To smile

A couple of years ago when composing my New Year's resolution I took a different approach. Instead of listing lofty goals I listed simple, almost momentary things I wanted to do. And things I hadn't done in a while. Things that were fulfilling to my soul. It included things like hold a newborn baby, play with a puppy, kiss, go camping, jump in a swimming pool with my clothes on. I was lucky enough to have those moments during that year and rediscover what I want my life to consist of. The trick now is to find those moments everyday. Today it was hearing the story of how our new friends met and fell in love. It was a great story. Tomorrow it may be waking up and watching Steven's eyelashes flutter in his sleep before I get out of bed. The next day it may be walking home barefoot from work. I want those moments to be what I remember before I go to bed and what first comes to mind when I wake up. I want to be excited for them and create them and live for them. There is a spirit in those moments and it travels from the heart up to the corners of the mouth to form a smile. 

 

I would classify myself as "indoor-sy" (one who likes the indoors, compared to outdoor-sy), but there is no denying how pretty the mountains are. A recent 4-wheeling trip with two of our engaged friends (getting married this week!) was a beautiful reminder of how majestic this land really is. After a bumpy ascent up the canyon, we turned into a meadow that was all blue skies, green trees and rolling hills. Not a soul was in sight, unless you count the roaming cows. Those moments of awe are worth the travel and bumps, and are good every so often— even for an indoor-sy like me.

Transitions

Transitions. When I enter a transition period of life, I am stuck in that state of mind for a while (such as refusing to unpack boxes due to the thought process of I'm leaving in 8 months). I either mentally project myself forward (such as the last example) or I dream about the past. Eventually I'm able to find myself in the present, and here we are. Funny how I never take the time to document such transitions while they are happening so I could maybe benefit from them in the future. Actually, once I did. I'll give myself that.

Our New York adventure had a bittersweet ending. Sad because we had created a life, a routine— we survived in the city and we loved it. Part of me feels like I left my heart in Harlem, especially on Sundays. I miss that ward.

  

I don't miss that (or should I say those) bed. I had to take a picture. 2 full beds pushed together with bad mattresses. It confirmed my belief that the bed we have is h.e.a.v.e.n.

 

Steven's parents flew out to visit for the last couple days we were there and we had a blast! 

We are so glad they came!

Our subway stop.

Our life recently has looked a little like this:

 

move-in stress/cleaning + greek yogurt to make it better

 

family reunion bliss

 

his mom's birthday

 

simple foods

Here's to transitions and being in the present!

Meet the Meetles

The Meetles claimed precious real-estate in the Times Square station one afternoon. Quite a crowd had formed, and they were good!

* Forgive the poor quality video. Blogger had issues uploading. *