1.
Sales: I can't stand shopping, but I LOVE getting deals on things, so when I replenished my entire collection of Christmas wrapping paper for under 6 dollars I was thrilled!
2.
Warm Weather: January was uncharacteristically warm this year. I think we even hit record highs. For someone that doesn't care much for cold anymore, it was a welcomed treat to be able to go outside with nothing but a light jacket, and some days, short sleeves.
3.
Young Women in Excellence: We had our YWIE program this month and it turned out so cute! The girls were pretty much in charge of everything and I love seeing them step up and pull it off so nicely. It also helps that they are organized, since I tend to be a bit disorganized!
4.
Back yard work: In the process of digging, pulling, and complaining over thistles, I didn't much care for this January event, but what I DO like is how it was when it was done with. Well, mostly done with. This spring I'm going to figure out landscaping and the back yard will be complete!
5.
12 Step Program: I know this is going to sound odd, but last Sunday the missionaries who are over the church's 12 step addiction program came and did a special presentation during the last hour of our 5th Sunday. I LOVED it. I felt the Spirit as they were talking. I felt a desire to help others who are going through difficult trials in their lives. They discussed several addictions like drugs, alcohol, gambling, etc, and put a special emphasis on the addiction of pornography. I've been lucky enough to not have to personally deal with these issues myself, but I appreciated so much the notable love that they feel and openly expressed towards others who are. That's how it should be. The gospel should be a gospel of love, and understanding, and acceptance. It made me appreciate that there are such wonderful people like them to teach us how to be better, and it made me even more grateful for the Atonemen
t in our lives.
6. Office: My pseudo-office was finally, sort of, painted. There have been holes on the walls and white patches for a while, so it's nice to have one solid color. I think the solid color is sort of hideous, but I can't complain. At least it's a solid color.
7.
New Testament: I like that we've started studying the New Testament this year. It's familiar to me, and contains some of my favorite stories and teachings. Plus, we got to talk about the birth of Christ again this year, so it felt like the best parts of Christmas again. It was awesome!
Dislikes
1. Dumb injuries: At the end of last year/beginning of this year I started running again to get in shape for my upcoming trip. Less than a week into it a pulled the muscles behind my knee, which I discovered, is INCREDIBLY inconvenient because you can't do anything without bending your knee or straightening it (both hurt - it was super annoying). After going to the doctor and spending the last 3 weeks doing as little as possible with it, as per his request, I'm finally on the mend. I've gone out a couple of times this week for quick walks in the evening, and it is sore the next morning, but nothing like before. This was a ginormous DISLIKE for the month of January.
2. Fees and Dues: I always dislike the beginning of January because with it comes my insurance payment and my HOA payment for the year. It's a huge chunk of money all at once, but I ALSO dislike making a bunch of payments every month, so the one time deal is more convenient. More costly, but more convenient.
3. Planning a trip to Central America: This sounds like an oxymoron since I'm really excited to go, but the actual planning of the trip has been pretty frustrating. Third world countries are way harder to make schedules for than other countries! You can't find anything online, and when you ask about bus schedules everyone says, ' you just put your arm out and grab one.' Ironically, that's the truth, but it's hard planning that way when you need specifics. Plus, it's hard when you have 5 people from different states, and most of them are too busy to give much input. You feel like a travel agent, but like a frustrated travel agent. I know I sound ridiculous complaining about this, but it really WAS a dislike during January. A big one.
These last two week have turned me into a cleaning fiend. And not in a good way. At work we've been quarantined because of a nasty flu, so it's been all day long cleaning and disinfecting. Then I go home to a roommate with tonsillitis and another mystery infection that almost landed her in the hospital. Normally I would hope that I don't get sick, and maintain my distance, but in less than a week I'm in Central America sharing hotel rooms and a van with 5 other people. The stomach flu and tonsillitis are not on my travel agenda. So it's been almost two weeks of constant washing, disinfecting...and then washing and disinfecting. It's turned me grumpy and I hate it when I feel grumpy! Yesterday I started getting a sore throat and little white pockets appeared on the back of my throat. Tonsillitis....maybe. Strep Throat.....perhaps. I'm not taking my chances though. Tomorrow I'm starting on a 10 day round of antibiotics. I'm officially sick of the sick!!
