No such thing as Normal

I am just now starting to understand that there is no such thing as "normal".

I like order and stability.  I like knowing what is on my calendar weeks ahead of time and I am easily startled and put out by surprises or changes in the schedule.  I understand this could be signs of OCD...but I assure you I am not that extreme.

It is because of this slight obsession with order and schedules that I have come to the conclusion Wes and I are destined to never have a "normal" for more than a few months at a time.

Wes recently attained a part-time job (non-ministry related) while he's still in school.

I am taking care of my recent set-backs by going to various appointments a few times a week.

Our new normal is twice as busy as our old normal.  I don't like this new normal.  In fact, on day one of week one I burst into tears in the car.  I don't like change.  But then again, four months from now this will not be normal either.

Ah well, I'm sure I'll get used to it, thrive on it, then complain when an even newer normal enters the picture.

But how are you supposed to plan/be prepared for the future when normalcy is not a consistency??!

Little Setbacks

Way to start 2012 off with a bang...or more accurately a PAIN.
Last week I had excruciating pain in my jaw (still quite painful at the moment) and made my way to the dentist.   I am not one to delay a doctor's visit if needed.   It's very scary to wake up and not be able to open your mouth more than a finger's width.  He informed me I have to get a wisdom tooth pulled and I have TMJ/TMD...TMJ/TMD=ugh.  (For any of you who are about to google TMJ/TMD here you go: TMJ-Temporomandibular Joint Disorders cause tenderness and pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) — the joint on each side of your head in front of your ears, where your lower jawbone meets your skull. This joint allows you to talk, chew and yawn.  TMJ disorders can be caused by many different types of problems — including arthritis, jaw injury, or muscle fatigue from clenching or grinding your teeth.)
Apparently there is too much stress in my life because mine is caused from grinding my teeth.  Oh puhleeeze, compared to every member of my immediate family right now, I have nothing to stress about.
But I guess trying to get life in order is stressful by itself.
Wisdom tooth comes out Friday.  Hopefully the pain will stop with a little P.T beginning next week.  Eating just soup is getting rather old.
This is just a little setback.  It changes a few plans we have but it also forces me to take a step back and rethink what I want to fill my days with, how busy I want to be and at what point is it just not worth it.
Foods that do not taste as good when sucked instead of chewed:
M&Ms
Cheese-its
Biscuits
Macaroni and Cheese

No resolutions, just goals.

Bring it 2012!

We're not ones to make resolutions, however, I enjoy setting goals...therefore we set goals instead.  Goals like: Wes finds a job in the fall, booking at least 4 weddings for the summer, which goes hand-in-hand with the student loans we want to get rid of, etc.  I play that game with myself, what will life look like in a year, Jan 2013...sometimes I think I do that because I just love being surprised when what happens is better than what I predict.
Boy am I excited for this year.  I'm sure it will come with pains and difficulties, one in particular as we continue to pray for a sick family member.
But there will be joy too.

Does anyone make resolutions?  If so, what are they?  Have you ever followed your resolutions through to the end?

Can't...sit...still...

We enjoyed a great min-vacation the last few days starting with a late nigh Denny's run, proceeded the next day by dinner and a show at the Marriott.  White Christmas was terrific!  Then yesterday, we took a train to the city and stayed overnight.  Simply wonderfully fun exhibits at the Field Museum, KrisKindlemart (I'm sure I butchered that spelling), and a fantastic dinner at the Lux Cafe.  

Sometimes it's just nice to get away for a while.

When we got home I was a little antsy after doing so much the past few days so...I decided to organize a corner of our spare room.

Before...I know, it's embarrassing. 

After...2 hours later

and that was my afternoon.  There's still more to do but it can wait until next week.

Bro/Sis resemblance

I'm not seeing the resemblance..

26 and 29...when did we get so old?

Great time with the bro, sister-in-law, and nephew for an early Christmas.
So wish they lived closer.  We'd seriously be best couple friends.
When will my niece get here??  My bets are on Dec 29...Dad's got Dec 28.  Seriously not believing she'll make it to her Jan 12 due date.  And I'm seriously dying to know her name...there is NO way I could be that secretive.  I'm not that good at keeping secrets like that.

New experiences

It's always fun to reflect on the past, remembering where we thought we'd be and where we are now.  It's interesting how many opportunities come up and our predictions of life are way off.

Wes will be working with a refugee ministry next semester, assisting with simple tasks that those who are not from this country may find daunting.  What a neat experience that will be for him!  While this helps to fill a requirement he needs, he's really excited to do this!

Beginning in January, I will be teaching 3 dance classes, with another one added in February!  Wow, didn't see this explosion coming!  (Side note-Almost my whole dance class at the studio is Christian and as I was leaving yesterday the mom looked me straight in the eye and said "Merry Christmas, God bless you!"  I can't even tell you how blessed I felt from her just saying that...right now I feel very trapped by the fact I can't tell children Jesus loves them at work...but in this class I know at least 6 out of 8 of them are Christians...so cool)

The name of the game is busy.  But now is the time to experience all of this!  We're young, we have energy...But I will be going to bed at 8:30 every night from now until forever.

Wes and I will enjoy a relaxing 2 weeks together before 2012 starts!  Who could ask for a better end to the year?

Gettin' all crafty up in here!

Ode to Pinterest: You are awesome...the end.

Thanks to ideas on pinterest (a website where people share crafty ideas and other fun things) I found a fun way to display Christmas cards.
Using cork board, ribbon, fabric, and pushpins we have this:

Cost: $15 because I bought enough supplies for four display boards.

It's not really crooked, I just took a fast picture.  There is another one right above it.  I just have to angle the pushpins so they don't scratch the wall, but I like it!
My other project was even more simple.  A pretty Christmas centerpiece.
Using our unity candle vase (we just had a vase with a small candle floating on top), 2 mason jars I kept from after using the contents inside, and one other vase I had, I stuffed them with inexpensive decor from Hobby Lobby and voila!  I suppose it's a little bulky but, again, I like it.

Cost: $4.50

I don't think anyone else can say they've used their unity candle again.  

I tried the whole melted crayons on canvas too.  That is currently in the bathroom.  I think it's one of the ugliest things I've ever done.  However, it took about a half hour to do and was so much fun that I decided to keep it around for a while just because it's melted crayons.  Did not come out as cool as the demonstration...so ugly.

Oh well, 2 out of 3 isn't bad.