This Weekend

Friday afternoon-

Had a fabulous 100th day of school, my students were exceptionally well behaved, and we had lots of fun. After school I went up to the DMV to take my driver's test-- totally aced it, and walked out with my driver's license. After 5 years of struggling with driving, it was truly the best feeling ever.

Right now-

I need to buy a car. I don't know how.

I just found out all my friends and roommates who I'd consider living with nest year have already signed contracts together.. I'm sure it's great to live with strangers and make new friends, but I can't say I'm thrilled about it. Especially since I don't know where I'm allowed to live when I'm not a student.

Went to a dating fireside tonight that was good, but can dating just please be over?

Somewhere in between-

Found out I have mono and anemia.

Realized I don't have a clue what I'll be doing or where I'll be working next year.

And I did go on a really fun date. But once again-- can dating please be over? Don't get me wrong, first dates are fun, and I had such a good time. But really, it would be so nice to have a little more stability- or heck- even a second date once in awhile.

OK-this post feels totally ridiculous. I realize I have a great life, and NO right to be complaining.. can you say "white people problems"? I try to remind myself I'm 20- not 35. I'm so blessed to be going to school, and to have finished my degree so quickly. I have the best job ever- and I love the people I work with. My friends, roommates, and family are wonderful and love me. I have a DRIVER'S LICENSE. And if the last year has taught me anything, it has definitely been that God is in control and he has a plan for all of us. I know that whatever he's got in store for me is more than I can comprehend. Life is meant to make you grow, and I guess that couldn't happen without a little bit of anxiety.

But is it too much to ask for a husband, car, good health, house, and job? :) (Just kidding.)

It'll work out.. I know.

Oh what do you do in the wintertime?

It's cold outside! That combined with my lack of social interaction and dating over the past month has allowed a little more time for silly things like the following-

Giant snowflakes-Marbled paper, possibly for valentine-making

Little patterned boxes-

And my favorite- valentine Christmas lights!

Away with boredom and away with wasting time on the internet! Go make something lovely!

Healthy French Toast Substitue

Preface: this is not a diet blog. I am not "dieting," although since I do eat, there are foods in my diet, and I try to be somewhat selective about the foods that I choose.

French Toast is one of my favorite things in the whole world- but yesterday I decided to try and create a slightly healthier version. Here's what I came up with:

2 slices Granny's delight Old Fashioned Wheat bread (160 calories)

1 T honey (50 calories)

1/2 cup of sliced strawberries (20 calories)

2 T fat free cool whip (30 calories)

Sprinkles (just happiness)

Result: heaven on earth for only 260 calories, and only 2 grams of fat. Compare that to Kneader's french toast which is 425 calories a slice- so 850 for 2, plus caramel syrup and heavy whipped cream- you're looking at about 700 calories difference! Not to mention Kneader's french toast has an alarming 25 calories from fat per slice.

And most importantly (it isn't just about the calories) I rinsed my plate feeling good and wanting to make healthy choices for the rest of the day, rather than feeling like I couldn't afford to eat anything for the rest of the day. I'm not saying it's bad to indulge once in awhile, but when healthy becomes your habit, life feels better!

My Enchanted Place

Over the last year I've fallen head over heels for this mountain. I absolutely adore rock canyon, and spent countless hours there last spring, summer, and fall. I didn't think I'd still be hiking up there in January, but thanks to this gorgeous 50-degree weather, I still go up about once a week. Today I spent a few glorious hours up there, and lugged up my camera to capture some of the magic.

"This place is so lovely.. it kind of makes me very happy."

My favorite part is always running back down the canyon, as you come around the bends you can see the sun low in the sky, hitting the mountains so perfectly. If it were still summer, there would have been swarms of dragonflies everywhere.

Once there was the sun!

Sigh. Unfortunately my darling little powershot can't capture the adrenaline pumping through your veins when you're running through the mountain, the way your feet hit the rocks beneath you in rhythm, feeling the cool air on your skin that wakes your senses, the sound of singing reverberating in the canyon. I'd highly recommend taking a trip up yourself, especially if you're in need of a de-stressor. Namaste!