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.
Last week our Bishop issued the challenge to our ward to all read the Book of Mormon before the end of the year. We could do it as families, or as individuals, whichever way we decided we wanted to do it. It's only been a week, but I've already had multiple conversations with people who have been experiencing the effects of it. I love that no matter how many times you read the Book of Mormon, you can always experience the peace and power that comes from it. The excitement of knowing it was written by prophets who saw our day. In February I was in Guatemala and saw numerous sites that Church Historians have indicated were sites from the Book of Mormon. The City of Nephi, the Waters of Mormon, even just the wilderness that they walked through. I'm imagining it as I read and it's making it become more real to me. It's making me appreciate even more the sacrifices that were made to keep the plates, and to travel with them, and to preserve them for us. For me. Tomorrow the Young Women are coming over to my house to read. We're going to read for an hour, have lunch, and then spread out and read for another hour. What a great way to spend a Saturday morning, and what a great blessing to be able to bring the Spirit of the Book of Mormon into my home. If only weight loss challenges were this enjoyable......
And here's how it looks now! It's perfect for my lifestyle. Low maintenance with minimal work required. I love it. It's not completely done though. The landscaper, is going to bring some more rock to fill in some areas, and then next week there's a tree being planted in the back corner. I can't wait for the flowers to come out on the bushes. Plus, on two of the plants when the leaves turn white you can eat them and they taste like honey. Just a random tidbit of information.
Jack the Dog is also a big fan. When I can't find him now, he is usually here. Laying in the grass, soaking in the sun. 
