough of a green space to support a variety of wildlife.

- As cold as it has been, there are still signs of spring all around. My front garden is greeting me with signs of bright yellow crocus. The daffodils and tulips are poking up the dirt, and the day lilies in the backyard are showing signs of life. In a couple of weeks things will be bloom all over the city, I hope.

- Spring cleaning! I started it this week and have been doing a little every day. I'm not that far along, but it's a start, and it feels good.

- Making new friends. I'm so thankful for the Church in my life which just helps the process of making new friends with people who are kind, amazing and fun.

- Good books! I've been reading the Acorna series by Anne McCaffrey. I always wanted to read this series, and just decided it was time. What an adventure!

- I really love the Harry Potter movies, and crocheting.

- I was part of a lovely group of women who hosted a baby shower for a dear friend who is expecting her first. It was so nice to be a part of sending someone so much love and hope for a new little life to come.

- LDS General Women's Conference was just lovely! So many great messages about how we need and can learn from each other.

Here are a few Instagram photos to end things this week.

contagiously happy

Earlier this week, some friends and I were sharing our Myers-Briggs personality type indicator results. (If you're curious about your type indicator, you can take a quick test here.) The conversation then turned to the fan-made charts of each personality type matching a character in a popular book or movie series, like Harry Potter, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and Downton Abbey. There is even an animal chart if you're not into fictional characters. Anyway, it's a fun way to explore who we are, and how we interact as human beings.

On the animal chart I'm a dolphin, and the first words of the description are "contagiously happy," which I wasn't too sure about. Then a friend said that she felt like it was totally true about me. I laughed and said that I felt like I was contagiously bitchy crabby last week. 

contagiously happy dolphin
via here

So, on Friday morning, I woke up feeling rather  bitchy... er, crabby. And I had to cover to the front office desk, which meant I needed to be pleasant and polite, or exactly opposite of how I was really feeling. As I walked from the car into the office I remembered my friend saying that she felt I really was contagiously happy, and I said to myself, "Okay, Christine, you need to own this "contagiously happy" piece in you today, because if you don't people will be hurt."

So, I owned it. And people left my desk laughing all day long, and it was fun! And I still felt crabby at times, but more often than not I was smiling, and genuinely so. It took a little while for it to feel completely genuine, but I was glad that it finally did. Friday turned out to be a pretty good day in spite of my waking on the wrong side of the bed.

My point in sharing all of this? It's always surprising to me where the reminders come from to be better than I am.

I'm grateful that a fun conversation with my friends about personalities, and fictional characters would be the inspiration for me to choose to be in a better mood, and remember to treat others how I want to be treated.

I'm grateful for the variety in my life that allows friends and moments like these to help me choose better.

Thank you.

things that made me smile...

* the temple with LLM. it was soooo nice to spend time there with a lovely friend and do some work for her family.

* a man and his son walking home from their neighborhood bakery with a plate full of goodies from the bakery. he takes his own plate to the bakery and loads it up, so he doesn't have to waste all the packing materials. he also gave us the most lovely compliment about our spring outfits. i now have something new to which i aspire: taking my own plate to the neighborhood bakery.

* fish fingers and custard and Doctor Who and fellow Whovians.

* homemade custard. strawberries. cod with orange sauce. lemon cake in all its forms. tuna melt with crispy bacon.

* doctor appointments all in one day.

* instagram photos.

* conference talks again and again. i'm excited for new ones in a few days.

* the women in my book group who choose such interesting books and inspire such great discussions.

* thank you notes received in the mail.

* trees in bloom.

* Easter Sunday. reflections on Jesus Christ and his crucifixion and resurrection. the Spirit bringing peace and hope.

* visiting ward members and getting to know them better.

* josiah is home. yay!

* a run/walk around the National Mall, leftovers for dinner and good conversation.

* mani-pedi after a day of doctor appointments.

* sleep. my favorite nightgown. leaving a window open cracked open just a bit at night. cleaning. organizing.

* pondering the big questions: what should i be doing with my life right now? what can i do to be happier? how can i help and serve others?

* choosing to have fun and smile.

things that made me smile this week

* some of my colleagues at work made over 60 hats for the Hat Project. such awesome people i work with.

* a run to congressional cemetery to see the cherry blossoms blooming in front of the chapel as the sun is setting. hurting like he** for two days afterwards not so much. i guess i should listen to my doctor...

* we learned a group of mice is called a mischief of mice. although, at this point i think they're well beyond mischief... seriously.

* paying  bills. okay, i didn't smile so much while paying them, but i am sure glad i have the means to pay them.

* a new church calling to assist in organizing and facilitating activities for the relief society aka women's ministry. i get to work with three women, whom i love and admire. yay!

* my yns who make sure i laugh in the mornings. 'cause i'm not a morning person, especially last friday.

* car repairs that are free. the place i go didn't charge me for fixing the back lights. hill auto repair definitely has my business.

* this lovely collection of images from inspiration lane. gorgeousness abounds. oh, and cute overload too, no explanation necessary the name says it all.

* making a conscious effort to remember daily the things which make me smile and feel grateful to god for my blessings really helps me appreciate what i have in my life. it helps me feel better too.

* anticipation.

* compliments on an outfit... from men. granted they were old enough to be my grandpa, but they were so complimentary. the brothers at the temple are so darn cute.

* have you ever tried pho? if not then you must. it is life changing. it's a vietnamese soup of the richest, yummiest broth with meat, rice noodles, scallions and you add fresh lime, jalapenos and bean sprouts as desired. there are a few variations and i can't wait to explore them. it's the best thing i have eaten in a long time. thanks to PA for introducing me to it.

* clean laundry. scrubbing floors. socks. toe nail clippers. colored pens. good stationery. soft yarn. organizing my sock drawer. texts. instagram photos of nephews. earrings. reading quietly. warm sunshine. the first day of spring. watching my favorite tree get ready to bloom. washing dishes (don't faint mom and dad). fun notebooks. little books. the scriptures. cooking. letting go.

* the sound of my nephews arguing over who is next to talk to me on the phone. big, big smile!

* an evening at the temple filled with good conversation.

* a night out with good friends to celebrate and life and accomplishments.

* sunday afternoon naps.

* snow. :)

so much made me smile....

* my birthday was a fun day.

* my mom sent me the classic blue and gold plate to commemorate the Relief Society. she bought it for me almost twenty years ago when we visited nauvoo as a family. she said she waited this long because i am now finally old enough for it. she packed the plate in hats for the hat project that she and a friend had made. i love my mom!

* brother R1's family sing-yelling-screaming happy birthday on my voice mail. seriously, you haven't experienced this song properly until you hear their family do it. i look forward to this every year. it's my favorite each time.

* karaoke night with some wonderful women from over at FIVE. it was so much fun and a great way to spend my birthday.

* dinner with LLR at Bistro Cacoa. seriously, good food and the best conversation with this lovely lady. thank you.

* doctor who socks for my birthday make me happy.

* my roommate is pretty darn cute. her fried chicken is the best and made my lunches so yummy.

* my sister's boys singing to me over the phone. those two boys are fun!

* lots and lots of sleep, and quiet time helped me to feel more rested this weekend. i needed it so.

* hosting a dinner party for our senior missionary couple and their daughter, a returning missionary from France, who joined them for the last two weeks of her mission--so cool! this family is amazing and so full of love and light. it was lovely to have them and other close friends from church join us. the whole night was really special.

* making a successful meal. i'm so glad the meatloaf turned out well.

* phone conversations with good friends. i need to do this more often.

* meeting the Lovely Ladies for dinner early one evening. it was so great having the three of us in one place.

* writing a story with a friend because i'm bored. genius and fun idea on his part.

* supporting a good friend by attending his father's funeral. i learned so much more about my friend and who he is. prayers and love for him and his family.

* mom and dad calling to wish me happy birthday.

* time at the temple.

* following a prompting, and feeling peace.

* watching this conversation. lots to think about.

* meat loaf. macaroni and cheese. water. ice cream--haagen dazs limited edition salted caramel truffle is truly a revelation in perfect flavors. pistachio crusted sea bass with mango champagne sauce is another revelation in texture and flavors. homemade sauteed spinach in spicy honey mustard. san pellegrino sparkling water.

* snow that doesn't stick around. (okay, i prefer the snow that does stick, but apparently that's not gonna happen here in dc. so i'll take what i can get.)

* blooming daffs, crocuses and snow drops. oh, and some early blossoming cherry trees are showing up around the city.

* the people i work with are good, hard working people. i'm so grateful for them.

* Come Thou Fount sung in French. beautiful!

* a perfect dress for a wedding, on sale and available in my size. (let me clarify, i am attending a wedding, not getting married myself.)

things that made me smile...

* i love getting my haircut. unfortunately, my hair guy is on an extended leave of absence, so i had to submit my hair to a new guy. here's hoping it looks as good curly as it does straight.

* i finally finished the first round personnel evaluations... thank heavens.

* i miss josiah. he's staying with my roommate's family this week. i never expected to miss a dog so much.

* i decided to take a photo a day for the next month. only three days in and it's been fun already. i'll post a weekly recap.

* 821 hats for children's hospital and the hats are still coming in...

* ironing can be fun... sometimes.

* lemon cake. lime bars. berry tart. a dessert potluck with fabulous women.

* a friend went out of his way to say thank you. it meant a lot.

* affogatto--italian drinking cioccolato with gelato di crema. to quote a friend, "angels were singing in my mouth."

* i was privileged to sing the national anthem for a friend's retirement from the navy reserve. i was humbled to be a part of his celebration.

* a friend who gives me straight talk and sound advice. thank you.

* a saturday where i spent the bulk of the day at home in my pjs. even though i was doing work, i still felt like i got some relaxing in.

* my mom and dad are great!

* asking the question: what should i be doing with my life? and laying in the groundwork for some answers.

things that make me smile...

...or some things for which i'm grateful.

it's been a rough couple of weeks. i'm muddling through and pulling myself together. there is a light at the end of the tunnel, thankfully. i have noticed over the years that when i'm sorting through things and having a rough time that i tend to withdraw. i recently noticed that by not taking time to truly appreciate the beauty in my life and focus on being grateful that my mood worsens and it's hard for me see all the good i have in my life. i enjoy seeing all the good that's going on in my life and there is definitely difference in me when i do.

* i attended my good friend's church last saturday for her son's dedication (blessing). the pastor invited my friend and her husband to come forward and present their son. he also invited all the guests who were there to support my friend's family to come forward and surround them as they presented their little boy for his blessing. it was such a beautiful experience to stand in the circle of love, and support completely focused on my friend's family. i'm so grateful that i could be a part of their special day.

* i'm really grateful for my car pool partner who really is a funny gal. i really appreciate her company in the mornings. possible alien invasions, new music and griping about maryland drivers make for some really fun conversation.

* i'm grateful for telephone conversations with members of my family. it helps me feel like i'm not so far away.

* the bulbs i planted are coming up in full force. i enjoy seeing the green buds and stems coming up from the cold, muddy ground. i know in a few weeks there will be an explosion of color in my front garden.

* i work with really great people. i've been blessed to have a group of colleagues who are making hats for our hat project for children's hospital. it's so fun to spend time with these people. i enjoy teaching people how to use the knitting looms and to crochet. it's fun!

* a post valentine's day get together with some of my favorite women around a fireplace. we wrote down things that we wanted to let go off and sent them up in flames while making s'mores and chatting away. exactly what i needed that day.

* sometimes i need to be told, "suck it up, pansi" when i complain about stuff and i have a friend who does just that. thanks!

* 13 dead mice in 10 days. seriously, where do these things come from?

* i'm starting to get excited about the spring session of general conference. yay!

* baked oatmeal. spaghetti squash--which i don't enjoy all that much, but i really liked it this time around. cleaning out my veggie drawer to make some yummy soup. nutella and saltines. celestial seasonings tension tamer tea--i so enjoy this drink before heading to bed, and it's almost become a routine. clean sheets. socks. turtleneck shirts are my go-to shirt in the winter. chocolate. chocolate. chocolate.

* my roommate was out of town for a few days, and josiah was really missing her one evening. in the middle of working on my computer, i was interrupted when out of nowhere he just climbed right up on the couch and into my lap. needless to say i put my computer aside and gave the poor, neglected dog some loves. he settled right down afterwards and went to sleep. i think dogs are like people and need cuddles too.

* my mom calling me in the middle of the oscars, so we could watch them together. it was fun to have someone to talk with about the show. i stayed up way too late just talk with her.

* shopping at costco is ridiculous to me, because there is nothing small about that place or its wares. i rarely shop there, but it was fun to run into one of my favorite people there with all her kids as she finished shopping for her family. it made being there worth it.

* i'm so thankful for my brothers and sisters who are chief petty officers with me. i learn so much from them. i recently was able to spend some time in conversation with a close friend who is getting ready to move onto a new challenge and leadership opportunity. i learn so much from this man every time i talk with him. thanks for making time for me in your schedule. the meeting maker made me laugh!

* sore muscles from physical therapy. i know i'm alive and getting stronger.

* i seriously enjoy attending  sci-fi conventions, and attended one a couple of weeks ago. this deserves it own blog post, but it was really fun. i learned so much about people and science, and laughed like i hadn't in a really long time.

* i enjoy days at work when i'm able to really focus and concentrate on getting things done. it helps me feel good at the end of the day.

* i'm so thankful for daily reminders that i do have a choice in how i feel about the experiences in my life.

* there is peace and strength that comes from reading the scriptures and spending time in prayer. even just a few minutes makes a very noticeable difference. thank you.

* i feel much better now that i have typed this up. acknowledging my gratitude and the good in my life really does help me feel happier.

things that made me smile this week...

* i went outside one morning before sunrise and it was snowing. i just had to stop and stand there looking up. it was a beautiful winter moment.

* i love my book group. such a great group of women who love to read and talk about what we read. i hosted our get together this past week, and had the author, sarah chayes, join us to discuss her book. it was such an inspiring evening.

* a good friend from out of town was in town. she joined us for book group, and afterwards we caught up a bit with each other. she's in the navy too, and in a position that few women achieve. her sense of duty and sacrifice is humbling and inspiring. i am truly honored to have served with her and especially grateful to have her as a friend. 

* 340 hats have been collected for our hat project for children's hospital.

* torrential rain didn't stop llm and i from going piano keyboard shopping for her. yay for pianos and the joy they bring.

* breakfast with a friend on a very cold saturday morning. she and i have a sort of plan for lent this year that involves pinterest and crafting and cooking... good friends support other friends pinning habits.

* my nephew G5 recounting a friend's birthday party. it was a play-by-play review. so much fun!

* the principle of renewal is true. i'm so thankful that i know this.

* a sunday afternoon lunch of homemade paninis and the company of the cutest pug puppy i've ever seen. llr is one lucky pug mama. her baby is so dang cute and fun. as usual the conversation was so thoughtful. thank you.

* so, the 49'ers didn't win, but my roommate and i had fun watching the game. i watched about 5 minutes in the third quarter.

* my  mom called to ask me about york, england. she was watching a travel documentary and thought she recognized something on the show. she called to ask if we had seen it, and we had. i love it when my mom calls to tell me she's watching something on television and it's a place we've been together. it brings back such fun memories when she does.

* gold buttons on a peacoat. hot herbal tea--i'm loving celestial seasons tension tamer. homemade lasagne. homemade banana pudding--it's an old family recipe that doesn't get shared and it's just so dang good. fig preserves, who knew! more crocheting. missing a friend. snow and ice and rain. heat. clean sheets and comfy nightgowns. clean dishes. folded laundry. a bouquet of tulips. ginger ale and saltines cures a world of ailments.

things that made me smile...

* the moon is full tonight. it's gorgeous and huge, and beautiful to look at through naked tree limbs.

* shakespeare's henry v at the folger library/theater was really good. the acting was great. several actors played different parts, so at times it was difficult to keep them all straight in my head, their different accents definitely helped. also, lots of manly men in leather pants and boots throwing themselves around on the stage and wrestling in the throes of war.

* i'm not a fan of indian food. you'd think after living in the UK for almost three years that i would have picked up a taste for it, but i didn't. i met up with friends for indian food before going to see henry v, and not only did i enjoy the good company, i also enjoyed the food. i think i might have found my dish--chicken biryani. good stuff!!

* winter is officially here, snow and all. granted in dc we had about two inches of snow, but it's still snow. i enjoy the cold weather. it's good for the plants, kills all the bugs, and makes everyone stay inside.

* lunch with my chief brothers from my old unit. it was nice to see them and spend time catching up. i'm really going to miss working with them.

* this mohawk hat was fun to make. i bet it's just as much fun to wear. i might have to make some for some nephews... and maybe my dad.

* a quiet evening spent crocheting and talking with a sister missionary.

* an afternoon teaching a new friend how to crochet a simple hat. there is a satisfaction that comes from teaching someone how to do something they want to learn. what a blessing.

* macarons from sweet lobby. hot herbal tea. hot chocolate. downton abbey. good books. conversations with good friends. hot soup.

* a light at the end of the tunnel...

things that made me smile

* dinner with a lovely lady. good stuff is always so yummy, and when coupled with good company and conversation, it's even better. llr and i have such thoughtful conversations, and i enjoy them so much.

* sometimes friendships take me by surprise. i realize suddenly, that hey, we're friends now and no longer just colleagues. this is a good thing.

* i had duty a couple of weekends ago with my reserve unit. it was really fun and lots of hard work. it's just a really good group of people, all of whom i'm looking forward to getting to know better. plus, the potential travel opportunities are a very fun plus.

* i'm very thankful for weekends, especially long weekends.

* a day at mount vernon with another lovely lady. it was a beautiful and warm day for january, that it was perfect to be walking around mr. washington's estate and enjoying the good company of llm. the conversation was good and meaningful. it was time well spent.

the front view of mount vernon in winter

the back view of mount vernon in winter

the potomac river view from mount vernon in winter

* learning hard things about myself is not always fun. it means there's more growing up to do. i'm thankful for friends who have the courage to tell me the truth and encourage me along in the journey.

* a couple of weeks ago, i requested to have a somewhat difficult conversation with my boss. the morning of my appointment, i walked into his office, and he announced that the issue was no longer an issue. it had resolved itself in a surprising way that left me feeling very much relieved. prayers are indeed answered.

* more crocheting and hat looming. i spent a delightful evening with the young men and women of two congregations teaching them how make a hat on a knitting loom. it was really fun and good teaching practice for me.

* stake conference with all the area congregations was really nice. it was such a spiritual feast of goodness and love. i felt very blessed to be there.

* spending time with my roommate's family. it was such fun to be a part of her family get-together. we celebrated a 49ers win which takes them to the superbowl and had some amazing food as well.

* i like to bake and making cinnamon rolls is really a lot of fun.

* the elders (missionaries) from my ward stopped by and sang christmas carols for me. it was a bit late, but because i was sick they hadn't stopped by during the holidays. i got a late christmas treat of two of my favorite carols complete with harmonica accompaniment.

* josiah is such a smart dog. the other night in the kitchen, he planted himself on the floor right in front of me and made sure he had my attention. he then looked over at the dresser on top of which his doggy treats are stored and licked his lips. gee... i wonder what he could want?

* warm lemon and honey tea. soup of any kind, but especially from 7th hill (the fresh baked cheese bread that comes with the soup is heavenly). finally catching up with a good friend over lunch. warm slippers. lots of bed covers. josiah, the dog, demanding to be petted and cuddled.

* my very full and varied life. i am so very blessed to be where i am and among the people in my life right now.

things that made me smile this week

* a wonderful friend gave me a moroccan star for christmas. i love lighting a candle in it and watching the light cast the beautiful and colorful shadows and reflections around the room. it's the first of my collection, because i absolutely love moroccan stars and must have more of them in my life. thank you llm.

* feeling myself get well again. every day i felt myself get a little stronger and better.

* it was nice to go back work after being out sick for so long. it was also nice to have people tell me i was missed. i enjoyed working on my projects again.

* coming home absolutely exhausted at the end of a workday. it was nice to be tired because i worked and not because i was sick.

* crocheting is fun. i really enjoyed learning this cute little hat pattern. for the first hat i followed the pattern exactly and it will probably fit a 2-4 year old. i made an adult size using a J-hook, increasing the magic ring by two more stitches and adding an additional row after R5. have fun experimenting!

* a good friend coming to my rescue and helping me with a flat tire. thanks to him i didn't have to roll my flat spare tire 4 blocks to fill it up with air. yes, dad, i know to change a flat thanks to you, but it was nice having help and support.

* i really like talking with brother R2. he doesn't beat around the bush. he respects that i have an opinion even when it's different from his. and he makes me laugh a lot.

* sunday morning church. it's amazing how much more relaxing and fulfilling sunday is with church in the morning. i spent a couple of hours in the afternoon with a friend, had a nap, baked this yummy treat for work, watched downton abbey and crocheted. 

* running into a good friend whom i haven't seen in a while out running an errand.

* i finally listened to patrick stewart's recording of a christmas carol. an absolutely wonderful performance. this is one of his favorite stories... another reason i'm in love with this man.

* receiving late christmas cards. i'm glad i'm not the only one.

* clean dishes. clean sheets. warm water. warm bed. thick socks. high heels. a cold spell. bundling up. nail polish remover. colored pencils. new piano music.

things that made me smile

* being sick. yes, i was absolutely miserable, but it was nice to have a reason to just stop and rest and do nothing. i'm glad that i'm on the mend.

* friends and missionaries who helped me take care of josiah when i wasn't able to walk him. thank you all.

* reading good books and watching fun movies.

* crocheting hats. i'm having  fun figuring out new patterns. it's like putting a puzzle together sometimes or trying to translate a something. thankfully, even when i have completely messed up the pattern the hats have turned out okay. (i'll tell you about the hat project another time.)

* holding a bouncy baby boy at church. little m was so much fun and friendly. he has the best smile.

* skype is a wonderful thing. i felt so blessed to be able to watch two of my nephews open their christmas presents. it was almost as good as being there. they loved the bat cave and the littlest one singing the batman theme song was too cute. my sister has skype too now so that means i can see her family too.

* lots and lots of quiet time lately. it's been good for me.

* a birthday celebration with lovely ladies. what a fun night!

* christmas decorations and lights.

* talking with my mom almost every day when i was sick. thanks for checking up on me.

* hosting the church singles potluck. it was a lovely evening and having the house full of wonderful people really was fun.

* a friend who dropped off breakfast and christmas gift while i was sick, and even though he was having a hard time himself.

* singing in the christmas choir for church. i loved that we sang old, familiar carols that simply resonated the truest meanings of the season.

6th day of christmas

I sometimes think we expect too much of Christmas Day. We try to crowd into it the long arrears of kindliness and humanity of the whole year. As for me, I like to take my Christmas a little at a time, all through the year. And thus I drift along into the holidays - let them overtake me unexpectedly - waking up some fine morning and suddenly saying to myself: "Why, this is Christmas Day!" ~David Grayson

things that made me smile...

yes, i've been neglectful of my blog lately. i have had lots to smile about though.

* i really like the people with whom i work. they're nice, thoughtful, hard working and friendly. i was sad to see some good people leave this week. lunch time will never be the same again.

* people are so generous. i'm constantly amazed by their generosity.
   - at work i'm helping with the cfc. we surpassed our fundraising goal this week, and people will continue to give and give generously.
   - at church i'm heading the hat project, where we've teamed up with children's hospital to provide 500 hats for the oncology unit by the end of march. if you're a knitter, crocheter, or sewer, and are interested in helping please let me know.

* lunch with a lovely lady at one of my favorite places. llr is such good company.

* catching up over brunch with a recently married sister chief and friend. it was so nice to talk shop and talk about life with her. i love her perspective.

* an out of town friend came over sunday evening while i was working on a project. it was so nice to spend time with her and catch up on our lives. i'm so thankful for her friendship.

* trying to christmas serenade a friend with miss llm. i learn so much from her and am so grateful for her friendship.

* listening to christmas music just makes me happy.

* josiah, my housemate's dog, really is a good dog. he makes me laugh and feel loved. i love that he likes to sleep by my bed.

* talking to my mom. she's so fun and always up to something.

* i think we're making headway on the mouse situation... finally.

* i'm making lots of little christmas crafts. i need to start on these earlier.

* thick and comfy socks. freshly laundered bed sheets. my winter duvet on the bed. crocheting. cute little felt ornaments. pulling out christmas decorations. a good manicure. interesting books. walks with the dog. hot chocolate. 7th hill pizza. arugula salads. homemade soups. homemade marshmallows.