Do Not Open 'til 2016

This time last year I was given the idea to write a letter to myself recapping 2013's events, lessons and overall feeling along with any advice and hopes for 2014. At first I thought it was kind of corny (sorry Drea), but I did it anyway, sealed it up and set it aside for January 1, 2015. Honestly, I totally forgot about the letter until about 11pm yesterday which led to a profanity filled attempt to get it out of the box I stashed it in without having to move anything else blocking it.

I was hesitant to open it, not remembering anything I had written and hoping I didn't put any intense goals or promises to myself in there because I definitely failed. Gratefully, I left goals out of it (I know myself too well) and instead focused on the bigger events from the year and what I learned from them. Ben coming into the world and seeing what a shining light he has been in both Maddie and Trevor's life in his short time here. A trip to Florida that made me grateful for certain kinds of friends. Driving through gorgeous Tahoe on the way to "sleeping" in the mountains of Burney. Reminding myself that nature is and always has been so spiritual and to keep it close; just to name a few.

Surprisingly I loved this letter. Not only was it a condensed version of my journal entries for the year, it was a great source of encouragement from someone who knows me best. There are a few things written down that will carry into 2015 and that's ok, some things take time, but overall it left me smiling and uplifted. After reading it, twice, I decided to write another to open next year, focusing on the same theme from the last letter. If you have never done this and you're feeling skeptical I get it, but just give it a try! Who knows what you're feeling and what to say better than you? Pull out the pen and paper and start today. Happy New Year!

Fourth of July Weekend in Pictures

Attitude of Gratitude

"....live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you."

Alma 34:38

Happy Thanksgiving!

Halloween Hi-jinks

   

Whitney, Drea, Kristina and I went to a party at Spring Haven in Hobble Creek Canyon on Tuesday night and though there weren't as many people there as last year we got Whitney to party for the first time in years and witnessed how a sock monkey would dance.  I call that success!  

At work we decided go for the theme of 'musicians' and I have to say the girls went all out!  My first choice was Willie Nelson, but after fearing no one would recognize me I went with a classic.  Everyone loves Britney!  We had a fun day laughing at each other listening to "our" greatest hits, gorging ourselves with pizza and donuts and watching the maintenance men scare countless employees with what I call the garbage can devil.     

We ended the sugar filled and tiring day with a wolf mask and an empty garbage can because that's how you stay sane in our office.  It was another fun and eventful Halloween come and gone.  Now time for turkey and Christmas decorations!

Back: Indian, raccoon, LMFAO's Redfoo, Adele, Shania Twain, Nikki Minaj, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Susan Boyle
Front: Elton John, Gene Simmons, Slash, Justin Bieber and Katy Perry

We're in-charge....scary isn't it?

This is Halloween

I'm dying to decorate for Halloween!  I want my house covered in pumpkins, witches, black cats, leaves and every other Halloween icon you can think of, but I promised my roommate Lindsay I would wait for her to come back from New Mexico so we could combine forces in giving our house potential for a Halloween party (perhaps?).  Until then I will light pumpkin scented candles and search for a costume while dumbly smiling at my first ever legit Halloween decoration.  Reminds me of The Nightmare Before Christmas.

I love this time of year.  I love seeing everyone in jackets, I love the thought of curling up in a blanket with a mug of hot chocolate, I love the sight of kids soon running around under the street lights wearing adorable costumes and filling their bags with candy.  I love the treats, the smells, the colors, I love it all!  

At work we've decided to be musicians and turn our office into the 'Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame' and I've chosen Willie Nelson, partly after watching an episode of King of the Hill when Hank meets his hero and partly because I don't have to buy anything for the costume which is both awesome and sad.  I don't know how I feel about being Willie at other Halloween parties though so I'm on the look out for another costume.  Suggestions?  Usually I have my costume picked out in May so this is different for me and I'm starting to feel the time crunch, only 33 days left!