Loving… that Christmas is a mere four days away. I have so much anticipation right now! I do have to work Christmas Eve, but I’m hoping to get off work in time to attend a candlelight service at a nearby church with my mom. Dutch and I will be spending the night at her place on Christmas Eve and then spend the morning preparing to host Christmas dinner for our family. (We’re both a wee bit stressed out about hosting dinner, but I think we’ll get through it with our sanity intact. I hope so, at least.)
Reading… Instant Attraction by Jill Shalvis. I read this book back in 2010 and have a rave review of it on Goodreads, and decided to re-read it. I’m on a mission to read as many contemporary romance novels as I can to give me some inspiration for my novel, which is in the same genre. This is the kind of research I can totally get behind!
Anticipating… writing my “Best of 2015” posts for this year. It’s something I’ve been doing since 2009 and it’s one of my favorite yearly traditions. The first post will be published on Wednesday, so stay tuned!
Planning… my goals for 2016. I have some really specific ideas in mind for what I want to accomplish in the new year, based on how I am feeling as I wrap up 2015.
Thinking… constantly about my novel and the kind of work I want to put out into the world.
Frustrated… with car issues. My car has, thankfully, been problem-free since I got it almost three years ago, but the past two weeks have been very costly ones on the car front. I think I’ve spent more than $800 between an oil change, engine inspections, four new tires, and a necessary repair to a water pump. And there is still a $600 repair that it will need soon, but that I just cannot afford right now. I really, really wish I didn’t have to be dependent on a car.
Wondering… how I am going to focus on work this week! I am such a little kid at heart when it comes to Christmas, and I’m filled with so much joy about what this week will bring.
Feeling… up and down, I guess is the best way to describe it. Some days I am happy and carefree and feeling so blessed with my life, and other days, I am lonely and worn out and wanting to hibernate for a month straight. It’s this strange dichotomy that has me feeling like my emotions are playing Russian roulette on a daily basis.
Sad… about Grandma, about my dad, about the missing pieces in my life.
Grateful… for the beauty of my life. I have so much to be thankful for: a beautiful home, a wonderful roommate, fabulous friends, a loving mother, a supportive brother, adorable nephews, a job I love, and a dog I adore. I have a good life, and it’s easy to forget that when I constantly ponder the “what if’s” and the “should have’s.”
Wishing… that loved ones could make phone calls from Heaven. I’d just like to hear my grandma’s voice again.
What are you currently reading, anticipating, and grateful for?
I’m in the middle of doing my planning for 2016 as well! There’s so much to look forward to.
Reading: $2 a Day (still – I’ve been terrible at finding time to read lately)
Anticipating: Having a few days off for the holidays. Can’t wait!
Grateful: I am so so grateful for our new home. I absolutely love it here and I’m so glad we moved. It’s nice and warm, the location is perfect, and our kitchen is so much more functional than our old one was.
I love seeing people’s best of posts! I’ll be doing a book one next week!
I’m reading “Inside the O’Briens” which I am really enjoying, anticipating the celebration of Christmas with Phil’s family and mine, and grateful that we’ll get to see both families over the holiday!
Hugs. Many happy Christmas wishes to you. <3 <3
We are blog twins today! Currently posts and both planning our goals for 2016. 🙂
Some days I really wish I didn’t need a car. They can be such an expensive pain!
Sending you love and hugs, and wishing you a happy holiday with your fam. <3
Your “grateful” section describes my own feelings a lot of the time, too. Like you, I have so many amazing things that I’m grateful for, but I spend so much time worrying about “what-if” scenarios that it takes away my enjoyment of some of those things sometimes. It’s tough being an anxious person or a worrier. I get you. <3 Anyway, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!
I can’t wait to see your “best of” posts! I love looking back on the year and going over some of the best things that have happened. I have my book one done but am waiting just in case I read something absolutely fabulous in the next 10 days that I may want to add to the list! I am currently reading the Beekeepers Apprentice, which seems pretty good so far!
OMG CAR EXPENSES. I hate them! We had to drop almost $1,000 on my car in the past week and I want to scream! If a car is going to cost me the equivalent of a college degree (or at least part of one), I think it should last me as long, am I right?!
Currently reading: Station Eleven – JUST started this (I’m like 10 pages in), but my book club in January is reading it and it is engaging so far!
Anticipating: Time with my boys on Christmas Eve – Ben has to work Christmas but we’re both off Christmas Eve so we’ll have Christmas with the three of us that day.
Grateful for: family nearby who are supportive and understanding.
Ugh, car expenses. Over the last year or so, mine has underwent one repair, or new addition, or the usual oil change, tire replacement, etc. after another. Car maintenance truly should not be so costly. I pray yours stays in good shape in the long run.
I also know what you mean when you mentioned your feelings are playing Russian Roulette – I’ve been experiencing similar up and down days for the last couple of months or so. As much as there is to be thankful for in my life, I can’t seem to shake the up and down dichotomy that surrounds it.
Reading: The Museum of Extraordinary Things by Alice Hoffman. The plot is more on the simplistic side and the character arcs and interactions don’t always work well, but the story is engaging and meaningful.
Anticipating: Spending a relaxing Christmas Eve with my boyfriend, and looking forward to gatherings with our families on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. I am a child at heart when it comes to Christmas too, and I adore the magic of the season!
Grateful for: My extra-wonderful boyfriend, my fantastic friends, and our families, in whatever forms they come in.
Looking forward to your next posts!