Things I Look Forward To

In my High School yearbooks, the students of the graduating class each year got to choose a quote to accompany their picture. I'm pretty sure mine was by Dr. Seuss, but to be honest, I can't rightly recall. However, I distinctly remember a quote that my friend, Cami, included beneath her picture, I've thought of it often throughout the years:

"I believe the secret to life is someone to love, something to do, and something to look forward to."
-Elvis Presley

I've found a lot of truth in that. I'm a lucky girl, and I've never had a shortage of people to love--and honestly, I can't think of a day when I haven't had plenty of things to do (or should do). But when I find myself in an emotional slump, I sometimes think of this quote. It doesn't always work, because heartaches and letdowns are real, but often my spirits have been cheered when I remember something wonderful coming up in my life. Here's a few I've got cooking in my looking-forward-to kitchen at present (in no particular order):

• Easter. I'm excited to celebrate my Savior, Jesus Christ's, triumph over death and hell on my behalf. 
• Additionally, this will be the first year that I (SPOILER FOR KIDS) get to assemble an Easter basket for my son and help him hunt for Easter eggs on Easter morning. Last year he was but a wee babe, this year he's a toddler. And I'm ecstatic!
• General Conference. For reals, I love hearing the words of the leaders of my church. They speak to us semi-annually, and the first weekend in April and the first weekend in October are a real treat to my soul.
• My 4th anniversary with my sweetheart, Kevin. 
• Grocery shopping next week. I discovered that the grocery store I've begun shopping at in my new town sells soft pretzels and nacho cheese, one of the slummy delicacies of life I delight in indulging in. I bought one yesterday after finishing the shopping chore, and to be honest, I can hardly wait for next Monday so that I can have another.
• My brother lent me two books he said are on his "top-10-of-all-time" list. I'm both intrigued and terrified (intrigued because I want to know why they are his favorites. Terrified because I know that once I start reading there will be no stopping and I tend to neglect important chores and neglect bedtime when I'm immersed in a captivating story).
• This summer I'll be traveling to Idaho at least three times; for a wedding and two family trips/reunions. There'll be national parks, lakewater, and traditional family recipes to be had.
• Payday. I'll be honest, I look forward to money. Seeing our savings accounts increase--no matter how minimally or maximally--helps me feel some security and pride.
• Mom's homemade rolls. There's not a specific date for this one, but I get to have them at least once a month at family dinners. Ask anyone, there's none that compare to hers.
• Playing a game of Ticket to Ride. This one happens just about any time anybody comes to call at our house. And it's just plain fun.
• The arrival of our second baby, this September 💕
• Thanksgiving and Christmas. Yes, I'm already stoked for this year's holidays!

If you're having a hard day, I invite you to try to right it a little by writing down some good things coming up in your life, no matter how menial. I'm already feeling overall a lot happier at the end of this post than I was at the beginning. God is good. Life is good. It will all work out.



Day #313