Snow Patrol

This morning I spent some quality time with my driveway and the snow blower.  To keep myself entertained I brought my iPod along and put on a little Snow Patrol, which seemed appropriate.  As I worked I pondered whether it was worse to be in Utah in January where I have the pleasure of digging out about every other day or in India in July when it is 105 every day but feels closer to 115.  I came to the conclusion neither is very fun and that next year I need to figure out a way to swap things and spent January in Delhi and July in Utah.

As I pulled the shovel out to do the front porch, a song I don't remember hearing before came on and the last couple of lines gave me something else to think about:

I'm so glad that this has taken me so long

Because it's the journey that made me so strong

Isn't that a great description of so many things in life?  It was only after I got back in the house that I noticed the name of the song, "Warmer Climate" which made it even more perfect.

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Christmas 2009

I was going to post a few photos of Christmas, but just realized I didn't load the pictures on to my computer when I gave them to my sister - who conveniently already posted them.  Rather than redo the work, I'll just say it was a wonderful Christmas.  The little ones are just starting to realize what the holiday is - and what it means to get presents.

Since it was just me, mom, dad and grandpa until mid-afternoon, we spent the morning watching movies and relaxing.  But take it from me, watching "Bad Santa" with your parent's isn't a good idea,  I'd forgot just how naughty that movie was - even after its been edited for TV.    It didn't take long before we switched to "The Proposal," a much more entertaining option.

Once the kids arrived we unwrapped gifts like crazy.  Even when we all think we know what we are getting, mom usually finds a way to surprise us.  This year she made us all aprons - in my case, the most adorable retro looking apron.  I was so inspired I even helped cooked dinner - something I usually avoid doing at all costs.

In my family we've decided that having kids around really does change everything and makes Christmas magical.  I hope your Christmas was equally joyful.

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Christmas Eve

By mid-day Christmas eve the snow had stopped and the sun was out - it was simply beautiful.  Dad and I needed to run to the grocery store to pick up a few last minute items so we took the long way there and back and grabbed a few photos along the way.

Not only did I collect some gorgeous photos of my hometown, I learned something new.  As a teenager my dad helped build the beautiful barn in the fourth row, right photo.  I love learning things like that.

Here's a fun little video for "Winter Song" from Sara Bareilles, it always makes me smile.

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Happy Holidays

In 2009 I’ve managed to circle the globe a few times over, but nothing feels better than being in my hometown for the holidays.  As you can see in my Christmas card below, Mother Nature cooperated and covered everything here with a lovely layer of fluffy, fresh snow. 

I hope wherever you are celebrating you are surrounded by those you love and that 2010 is an incredible year in every way.  

My favorite holiday song is  Joni Mitchell's "The River", here is a live Sarah McLachlan version which is simply gorgeous.

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Living a Life in Limbo

One of the reason (excuses) I haven't posted in a while is because my life as been in a state of limbo.  Here's how strange things have been.

• Nov 8 - Leave for Delhi, expecting to arrive on the 9th
• Nov 8 & 9 - Get stuck in Cincinnati, arrive in Delhi on the 10th, planning to stay until Dec 19
• Nov 10 - Luggage lost in transit
• Nov 13 - Luggage finally arrives
• Nov 15 - Move out of my normal apartment to a guest house
• Nov 18 - Find out I'm leaving Delhi early to work on another project
• Nov 19 - Find out I may be staying in Delhi
• Nov 21 - Move back to the apartment and find out I'm leaving Delhi (this time for sure)
• Nov 22 - Pack to leave Delhi (I hadn't even unpacked yet)
• Nov 25 - Fly home
• Nov 26 - Celebrate Thanksgiving with my family (perfect surprise!)
• Nov 29 - Back to Salt Lake expecting to leave the next day to a new project
• Nov 30 'til today - still waiting and expecting to leave any day

It's been a strange existence thinking I need to be ready to hop on a plane with a minutes notice.  While I've LOVED being at home I don't feel like I've taken advantage of the time because I don't want to get too invested in anything in case I have to leave.  On the positive side - I finally got my office cleaned and organized something I've wanted to do for months, so its not all time wasted.

The latest news?  I still could get on a plane Tuesday or things could continue to move slowly and I'll still be here at Christmas.  I am however, dying to share where I'm headed to next, so check back again soon and maybe I'll finally have some news.

If you hate twangy music, stop now.  But if you like it or have an open mind, check out the latest from Gary Allan.  I don't know what it is about his voice, but his songs break my heart, I can honestly hear the pain in his voice and in the right mood he brings me to tears.  The way he delivers the line, "But I've lost everything, I've lost everything I every wanted, today" just kills me.  I also love that the video uses a live cut of the music and not the studio cut, it makes it even more real and beautiful.

Gary Allan   More CMT Music   More CMT Music Videos

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Thanksgiving Part 2

I can't resist adding a some photos of my favorite niece and nephew, Miss M and Tiny T.  They are growing up so quickly and make every family gathering that much more special.

Apparently Miss M has been watching a Walt Disney Cartoon with a section on gymnastics in it because I caught her practicing her dismount from the slide.  Every time she jumped she made sure she stuck the landing and the final pose, bent over at the waist with her arms held up and back.  

Tiny T isn't so tiny anymore, he grows and changes daily.  He loves to play with anything he can get his hands on and it only takes seconds for it to go in his mouth.  He's just the sweetest little guy.  We all have a tendency to call him "lil dude" and he just gets the biggest grin when we do.  So, in his honor, here's some old school, David Bowie, "All the Young Dudes."

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Thanksgiving in Aurora 2009

I got an unexpected surprise this Thanksgiving, the chance to spend it at home with my extended family.  I had planned to be in Delhi for Thanksgiving, but ended up coming home just in time to celebrate.  Mom planned a large meal for her siblings, their kids and grandkids.  It was so fun to see everyone!  Here's a few photos, can you see a family resemblance?  Thanks to my brother playing photographer there is even a photo of me in here, a first for this blog.

While I was still in Delhi thinking I was going to miss Thanksgiving I kept playing this song to enhance my pity party, one of my favorites from the Foo Fighters.


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