November Snapshot

Hello, there. It certainly has been awhile, hasn't it? While some writers were adamant about #noblogvember, I was quietly learning about the power of words, specifically the ones published here, and looking back on the past year of intentional blogging. I've been something of a hermit lately on my social networks. I attribute it mostly to my new job, which really is a blessing. But now, I'm breaking radio silence to share my month with you:

Six Things I've Learned:

1. Despite my job being a blessing, it is also going to be incredibly difficult. I knew that it would be difficult when I signed on, but it really hit home the first time I held a baby whose mother didn't want him. Side note: part of my job is going to court to advocate for these children. Most of the time, court is nothing like what you see on Law and Order, but on the rare occasion that it is, its a real treat.

2. Apologies are important. Recently, a family member and I had a falling out over something written here on my blog. She was hurt by something I felt justified in saying. Both of us were angry, and it took a lot of processing in order for me to see things from her point of view, but eventually, I came to a point where I was ready to apologize for the hurt that my words had caused.

3. Spending money is okay. I am the type to get buyer's remorse when I get a pack of gum, but since I got my job, I have invested in a new computer and I'm also working on expanding my work attire.

4. Not everyone likes grape salad. See also: not everyone has a soul.

5. Community is absolutely essential. Because I haven't had a lot of presence in the social networking world as of late, I've missed out on a lot of the community that I have come to love.

6. I'm not at all looking forward to being away from my husband for two weeks in December while I go to training for work. See also: the reason for all my crying during the past few days. I don't know how people who travel for a living do it.

What I'm Watching:

Homeland: My husband and I are absolutely devouring this. We rented season two from the library and watched it in three days. Yes, we rent movies at the library.

Killing Kennedy: NatGeo's docudrama to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the assassination of JFK. Rob Lowe + Ginnifer Goodwin = breathtaking.

Army Wives: My current Netflix binge until the latest season of Grey's Anatomy is posted. Hard to stay up to date when you don't have cable.

What I'm Listening to:

"Let You Break," by William Fitzsimmons and Julia Stone "Colors," by Amos Lee "Everything Has Changed," by Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran "Chariots," by Future of Forestry "Your Love Will Never Change," by Dave Barnes "Wandering," by Gungor

What I'm Reading:

"Grace for the Good Girl," by Emily Freeman. Rocking my world. "One Thing That Always Makes my Knees Knock {On Vulnerability, Scrutiny, and Letting Go of Control}" by Dana Butler. Every last key that Hannah Brencher strokes.

Happenings:

Lots of firsts as a married lady, including first birthday and Thanksgiving. Also, a little stop by the "I Am Mountain" tour to see Gungor.

There you have it, folks. What were your favorite parts of November?