Happiness

Christms this year was rough for me. Yes, there are definitely reasons why, but those are not important. Let me just say the following: the best part of Christmas by a wide margin this year was unwrapping the various pieces of the nativity and talking as a family about what they meant to us. Second was church on Christmas; my parents ward did an amazing musical program.

Spending time playing games with my family was also fun. I hadn't played nerts in such a long time. Other than that, Shaine put a huge smile on my face with her Midnight Christmas announcement that I will be aunt Katy to a baby Athey in July 2012. I am grateful for the real reason we celebrate Christmas and to have people in my life who are so caring and fabulous.

Various and assorted thoughts

I am so glad that God has seen fit to place some fabulous people in my life. There are some genuinely selfless and amazing people surrounding me. Often, I feel undeserving of all the wonderfulness.

At this time of year, when the leaves on our trees here in California go rapidly from green to red to yellow and then blow off in a 70 mph gust, I wish for more lasting fall colors. I also wish for a house with a yard and lots of leaves to rake so I can make a giant pile and jump in it.

Water has a flavor. If not, when you drank it, it would be like liquid air in your mouth. Disagree with me...I dare you!