So much to do... so little time...

I have been a rather sporadic blogger, I know. But unless I make a concerted effort to write a new post, it just doesn't happen. Work has been busy (thankfully!), and although life outside of work doesn't seem particularly exciting lately, the days still pass by quickly. I can't figure out where the time goes...?
In any case, here is a quick run-down of what I have been up to:

• Practicing my new guitar - this takes up the majority of my free time
• Running/working out in the gym - most of this is done in the wee hours of the morning (what some might call the "cri-z-z-z-ack of dawn!")
• Reading - I pretty much only read while on the eliptical these days
• Playing with N's Mac - I keep saying I am going to get a MacBook, but I want to make sure it does everything I am looking for in a laptop (I am VERY impressed with it!)
• Baking - my officemates always appreciate that one... =P
• Laundry - it seems like the more I work out, the more often I have to do laundry
• Reading/watching the news - preparing for the upcoming oral boards
• Checking out USAJobs.com (in case the oral boards don't go so very well -always gotta have a backup plan!) ;-)
• Hanging with friends - only really on weekends, but my weekends are BOOKED for like the next month and a half!

So, yeah... that's my life in a nutshell.

Oh, in other news... The landscaping in our front yard was just finished the other day, so I will post a picture as soon as I find batteries for my camera (or I recharge the ones currently in the camera). It actually looks nice... nothing like the jungle it was!

Of faeries and fireflies

It was a calm, sultry night... If I were writing a story that began last night, that would be the opening line I think. Well, maybe not, but it does describe the feeling of last night as I wandered aimlessly throughout my neighborhood. The sun had set, but the sky was still rather bright, scattered with puffy golden clouds. In the shadows, fireflies glowed, making an adorable little English-style garden look as though under some magical spell. I could picture Ciderella's fairy godmother waving her wand, scattering sparkling magic dust in the flower beds. Hanging from the tree branches were little lanterns, which, from a distance, made me think of faeries (notice the use of the English spelling... I felt as if I had been transported to another place and time). I could have stood there staring at this picturesque front yard for a very long time if it weren't for the fact that I did not want to cause suspicion. The sweetest little old couple (I would guess that they are octagenarians) live there, and I could just imagine that one of their neighbors probably look out for them.

I hope if I ever become one of those old ladies, who spends all her time in the garden, my garden looks very much like that. =)

Beautiful

Lately I have not been the kind of person who sees the glass half full. Actually, I have been more of the kind of person you would want to avoid if you are already feeling rather low because I would only bring you further down. Today, however, began quite differently. I knew as I stepped out the door that I was headed for traffic (I heard about it on the radio), but figured there was really no shorter way to go (that was probably an incorrect assumption, considering how much time I spent at a stand-still). I opened the sun-roof, turned up the music and sat there… waiting. I looked to the east and noticed a distinctly pink hue in the sky. Moments later, a bright orange sun appeared at the horizon. It was absolutely breath-taking!

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair

When sorrow seems to surround you
When suffering hangs heavy oer your head
Know that tomorrow brings
Wholeness and healing
God knows your need
Just believe what He said

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair

I once was lost but God has found me
Though I was bound I’ve been set free
I’ve been made righteous in His sight
A display of His splendor all can see
~ Crystal Lewis

2 weeks, 10 days, and counting...

I can't wait!!! =D


On a completely seperate note, I just learned something this morning... I got an email from my boss that said "BZ" on something I had done yesterday. By the tone of the rest of the email, I was pretty sure BZ stood for something good, but I really had no idea what it meant in actuality. So, I Googled it (of course). Turns out it is a naval signal (Bravo Zulu), meaning "well done." Who knew?! Well, I suppose our Navy personnel knew, and now I do too. =)