Day 30: What did you learn from NaBloPoMo

We made it!  30 days, 30 posts! 
I learned several things
1. I need to write first thing in the morning, if I let it drag on, it's harder to start.
2. I got to know my sister better.
3. I learned that I need to write more.
4. I have a long ways to go. 
5. I learned again, that I really like to write. 

Cheers to you dear Sister, we made our goal! 

What did you learn from doing NaBloPoMo?

While I am thankful I participated in this exercise, as I enjoyed reading about the world according to my sister, I am glad it is over. I learned that even though I do love to write, I simply don't have the time or the energy to devote to daily blogging. In fact right now there are several more pressing issues that need my attention. Off I go....

What is the last thing you do before bed?

Maybe this sounds familiar to you: Upon deciding to turn in for the night my husband simply sheds his clothing and climbs into bed. He then falls asleep and is snoring within two minutes of closing his eyes.

Meanwhile....... When I decide to go to bed I first check on my children, making sure they are still tucked in. I pick up the blanket and stuffed animals my toddler has thrown to the floor, sometimes I even have to replace her jammies as she likes to strip them off after I put her down. Then I send the dog outside, giving her one last chance to take care of business. I put away anything left out on the counters or floor and check the calendar for the next day. I make a list of all that I hope to accomplish or need to remember tomorrow and then I usually start a load of laundry. I brush my teeth, floss when I remember to, wash my face, remove my contacts, pluck my eyebrows a little bit, and can't forget to pee. I get out my Bible and read a bit. When I can hardly keep my eyes open I get into bed. As I lay there I make plans in my head of things I want to or need to, take care of. I strategize how to get my toddler to eat more, worry myself about my middle child starting kindergarten next fall, wonder whether or not I am too hard on my oldest, contemplate when I should start potty training the little one, make lists in my head, think about what I am going to make for dinner tomorrow night, replay a conversation I had that didn't go as planned, pray about all the things that went wrong today and about all the things I need help with tomorrow, and finally, sleep relieves me from the mental chaos.

Day 29: What is the last thing you do before bed?

I open the window about two inches. 
This is a contentious point between my husband and I.  He is always cold, and I am always hot.  So if I open the window when he is already asleep, then he can't close it, unless of course he wakes up and is cold. 
I think I sleep better with some fresh air circulating.  It's no good to breathe stuffy air. 

What are the three things you enjoy most about the winter season? What three things do you dislike?

All around my town, as far as you can see in every direction, the prairie is tinged with frost. The Rockies loom in the west, towering, white pillars of majestic beauty. Every morning when I walk I hear nothing but the sound of my own breathing.

There is no pressing agenda, no trips to plan, no events to rush off to. It is the perfect time of year to read multiple books without the guilty feeling that I should be doing something else.

Sweaters, hats, mittens, Bogs, blankets on the couch, heated seats in the car, hot tea, smells of cinnamon & vanilla, all contribute to the overall sensation of being cozy.

My girls marvel at the falling snow, rejoicing as each flake falls. Snow equals happy memories for my kids.

The puddles our boots leave on the kitchen floor drive me batty.

The gas bill is disheartening.

Forgetting to unplug my car & dragging the extension cord down the driveway can get annoying.

Day 28: What are three things that you enjoy most about the winter season? What three things do you dislike?

Enjoy:

1. That feeling of being all snug in my house, with the fire going, and watching the snow fall outside.
2. Christmas
3. Watching my sons when they go out to play in the snow, I will miss this very much when they are grown up.

Dislike:
1. Driving on winter roads, with ice, and snow, and slush, it's scary and dangerous, and causes me a lot of stress.  I do not like it a bit.
2. That feeling of being snowed in, and somewhat trapped (this happens usually after 3 days of snow, and we have around 3+ feet) (after the "snug" feeling is gone)
3. Where I live we get a lot of snow, and it starts out all powdery and beautiful, then it warms up some, via the Chinook wind, and it all melts and gets slushy and it's messy.  Really messy.  I hate that.

Day 27: List 5 things you are looking forward to this week

1. Friday, my personal favorite day of the week.
2. Thursday as that means hockey practices are done ( till Monday and then I guess there are 6 games on the weekend... So nevermind, I'm pretty much on a count down till Christmas vacation anyhow. Two weeks off hockey.)
3. Getting over this dumb cold I have, my head hurts, I can hardly swallow, and I just generally feel bad.
4. Going for lunch on Saturday, between hockey games. I always am into food, especially when I did not have to cook it.
5. The package of great bargains I ordered from the Old Navy Black Friday sale.