Not sure if any of this will make sense

I am in a blogging mood, but really not focused enough to produce a blog that others can follow.  Jacob has known me for 18 years (side note: WHOA!  That is a long time to know someone) and he can't keep up with my brain when it is in ADD mode.  To give an example in the time it took to write that last sentence I checked Facebook, twice, read an email, half composed a reply, pinned a pin on Pinterest, and now I am back on here.  Oh dear.  This will take a while to get something out. 

So you are welcome to chalk this blog up to crazy Amanda brain and check out now.  If you stay with me... good luck. 

This is my last day of vacation.  Technically we were furloughed today so I am not even getting paid, so my last day was yesterday on paid vacation, and today is a the-economy-really-sucks-and-I-work-for-the-public-schools day.  At the beginning of all vacations I have so many goals, and hopes for the few days that lay ahead.  This vacation was no different.  So as I find myself at the end of a break I like to think back and reflect, yes, I am one of those people, and see if I consider this a productive break. 

--> PS:  Since I wrote that paragraph I have cleaned the sink, rechecked email, read over the half written draft, let the dogs in and out, checked Facebook, and cleaned my Ipad screen.  Oh dear...<--

For this break I did have the goal of relaxing a bit more than I did the last one, as I was babysitting, ran a 1/2 marathon, and had my mom, Duane, and Grandma over.  This break did prove to be more relaxing.   I really had very little actually planned.  But I choose to do quite a few productive things. 

--> I have now vacuumed the bedroom, fixed a hole in the backyard fence, and took down the curtains in spare bedroom.  I also danced around the living room for three songs on the radio.  When do three good songs ever come on one after the other?  The best thing to do at this time is not ask questions.  Just let me be <--

I think this was my first break I stayed very true to my training.  I went out a few times with my friend Beth, and even ran two of the three days I was in Florida.  I feel good about that aspect.  I got a lot of little things done around the house that had fallen by the wayside.  The biggest thing I am so proud of is that Jacob and I have goals for the projects around the house that we have been putting off.  I think towards the end of 2011 I was just so tired of the nasty, mean world.  But we laid out detailed plans, and lists, and due dates on the drive to and from Deland, FL.  We had plenty of time to get it all sorted out ;) 

--> I stayed pretty focused for that whole time.  I got up to get some water and grapes.   I stopped periodically to stare out the back window at the blowing trees in the sunshine, while popping grapes in my mouth.  I may or may not have spent close to 10 minutes staring into space ;)  <--

Well to be honest I can not even start to develop full thoughts anymore.  I think the summary to take away is 2012 is looking up, and I feel really great about how my break went.  So best to end this, if anyone is still paying any attention.  I know my attention is no longer

The Year of the Larkins

2012.  It is here.  I wouldn't say I am in shock that it is here.  2012.  It has a nice ring to it.  And really it doesn't come as a surprise.  The year 2012 has been mentioned since we all survived the millennium.   

This year marks 10 years since my high school graduation.  10 years since I moved out of my small home town. 10 years ago Jacob and I were able to spend 2 weeks in Kenya, Africa, a trip of a lifetime.  10 years ago Jacob left for the military.  2002 was a good year for the two of us.  That year we both took some major leaps in faith.  We gained some valuable lessons, and friendships that year. 

We find ourselves in 2012.  A friend of ours, Pete, has been telling us that he can feel 2012 is going to be the year of the Larkins.  And he has been reminding us of that phrase for the past month and a half.  So to be honest it has kinda changed my outlook. 

This might be the year of the Larkins.  I mean we have a lot of opportunities just hanging out there that can/will be resolved in some way this year.  I don't see these as resolutions, and because of that I am not sure I have any resoloutions.  I see this year as life that is going to happen, and going to change the outcome of the rest of our lives. 

Jacob will be paid by the Army this year.

Jacob will gain a secure career, and one that he is happy in.

We will make a final decision on what the word family means to us. 

So all in all 2012 could really end up being the year of the Larkins.  And I have to admit I wouldn't mind life changes that just happened, and we didn't have to spend too much energy on them.