There Really Is No Place Like It...

As finals have come and gone at Sonoma State, I find myself watching the students leave for home as well. It has been fun seeing them glad to be done with the stressful, late nights of studying as well as itching to get back into their original zip codes. This year has been a little different for me, because I have had the pleasure (or torture, whichever way you look at it) of watching them all leave and go home.
This has produced a feeling within me that I haven't experienced much--loneliness. I've found myself calling at least one member of my immediate family every day just to hear their voices. I know its only a few days away, but I simply can't wait until 4:00 rolls around on Tuesday afternoon! I'm packing up my car that morning and heading straight from work back to the 916.
Ah I can't wait for hugs.

In Reflection of the Almost Snow in Rohnert Park...

...I wrote a haiku.

Winter is here now
And the fields are frosted white
Gleaming in the sun.

Here is one about the cat at my work.

Knee is a big joint
Or maybe he's a fat cat
Waiting to be pet.

Here is one about my luck with orchids.

Crisp white petals glow
Until they started to wilt
From lack of water.

Thanks for reading my thoughts.

Things I'm Thankful For

I know its not November anymore (or Thanksgiving, for that matter), but I figured in the spirit of the season, I'll write my list anyway.

I am thankful for:

My Wonderful Family. I just had the pleasure of spending five and a half days with them last week. I forgot sometimes how good home can feel, especially when all my sisters are home. Its fun to watch everyone enjoy each other. The house is busy and bustling with laughter. I LOVE IT!

My Snow Jacket. I know this may sound funny, but it comes in handy, even in Sonoma County where there is no snow. It has been so cold during the nights this week, and some of my friends have made fun of me wearing my snow jacket when it isn't even wet outside. But I am the one who laughs when they squeal as they walk out the door!

My Crock Pot. I just made some of the most delicious pasta sauce, and it was barely any work at all! Throw it all in before going to work in the morning, turn it on, and leave it to cook all day long, filling the house with delectable smells of tomatoes and garlic. Yum! No kitchen is complete without it.

Fog. Even though it can be a hassle to drive in sometimes, it sure is pretty! I think I'm going to miss it if I ever move away from Sonoma County.

Packages in the Mail. Brown paper packages tied up with string, anyone? I have a friend Alex who told me once that he loves getting packages so much that he always orders things online to mail one at a time as to receive more packages. Brilliant! I just got one in the mail today, filled with one of my favorite types of Ritter Sports (dark chocolate and hazelnuts), Christmas socks, snowflake tissues, and a jingle bell bracelet. Thanks Saint Nikoklas (or my mom, whoever reads this first).

Books. Just like any other self-proclaimed nerd, I gladly admit that I love books. I have particularly enjoyed revisiting a few of my favorite authors this past month: John Steinbeck and Harper Lee. At times it seems that I have forgotten who to read for pleasure, and then I simply pick up a masterpiece and read it simply for the sheer enjoyment of it.

My Friends. I have wonderful friends. I could sing their praises all day. Just ask. ;)

There are many many more, but these are a few of the ones that are sticking out to me right now.