{found ephemeron}

Haha, I laugh at the title of today's post. It does, however, rhyme with 2010 and it would be nice to have more promising dating experiences this year as well. As with tradition, of the rather short life of my blog, here is this year in review:

January- Papers, research, papers, research, papers and probably presentations too. Snow and Ice storm & no power or heat for a week, sledding; my car was broken into, knit my first scarf, Nonnie falls and breaks hip, I go to the knoxville hospital to visit with her for a week.
February-papers, research, papers, research, papers and probably presentations too.
March- Papers, research, papers, research, papers and probably presentations too. Girl's trip to Madison, Indiana; Spring break in Birmingham
April- Papers, research, papers, research, papers and probably presentations too. Made my first derby hat, hosted first baby shower
May- Graduated with my Masters, 1st trip to a distillery (Maker's Mark), trip to Madison, Indiana, I Began working contract-based in Louisville with first post-graduation client
June- Moved to Birmingham; traveled to San Francisco, BF gets married, drive up to visit another BF in Etna, CA at JH Ranch/ first rental car, first visit to a lavender farm
July- visit Trip in Atlanta (happy 4th!); Nonnie falls and breaks her other hip, partner up with friend Lisa and work on Southtown arts camp!
August- Moved in Crestwood with three gals in an absolutely great house; Began job #1,
September- Began job #2; Mary visits; I get the swine flu and lay in bed for 4 days; begin learning how to play tennis with Rachel
October - First visit to Louisville since I moved, another friend's wedding; Dad's cancer returns; Began job #3; We learn that Nonnie will not be coming home but will live the remainder of her days at a nursing home; My roommates and I have our first house party and it was lots of fun
November- Turned 26; Dad's radiation treatment ends; thanksgiving with mom's family from IL; finally feel comfortable with 3 jobs and still babysitting, Friend Rob did a family photo shoot!
December- Bought my Queen-size bed and finally sleep well/ comfortably (no more twin!); got contacts for my eyes; Was sick for this whole month; lots of Christmas parties; college friends came in town for a visit; Family from Spain came for Christmas, I met my 2nd cousin who is 3 years old and such a cutie; went dancing at Nana Funks for the first time; roommates and i join the YMCA

"wondering if there is such a thing as life constipation? if so, I think I got it because I am feeling the buildup. and based on my babies recent experience with it I am thinking the end result will either be explosive or slow and painfully drawn out with intermitent bursts of gaseous release. and that facebook, is what I am thinking at this very moment."

- A very funny status update from my friend on facebook. haha.

8.5"x 11" watercolor of "Buffy" the dog.

I really enjoyed having some of my best friends in town the weekend before Christmas. It was almost like the college days but better as with the elapsed time, our friendships have seasoned (awe!)...

I am always slightly relieved when the Christmas craziness is over. I'm sure this relief comes in part due to the stress of it all: decorating, baking, craft-making, getting the right present for friends and family, having cards sent out before the 25th, and even figuring out what pajamas to wear Christmas Eve, so that the morning of you don't look like a complete disaster in the Christmas morning photographs.

Yet, these stressors are also year-long anticipated events, and there is some enjoyment that comes from doing them. I think stress follows as these things come to a head at the same time. Then, Christmas comes and goes. The busy craziness subsides, and I always find relief; I can breathe deep and relax a bit.

In a Biblical sense, I'll echo what Tom Cannon spoke last night at Red Mountain Church. For the Christian, Christmas, on one hand, represents a longing fulfilled... a longing for the Christ child. He comes, and there is relief. However, on the other hand, there is also a disappointment following the holiday, as the longing for something greater still exists-this all goes beyond an idea so corrupt as 'not getting the present one wanted.'

While the Advent season is a time of waiting, Christmas marks the beginning of the work of Jesus and the humiliation of Christ. He came as a mere infant; so helpless and yet Christ has finally come. This still greater longing previously mentioned was magnified for me this year. In my line of work there is much brokenness. I work with very sick people who are very much confused and devoid of an understanding of hope and happiness. In my family, there are health concerns like cancer and the reality and repercussions of old age. I embark upon fear's ship. There is much longing for something greater.

I long to be Home, in the Lord's everlasting presence and peace. I had to fight for those moments this year; those moments alone with the Lord. The Christmas craziness seemed to invade all senses. As I must always look again and again to Christ, I learn that perfect love casts out all fears. These unfulfilled longings for something greater will one day be fulfilled.

{Christmas morning}


{My cute second-cousin, Juan}

{Sweet Nonnie came home for the day}