Work and Play

Day 38

Today was my first Monday evening at this new job. Wow. It sure felt long. I know part of that was because this library closes later. And part of me wants to use the excuse that I'm still adjusting to time zone differences. But I don't know.

But long days still go by fast. Especially when you get hours of desk time. Time to work on fun, it-isn't-fair-to-others-that-I-get-paid-for-this work. Summer program planning. Review writing. Creativity attempting.

He certainly knows that I love to play at work! (And I am grateful.)

Turtles and Friends

Day 37

This has been a weekend of friends and friendship. A friend from the BYU part 2 chapter of my life called and came by Saturday evening for a visit. It was very nice to catch up, and also nice to see how much the Lord knew this friendship was something I needed right now in not only this new chapter of life, but also with some of the personal struggles I'm having.

Then it was nice at Church to be able to call people by name and say hello and do the regular chit-chats of how one's week has been instead of the "Who are you" and such.

But what shocked me most was when one of the very friendly girls in the ward (who happens to share my name) sat next to me right before Sacrament meeting began. She turned and asked, "You're the one who likes turtles, right? I have a present for you!" And she handed me this little red sparkly bag and a spiritual quote and told me to open it right then. Inside, an adorable little sea turtle!

I'm not used to gifts, especially random out-of-the-blue ones. I have learned that gifts is not a love language of mine, unless it is truly meaningful with much thought and care behind it. (This is a whole different discussion that I'm not getting into right now.) So I sat there shocked that something that must have been told in passing to her a while ago was not only remembered, but acted upon. It was, I'm just....I don't even know how to describe it all. I still feel so new, and still feel very much like I don't fully belong here or in my new ward. And yet this girl was so outgoing and friendly and considerate and thoughtful.

And to me, she (and the cute little turtle) represents many of the people I have been getting to know--and how grateful I am the Lord has put such nice, friendly, welcoming people in my path.

Busy

Day 36

I do so love being busy at work again.

And I don't mean the kind of busy that I had for the last year where I was running all over trying to take care of this and that and everything else.

I mean having people constantly coming up to the reference desk seeking help. I love it! And the fact that they are so grateful for the help makes it an even more enjoyable experience for me.

But I do love that the Lord knows that often I function so much better at work when my brain is going 20 different directions and at all speeds, knows what the last 3 years have been like, and knows how much happiness this new position brings me.

Family

Day 35

Another good temple visit. Very good.

And then a fun visit with family. We even went to an Asian buffet that had some really tasty food. (Including cheese wontons, a variety of sushi, and really good black pepper chicken.) It was a great way to wind-up my small recognitions of Chinese New Year. But it wasn't the great food that made the visit great.

It's getting to be close to family again!!! When all of my siblings who were nearby to my last home (and the nearest was 3 hours away), it began to take a very heavy toll on me. My family has always been everything to me. I don't know if that's my personality or having been the youngest for 10 years, or both. But at school, people used to tell me to stop talking about my family since that's all I ever talked about. And I feel very disconnected and incomplete being away from family. Last summer was very hard for me when the siblings all moved further away. It made my desire to leave "there" and move closer to family much stronger. Of course, I didn't expect that close to family would mean only half an hour away!

Yet one more reason to add to the ever-growing list of how the Lord knows best that I am to be here.

With the Spirit

Day 34

I wondered about the substitute teacher we had in Institute. It takes me a lesson or two to adjust to a teacher's style. At the beginning, I was struggling with adjusting to her style. But soon, I felt the Spirit and was left with so much food for spiritual thought that it ended up being a wonderful lesson.

The best part about teaching (especially where the Gospel is concerned), is that if the teacher has the Spirit and I strive to have it as well, then the outcome is always a good, needed growing experience/lesson that the Lord was just waiting for me to have.

In the Freezing Cold

Day 33

I went running today. Well, my kind of running is more like jogging. But I went. Funny that as I lay in bed, the thought of doing one of my cardio workouts--even the 20 minute one!--just seemed too *groan* and yet the thought of going running in the negative degree winter weather seemed appealing. Yes, it was the lazy part of knowing I'd only be able to make it four about 10 minutes. And yes, it was partly to be able to brag/prove/encourage myself that I could not only get back into running, but that I could do so in the winter. I guess the memory of all the many days I ran around at 5 am to deliver newspapers in every kind of Delaware and West Virginia weather (including winters much harsher than where I am now) has poked at me with its You-did-this-before-you-can-still-do-this taunting.

So I did.

And while my lungs screamed at me for a very long time after, I felt so invigorated that I did it. I ran for 10 minutes in negative weather with wind blowing and tears streaming and breath panting and legs crying. All bundled up. Wearing my awesome BYU paw gloves. And getting to listen to my own music on my iPod (one of the pluses against the cardio workouts).

Strange prompting, but I'm grateful I followed because the Lord knew how it would affect me for....how it always affects me even though I often forget.

Into the Warmth

Day 32

Maybe it's an odd thing to be grateful for.

But I don't think so.

From some of the shivering-because-I-can't-remember-ever-being-colder moments in my life, no. I don't think it is odd.

I am extremely grateful for warm, sheltered buildings with working heaters in which I can live and work.