11th Day of Christmas Rambles

::Weekly Rambles::

What’s really on my mind and heart?

We had a pretty nice Christmas despite several of us being in various stages of illness. Namely me, so meals were simpler than usual, and the house was messier than I would have liked, but probably no one noticed except me. 

I love celebrating Christmas and I sometimes wish it weren't a gift-giving event so that we could focus on the Real Meaning. All my Christmas decorations are still up, and I'll probably start slowly working on putting them away this week while Meg and Pip are at school, but I'm in no rush. I am looking forward to being back in somewhat of a routine.

What am I thankful for?

I am very, very thankful for the success of the procedure I had done last Monday, and even more thankful for the news on New Year's Eve that all the tissues biopsied were benign. I'm really thankful for general anesthesia, too! This was my first experience being put to sleep and it was like magic. What a beautiful thing to be completely unaware of what they're doing to you! Of course, they could do anything,  and that's a little creepy, but I just keep pushing that thought away. ;-) I'm also thankful for my doctor's skill since I have had no issues and no real pain which seems to be unusual.

What’s going on in school?

School starts tomorrow for Meg and Pip. They're looking forward to seeing their friends. Schoolwork? Notsomuch. Pete and Tom started classes at their respective universities today. It's Pete's last semester! Another graduation to start planning for in May!

What’s on the needles?

The very beginnings of a Settler Shawl. The gorgeous, purple Tosh Merino Light was a Christmas present for me, so the shawl is also for me. I'm loving it already because the pattern, the color, the yarn. All of it. Yum!

Also, a simple cowl that is intended for the shop. The yarn is Elspeth Lasvold's Silky Wool, a random skein from the stash. I love the denim colorway and the rustic feel!

What’s special about this week?

So much specialness! The Church celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany on Sunday. Tom's birthday is tomorrow on the actual Twelfth Day of Christmas, and then Pip's 16th birthday is Saturday! There are too many birthdays and celebrations in January to even think about starting a diet on Jan. 1!

What am I reading?

I am reading The Martian as recommended by Mac Baron of Catholic in a Smalltown podcast. I got it for Christmas and am finding it fascinating. Astronaut Mark Watney is a member of the Ares 3 Mars expedition and when a huge sandstorm came up, he was injured and left for dead while the rest of the crew had to leave the surface. He wasn't dead, and now he has to figure out how to stay alive, all alone, for 4 years (and only 1 year of food supplies) when the next manned mission is scheduled for.

What am I praying about?

Other people are coming up with words to live by during 2015, and I'm praying to know God's will. It might come in the form of one word, but I don't know yet. I spent a lot of prayer time asking for grace while expecting to deal with a cancer diagnosis this year, so I'm happy to be able to move on to something different that the Lord wants me to focus on!

I'm also praying for all my children, others with cancer, my sister-in-law, and myriad other loved ones and friends.

What projects are happening at home?

Not quite into project mode, yet. Between Christmas, the flu, and recovery from my little surgery, we're just in day-to-day mode. The first big project will be Christmas clean-up, and then I'll let you know. ;-)

Weight loss should be a big project. I guess it is, and it sort of started today with a 3-mile walk. It will take a while to get the food back under control because we are totally addicted to sugar around here, and, again, it's Birthday Month. So....yeah.

I am looking forward to getting back into the habit of blogging more than 2x per month! I'll never make a living from my blogging, but I enjoy chatting with folks, so stop in the combox and say Hi!

xo,
Sara