Outside My Window::
::The sun is rising in a glorious banner of deep pink. It's very cold and we're expecting some of that dreaded wintry mix in the not-too-distant future.
I am Listening to::
::I can't be certain but I think I might be listening to the scamper of mice in the attic.
I am wearing ::
::Under Armor sweatpants and a UVa. hoodie. Both are Patrick's. I think I need to go shopping:-)
I am Thankful For::
::a MacBook. MY MacBook. Mike surprised me with a MacBook for Christmas. I've never, ever had a computer to call my own. I'm still stunned by magnitude of possibilities in this machine. And the sweetness of the gesture.
::a far away mentor who has long advised that I should take a laptop and get out of the house to write now and then, more for my mental health than for my professional growth. She could not possibly have known about the MacBook, but she sent me a cafe gift card that will accompany the new laptop and me to the first of what I hope to be regular hours of refreshment for mom. Serendipity, no?
I am Pondering:
::"Insmuch as I advance, upheld by God, in the way that He has traced for me, that which stands for me for 'duty' becomes more and more clear to me. The great thing is not to lose oneself in unrealizable plans and projects, not to live in tomorrow, but patiently turn thought into action, goodwill into determination. "
- Elisabeth Leseur, (H/T Kim, via Cay's Google Shared Items)
I am Reading:
::In Conversation with God: Advent and Christmas
From the Kitchen::
::Lots of green tea with mint these days--seems like the perfect tonic for overindulging. I do promise to update the kitchen blog with notes from our holiday feasting--mostly so I wont' forget what worked and what didn't next year.
I am Thinking:
::about all those things Mary pondered in her heart and how sometimes it's better to just ponder things in my heart than to give them voice.
I am Creating::
::order.
Yes! I'm creating lots and lots of empty spaces, at least temporarily, as I prep to have hardwood floors installed throughout the house. It's like moving--everything is being moved to the basement. Moving is very good for thoroughly purging and cleaning. We were long overdue for that.
On my iPod::
::John Mayer. I'm under Michael's musical influence these days.
Towards a Real Education::
::All the plans are polished for next week and the schedule has been tweaked. January is always a nose-to-the-grindstone kind of month. I'm actually looking forward to the discipline and structure.
Towards Rhythm and Beauty:
::I'm clinging to the rhythm and beauty of the Church in these waning days of Christmas. I am loathe to let go of the ringing memory of Joy to the World! as we left the basilica Christmas Eve. And I'm more determined than ever that my home will reflect both the rhythm and the beauty of my faith.
To Live the Liturgy:
::We will celebrate Mary as the Mother of God on Friday. This title is my favorite of all titles for Our Lady. I plan to kiss a whole lot of baby cheeks in her honor.
I am Hoping and Praying:
:: for health and fitness, strength and grace to do His will.
In the Garden:
::Snow still blankets the garden, though it's bare and melting in spots. It was a very white Christmas.
Around the House:
::Yesterday, I boxed 60 cubic feet of books to store until the floors are finished. Then, they will be carefully shelved once again, with an eye towards extreme order. And, I boxed another 15 cubic feet of books for Michael to sell. He's got a little fundraiser going to earn money for a trip to Rome. Finally, I gave about 10 cubic feet of books away. All in all, a very good day's work.
On Keeping Home:
::I'm on a purging and cleaning roll like never before. I can't overstate how necessary this time of rethinking spaces and recommitting to order is for all of us. If I live through it, the result will be great.
One of My Favorite Things:
::Reunions! Gracie is here with us this week. Joy abounds!
Sarah Annie this week:
::Still not walking. She's signing a whole lot all of a sudden, though. Mike's been gone since Christmas Day and she is really missing him, particularly first thing in the morning. Those morning snuggles had become a happy routine for her. I'm thinking she's going to hate the basketball--Super Bowl schedule of January.
A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week:
::Let's see, it's Wednesday already and I'm just now getting around to thinking things out in my Daybook.
::Mike, Michael, and Patrick will return home today. They will be tired after having driven all night. Patrick will want his sweatpants back. Christian will be very, very happy that he is longer the only one capable of carrying boxes down two flights of stairs:-)
::I'm thinking Family Fondue Night for New Year's Eve.
::My dad and stepmother will spend New Year's Day with us.
::Date night with Mike on Saturday, compliments of Michael. We're going to the Cheesecake Factory.
A Picture Thought I'm Sharing:
There are no pictures on this computer at all. Pictures forthcoming when technology allows.
