nerds need love too...

in this first month of 2012, i've learned a random thing or two about life, the world, and myself. Life can flit by so quickly and haphazardly that i forget to take stock of these things. here's an attempt to remember...

Weather Surprises: i realized i am far more grateful for the PNW weather than i previously thought. maybe it's because it hasn't been a typical winter season. there has been some sun, some clouds, a pile of rain, and even a wee bit of snow. i must admit i love snow and wish the PNW received a bit more from Jack Frost each year. still, i cannot complain, for i don't even need to own a snow shovel. just an ice scraper for my car...and i don't.

Microsoft Excel: to my dismay, i'm becoming more adept in using excel. sure, it's all work-driven but i'm actually learning to like its features and not roll my eyes every time i see those little cell boxes.

The Book of Awakening: i started reading this book -- a lesson a day -- and have been deeply grateful for this spiritual experience. pick up a copy. it will challenge you in the greatest of ways.

Dots Candy: chewy, little pieces of fruit candy. fat free yet straight sugar. curses to the friend that got me hooked on these. a few of these gems are the perfect remedy for a little sugar craving. particularly when a piece of real fruit just simply isn't enough.

Nerds Need Love Too: with a Christmas gift card, i purchased a vintage baseball tee that has a picture of "Little Miss Sunshine" on it dressed as a nerd with this title below her smiling face. yes, i purchased it. yes, i love to read and write. yes, i am a nerd. just love me for it...

Computer Glasses: based on the aforementioned reading, writing, and excelling, i needed to get computer glasses to strengthen my vision and support my weary, strained eyes. so now i have glasses for long distance and glasses for computer usage. they are black, rather hip, and go perfectly with my t-shirt.

Women Journalists: i've been reading more about women journalists around the world. such interesting lives, deep passion for important world issues, and yet receive little acknowledgement for their work in exposing and exploring the many layers to both sides of a story. support them, read their work whenever you can, and thank them for pulling your attention out from behind your starbucks-adled life.

Birthdays & Anniversaries: january is full of birthdays and anniversaries of those i hold dear. i forget, however, to wish them well on their special days. it's difficult to keep track of my laundry, let alone a birthday. so i've failed this month in sending best wishes to some people. and have remembered for others. don't take it personally if i've forgotten your special day -- i haven't meant to -- and know i love you even when i forget to say so.

Projects: sometimes i love them. sometimes i abhor them. now, i don't mean work projects here; those always need to get done. i'm talking about those 'would be great if you could finish but no one will notice if you don't either' kind of project. file organization, photo books, recipe organization, home decor, mail sorting, to name a few. will i really save minutes in my day if my recipes are categorized?

I Heart Madge: my little honda accord is getting up in years. she is tired, quirky, and full of spitfire. her latest obsession? no defrost, heat, or A/C. she's au naturale...and wants me to do the same by rolling down the windows while driving in frigid temperatures. but i still love her. cannot seem to work up the courage to trade her in.

Headsets Don't Like Me: no matter what, headsets always get tangled up in my possession. it doesn't matter how i wrap them up. whether for my iphone or work phone, headsets seem to take one look at me and run in circles to get away. i spend minutes every day untangling a headset just to use it, dammit

Life is Beautiful: just the way it is. chaotic, unjust, painful, laugh-able, excruciating. all of it is blessed, somehow. stained by us humans yet anointed by the Divine. truly remarkable stuff.

here's to january. a great start to more ponderings and learnings in the year ahead...