Lancaster, part 2

Glimpses of a week in Lancaster, PA.

It's been a good week, but I'm heading home now.

Lancaster

Vacating normal life provides a chance to view things from a new perspective.

The past couple of days I've been thinking about goals that I have. Accessible life goals. Things that are possible but that I haven't made an effort to achieve, because of a lack of motivation or a perceived lack of time. It's wasteful, really. I have abilities, drive, passion, energy. 

Why is it so easy to let life get in the way of really living? For obligation to outweigh meaningful experience?

Moving forward, I need to stop floating and start to create.

Packing

Packing for a full week away. It will be nice to have a change from my normal routine but stressful to travel during the holiday season. I'm looking forward to returning just in time for the full swing of Christmas. Gift making and wrapping. Cooking and baking. Non-stop Christmas music. Time with family and friends. 

When I get back, Matt's semester will be over and we'll have some much needed time to relax. 

Gratitude

 I am filled with gratitude for so many things.

1. Experiences that have enriched my life and contributed to making me who I am. Places I've been able to visit. Incredible people I've met. 

           Sugar Loaf Mountain, Ireland

                                           Alghero, Sardinia, Italy

         Paris, France

         Sea of Galilee, Israel

2. Dear friends who have weathered so many experiences by my side. Living in another country, difficult classes and studying, late night conversations and pie baking, boyfriends, engagements, weddings, and babies.

          photo credit: Kaitlin Rasband 

3. Family that I don't get to see often enough.

4. This boy, who constantly makes me laugh, enjoys a good burger as much as I do, pretends to like having dance parties with me, always holds my hand, lets me cry even when I get mascara on his shirt, and makes sure I know how much he loves me. 

My life is full and I am overwhelmingly blessed.