Thanksgiving Post: Reflections on Greenwood

Because this is my first Thanksgiving away from home, I've decided to give specific thanks for this new place that I call home.

Top 10 Things I am Thankful for in Greenwood:

10. Passing the "Wishing Well Motel" every day on my way to work. It's known for its prostitutes and, ironically, in the fall for its family friendly pumpkin patch. I also love that right above it, if you're driving south, you'll read this sign "Do you know Jesus?"

9. Days spent at the laundry mat. Hearing 7 different languages and watching every single kid love Sponge Bob on the back TV.

8. Living near two beautiful parks that are perfect for walking and reading books in.

7. Living very close to the wonderful Greenwood Public Library!

6. Being able to drive to downtown Indy or the middle of the country (by either driving north or south) in just a matter of minutes. Truly the best of both worlds.

5. Our new church! It was the very first one that we tried and it is a perfect fit.

4. The constant noise and entertainment (chihuahuas, fire twirling, the fire dept, etc) that our neighborhood provides.

3. Our FANTASTIC Goodwill stores! We have two are they are the greatest that I have shopped at ever!

2. Working at the county jail. I am thankful that in this economy that both Mark and I are employed at jobs that we love. I am also thankful for all of our co-workers who, in true police force fashion, have become our closest friends and our new little family.

1. The fact that after years of waiting, Mark and I (finally!!!!) live in the same place!

Thank you all for reading and for being incredible blessings in my life! May the Lord Bless and Keep you as you enjoy your Thanksgiving Weekend!

Week in Review

This week was Mark's Week Away/My "Amy-Time" Week:

While Mark hunted, successfully getting a squirrel but not the deer he wanted, I spent my Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at work. I did, however, make time Tuesday for an Amy day. After a quick clean of the apartment and a trip to the laundry mat. I took myself to the mall, not unusual because that's where I walk on rainy days, but that day I treated myself to a manicure! My first this year and wonderful! Then I spent lots of time at the library, bought myself a $7 Jimmy John's meal on the way home, and then proceeded to spend the afternoon watching a season and a half of "Sex and the City." It was selfish but oh-so needed and wonderful!

Saturday I went to the Lutheran High School Cheerleader's Brunch and Fashion Show with Mel. It was a great time and I was thankful to spend the morning with some wonderful ladies. Then Kristi, my mother-in-law, and I drove up to Sheridan to go to their library's annual craft bazaar. (Mark's aunt is the head librarian there and she invited us) It was amazing to see what people can think of and create! I thank God for the many talents of His people.

This morning was our last New Member Sunday School class. We will be joining Christ United Methodist Church next Sunday at 11. I am excited to have found our church home here!

A Day Off/Away

Yesterday Mark and I both had the day off and, at Mark's suggestion, we headed down to Edinburgh. We spent hours at the Exit 76 Antique Mall and for the first time ever made it through the WHOLE thing!! Then we enjoyed the nice weather with a good walk, a little shopping, at the outlet mall. After dinner at Ruby Tuesdays, Mark said, "Hey. Want to go to camp for a lake walk?" Our original plan was to walk the whole lake, then based on the cold to go to our bridge, then we just made it to Elvira's house. She was home, baking with Laura Kat, and they were kind enough to share some cookies and some of their evening with us! We abandoned our lake walk plan at that point and stopped in to visit with John and Karen as well. Our night ended with a starlit tour of the new camp thanks to John. A great day/evening away with surprise visits with friends! Thanks be to God!

A Whisper from God

Today I was driving home from work and all of the sudden I had the thought, "Try connecting to the internet at home tonight." I've attempted and today, for the first time since September, it just works! I think that little voice was an instant message from God! :)