Vacation

After 15 straight weeks of graduate school reading, paper-writing, and exam-taking, I am letting my brain rest from the 100 mph thinking it usually does.  Yes, that is right, if my brain could move off of the energy it produces thinking, it would be going 100 mph.  However, just because I'm not writing down my thoughts, doesn't mean that they aren't happening.  That is a good thing, I think.  No thoughts would be a scary feeling.  But rather than thoughts about what to write my next paper on, or thoughts about my latest journal article, my thoughts this winter vacation have been very contemplative.  I am learning a lot just by thinking about what I want, who I am, and what I am so very thankful for.

Top on the list of my blessings is my beautiful family.  When I say family, I am also including my closest friends-they all know who they are.  As my family and I celebrated the holiday season, we laughed and made great memories in each other's company.  Christmas eve was spent decorating holiday sugar cookies together, reminiscing with old friends, sharing a meal with great company, and ending the night by honoring the reason for the season at a beautiful candle-lit Christmas eve service at Joseph United Methodist Church.  When Christmas morning came,  I was reminded again about how blessed I continue to be, not only because I got a panini maker and a down vest to wear outside during those cold Missoula days, but mostly because I was sharing those special moments with the ones I hold so close to my heart-Mom, Dad, Liv, Nat and Casey.  We are all healthy, successful, individuals, with strong morals and values.  That says more to me than any panini maker or down vest could ever say.  So as the Christmas season comes to an end and we welcome in 2011, I remember to count my blessings, and to remember the true meaning of life. 

Speaking of 2011, what the heck happened to 2010?!? I remember vividly travelling to Leavenworth in sub-par driving conditions with Casey last January.  That seems like yesterday.  And what about my trip to Missoula with my mom to check out UM?...that was at the end of last January. That was almost a year ago!!  And now...I am a full-time graduate student at that very university, and have completed the first semester with outstanding grades if I do say so myself (only three more left!!...don't get me wrong, I do love Missoula, but finishing my Masters degree is something very big and exciting!!).  So what all happened in 2010?  Well, a lot to say the least.

January was spent traveling as I mentioned already. Casey and I to Leavenworth, and then Mom and I to Missoula. 
February was just another month in Pullman.  I'm sure there was snow! Casey and I made a delicious Valentine's day steak dinner that we enjoyed in our vehicle from the prettiest area in Clarkston.
March was spent preparing for my summer internships.  I did three interviews, and finally settled on moving back home and completing my internship at Building Health Families in Enterprise.  Probably one of the smartest and best decisions I've ever made.
April was the month I turned 22 and spent finishing up my days in Pullman.  Yes, there were also many trips down the hill to smelly Clarkston.
May was an exciting month-graduation from WSU with my great family cheering me on in the stands, Tim McGraw and Lady A in Spokane, beginning of BHF internship, and Memorial Day weekend with the Tuschhoffs as they prepared for the 2010 OMC.
June was busy, busy, busy for Casey and I. Every weekend was spent on the road for either one or the both of us...OMC, Erica's wedding in Orofino, Hoopfest and Casey's birthday in Spokane.
July was just as busy.  Trip to the Oregon Coast and Philomath for the Williams family reunion.  It was great to be with Casey as he discovered the ocean for the first time in almost 20 years.  And also 4th of July at Wallowa Lake and CJD.
August was an up and down month.  Very bittersweet. Casey took note of my worries about leaving for Missoula, and presented a promise ring...with the promise "to love me forever."  I was touched, and I definitely use it as a symbol to remind my while I'm away, that I will always have someone to come home to.  Around the middle of the month I made the move to Missoula with the help of Holly and Casey.
September and October were spent in Missoula with Casey in Clarkston.  A few trips back and forth were made and I really got to know Missoula and my wonderful classmates.  I even tried to convince Casey to pick up his life and move to Missoula (I was only half serious).  He didn't think that was the best idea :)
November started with an amazing weekend in Spokane on a weekend-long double date with Kari and Kale.  Wonderful shopping, dining, drinking, and laughing.  Thanksgiving dinner was spent at Casey's aunt and uncle's in Asotin and then a trip over the mountain to Joseph for the weekend. Casey met Grandpa John, and a good time was had.
December wrapped up the year with a nice red bow.  I cross-country skied for the very first time,and I survived and might even go again!  Then I was reunited with my family and Casey after far too long.  I already talked about the great time we had celebrating the holiday season, and now here I am, enjoying a beautiful morning in Clarkston as we prepare to ring in 2011. 

As I walked across the river this morning to my favorite cafe to sip a latte and read my latest book, and then walked another latte down to Casey at work-I remembered again how truly blessed I am.  I have the willpower and desire to walk outside in freezing temps so that I may guiltless-ly enjoy the simple pleasures of life.  How many can truly say that?? Often we are caught up in the hustle and bustle of the American lifestyle, but I challenge everyone to step away from that for a second and take some time for themselves.  Granted, I am a childless, graduate student on a five-week winter vacation, so that might be easier said than done...but give it a shot. I don't think you'll regret it.  Let me know how that goes and happy 2011!