Waking up before the sun...

Well, the hustle and bustle of Christmas Day is over.  That means that it will be a good long while before mom and I are making that much food again.  I'd say we're safe until July, at any rate.  The last few days have been really great. Santa was really good to me.  So was my whole family.  I have many treasures to take back with me to Damascus when I leave in a few weeks.

One of the down-sides of being home is that I seem to be awake by 7:00 every morning.  What that means is that, with the exception of yesterday when I woke just after 9:00, I am awake before the sun rises.  I do miss the early morning sun shining through my window.  I also have a special appreciation for all the Saskatchewanians who are spending so much of the winter driving to and from work in the dark.  I think that is a part of living here that I had forgotten about.  It's hard to be awake and alert when it is black as night, blustery and cold, and there is no place better than snuggled under your blankies.

I've decided to head south for the next couple of days.  Off to Regina until Wednesday.  I am hoping that it will mostly be a quiet time there.  I will get to see a few people, but I will only be in the city until Wednesday and have come to the conclusion that I just can't see everyone that I'd like to see.  That doesn't mean that people are less important, it just means that I am human and need to return to Damascus feeling as though I've had a holiday, not more exhausted than when I left.

I've also been stressing about school lately too.  There is so much that I feel like I need to be doing in terms of planning and such.  At the same time, it is the sort of work that I want to be able to take a break from.  I know that I will be able to tackle it all when I get back to Damascus, but I just want to feel like I'm all prepared.  Part of the problem is that I have so much to get through and so few instructional hours in which to do it.  Deep breath.  It will all work out.  Remember, I am on holidays, I needn't stress about school during this time.

Having bought my winter gear, I am now just waiting for the perfect opportunity for snow angel making.  I think I will gear up and give it a go today.  If all goes according to plan, I'll have a 3, 5 and 6 year old to join me in my snow angel making.  Otherwise, I'll be left to my own devices as I take a walk back to my childhood and play in the snow.

That being said, I should probably get out of bed and on with my day.  The house is really quiet this time of morning, so it means that I'll just go downstairs and watch Season One of Glee, or something equally cool.  Wishing you all a wondering week after Christmas.  To those who are celebrating with families over the next few days, sending many blessings to you and yours.

Until next time...

Ty