By kkaci at 2009-02-13

Snow day today. Only three days ago, it was about 60 degrees here. And now we are buried in maybe 8 or so inches of snow. I always love to watch it snow, it's so peaceful. It's the aftermath, I', not thrilled with. If anything, it certainly provides me with a good excuse to stay inside rather than the normal excuse. ;) And I made the most of it. I've spent some time tonight making Valentine cards and a picture frame. Now I am sitting here eating Chinese food and watching Harry Potter. Two of my favorite things! I am very blessed to have such good friends. One of my friends braved the snow to get Chinese food and was thoughtful enough to bring me some as well. And yesterday, a friend stopped by with a box of Valentine candy :)


By kkaci at 2009-02-13

(Love these, no idea what they are called)


I've always enjoyed Valentine's day even though I've been single for the last few years during the holiday. This year, I decided to make butter cream brownies for a friend who seemed kind of down the last time I talked to him. It was a bit of a challenge for me as I needed to go to the store to get some of the ingredients. The store is probably only about a 5 minute drive from my house but nonetheless it has been difficult for me. The first time I tried, I drove right past it and didn't even stop! The thought of having to wait in line and go all the way to the back of the store put me off. However, the second time around, I made it and got the ingredients I needed. I am not sure what was different this time but I was really, really glad. It was one of the goals I had made for myself this week because I really wanted to make these brownies. Yay!

A friend of mine who is going to school for physical therapy told me that in therapy sessions, they were taught to begin with very achievable goals to helps build the patient's confidence. So, this is what I have been doing. The store was the big goal for the week but most of my other goals are very simple ones. I have also been doing a lot of positive affirmations and visualizations. Before I go to bed, I write down one thing I appreciate, the happiest moment of my day and several affirmations. My favorite one I repeat throughout the day is Everyday in every way, things are getting better and better.

Lastly, I have been reading the Bhagavad-Gita. It's been very interesting to read and I hope to be able to talk to Dharma Pravartaka soon. I think that he will be a great influence. This is from the Bhagavad-Gita and I try to think of this when I am feeling uncomfortable or sad.

Feelings of heat and cold,
pleasure and pain,
are all caused by the contact of the senses with their objects.
They come and go,
Never lasting long.
You must accept them.

I know it is definitely not easy to just accept them but it has been helping me to keep in mind that this feeling will pass. I hope everyone is well and Happy Valentine's Day to you all. :)