2011 Work Summary

Time holds a great value in my life, and there never seems to be enough of to go around. Last year I needed a reality check, so I broke out my days into categories and did the math. I think it is good to realize my blessings every year, so here I go again.

2011 Breakdown -

190 days working in the office
105 days for the weekends
23 CWS days
21 Vacation days
13 Sick days
9 Holidays
4 days (out of the office) in Training

I only worked in the office 52.05% of the year.

Hope next year is just as great!

2011 Recap

I was thinking it would be good to recap 2011. Maybe this won't be very interesting to anyone else, but it will be good for me to see it in black and white. Sometimes I need reminders of how much I'm blessed.

January
- I held my 2nd annual New Year's Day meal at my house.
- I went to PA one time.
- I started taking banjo lessons.
- I had a great birthday party.

February
- I started a 10 week zumba class.
- I went to CO to visit my friends.
- I went to PA one time.
- I went on a weekend trip to Gettysburg with Bekah.

March
- I started my Boot Camp exercise class.
- I went to Utah for Margaret's baptism.
- I went to Z Burger with Deana. (Best burger joint of my life!)
- I went to FL with Bekah & Heather. (Harry Potter World)

April
- I went to an Indian Dance competition with Jami.
- I went to PA three times.
- I walked/ran a 5K.
- I helped my friend Mauri pack & get ready to move.

May
- I went to the symphony three times.
- I had a date.
- I went to PA one time.
- I went to Chile to visit Ellen.

June
- I visited my brother & his family.
- I went camping with Marlene & Mandy.
- I went to China.

July
- I got an iPhone.
- I went to PA two times.
- I went to a Singles Conference.
- I went to Palmyra with Heather M.

August
- I started my six week running class.
- I took a pottery class with Erin.
- I went to PA one time.
- I survived my first earth quake. (August 23rd)
- I went to see a movie during Hurricane Irene.

September
- Kelli & Todd came to visit me.
- I went to see a Darius Rucker concert with my Dad.
- I had two dates.
- I went to visit Freda in Indiana.
- I went to PA four times.
- I walked/ran the Clarendon Day 5K with Deana.
- I went to the VA State Fair with Marlene & Deana.

October
- Ellen came to visit.
- Lalana came to visit.
- I went to Boston with Deana.
- I went to Colorado to visit Kimmy.
- I had my 15 year "Free of Cancer" birthday :)

November
- I went to the beach with Deana, Mandy & Laura.
- I went to PA two times.
- I went to Utah to visit Amy & her family.
- I bought a new living room set.

December
- I renewed my temple recommend.
- I went shooting with Deana, Jillian & Mandy.
- I dyed my hair red.
- We had roommate Christmas.
- I went to PA one time.

This is such a small sample of all the fun things I did this year. I'm thankful for all the time I got to spend with my friends and family. I'm excited to see what happens next year.

#13 White Christmas

This past weekend I spent my time in PA visiting my parents. On Saturday night we all sat down and watched White Christmas.

I may be feeling a little sappy, but the singing was magical and the dancing was even better than the last time I watched this movie. I love the romance! The men are so handsome, well dressed and charming. The women are a little silly. Who wears makeup to bed? Let alone red lipstick :)

I had such a good Christmas weekend. My mom made me a double batch of chocolate cinnamon rolls. We had steamed shrimp & potato salad for Christmas eve and ham & parsley potatoes for Christmas day. We also got to watch Amy's kids open their gifts on Skype.

I'm so grateful for the birth of Jesus Christ, and thankful that I could celebrate His birthday with my family.

#12 - The Muppet Christmas Carol

"Light the lamp, not the rat! Light the lamp, not the rat!!!"

This is my favorite Christmas movie and I got to watch it with two of my favorite friends last night. It is full of tender moments, great songs, and perfect comedic timing.

I hope as Christmas day approaches I remember to be kind and generous. I hope that my family knows how much I love them and I hope all my friends know how much I appreciate their love and good examples in my life.

"God bless us, every one!"

#11 - Muppet Family Christmas

It's that time of year, time to watch my Christmas movies. I just added this one to my collection last week. Thanks DW!

We watched it last night and I love it! It was a little touch-and-go when the Sesame Street characters showed up, but luckily the Count did not get very much air time.

It was good to see Robin again, and I love Animal in this flick.

What a great way to start the week. Watch out for the icy patch :)

Ants - Bound for Goodwill

This past Saturday was one of those perfect days. I stayed in my pajamas until almost 7 pm and only changed to go to my ward Christmas party. I was also able to pick up my roommate from the airport in the afternoon (Yes, that's right, in my pajamas) and after the Christmas party we stopped at Starbucks on the way home and got a Peppermint Steamer.

I'm so glad the day turned out so good, mostly because it started on a stupid note. I woke up and decided to knock one more movie off my list. I cozied up with a blanket and my recliner and pushed play. It all went downhill from there. I'm pretty sure that when I bought this movie, I was confused and really thought I was buying "A Bug's Life". I don't like the story line and I really don't like how the ants curse.

I didn't number this blog, because I really don't like this movie. If you have a different opinion, let me know, I'll give you my copy.

#10 A Bug's Life

This past weekend I was in Utah visiting my sister and her family. My sister wasn't feeling well on Saturday evening so I popped in this movie - thinking that for sure this would be another step closer to my goal. I was positive that I owned it.

We watched, just like good TV zombies do, and it was some good down time for me and the kids. Tuck and Roll are my favorite bugs. I often laugh for days thinking about them saying "You're fired!".

When I got home on Tuesday, I planned to move the movie from the "to be watched" pile to the "Wahoo! Once movie closer to my goal." pile and found that I didn't own it!!! Disaster....

No worries, I went to Costco yesterday and I purchased not only A Bug's Life but two more beauties that I'll blog about later.

#9 From Justin to Kelly

You might think that I would / should be embarrassed to own this movie, but I'm not.

When American Idol debuted in 2002 I was living in Colorado and I watched this show every week with some of my very best friends. I was just as crazy as the mass of fans and each week would phone vote over and over and over.......

When the first season was complete I was so excited to #1 go see them in concert and #2 go see the movie they were making.

Last night I watched the movie for the first time in years, and honestly it was like visiting old friends. I really missed Justin and Kelly, and even though the acting is crazy bad and the movie is about spring break (blah), I love the awkward bursting into song and group dancing. I wish I knew all the words so I could sing along.

I was a solid supporter for 7 seasons of American Idol until I moved into my current home. We don't have cable, in fact, we don't get any TV channels at all. Don't be concerned, we watch plenty of movies (thanks projector room) and TV shows on DVD and Netflix.

#8 The Muppets Take Manhattan

Did you know there is a new muppet movie? It opens today, and I'm hoping to see it sometime this weekend. So yesterday I was feeling the need to get in a Muppet state of mind - accomplished by watching Muppets Take Manhattan.

My favorite scene in the movie is the cameo appearance by Gregory Hines. He playes a roller skater in the park. Miss Piggy "borrows" his skates to go after the purse snatcher. Seriously - laugh out loud funny.

*Hint - My collection of Muppet movies is lacking. I'd be totally thrilled with getting some for Christmas :)

#7 Nanny McPhee

Marlene, Teresa and I watched Nanny McPhee last night. I like how the kids start out as clever, sneaky and mostly out of control and are transformed by some "magical" boundary setting love.

I also really like that the Dad is played by Colin Firth. I fell in love with him (along with a million other girls) from a BBC mini-series. He is very handsome in this movie, even when he trips and falls down the stairs.

This movie falls into what I call the "Sunday Movie" category. I'm not against watching TV on Sundays as long as the content is family friendly, or the movie teaches a good lesson.

This is my personal approach. What is your policy on TV on Sundays?

#4, 5 & 6 Raptors Rule

This past weekend I also watched all three of the Jurassic Park movies. These are some of my favorite movies where I totally suspend my disbelief.

Movie 1 - I love the scene in the first movie when Lex falls thru the ceiling and the raptor jumps to grab her. It gets me every time - I always smile when I realize I have been holding my breath.

Movie 2 - In the second movie I love when Sarah and Kelly are digging under the wall to escape and the raptor dives in from the outside just as Kelly is going out. This weekend Mandy actually screamed out loud!

Movie 3 - My favorite scene in the third movie is when Billy & Amanda get trapped by a raptor behind a wire door and the raptor screams in frustration, then looks up and starts climbing over...I always shudder when I think how I would feel, if I could see an animal think through how it was going to kill me.

I like all three equally. I even love how Téa Leoni screams her way through the third movie.

Every time I watch these movies, I imagine I'd be one of the first to get killed off, I don't think I'm tough enough to make it to the rescue sceen. Are you?

#3 - A Knight's Tale

This past weekend was so fun! Deana, Laura, Mandy and I went to Ocean City, MD for a weekend of lazy fun.

Sometimes you need to go away to relax. If I would have stayed home, I may have felt pressure to be productive in some way.

But going away removes that pressure. So we watched movies, snacked and napped the weekend away :)

Friday afternoon we watched A Knight's Tale. I really love this movie. Great jousting and sword fighting action, romantic love story and an amazing soundtrack.

How do you feel about period films with modern music?

#2 - AVP

Moving swiftly along with my goal...I watched Alien vs. Predator on Monday October 31st.

Monday was a special day, because I also celebrated my remission anniversary (actual date - Oct 22nd). 15 years free of cancer!! I met a group of my friends for dinner and then the plan was to head back to my house and watch my favorite movie.

Turns out that not very many people love alien movies like I do :)

So a big thanks to Rachel for taking one for the team and watching it with me.

I LOVE this movie! I think the aliens are super intense and I am excited to be "Team Predator".

Have you ever watched this movie?

The Wizard of Oz

In the past few years, I've found that making silly goals brightens my life (& gives me excuses to invite others to be silly with me.)

I've decided that for 2012 I'm going to watch all the movies I own. I'm not sure exactly how ambitious this goal is - I don't actually know how many movies I own. They take up a whole shelf of the hutch my Dad made. And don't forget the stack of edited movies that don't have cases.

I thought it would be fun to blog each time I watch one - and I know it is technically still 2011 but - I'm worried about accomplishing this goal - so I'm starting early.

I watched The Wizard of Oz (two part viewing) Oct 17 - 18 and while I watched I walked on the treadmill. Win Win!!

I love the music & especially the tone of Judy Garland's voice.

What do you love about this movie?

Mammaw

A Great Lady

Published in York Daily Record & York Dispatch on September 9, 2011

Mary L. (Smyser) Rentzel, 86, of Spring Garden Township, died Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at York Hospital. She was the wife of the late Allen H. Rentzel. A graveside service will be 10 a.m., Monday, September 12, 2011 at Susquehanna Memorial Gardens, 250 Chestnut Hill Rd., York, with the Rev. Barry Stough officiating. A funeral cortege will form at the main entrance of the cemetery at 9:45 a.m. Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Rd., York, is in charge of arrangements.

Born May 8, 1925 in Mundis Mills, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Laura G. (Miller) Smyser. She was employed with Doespun for several years as a cutter until her retirement. She loved the beach, cooking and making dandelion wine.

Mrs. Rentzel is survived by one son, Ron E. Rentzel and wife, Suzanne of York; one daughter, Sandy A. Lutz and husband, Nathan of Lewes, Del.; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; one brother, Nelson Ahrens of Jacobus; two sisters, Janet Rentzel and Kathleen Tome both of York; one uncle, Raymond Miller of Carlisle; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans, Attn: Gift Processing, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250.

Little surprises

Today is Wednesday - and it is my least favorite day of Boot Camp class. Wednesdays are "long run" days. We meet at 5:15 am and the teacher takes attendance and suggests a route.

I say "my least favorite day" because I have a mental block, a big one, that I just can't get past. I have a hard time running for more than 4 minutes at a time. If I know the distance - I often quit running after a 1/2 mile.

I'm sure I could go further - but when my legs hurt and my lungs burn - I just can't seem to make myself push through the pain.

This morning, I decided to tag along with two ladies (just cause it was so dark & a little creepy out) and I mentioned that I would try and keep up but not to worry if I couldn't. They gave each other a "look" and we started at a quick power walk pace (think "high school shuffle").

Once we were a few blocks away (and out of the teacher's sight) they slowed a little and said "We are just walking today. If YOU want to run, we might fall behind."

What a simple phrase to make me so happy. We walked just under 3 miles and were finished by 6 am. I decided to celebrate and have some chocolate for breakfast. I hope the rest of the day is just as good.

Spell Check

This sign is less than a mile from my house. I am baffled that a company (or the state) would pay $ for a sign and not make sure that it is spelled correctly. Seriously Virgina - what exactly is a "constrution" area?

On another note yesterday at church a 9 month old giggled, squealed and clapped her hands when her Dad started giving his talk. I'm pretty sure that it was the cutest thing I have witnessed this year.

Last for today - I went back to my boot camp class after taking a week off. It is less than 12 hours later and I'm almost positive that my legs are turning into jello.

PS - My roommate made baked Brie with orange marmalade last night and I ate WAY more than my share. TG!!

New Jar

Today I'm finding joy in small and simple things.

Like a fresh jar of Goober Grape. I know I've talked about this product before but I just wanted to say that today it made me smile again.

Another item to note - yesterday when I was talking to my nephew on the phone, he reminded me that I need to come visit him and while I'm there I should probably take him to see a movie. I love the honesty and "straight shooting" of a four year old. Wouldn't the world be a simpler place if we could all just say what we think & how we feel?


Lastly - this past Tuesday I was able to experience my first earthquake. It was a 5.9 magnitude earthquake centered about an hour south of my home. I was working, listening to some loud Daughtry on my iPod, when I noticed that my water bottle was dancing on my desk. By the time I realized what was happening the earthquake was over.

I'm in the mood for a good disaster movie - anytime you want to come over and watch "The Day After Tomorrow" just let me know. That would make me happy too.

Summer Time Favorites

Not to long ago, I was just sure that I hated basil. I was so sure that I would buy the Cosi T.B.M. and I would pull off the basil. Then one day a wonderful accident occurred. I was at Panera for lunch and I got the Frontega Chicken sandwich. I was so hungry - I didn't want to waste time pulling off all the chopped basil - and after the first few bites I was in LOVE.

Now my favorite summer time treat includes heirloom tomatoes, either goat or mozzarella cheese, aged balsamic vinegar and lots of basil. This year we are growing genovese, purple and lemon basil out on our back deck.

Best way to enjoy summer - fresh and full of flavor.

Pappaw

A Good Man

Taken from the York Daily Record on June 23, 2011

Allen H. Rentzel, 90, of Spring Garden Township, died Tuesday, June 21, 2011, at York Hospital. He was the husband of Mary L. (Smyser) Rentzel. The couple celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary on May 2, 2011. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday at Susquehanna Memorial Gardens in York Township.

Funeral Cortege will form at the main gate of the cemetery at 1:45 p.m. Full military Honors will be provided by York County Veterans Honor Guard at the start of the service. The Rev. Barry Stough will be officiating at the service. Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Road in York, is in charge of the arrangements.

Mr. Rentzel was born in Dover, on July 7, 1920, a son of the late Paul E. and Annie B. (Henry) Rentzel. He worked for many years in roofing and siding and then retired from Fincor Corporation where he worked for 16 years. He served in the 9th Armor Division in the U.S. Army in WWII. He loved fishing, camping, gardening, and metal detecting on the beach.

Along with his wife, Mr. Rentzel leaves a son, Ron E. Rentzel and his wife, Suzanne of York; a daughter, Sandy A. Lutz and her husband, Nathan of Lewes, Del.; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; two sisters, Phyllis Livingston and Catherine Eisenhower, both of Dover; and nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans, Attention: Gift Processing, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250.

MDG

My roommate experience is limited.

Until I moved to Virginia, I pretty much lived alone. But it is expensive here and secretly I'm so glad! During the last five years I have lived with some amazing girls. They each have added some portion of joy to my life.

I lived with MDG for about a year starting in the summer of 2008. She has a mile long list of good qualities....but for today I'd just like to thank her for making time for me.

Thanks MDG! I appreciate you :)

One Step at a Time

This is a picture I took from the top of Mount Sinai in Egypt. This hike was one of the most physically challenging feats I've ever tried.
(The trail is about 5 miles long and the mountain is 7,497 feet high.)

We started up the mountain in the middle of the night so we would make it by sunrise. In the beginning I was able to stay with the group. But as we went on I fell further and further behind. After awhile I encouraged my supporters to go forward without me as I didn't want them to miss the sunrise. (I was sure I would.)

The time I had to hike alone gave me time to ponder. The quiet peaceful night and cool fresh air did wonders for my soul. I knew that if I could just keep putting one foot in front of the other I would eventually meet my goal.

My poor out of shape legs and lungs finally made it to the top about 20 minutes before the sun came up. The view was breathtaking. I'm sure my life is that way. Sometimes I'll be able to keep up and sometimes I'll need to struggle on my own but I have faith that it will be worth the effort.

Matching Pants

I moved into an amazing house three years ago.
Best thing I ever did! I love these girls.

2008

2009

2010

My Dad

I love my Dad. I love him for lots of reasons. Here are a few...

He is patient.

He is an optimist.

He never gives up.

He is a good provider.

He taught me to love sci-fi.

He laughs when he is in pain.

He can fix just about anything.

He taught me how to shoot a gun.

He spends 10 minutes texting me two sentences.

He is and always will be one of my very best friends.

Oh... and he taught me that oatmeal is best eaten with melted chocolate chips, waffles are better with ice cream and tapioca pudding is great if you like eating "Spider eyes".

Results

I completed the Crystal City 5K Friday on April 15th.

Check out my time. I'm so SLOW!!!

Favorites

This is a picture from my most recent birthday. It shocks me to recognize the fact that I turned 34 this year. Can you believe it? I can't.

But....this post is not about my denial, it is about my favorite people. I guess somewhere in the past ten years I've decided that it is okay to have favorites (as long as I try to be kind to everyone). It just seems natural that you can't be best friends with everyone. Certain people kind of sneak in at pivotal points in my life and I just love them for it. I've learned that I have a guarded personality, but if you make it past my first line of defense - I actually will open up.

Everyone in this picture is a favorite - each individual has a special place in my heart for a specific reason. This year was the best birthday yet! All I wanted was a group picture and lots of hugs, but I got a few presents too.

Just so you know, I have a lot of favorite people that are not pictured here....but hopefully - you know who you are and that I love you!

Boot Camp

It seems that ever since I had my 24th birthday I have been slowly and consistently gaining weight and getting lazy. Sometimes I feel that it is my right. I'm an adult, if I want to follow that path, I know no one will stop me. I like to sleep in. I like to eat out. I like to watch movies. I like to make and eat baked goods. Problem is - I'd also like to be able to walk up a flight of stairs with out breathing hard!! and somewhere inside of me I really do believe that I should take care of my body.

Last year I decided that I would start running. Spring of 2010 - I knew there needed to be a plan - so I walked and walked and walked....then I tried to jog (but often ended up walking) one of my awesome roommates often offered to come along and was a great cheerleader. I found that I do not self-motivate. I do better when someone is watching. I push myself and try harder. I started having more energy and I slept better at night. The system seemed to be working and I felt great.

Then it got cold - and I stopped - everything I had started.

Feb 3rd, Living Social offered a month of Boot Camp Exercise Classes for $25. The class is 45 minutes and starts at 5:15 AM - Monday thru Friday. I think it would be a great way to get back on that horse - you know the one I fell off of in the fall? Seems like a good deal right?

Well the class is full of skinny, toned girls. They can do push ups, sit ups, run the stairs and do a million reps with out slowing down. I can honestly say that it intimidates me. I may also admit that I get discouraged that I can't seem to do a fraction of what everyone in the room is doing and that after 3 classes, I was sure that I would quit. But, the very best part is - that I also think it is funny. Funny that I can't even do one push up or one sit up. Funny that my arms are burning after 5 reps and funny that I have to move out of the way on the stairs so I don't get run over.

Now ask me why would I share this internal drama with my friends? I'd like you to hold me to my commitment. I signed up for three months of this torture - March, April and May. My teacher promises that I will see progress if I do my best during every class. So please, ask me how it is going and when I tell you how horrible it is, give me a hug and tell me I can do it!

Food is Love

I learned a great truth from my Mamaw as a little girl. Basically is boils down to the simple statement - Food is Love. This always leads me in two different directions. One - If you love someone, you will feed them. (Whether they are hungry or not.) And two - If someone loves you, they will love the food you cook. I know if your last name isn't Rentzel you might not understand this, but trust me, it is true.

My Mamaw was born in 1925 and grew up in Glades, PA. She is a strong, giving and loving woman, rich with opinions and traditions. She is also one of the best cooks in my life. Some of my favorite dishes she makes are - Hog Maw, Chicken Cacciatore, Fried Livers & Mashed Potatoes, Red Beets w/Eggs, Potato Salad, Lemon Sponge Pie, Chocolate Cake w/Peanut Butter Icing, Chocolate Peanut Butter Easter Eggs, and Poof (Watergate Salad).

This past Christmas she kept telling me how much she liked my new shoes..... so I bought her a pair to match! She asked me if a "Grandma can wear silver shoes with sparkles?" and I replied that they can wear whatever they choose.

I love her so much and I'm so blessed to have her in my life. The silver shoes look good. Right?

Loopholes

This year instead of making multiple New Year resolutions I decided to make monthly goals instead. My January goals were not to drink soda and not to watch any TV shows. The "No TV Shows" was an excellent goal. Sometimes I waste my brain watching to much TV and it made sense to me to get that impulse under control. But to stop drinking soda for a month is just a crazy, seriously ridiculous goal. Why would I want to do that??? Well turns out I really didn't want to - so check out my loopholes.

1 - I had several bottles of sparkling apple juice because it is not soda, it is juice that just happens to have carbonation. Really it was "premium quality 100% juice from U.S. grown fresh apples, with no concentrates, no added water, no preservatives, no sweeteners and no additives of any kind".

2 - One cup (plus a refill) of "Orange Drink". Yes - Not Soda - definitely in the same family as punch and really, punch is not soda.

3 - Two bottles of single serve Kool Aid. Once again, punch, not soda.

4 - One big glass of lemonade. I took a vote among the roommates and they all voted that lemonade would never be considered soda.

I'm going to have to make February a little tighter - less room for any possible loopholes.

Wish me luck!

airing my grievances

I have a $200 Travel Voucher Exchange Coupon expiring the end of January. I'm thinking "Great! I'll use it to go visit my buddies in Denver."

I couldn't figure out how to use it on-line so I called. (PS - In general - I hate, hate, hate talking on the phone.)

I just finished speaking with the airline representative - and BOOOOOO to their policy on redeeming Travel Vouchers.

After I got the flights & seats picked (and it takes FOREVER on the phone compared with the two minute on-line process), I tell the rep that I have the voucher and she tells me -

"I will put your reservation on hold and you will have 7 days to send the voucher to us by CERTIFIED MAIL."

I THINK - "WHAT? Are you crazy? I mean - Is your company completely insane? Why do you print all these codes on the coupon if one of them won't validate it in your fancy computer system?"

then...

I THINK - "First you inconvenience me so much that you offer me a voucher to compensate.... then when I try and use it you make it difficult!!!! I know your game.... you give us these vouchers so we don't make a scene....then you make it impractical so use it so we don't bother and you don't have to loose any money!"

then...

I SAY - "I understand that is the policy. But that is REALLY frustrating."

"Sorry Ma'am - that is our policy. You could also take it to an airport and redeem it at the ticket counter."

Oh yeah...well still completely rude, but my closest airport is a mere 5 minutes away.

Take that Frontier!!!

Speaking of BC

A few months ago BC introduced me to pupusas (a traditional Salvadoran dish.) BC knows I like cheese and I remember her emphasizing the fact that they would be stuffed with "cheesy goodness". So since I've been more adventurous lately - and I'm willing to try anything once - we went for a Friday lunch.

It just so happens that BC's favorite pupusaria is about a five minute drive from my office. Bonus! I'm not the best at descriptions - but "cheesy goodness" almost covers it. Combine that with a crunchy cabbage topping and a tangy sauce and folks, you have just described my new favorite food.

I'm pretty sure I could eat these everyday. Lucky for me they are only $1.50 each!

Dear BC

Dear BC - This is why you are one of my favorite friends...

- You have a never ending supply of hugs.
- You encourage me to be better.
- You help me look toward the positive side of life.
- You can be silly.
- You can jump really high.
- You can sleep for 10 hours.
- You can sing like an angel (and you are very entertaining).
- You listen when I need to cry.
- You read scriptures with me.

- You have been on two cruises with me.
- You are an amazing missionary.
- You are always kind to me.
- You make time in your life for me.

There is more to this list, but these are my highlights today. I love you!

A Summary

I often feel like I spend all my time at work. Weekends seem to speed by, as do vacations - let alone just an evening, where I need to pack in errands, movies & TV, dinners, baking, visiting teaching, institute, exercising, volunteering at the temple, important chats with friends, etc. If you take in to consideration my strong desire to travel (everywhere!) and spend more frequent quality time with my family, I could probably quit working all together and still be crazy busy.

I know work is important. I understand the need to support myself. Health insurance, a paycheck and a feeling of contributing - these are all good things. But this feeling that I live in a crazy world - working FIVE out of seven days a week seems a bit much. Wouldn't it be better to work three and have off four?

And yet looking back at 2010 - all these feelings aren't even based on reality. I only worked 50.7% of the year. Check it out -

185 days working in the office
104 days for the weekends
30 vacation days
18 CWS days
11 holidays
9 days (out of the office) in Training
4 snow days
4 sick days

So go ahead - tell me I have a good life. I actually already know, and I feel blessed.