Fact: Snow Makes Northwest Kids Dumb

So, it's winter. I live in the Northwest United States. Typically those two statements combined equal buckets of rain. Not this year.

That is my backyard. Note the lamppost on the right. No, we are not in Narnia. What the heck?!

This is my street.

My mom had been in the house (well, at least not leaving the yard) since Friday, and she decided that enough was enough. Plus, we needed more food! So we decided to walk to Fred Meyer, which is across the street from our little neighborhood. Thus the reasoning behind why snow makes us dumb. We are not normally dumb, I promise. 

BUT, in my opinion, leaving the house when the temperature is the same as my age is a dumb thing to do. We did it anyway, because it was time to get out of the house.

This is me. *smile*

This is my mom.

We trekked to the store and back, and neither of us fell over. So the trip was a success, all things considered. =) We also stopped in at Starbucks, because that is a requirement if you live in the Northwest. The place was packed! Ask me if I was surprised. ... Nope, not a bit! We have more the TEN INCHES of snow on the ground, but they can't keep us away from our legal substances! Not a chance! Mr. Starbucks must be very proud of what he's created. I know I am. 

Finally, some further proof that we are nuts (as if we needed more!), here is a picture of my dog. Because she is as certifiable as the rest of us. A sane person (or dog) would not stay outside long enough in this weather to turn out like this:

(Say "Hi," Bridgette!)

I hope you all are enjoying a safe and fun time in the snow! Me? I'll be inside, admiring the beauty while drinking my coffee and dreaming of a green Christmas. =)

All About Perspective

I have found (repeatedly) that perspective changes everything. Especially when you are an emotionally-driven creature like I am, knowing how to look at a situation or conflict can mean the difference between overreaction and smart choices.

When I'm in the middle of something, I am literally in themiddleof it. I'm talking, so-squished-I-can-hardly-breathe in the middle. So I can pretty much forget about thinking clearly. Even the slightest removal from said situations can have the most dramatic effect on the outcome. I feel healthiest when I can shift my perspective. I feel smart and rational and mature. 

So why is it always so hard for me to remove myself in order to gain control? Because I like the emotional aspect just as much as the rational aspect. In truth, I am a girl. Now, this sentiment is not true for all girls, nor is it true for me at all times. It's just a pattern I've begun noticing. 

I have also noticed that once the perspective shift takes place, and I rationalize myself into oblivion, my "issues" tend to dissolve quickly, regardless of how imposing they seemed 10 minutes ago.

That's my current food for thought. What's yours?

Out of the Black Night...

More like out of the black hole. I kind of got sucked into the craziness of everything going on around me, and lost track of things that existed outside of my schedule. Like this blog for instance. Here are a few thing worth mentioning about today (and the days near it, which I haven't been covering lately).

The Larkstone Legacy

You are officially the first to see the working title of the story I am currently trying to write. I can't give you a synopsis yet, because I haven't quite worked out the plot, but I will tell you that it's about a 17-year-old girl (who happens to be a fairy) named Maliya and what happens to her world when a human stumbles into their forest kingdom. Yes, the human is a boy.

In Memoriam: James McQuary January 23, 1933 - December 15, 2006

Today marks the 2nd anniversary of my maternal grandpa's passing. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandpa, friend, brother, and man of God. I still miss him.

To end on a happier note:

My friend Marisa got married on Saturday! It was so beautiful - Josh, Marisa's husband, is a great guy and I know that they will be so happy together. The wedding was so nice: before the ceremony started, we got to watch the video that Josh's brother Matt made of Josh's surprise proposal this summer when Marisa and our friend Heather were in Costa Rica for school. It was so funny to see how nervous and excited he was, and to be a little part of their story.

Finally:

I am changing my layout. It may be different by the time you see it, but this one (brown) is too serious and boring. Time for something a little more fun. :)