somewhat recently

2012

currently nestled under a blanket on the couch listening to the sounds of the wind and rain. it's supposed to snow tonight. first snow of the year. which sounds cozy to me.

so far, this year has been full of frustrations. which is not altogether a bad thing. because eventually, frustrations pave the way for improvement. but these frustrations leave me tired and are taking the fight out of me. and as much as i try to stay positive and optimistic and remain hopeful that these are just growing pains, it's making me feel off balance. thank goodness the fast is coming up. it always has such perfect timing. i'm eagerly looking forward to early mornings and moments of quiet solitude and reflection and the opportunity to refocus.

yesterday, i went for a walk with a friend, followed by frozen yogurt and hamburgers and fries. the weather was lovely and it felt so nice to be outside in the sun. naturally, my heart got excited for warm weather adventures: picnics, reading a good book outside, bike rides, enjoying ice cream in the sun, hiking, tree climbing, catching fireflies. my soul is in need of some california loving this summer. family time, laughter, frivolity, delicious food, beach visits, scenery, reunions with favorites, redwood trees, sleeping outside under layers of blankets and the stars. it needs to happen.

until then, time for growth and improvement.

fresh starts

new year, new beginnings, fresh start.

last year was pretty full of some major milestones. like finishing grad school, finding a legit full-time job, officially moving 350 miles away from my family, living by myself for the first time ever. last year was also pretty full of some minor milestones.

all are equally important in the growth process. this year though...i have some good feelings about this year. i've got my fingers crossed that this year will be all about refining and improving. but most of all, this year will be a year of expanding. my thoughts, feelings, beliefs, patience, creativity, and most importantly of all, my heart.

so 2012, bring on the greatness because i am ready!

dear future husband,

i think about you often. i find myself wondering where you are, what you're doing, and mostly, whether you are happy. i wonder if we've already met or, if not, how our first encounter will play out. what our first conversation will be about. whether we'll know right away or whether our love will slowly blossom. i think of the adventures you and i will have together. of how our lives will be so much sweeter and richer. of the laughter we will share and the family we will one day create together. i can't wait.

with love,

mona

listing

you remember what is lost, and you forget what is right in front of you.

summer goodness:

endless amounts of ice cream. devouring books. catching up on tv and many movies. time at the pool. reuniting with favorites.

in other news:

i am super excited for next summer and the plans i have created in my head. now i just need to spend the next few months turning it into a reality.

homesick for, always:

bosch: the beauty, comfort, and inspiration of the redwood trees. the smell of the forest. the sun shining on the top of the mountain. being surrounded by pure hearts and feeling the love that comes from serving together. how prayer makes everything better. endless laughter with fellow counselors and teachers. witnessing transformation of the most wonderful youth. the bond of love that souls create.

reminders

--enjoy the next five weeks as much as possible

--absorb and learn as much from the amazing people i am lucky to have around me

--love fully and constantly keep my heart open

--not to hide my light (courtesy of jpg)

--be genuine all the time (courtesy of pta)

--laugh loudly and fully

--bask in happiness and the sunlight

--be grateful always

dear april,

i know it's only been a week, but seriously? i know the saying is 'april showers brings may flowers,' but these 'showers' are more than just a little intense. maybe you could ease up. just a little bit.

thank you,

mona

* * *

too much stuff has happened in the last week. things that came completely out of left field. pretty much unbelievable. something is definitely in the air. i'm ready for normalcy.

there is some good news though: spring break in one week! i'm so excited for the georgia sun, time to sleep in, working at my old school, catching up with friends, nights with my family, spending time with my cousins, and reading for the fun of it.

i've also started to make a list of things i'm super excited for this summer. here is a glimpse:

--drive-in theater

--star gazing

--tubing in helen

--flicks on fifth

--swimming

--sleeping in

--reading

--riding bikes in the park

--laughter