In all the stress of life, I have been trying to think about my "happy places" – things that help me get through all the chaos.  I came up with quite a list, and here are a few of them . . .

Lily at the Piano

Lily truly loves the piano, and since starting lessons two months ago, she has just blossomed.  A day doesn't go by when I don't catch her sitting at the piano experimenting or practicing her songs – and this is after she has already practiced with me each morning.  I can't wait to see where she goes with this – we may have another Uncle Brian on our hands :).

Gas Prices

They have dropped almost $2/gallon in the past month.  It really makes me and my wallet happy :).

The Office

After four years of people telling Kevin and I how much we would love the TV show "The Office," we finally watched it.  It is awesome!  We love it.  We are now halfway down with season four, and can't wait to see what clever and hilarious things we have ahead of us.  Whenever Kevin and I really need a pick-me-up, we snuggle down in bed, turn on his laptop and watch a few episodes.  We haven't laughed that hard in forever.

Not Being in High School (or school in general)

The other night I had a nightmare that I was in high school, and had somehow skipped my math class for two straight months.  I had to make up the work, or I would be kicked out.  But then I couldn't find my locker, and when I found it, I had to break in because I didn't know the combination.  I woke up so grateful it wasn't true. 

As much as I loved school, the day I took that last college final was the best day ever!!  It is ironic that I then went and taught school, but it is different when you are the teacher.  Here's to being done with it all :).  (No, I have no intention of ever getting a Masters degree.)

The High School Musical Soundtrack

We are listening to this CD constantly in the car, and I love it.  My favorite song is "Can I Have this Dance."  I also loving "I Want it All" and am thinking there is a new ring-tone in my future, as it is totally worthy of replacing "Fabulous."  Hmm, maybe this is why I am having nightmares about high school . . .

Good Books

I love reading, and am doing more of it than I ever have – which says a lot for me, since I have always been a reader.  (If you want to know more about my favorite books, go to my "Many Favorite Books" page.)  And I have book club next week – another happy place.

The Weather

The fall and winter in Savannah make dealing with all the bugs and other creatures almost worth it :). 

Photography

Last week I did two photo shoots and I have a few more coming up in the next week or so.  Did I mention that I LOVE taking pictures?  To check out what I have been up to lately, go to my site, That Brown Girl Photography.

 
Friends

I am so blessed to have amazing friends, and have had a great time getting together for lunch with a few of them lately.  And I think I would be a crazy person without my friend Marilyn who lives downstairs.

The Gospel, Temples, and a Living Prophet

As the world gets more and more insane, and the lines between right and wrong seems to be disappearing, I am so grateful for a Prophet of God to guide us in these tumultuous times.  On Saturday I got to go to the Columbia, South Carolina Temple with my friends whose son is preparing to go on his mission.  It was so wonderful and peaceful.