The other day Jon commented on the lack of posts. A few days later he mentioned that he’d just renewed my domain name – a (not so) subtle hint to get to writing already! So in honor of one of my favorites days of the year – his birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY HONEY!) (Although it probably won’t be your birthday still by the time I hit publish) I’m posting.

So. The holidays were good. The first 17 days of 2010 have been good. I really don’t have any plans or goals for the next 348 days. I mean I have a general idea of things I’d like to accomplish but nothing I’m putting into writing. Except. Jon accused me of worrying too much. I explained that I don’t worry. I plan for every possible contingency. But for his sake, I’m going to focus on planning a little less neurotically this year. I was mapping out my days into 15 minute increments. I’ve scrapped that idea and just stuck with to-do lists. I AM trying to establish a bit more of a daily routine though. The last few months I’d fallen into a habit of sleeping until 8:30 (or 9:00) (or 9:30) (ahem). Housework was getting done but in a rather haphazard manner. I wasn’t sure where time was going and that doesn’t sit well with me. (See above: planning) So far there’s been no bites on the job front so while I’m still dedicating time daily to the search, I’m also approaching each day as if the house is my office & the family is my boss. There ARE a couple of possible great opportunities that have come to light in the past week. One in particular that could get me very excited. I’m cautiously optimistic but in the meantime, I’m done lounging in limbo.

I picked up cross-stitching over Christmas. I managed to finish one small project and started a rather large one. Now that the boys are back in school and I’m back in the gym regularly, I can’t work on it as often so this project should take me approximately the rest of the year. I’ve found it remarkably relaxing though. It’s impossible to think about anything else when counting little bitty squares while attempting not to tangle thread or draw blood.

The two older boys and I got onto the volunteer list at the Food Bank…per the boys’ request!  Our first shift we helped sort donated food. Our second time we filled bags for the backpack program. That was a very cool experience and eye opening. It was more than a little heartbreaking to hear how big the need is. We have alot of hungry neighbors.

I’m still teaching Sunday School. Our church has two morning services and two evening services. We switched back to attending one/serving one in the evening so for awhile I was just “floating” in the kids program. I’d sub if a teacher was out or assist if one class was a little big but there really wasn’t a “need”. I was really wrestling with whether I should continue to volunteer there or focus elsewhere. This is a question I’ve faced several times. Every time God has decisively guided me to stay. This time was no different. While I was praying over where I was to be best used, the second/third grade class grew to the point where it needed to be divided into two groups. I’m now taking one of those groups and it looks like I’ll probably get to have the 2/3rd grade girls regularly. I’ve worked with them the past two weeks and LOVED it.  It never fails to amaze me how much I enjoy time with these kids.

My contacts are getting blurry…pretty good sign I should step away from the screen! Since Jon has generously maintained my domain, I won’t go so long between updates! <3