January Blahs and a Meme

It's January. It's supposed to be the month of bitter cold weather, of snow, of ice, of huddling under the blankets at night and sipping a cup of hot cocoa.

I've done none of it yet this year.

Our winter is surprisingly mild, especially for Nebraska standards. Yesterday was chilly, but we haven't had snow yet this year. Tomorrow is supposed to be in the 50's.

This doesn't make me happy at all. Why? Because I like snow and cold! I know, I know, driving in snow is a major pain and I've already done that in November and December, but I miss seeing it. I miss cuddling under a blanket on a cloudy, cold day.

That's why I think my mood has taken a shift. The weather.

Well, that's part of it.

I'm getting a little antsy with life. My husband was offered a job in a town 88 miles away. We're thinking about moving. But that would mean I wouldn't be at the job that I love anymore. But we'd have the opportunity to buy a nicer house. The cost of living is cheaper in this town, but it doesn't have the energy and vitality of where I live. It's smaller. No university. No Barnes and Noble. But we'd be making more money and wouldn't have to live paycheck to paycheck. That would seal the deal for a lot of people, but we have more to think about than just money. Our jobs. Liking the town where we live. How good the schools are. Family. If I can find a job in this town. My friends.

We haven't made any decisions yet. But part of me is excited at the prospect. The other part is reluctant. Change is always a difficult process, no matter what kind it is.

I've started to notice that I'm getting really tired with the morning routine, too. I stop and ask myself, "Do I want to do this the rest of my life?" Of course, I get a resounding "NO" for an answer. But a person has to pay bills.

Maybe this is just a phase. I've felt content for months now. But ever since we found out about this new job opportunity, I've been thinking a lot about where I want to go in life. Is the solution to move to a different town and start over with making friends, meeting people, finding a church?

Some people have moved all over the country and have started over. I know we could do it. The question is, do we want to?

Thankfully, we don't have to make a decision just yet. The job is actually a promotion at hubby's current job. But he is wondering if he wants to stay with this company much longer.

Lots and lots to think about. And all I really want to do is write and immerse myself in my fictional world.

Two Short Movie Reviews...

Cinderella Man—I knew I wanted to see Cinderella Man when I watched the previews. I wasn't disappointed at all. I loved it. Wonderful movie. And so touching. It's based on a true story, about boxer Jim Braddock during the Great Depression. Russell Crowe and Renee Zellwegger star and they do an excellent job. Highly recommended! And my husband, bless his heart, bought me my own copy the day after I watched it. What a guy!

Napoleon Dynamite—As different from Cinderella Man as you can get! Still, I laughed so hard. It's an incredibly stupid movie, but that's what makes it so darn funny. You have to be in the right mood to watch it and I apparently was since I was so darn tired from lack of sleep the night before. If you want to know what all the "Vote for Pedro" t-shirts are about that you see people wearing every once in awhile, watch the movie. :-)

Thanks for the suggestions...

Thanks, all of you, for the suggestions on what your chapter does for motivation. I appreciate your input!

Okay...on to the meme!

What were you doing ten years ago?

Still in undergrad college. I had a steady boyfriend and was in the last semester of my junior year. That was one of the best years of college - I really thought I was going to marry this guy. But turns out I was wrong, which is probably for the best.

What were you doing one year ago?

Looking for a job! I'd just received my MA in History the month before and I was in desperate need of employment.

Five Snacks You Enjoy

1. Chocolate
2. Chips and French onion dip
3. Dorito's
4. Ben and Jerry's Lowfat Frozen Yogurt, Chocolate Fudge Brownie (summer only!)
5. Crackers and cheese

Five songs to which you know all the lyrics

1. Crazy by Patsy Cline
2. Who Wouldn't Want to Be Me by Keith Urban
3. Tons of Nickelback songs
4. Tons of Frank Sinatra songs
5. Birmingham by a gal whose name I can't remember

Five things you would do if you were a millionaire
1. Buy or build a new house
2. Set up an investment plan
3. Donate money to my college's history dept or a scholarship fund
4. If I really had a lot of money left over, start a museum!
5. Buy a bookstore or start a bookstore

Five Bad Habits

1. Eating too much chocolate
2. Diet Pepsi every single day
3. Procrastinating when I should be writing
4. Overly protective of joint checking account
5. Not saving enough money

Five Things You Like Doing

1. Writing
2. Attending the symphony (when I have a chance)
3. Reading
4. Browsing used bookstores
5. Spending time with my family

Five Things You Would Never Wear or Buy Again

1. Legwarmers. What were we THINKING?
2. Jeans with zippers on the ends.
3. A crimper for my hair
4. T-shirts with those funky iron-ons
5. White tennis shoes with no laces

Five Favorite Toys

1. My laptop
2. My digital camera
3. My DVD player
4. My cell phone
5. My desktop computer

I think everyone I know has been tagged already, but if you're so inclined to do this meme, go for it!