Is this real life?

But really though.

I'm really asking.

Because this all seems to good to be true.

Did I really meet the man of my dreams?

And totally fall in love with him?

And he actually loves me back?

So much so that he asked me to be his for FOREVER?!

So far, all signs point to yes!

I haven't woken up from this wonderful dream like I keep expecting to!

I'm starting to get bruises from pinching myself so much.

Oh, and if you want to know more about our lovely love story, I've already typed it up here.

I don't think I could be any more excited for January :)

Sick

Normally, I really love my work schedule.
I only work three days a week, twelve hour shifts.
It's quite fantastic.
I love only working three days a week.
It is slightly exhausting....
But it gives me much more play time.
And time to spend with Austin.
However...
Today I hate it.
Twelve hours is far too long when you're sick.
And yet, not sick enough to call in sick.
I mean, I don't know...maybe some people would.
I've always had a hard time justifying calling in sick.
I think I've called in sick a total of 2 or 3 times in my life.

Mostly because I just don't get sick.
But today I feel kind of awful.
I just want to go home.
Okay.
I'm done whining now.
You may carry on about your day.
However, should any of you feel the urge to bring me some soup or a good fuzzy blanket...I encourage you to give in to that urge.

At Least My Mom Thinks I'm Special

I just filled out an application to audition for a dance company.
I sort of jumped around from question to question.
But I got it all done.
Except one question.
"Do you have any special skills you think you can add?"
So far, I've left that question blank for a good 3 hours.
I mean really....what kind of things come to mind when you hear that question?

Nun-chuck Skills...

Ninja Skills...

Contortionist Skills...

I suddenly feel very...un-special. 

This application might take me a while.

Let's talk about emotions for a minute...

Here's a taste of how I've been feeling recently...

Anxious

Happy

Overwhelmed

Excited

Apprehensive

And these are just the very basics.

I usually shove my emotions under the carpet.

But I've been changing my ways.

And I literally have no idea how to handle all this.

But that's okay.

I'll figure it out.

Tips?

Advice?

I'll take anything.

It's kind of amazing to feel things!

And it can actually be helpful.

I think I like it.

Who knew?

Here's Your Sign...

Whenever I see these signs:

I never read them as "Caution: Automatic Door".

I read them as "Automatic Caution Door"

So I always expect them to shout out warnings to me. Automatically.

Instead, all they do is open.

How disappointing.

Patience

I know I don't often post about spiritual matters, but this is something I feel very strongly about. I just read the most incredible talk by Neal A Maxwell. It took me almost 2 weeks to finish it (I always got interrupted), but I'm so glad I did. Each time I started reading it again, I felt the Spirit so strongly. I have gained so many personal revelations and insights by reading this talk.

One of my favorite sections:

"Patience is, therefore, clearly not fatalistic, shoulder-shrugging resignation. It is the acceptance of a divine rhythm to life; it is obedience prolonged. Patience stoutly resists pulling up the daisies to see how the roots are doing. Patience is never condescending or exclusive—it is never glad when others are left out. Patience never preens itself; it prefers keeping the window of the soul open."

I wish I could explain the emotions I experienced while reading this talk. All I can say is that usually talks about patience tend to (ironically) make me feel impatient. I used to think along the lines of, "Okay, I get it, I understand that patience is important. Now can I have my blessings?" But now I feel like I finally understand. Patience isn't supposed to be a torturous virtue. It is supposed to help us gain all we can from this life. If I can master patience, I will be able to experience so much more while I'm here.

I'm sure everyone can benefit from reading this talk.
Even if it's a little bit here and there.
I highly recommend it.

Hermits

Jane and I both tend to be just a tad anti-social at times.
Especially once we're in the comfort of our own apartment.
This became especially evident one night when we were home.
There was a knock at the door.

Okay...maybe this is a little dramatic.

Sage started barking incessantly while we ran for cover.
My first thought was that I needed to go put clothes on.
(Don't judge...it was way too hot to wear anything more than a tank and spanks...)
But then we realized that neither of us were expecting company...
So in whispered tones we decided I would tiptoe to the door and peek through the peephole.
It was some man I didn't recognize.
So we let Sage keep barking and then hid in my room until the unexpected "guest" left.
We thought about answering the door at one point...
But by then we had waited long enough that it would have been slightly embarrassing.
It was at this point that we realized how awkward and anti-social we are.
Oops.
We're getting better.