I think it's safe to say I've officially taken on too much. Helping others has always been something I strive whole heartily for, but when these things that you do start to affect your home, your sleep, and your sanity, then you have to draw the line.
Howitzer took it upon himself last night to devour part of my living room couch and finish off the rest of my snow boots. And this after he chased poor Morgan Freeman, my very pregnant cat, up a tree where she stayed for most the evening.

Enough, I guess, is finally enough.

I just have to get up the courage to tell Adam that he is going to need to find Howie a new home.

Tea for two, and two for tea.

So I do believe I'm finally getting back into the swing of blogging. It has, after all, been years since I've attempted. I'm certainly remembering the delight that comes from pouring a bit of yourself and your thinking into others via internet journaling.

On a different note, I strolled into the apartment tonight, my feet angry from standing for five hours straight and my throat making it quite clear it isn't too fond of allergy season, to find on my kitchen counter one the most charming mugs I've ever seen. It wasn't until I looked a little closer that I realized its glossy porcelain body was standing upright on a note from my dear friend Betsy, and her not even aware of the horrible night I had just had. I can't describe the joy that came over me when I took this tiny cup in my hands and ran my fingers over the lustrous blue and green feathers that lace the sides.

Needless to say, it didn't long after that for the kettle to boil and my new treasure to be filled to the brim with spicy peppermint tea.

Tuesday Afternoon,

I woke up this morning with the thought of that ridiculous phone conversation still buzzing in my ears. The tone of his voice, his inappropriate, not to mention, uncalled for words as he took a stab at every aspect of my "eccentric" lifestyle, and the clearly audible click of a phone being disconnected without the courtesy of "goodbyes". I could barely pull myself out of bed, though it was nearly noon.
But shortly after I got in from taking Howitzer out for a walk I was met with Chick-fil-a waffle fries, Diet Coke, and Lars and the Real Girl playing in the livingroom. I took my seat next to Johnathan on my not entirely large enough duck couch and left the thoughts of last night behind me. How can one be overwhelmed with insecurities when they live such a beautiful life?

Time Management

After a more than amusing telephone conversation with my stepfather tonight, I've realized I really have to get a hold on my life, or more importantly my priorities.
Not to mention it's been far too long since I've made a proper list.

1. I have to get the apartment in order. Things need to be placed in their respectable homes, and rules must be provided for the rest of the house.
2. I have to find a new job. Joanns just isn't cutting it anymore (no pun intended). I can hope for this position at Starbucks, but a plan B and possibly C is needed.
3. I have to devote more time to Howitzer. More park adventures, and quality time. He's a puppy, he needs attention if nothing else.
4. I have to set aside more time for myself. More lush, more Steinbeck, and certainly more writing.
5. And last, but not least, more lists. Life is always easier when lists are involved.

Let me be your lighthouse

"Let me be a lighthouse, shining on the sea
So you can see me showing you where to be
And row, row, row your boat to shore
And let, let, let my heart adore
you as never before
The birds that sing are the only company I keep
And the sun, as it shines, reminding me of times spent with you
When we had nothing to do
But take walks in parks, and kiss each other
And watch the sparks
And drive down country roads
And sing songs that we both know
We called them lazy days
And we found so many ways to simply enjoy one another
Can we now return to those times?
There is your hand, now here take mine
And look into my eyes, and I'll look into yours
And you tell me stories, and I'll tell you stories,
Of things that have happened in each other's absence
And we'll let our light shine across the sea
Showing others of the love now complete
And we'll make a vow, the opposite of treason
And we'll thank God for giving us another reason
to thank him for the gifts that he gives, like
You to me, and me to you
And us to the world,
And the world to us. "

One week from today. Can you believe it?

My beautiful friend,

The snow this sunday past was divine. Flakes the size of dinner plates fell from every angle and painted the ground, the parked cars, and the roof tops on the avenue. Televisions were cut off, stereos muted, and video games set to the side as the children of the nearby houses poured into the streets, their noses quite pink and there coats not quite broken in as they searched for anything that could be made into a sled. Their laughter danced towards us as we all piled into the car in search of the perfect spot to spend our snow day.
After chocolate chip waffles and a quick trip to the store where we purchased what was quite possibly the last of the winter attire (two pairs of gloves, and a set of five dollar snow boots for each) we hit the park. Dark grassy hills were for this day only covered in a thick foot of blue snow, ice sickles hung lovingly from every branch of every tree and our breath stretched out feet in front of us. Can you believe it? Snow, miles of it, in Georgia? A vision described by Frost as "A blow-away paper the rain had brought to rest." Its been days now and I still find it hard to grasp.
As for the days since, life moves ever onward. Twisting in ways I could have never imagined, but I'm doubting less and less and that has to be progress. Finally, my bills are paid, and my debts almost extinguished and it's only a matter of a few months till I'll walk the halls of the University once again. Life really does seem to be falling into place.
Tomorrow, I leave for Florida with the paster. He's asked me to forget my plans and come to his home town so he can show me the beauty he is sure only I will understand. I'm sure my next letter will come from there, and I hope this note as well as the next finds you in a good place. Until then, love, think of me and keep me in your prayers.

With the love and the devotion of your friend,
Lolly