"Silvery-Toed Slippers of Snow"

(this post brought to you by inspiration of Kurt.)
I love winter. Especially here in Utah, where it's actually all the goodness of winter, not just the annoying aspects. Here's why:

I love cold. It gets cold, and cold makes you have to bundle up and you feel all cozy and warm and safe and peaceful. When you go outside, the cold snaps at your face and makes you feel alive and awake and bright. Your cheeks get rosy, which make you look smiley and happy inside.

I love Christmas. I love Christmas traditions and being with my family. I love putting up Christmas decorations and coming home to a more friendly house, because there's trees sparkling from inside the windows. I love the quietness I feel when I just lay on the couch, lights off, watching the Christmas tree. Christmas just brings peace and joy. The present opening isn't even my favorite so much anymore, I just absolutely love the Christmas feeling that is everywhere after Thanksgiving. It's cheesy, I know, but really... I don't think I'm alone in this Christmasy attitude.

I love Christmas music. There's something about it; I guess it just makes me carry my Christmasy love with me all day. I get excited and energized and so happy inside. Christmas is love! Christmas is glee! Christmastime begs exuberance, and Christmas music just stocks up my energy storage tank for the day.

I love snow. The white makes everything look magical and mystical and peaceful and so quiet. It's like a blank canvas for thinking as I walk along through it. It quiets everyone and everything down, making them take a moment to stop and consider the wonder that is Christmas. I feel like I'm the one blessed person in the world when it snows.

I love food. And winter is the season of eating. Who cares what you eat, it's winter! It's Thanksgiving! It's Christmas! Wonderful, delicious, time-consuming treats show your appreciation of the season! Winter's so great, it deserves being enjoyed while snacking on delectable chocolate, cookies, baked goods, and hot cocoa.

I love decorations. Lights, trees, wreaths, candles, and bows, I love it! It's like a big unifying tradition of love; I love Christmas, you love Christmas, our houses decorated together make Christmas all the more happy. We share in a tradition no matter how different we may be. I also love visiting the temple to see the lights and displays... Beautiful!

I Will

I am tired of telling myself I will be healthier and get fit. Monday I will begin. (I don't want to say tomorrow because tomorrow never comes, really... and it feels like a cop-out.) So, here's to Monday:

I will keep a food journal. Not to make me anal,
just to make me aware.

I will run on the treadmill for 20 minutes each morning
before I go to work.

I will not eat more than 2 snacks each day after work
and before bed.

I will be in bed by 11pm each night.

I will awake for scriptures each morning and then no later
than 8:15 each morning.

I will exercise every day after I come home from work for
at least 20 minutes.

I will stretch every night before bed.


(I was originally just searching for a "big smile" picture with a "thumbs up" to encourage me, but then this picture of David Archuleta just popped up. Who better to encourage me? Haha.)

Where the Heart Is

Things I've Done Since Getting Home:

1. Eat homemade pizza.

2. Appreciate not having to put shoes on to go the bathroom.

3. Get 12 hours of sleep.

4. Arrange to have my box sent from UT.

5. Eat homemade chocolate chip cookies.

6. Drove around town to shop.

7. Arrange to go to the HS play with Kyle.

8. Advise Mom & Dad in the decorating of our

newly-painted living room.

9. Eat a baguette from Panera.

10. Watch Twilight with the family.