Rainbow Chip Frosting

Tonight after work I went to Thriftway to get some groceries, and made the unfortunate mistake of turning down the baking aisle. I went in search of raw sugar, for this tea that I like. I didn't find any raw sugar, but I did find Rainbow Chip frosting! And of course, what goes better with it than Rainbow Chip cake mix? So now, about 2 hours later, I am sitting here in my apartment surrounded by the smell of freshly baked cupcakes! Of course, most of you who know me know that I rarely eat baked goods, so after my 1/2 of a cupcake I won't be having any more. But wow, was that frosting good!

So, there's a lighthearted anecdote as introduction to my first blog in awhile. A lot has happened in the last 3 weeks or so. My new job is going well, I am getting in to the swing of things and adjusting. Trying to do everything right, and do the best I can. I am definitely ready for spring to be here. Teaching for 5 hours in an arena with an aluminum cover is VERY difficult when it's raining. I am getting good at shouting loudly at my students! We've had some crazy weather-- snow, rain, hail, sleet, etc, and I am for sure ready for spring!

Last weekend my mom moved from our wonderful house on K Street to our temporary home in University Place. It has been an emotional week or so. Although I haven't been too upset throughout this process, it was definitely stressful and emotional. It didn't make it any easier that we had to fight snow, rain, hail, thunder, and other eventful weather throughout our weekend of moving. I feel blessed that the move was relatively painless- we survived generally injury free, and most of the major things are unpacked. We are so blessed to have this great house to live in in the interim... But it was hard moving out of the house that we all loved so much. Yesterday I went back to check the mail, and went inside, and walked through each room, remembering all of the fun, and good and bad that happened in each place. Although I didn't spend a ton of time at that house, because during the time we lived there I was in college, it was always a wonderful place of respite that I enjoyed coming home to.

However, one big lesson I have learned in my life is that "home" is not one specific place. Home is where you make memories with people you love (i.e. family or college friends), it is a place of warmth, quiet, LOTS of laughter!, and sanctuary from the outside world. In my life, my home has been in many places, and each place I have lived has truly felt like home. Walking through the empty shell of our house yesterday reminded me of this. The young couple who bought our house must be thrilled to begin the journey of their first house, which will take care of them as it did us.

Okay, that's about as much nostalgia/tears as I can handle for tonight! Thanks for reading. I promise I won't go so long in between blogs next time. And Rachel/Kara, Shanon, you need to update your blogs as well! :-) love love!