my summer vacation

A fun six weeks. Here are some things I learned about myself and accomplished this summer::

1) I love watching the nuns recite the Holy Rosary on the Catholic channel. The sound is slightly haunting. Having grown up in a Protestant church I didn't have much exposure to nuns so I think that's what interests me so much. If you ever get a chance you should check this out. The nuns are in full garb and SO SOLEMN. There's one nun who is in a crazy trance looking state. It's AMAZING. Its also interesting that Mother Angelica looks like she is reading it each time even though they say their Hail Mary's over and over. I'm not making fun, I seriously love this show. The nuns, though all in habits, are all so different looking and how they pray is different. Is there a difference between nuns with white head covers and black head covers??

2) I accidentally taught my cat to drink from the faucet in the 1st floor bathroom. I was hanging laundry on the line with the window wide open. I didn't want him to jump out so I distracted him with running water to sip on. oops.

3) Kevin Kinsella continues to rock my world with his music.

4) Turns out I'm an expert taper/painter. All I need is a ZenCast and cool weather.

5) Walking in the morning is fun. I truly wish I could get my "sunshine booty" (as Kami says) up before school everyday and traipse around our neighborhood...

6) Canning is fun! and tasty! and good for the soul! (Kristina documented our last gathering - to make blueberry jam and peach salsa - here)

7) If left to not work for the rest of my life I would have the cleanest house ever. It turns out I have a very hard time sitting idle for long.

8) If I don't make a detailed list of things to do for my day when I'm off I feel like I haven't accomplished anything. I feel guilty and depressed.

9) The list has to be detailed. Did I mention that? On my list of things to do this summer I included "write" -- what counts? I edited my thesis. I wrote some here. I think I intended to work on a major writing project. *sigh*

10) I have a patron! An anonymous donor gave me a laptop on which to write my first children's novel. I'm still brain storming ...

11) Becoming more aware of how I am really feeling is the key to being comfortable. Not just being aware of it, but acting on it, staying true to it. Those who actually love me for who I am will continue to love and support me.

12) I'm not much of a gardener but am thankful that my inlaws are! (yummy fresh food!!)

13) I heart Keb'Mo' !!

14) Sandwiches taste way better with 2 layers of romaine.

15) I can wear a real bikini (and did! for the first time in my life!)

16) Fruit-tea (caffeine free, all natural) iced with some flavored seltzer is DELICIOUS.

17) A house full of color makes me feel happy and comfortable

18) My life is full of blessings -- everywhere I turn I'm witness to the beauty in my world.