The past couple mornings and evenings I have been thrown off by those wonderful melodies that are bird songs. Every time I hear these sweet and energetic sounds, I get an excited chill that runs through my body in anticipation of spring. The confusing part is, it's January, it's in the sixties, and I feel like we've passed winter all together.

Part of me still wants to be snowed in, watching big fluffy snow flakes fall to the ground. Drinking hot chocolate and bundling up for the cold, I want to feel my winter! While at work the other morning, I stopped everything when I heard what I previously thought impossible.. birds singing in the middle of winter! Sure enough, they were those energetic songs that I normally start to hear in March or April in the Kansas homeland. I look forward to these sounds every year and apparently I don't have to wait long here.. This may sound silly, but my whole system feels thrown off due to the lack of snow and all of the experiences that come with it.

I don't even get to wear my cute eskimo coat or furry boots this year..

However, I must say, it is nice to be able to go for an evening stroll without freezing to death.. I'll give Texas that.

happy pursuits.

I have never been a big fan of new year's resolutions. Maybe because I know that by making something a goal, it becomes a duty to me instead of a simple joy in life.

Sad? Maybe.

However, in thinking about the upcoming year, there are so many things that I would like to strive for. Things that I want to pursue. No pass or fail, just pursuit.

So, here they are:

1. I'd like to learn how to make yummy gooey scratch-made delights (you know, things that take half the day to make), such as homemade cinnamon rolls.

2. I want to get back into riding. I miss the unique freedom that comes solely from being on the back of a horse (yes I've read many Saddle Club books in my day)..

3. I want to work with disabled children again. Last summer I worked with some very awesome kids at a therapeutic riding center in Manhattan. I'd love to do it again.

4. I would like to donate more of my time and effort toward our Church. I'm not sure what this one exactly looks like but the desire is there.

5. I'd like to practice the piano and build on my skills (that are very rough right now might I add).

6. I'd also like to paint. This has been something I've daydreamed about being able to enjoy and explore, but have not ever had the confidence to actually try.

7. This one is an on-going battle, but I'd like being active (like dripping sweat), to become a more normal part of life-- maybe it will be since I am soon to be married.. :)

(couldn't resist)

8. And finally, learn a new trade. My only real trade right now is making a good coffee drink, and I'd like to learn something else even if it isn't related to OT.. maybe massage??

That's all!!

Happy 2011!!!

Hmm..

Today, an older, happy gentleman walked up to the register and out of no where said, "I'll tell you my secrets to living a good life. They apply to all aspects of life; relationships and everything else.. It's three things..

simplify. focus. and do the right thing."

He then went on to say that most people never get past the first part..

I thought it was interesting..