Balance.

Today while cutting J's hair I realized I was completely calm and enjoying myself. Rewind to my first try a year and a half ago and this is a huge mile mark. I would get anxiety and we would start arguing every time. I love to write, but I do not deem my hands as creative hands. In fact, I find it extremely difficult to create anything, but have always longed to be more artistic. I guess this means that is now happening, and I couldn't be more grateful.

Another mile mark is that J and I celebrated our first year anniversary on December 30th. We have now lived in this little apartment for a year, and I am actually going back to the same school after a year. YES! This is huge.

At a few points during the break, I found it difficult to enjoy myself because of the anxiety creeping over me telling me I would soon be back to the stressful life of the student with pressing deadlines constantly hanging over my head. But then I told that anxiety to wait a minute, and I stepped outside of myself and analyzed. Here is what I found:

I have been very balanced during this break. I needed it almost as much as the air I breathe, and I am so grateful for the month off we had from school. We traveled through Idaho and Montana for three weeks and spent time with family, many friends, and got to meet this fluffy thing who somehow changed our perspective on life. 

No one told me that once you get a cat it is inevitable that your heart would turn to mush every time they do something like this. The words I.. will never... be.. a.. cat lady.. are echoing further and further in the distance every time I think about the girl who used to say them.

Here's the thing about school and life: yeah it's hard and crazy, but you learn. Each and every new semester of school I am more prepared than the last. Knowing how to take care of Financial Aid and Registrar business, where classes are, what to expect from certain instructors, how to stay organized, when/where to get books, who to turn to if you have questions. It all gets easier. And I'm sure that on my last day of school that Spring day in 2014, I will be able to finally speak fluent "college." And then I will be done, happily exploring and stumbling through another phase of life.

Isn't that how it works?

This Christmas

I sit snuggled in the corner, reading. The smell of Christmas dinner fills the air. I am not helping to prepare, but I am no exception. Others are watching football, dozing off, or watching the cat run, tumble, and pounce.

It is a good thing to sit still; to not know where your wallet resides in the warm  house scattered with opened gifts. To know your bank account is also sitting still. 

This Christmas is topping the charts no doubt. Being "poor" for lack of better term, has caused the few gifts to be extremely thoughtful. And the ones from parents greatly cherished. We feel so grateful and overwhelmingly loved we want to hug our gifts, and everyone around us. It is a blessing to ponder every purchase, and know that even though we have what we need, we are being watched over to make life even brighter.

But at the end of the holiday, our gifts turn back into just things for a little while. We pack them in the car and pull out of the drive way to make the trip home, ultimately holding onto the memories that have been created. We feel lucky to have loved ones, who love us too.

Matters of Non-Business.

I feel that an obligatory post is in order regarding two things: Christmas and Kingsley.

First thing's first, I am always amazed at the way the Christmas Season makes me feel each and every year. I don't feel overwhelmed by all the presents I have to buy, rather overwhelmed at how many I want to buy for people and cannot afford to do so. One of the ways I show love to others is through giving gifts. I know this because it truly fills my heart when I can surprise someone with something. I hope that if my budget ever does allow more presents to be bought, that I continue to feel excitement giving gifts and not overwhelmed.

A whole month off of school is a dream. Since Jeff and I have campus jobs, we truly get to kick back and relax during the holidays. We are able to spend time with my family which is a blast! There is a special place in my heart for Idaho Falls and I love that it feels like home. Though right now we feel equally at home in La Grande, Boise, and Idaho Falls which is triple wonderful.

And next, most important and most cuddly, the new edition to our home: Kingsley Shacklebolt. You can call him Kingsley. After a year of marriage, we were aching for something cuddly to snuggle and squeeze (not too hard because he's teensy) and our new exotic shorthair kitten did the trick. We would be lying if we didn't admit that we first got the idea from Cee Lo Green's exotic cat on The Voice, but that guy has come to inspire us in more ways than one, so it's no surprise.

No, Kingsley will not be referred to on this blog or elsewhere as our "fur baby." Though we were surprised enough as it is that we could fall in love with a cat in the first place, so you never know. Plus this is an extraordinary cat, and we are honored to have him. So who knows, you may just see us in a few months sporting this look:

Here are some pictures for your enjoyment. It's been a blast to see the personality bursting out of this tiny, grumpy looking, exotic kitten.