Dreaming of the Beach

It's been a busy summer and a busier fall. After my wonderful travels with Chandler ended, I got right to working on projects around the house and farm. Then our priest delivered the sad news that she would be leaving us at the end of October, and as one of the Wardens of our church my life became much crazier. School started in September, and church activities were thrown into high gear -- church became more like a second full time job. In addition I had a bit of a health issue that was time consuming and anxiety causing (breast issues, but more about that in another post, maybe), then throw some holidays into the mix and you have a perfect storm for a very hectic several months.

But now it is 2016, my tenure as Warden is over this Sunday, my next boob appointment isn't until an MRI scheduled at the end of June, school is now on auto pilot, the holidays are behind us, and it's time to take some deep breaths and relax. This is a perfect time for some reflection, too.

> I am so blessed by my son and my husband. Both are good men that I am very proud of and both of whom I love dearly.
> I love the home that Jim and I built. It serves the purposes we designed it to serve: as a peaceful daily retreat for us and as a place to host our family and friends.
> Good health is key to everything, but when trouble threatens one must stay positive and maintain a sense of humor (I now have what we call my Frankenboob).
> St. Andrew's is one of the most important parts of my life, and I love my church family - the kookie people and all. This is an exciting year for us as we continue on our mission but also search for a new priest. It's like dating!
> I love nearly all of my students and I love teaching art, but I am looking forward to not working 5 days a week (7 years from now...). I dislike the politics of school, especially now that I am more active in our union as a Building Rep, but I love my work friends. Between my colleagues and my students I laugh a million times a day - and that fun I will miss when I retire.
> My animals continue to be my therapy as they fill me with joy and happiness. They also keep me active and healthy, and I cannot imagine my life without them.
> I have amazing friends and family. They are kind, generous and fun people, and they make me want to be a better person.
> GRATITUDE is our Stewardship theme this year, and Gratitude is what I am filled with.

> Finally, I love snow and winter, and so this mild winter has been a real bummer to me. But ---- I am looking forward to relaxing in Florida during February break, just Jim and I. No Mom, no Chandler, no other couples. Just us, with our toes in the sand, a cocktail in hand, and books and naps and awesome food and sunsets. Marco Island, here we come. 'Found this sweet condo on VRBO, and whenever I feel a little grumpy I just pull up these photos and dream of the sun and the sand, just Jimmy and I.