SNOW!!

I am so glad that we're getting the wintry mix that we're getting. I absolutely love the snow. I love it when I walk outside and the world is silent. :)

It makes me think that checking into law schools in Colorado may not be such a bad idea. I cannot wait to be done with my undergrad and on to law school. I just think about how great it will be to be back in a classroom where the focus is on something other than depreciation. Not that I haven't enjoyed accounting - I have, and I do. I just miss the analytical side that political science and debate bring. My class spring semester in Civil Liberties should help to sooth my desire.

Life is good right now. It's so great to know that I can feel that way without being attached to someone. Not that I don't miss being in a relationship - I do. But I've finally realized that it's better to be alone than to be in a relationship that doesn't support your growth. God it took me long enough, huh?

I'm hoping to take some pictures tomorrow if the snow lasts until then. For today, it's work until 5, studying until 7:20, final at 7:40. Then home - I'll be done with this semester! I'm not coming out with too bad a GPA either. In fact, it's very good by my standards. I can't wait until this weekend - that's when it'll feel like the holidays really get started. Only a few more gifts to buy before Christmas!! Okay, enough rambling. I'll end with this...

"I get all the news I need from the weather report
I can gather all the news I need from the weather report
Heeey, I got nothing to do today but smile
The only living boy in New York..."

-The Only Living Boy in New York (Simon and Garfunkel)

Anticipation

As promised, I'm going to start writing in this blog again. I thought all day yesterday about what I should choose for my subject, but alas, nothing stuck. I think that is what is so frustrating to me about writing. I know I have the talent to string words together in a pleasing way, but I have a difficult time choosing something to focus on. As opposed to dwelling on this fact, I've decided that maybe keeping a blog and just writing what comes to me may be a cure for my disease.

Thus.... Some random thoughts:

It's Christmas-time, my absolute favorite time of year. I got to thinking yesterday about the difference between Christmas now, and Christmas as a child. It used to hold so much more wonder. Yes, Santa was a part of that, but I think the bigger piece came from my ability to anticipate the holiday. So, to further explore that feeling, I looked up the definition.

anticipate: expect: regard something as probable or likely
anticipate: be excited or anxious about

I think I like the second definition best. That is exactly how during the long days between Thanksgiving and Christmas as a child. What is it about maturing that takes away some of our ability to anticipate? Is it the stress we feel trying to prepare for the holidays? That seems like it could be a portion of the answer. But I think, as unfortunate as it is, that adults quit anticipating in general because they've experienced disappointment.

Sure, we still look forward to Christmas. We still feel joyful that it's on its way. I think there is still a little anticipation left in all of us. It's just not the same as it was when we were younger. Does anyone agree with me here? Who can offer some other, less depressing reasons? :)

All I know is it takes a lot of courage to be truly hopeful about something.

Here are some pictures from our wonderful weekend at the zoo.  Tanner and I went, along with Jennie and her son, Evan, and Kristi and her son Drew.  We saw lots of wonderful things while we were there, although both Tanner and I wish we could've stayed longer.

Here we are, just after entering the zoo.

Tanner really liked milking the cow!  Weird, I know.

We tried our best to get a picture with all three boys looking at the camera.  Tougher than you'd think!

Then Tanner and Drew got to pet a snake!

We visited the gorilla exhibit.  They hide this at the very back, so Tanner was getting tired.  He wanted very badly to play on the jungle gym and was disappointed when we couldn't.  And, to top it off, the bridge that he thought was a swinging bridge wouldn't swing!  But - he still looks like he's having a decent time.

All in all, a very good, albeit windy, day.  Click here to view the rest of our pictures!

New Direction

I have decided that I am no longer using this blog for depressing ramblings from my mind, unless my current situation absolutely warrants that. Instead, I will use this blog to give everyone a little look into my world, post pictures hopefully, and maybe even share some funny stories.

I thought I'd let everyone (which is no one at this point in time) know about these wonderful changes.

Perhaps tonight I'll post a couple of pictures from: Justyn's birthday last Saturday!

Writing

Writing has always been one of my greatest passions, but, all too frequently, I find myself too scared to put pen to paper for fear of the criticism it could potentially bring. It is time I got over this fear. If I truly would like to publish something within the next ten years, I have to learn to put my writing out there.

Thus, I have decided to utilize this blog as a place for me to try different styles of writing, use writing prompts to get my brain working, and just to muse over life in general.

Today is probably not the best day for me to begin, as I am in a very cynical mood. Work has been the absolute pits lately. Once again, the number one recurring theme in my life has presented itself: I don't get enough recognition for my levels of maturity and intelligence. The search continues for an employer who doesn't view me as a nineteen year-old, but who views me as a professional.

On the bright side: I have a legal seminar tomorrow morning that should give me some interesting insights on my possible future career path. :)

All for now... This EXTREMELY long day is almost done.