the curse....of my early rising self

I very rarely sleep in. Not because I set an alarm and force myself to, but because after about 6 or 7 hours, if I am woken by anything, ever so slight, I am up.

I have learned to embrace this curse as of late, enjoying my mornings. Spending time reading, stretching, enjoying my coffee, and waking with the world. It really is a gift - the quiet of the sleeping household.

Today was no different. As my husband left for work and kissed me goodbye, I knew my day had begun. So I have read several chapters in my current novel, and am close to finishing my first pot of coffee. I have printed a few recipes to try and have all of my supplies pulled for a couple of Christmas decorating pinterest ideas I wanted to try. (Future blog I am sure - pinterest success or pinterest fail - no one knows!)

So both days this weekend, when I had NO plans, I did not sleep in until daylight, I didn't lounge in bed like they do in the movies. No breakfast or coffee in bed. I am up, and embracing the day, like I do most days.

Such is the curse.

Thanksgiving Blessings

I cannot believe it is already the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

And I am sure I am not alone.

But really?

It was a weird thanksgiving. No big gathering. Didn't have to clean house, didn't have to get all the good dishes out. I cooked dinner for seven people, at supper time, at my father-in-laws. It was more like Sunday dinner than Thanksgiving. I guess it's to be sometimes. With my hubby working swing shift, and the kids each grown, some holidays will fall through the cracks. I survived (thank goodness for spiked coffee and the Macy's parade!).

The new job is going SO well. It's such a breath of fresh air to be working with such positive people. The volunteers, the rest of my department. All such good, good people. I love the energy there. And I love that we really get to make a difference EVERY DAY. This job is such a Blessing!

I am really looking forward to this weekend. To a low-key, at home weekend. Have soup in the crock pot, will do something with the turkey leftovers for dinner, and am hoping to deep clean the house today so I can decorate for Christmas tomorrow. Also have a couple of fun crafty things I want to play with (after I dig out the Christmas deco). So it's going to be a fun weekend!

I am so happy to have balance back. Working hard every day, but having my life back. It's amazing. I have gotten a couple of redecorating projects done. I've been taking time to spend with friends. The hubby and I are loving life as almost empty nesters - going to the movies, taking spontaneous weekends away. We had a great vacation in South Carolina with our best friends..

My new outlook on life is heading into each day trying to find someone to Bless. Someone who I can do something nice for. Be it helping at work, opening a door, baking or cooking, whatever it is. There is a lot of junk out there in the world. It's becoming a dark, scary place. And when I asked myself what I can do to make things better, I realized we all have so many chances, every single day. We can start a ripple of good.

So I do. I try to spread happiness and love. I try to help those in need. Because it's what I can do.

So life is good. Life is Blessed. God has been so good to us. Loving this adventure called life.