Laundry news.

While folding my laundry...

I turned on the TODAY SHOW.
I learned a simple tip to staying happy: make your bed each and every morning.
You'll feel "in control of your domain" and a deep sense of accomplishment.
I tried it; it works.

While folding my laundry...

I saw a commercial for Jiffy Peanut Butter.
The little boy who makes him his own school lunch.
And manages to make one for his mom.
Admittedly, I became a little choked up.
And afterwards, I made myself a PB&J.

I'm glad I folded my laundry.

Today is January 14th, 2010. Happy Thursday, everyone. Today, I remember our dear friend Megan Marie Wall Whitworth. We've missed you these last four years! I wish I could put flowers on your pretty headstone today.

I am so sorry for families and friends of those affected by the earthquake in Haiti. My prayers are with you.

May we all be a little happier, live a little better, and be a little kinder to one another. Why not start today?

YES!

Observation #1: Productivity pays off.

I follow the counsel of my good friend, Anna, and use a planner. How else would I manage a life juggled around reading chapter books and cooking enchiladas? Thanks to another wise mentor who we will call Kent, because that is his real name, I learned the importance of meticulously diagramming hectic weeks. It's all about visualizing and committing to the times and tasks on the paper. When I see "9:00-9:45: run to Gardner street and back" I know there is no turning back. I've become a blood sister with my conscious and am obligated to do my weekly chores. I vote YES to Productivity. Actually, my obsessive compulsive behaviors have been harbored for a long while. This was all re-iterated to me Saturday when my niece found a paper from my elementary school days. If only I had a picture to show you all. The contents included a detailed list of times and activities for my 10th birthday party, along with back-up plans (in case no one wanted to play my games). I blame my O.C.D. on all my time I spent playing alone in closets and my childhood/adult obsession with Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Observation #2: Maybe this explains everything



I just felt like it was time to make this popular again. Thank you to Junior Miss for giving me the opportunity my senior year of high school to wear silly clothes and dance on stage. I vote YES to letting all those childhood inhibitions go.

Before I forget... I finished Hunger Games and it was VERY good. I need a couple of days to soak it all in; the plot line is anything but light. Next, I'll finish Suzanne Collin's series and then jump into the Tunnels books. Also, I have finally received in-state status at ASU! This is huge. Take $10,000-$3,400 and that's what I'll be saving. What a headache its been- I'm grateful for my "pleading" prayers, getting answer to prayers, and now my "thank you" prayers.

Maybe this font wasn't the best idea...

Yesterday, I watched (most) of the movie Julie and Julia. For the most part, I enjoyed the storyline. After all, it is a story after my own heart. In 2002, some girl named Julie performed the exact notion in which I intended to become famous. Her solution was exquisite: take Julia Child's cook book. Next she sautéed, grilled, cooked, and baked her way through 365 days of Child's finest recipes. It takes the creativity of one young talented writer to change the way all writers think of themselves.

So I begin the forward movement towards my career as a writer. It's my turn to embark on the new endeavor for 2010 of bettering my writing technique and skill. Unlike Julie Whoever, I will not be using food as an outlet. (Outlet for writing, that is.) Instead, I'll have to resort to the beauty found in everyday monotony. In simplistic terms, I will use this blog to do exactly what I've been doing: write about my life. In all, I hope to use this next year and decade to reach the level of distinguished writer. Or something. Now is the time for influx of creative ideas...

Just as I've always known, to be well-versed you must be well-read. Before I start school again, I will take and make time to read. First book: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Mom says its good, so it must be.

The Astronaut Farmer film is playing on my DVR, making me feel like I can make it to the moon, or rather be a decent writer. It's a new year and a new decade. Let the innovation in our own lives begin!

On a less than serious note: Sherlock Holmes is a great movie! Ryan and I saw it on New Year's Eve and fell in love with it. I want to see it again. Taking dance classes is therapeutic. For my exercise today, I attended one at the gym. I definitely never knew my hip rotators worked as well as they do. Lastly, Ryan and I have become obsessed with making our own salsa. I don't think I'll ever buy the store bought kind again. (That sounds very anti-Capitalistic of me, doesn't it?)

Hope your holiday was as good as mine! Happy New Year.