Sometimes when I'm feeling overwhelmed, or anxious, or tired, or happy, or bored, or decisive, or I'm if in a taxi, or if I have an extra five minutes before class, or if I'm just sitting on my couch I make a list (or lists, plural, depending on my mood).
Basically, I make lists. I a list-maker. It's what I do. My purse is full of lists, and if I had an iphone (or any phone with capabilities beyond powering on and texting) I would likely fill all available memory space with my lists within minutes. I can make them about anything. Simple grocery lists and shopping lists are for amateurs, sissys. In fact, I've been known to make the same list in triplicate to make sure I group things in the proper way. For instance, if it were a shopping list I might first make an exhaustive item list, then make a second list broken down by store (being sure to list stores in order of the most efficient route from home to each store and back) then a third list by store by item listing items first by category then a second time, again, by the most efficient route through the store.
I imagine a very few of you are impressed with my compulsivity right now. The rest of you are much more likely to be appalled or at least disconcerted.
In any event, rather than try to catch you up on the last four weeks in the usual style, I thought I'd show my true colors and list it.
In the past four weeks (I have...):
Celebrated our first Christmas away from family
Made a surprise New Year's visit to the States
Taken Aunt Jenny on her very first Muddy's date
Spent a fantastic day with Landon and Cassie in Memphis
[photo pending Cassie's email response to my request. No pressure, Cass....ahem]
Had dinner with my Grandma, Uncle Art and Aunt Pat who drove ALL the way from St. Louis just to see me
Got to meet baby Isabella and visit with her parents Whitney and Eddie
Had to tell Joel over skype that he had lost his grandfather and realized together that he wouldn't be able to make it back for services.
Attended visitation and services for Joel's grandfather, CL Cox, in Searcy and heard so many stories celebrating his life and legacy.
Felt warmly welcomed and enveloped by the Cox family, despite the absence of the husband that rightfully holds my claim to the clan. And really missed Sarah, Andrew and Reed.
Had a delightful visit with Tara Curtis
Had a delicious dinner and fun fellowship with the Reach Group ladies- where I tried my very first Brussels sprouts! and Lindsey got to skype in to join us!
With much help from mom, Aunt Jenny and Kate I floristed a wedding in Memphis and loved it
[Kate has the pictures on her phone if you'd like to see the results :) ]
Planned a three week trip to Laos and some combination of Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand...that we leave for on Saturday! Sorry to have to play catch up like this, but now we'll be ready to start fresh when we get home from this next set of adventures. Take care everyone! We'll be back soon!
