Dear Reader,
As birthdays have passed for me, I don't usually feel a bit different until one day (yesterday to be exact), a few years down the road, I've felt as if I've done some significant growing. Ever feel that way? Yesterday, I realized that I am twenty-six. I turned this age like 4 months ago, but didn't really feel different until yesterday. Even after having to check the second box on most applications for grown up things, I still didn't feel very different. Now, I actually feel like some things have made me closer to who I want to be, but that I know that I still have more room for growth. I hope that this is exactly where I am suppose to be, because the only other option is: lost. Things are starting to become full circle and I like it. I have loved being a student, but am ready to be the teacher. Does that mean I have to stop learning? No, but I will have room to do and learn more about things that I have more meaningful feelings for. I don't know if this seems relevant to anyone, but if so, please share. Mind you, its not like I had some earth shattering news fall into my lap, or made a significant life choice yesterday; I just realized that I am getting older (though, I look as if I am in High School), despite that, I am still growing. Oh, and that it is okay.

Dear Mollies,
I have resorted to using you as a means of posting. I thought for sure that I would have been able to post a more interesting subject matter, but you will do for now. I was about to take my picture for the day (& yesterday...oops), but instead I am digging through the archives and finding a "fluff" picture, if you will. You are nice fish (though not red, nor blue), and I will admit that the OH got you because I was fairly fond of your kind at the last attempt to assemble an aquarium. In the meantime, I post next to your underwater home that is large enough to allow me to swim with fishes; maybe not that large, but quite. Enjoy the scenery and I will charge the batteries in the camera as to entertain the readers with a less aquatic image tomorrow. I am currently working on a printing project that should prove to be much fun.

Clue: "Oh the Thinks (I) Can Think!" as I come up with a listing for the 5 senses according to this author! (And if you are good, you'll find another clue in the above post.)

If anyone can guess, then maybe I will grace them with a print when they are done (if the plan can manifest.)

Dear All Things Organization,
For someone who fancies themselves one who delights in organizational revelry, I find that you are kicking my can. For the last week, I have been hopelessly negligent of my blogging duty of which I could have been sharing a great deal of the things that I have been working on. Maybe even receiving feedback from those who stalk (thanks Nicole!) Unfortunately, this extra-curricular was not the only casualty of my crazy-busy schedule: I too succumbed to it as well. My life has been dictated by the following forms above to keep me in check. So, without further ado, I have been more or less of the following: (in no particular order; take that crazy organization!)

• I'll be self-centered for a moment and start with myself: I had a ridiculously bad headache that kept me from school on Monday. I pouted in my p.j.'s over all the demonstrated book structures that I would missing. (This is true testimony as to what a dork I really am.)
• I wrote two papers which were due back to back. One was about the literacy observation I did at the placement school and the other about how a good teacher can teach in the executive, facilitator, and liberationist approach merely by picking and choosing when appropriate. (Nicole, here is your final answer.)
• My home is on its way to being how I want it: clean. I am getting closer to it looking as if my OH doesn't actually leave evidence of his existence. Don't get me wrong, I love him, but I'd rather the facial hair stay on his face longer than dust itself all over the bathroom sink. I will admit, I did catch him cleaning up the stove yesterday as he was making spaghetti. For once it didn't look like someone had a lost a hand after making the sauce.
• I ransacked the local Antique Mall in Downtown Mesa. It is going out of business and I picked up about 10 books to alter, other collage like materials to use for my artwork, a type case drawer, green glass & other items to decorate my house with, and many other treasures for ridiculously cheap amounts of money. I plan to go back for more as some prices should continue to dip on other items I am eying.
• The OH is clearly making the effort to making Willy drivable. It is his new project, and eventually will be ready. He has a plan and it's already in action. Can't wait!
• I got a beginner's crash course in Photo Shop; something I know nothing about and have been reluctant to learn as I enjoy my inner luddite and enjoy archaic (or seemingly so) processes when it comes to art. It was a must as all of my placement teacher's classes will be making CD covers as a project at some point in the semester. Bring on the mini "gangsta" wannabes!
  
• And finally, to acknowledge what you are thinking: Yes, very much of what I do centers around my schooling as I am merely 10 months away from graduation. Counting down the days. I feel as if I should be making one of those cute paper chains like children do in their anticipation for Santa; after all, he will be showing up around the same time. Also, much centers around the OH. It would be too hard to make him exempt when he is really the only other one that lives in the house and helps feed my addictions financially.

And, if you do anything this week at all, vote for these two as they are adorable. I only know her as far as her blog is concerned, but any girl deserves a chance to have someone else handle the details. (She is also my go-to favorite blog.) Make it a unique gift, and give someone a "I voted for Zach and Erica in your honor this Valentine's Day!" gift certificate. It will surely be a hit!

Dear Studio Space,
I know for a fact that you have been neglected even more so than the bed, and in the worst way possible. I have been creating my art & assignments on the kitchen table, devouring every available space. There are stacks of paper, books, and tools of my trade. Its like cheating on you, being that I have an entire space devoted to art, which is you. My problem has been the reconfiguration process that we have been going through off and on for a year to make total use of the space. Because of this, there is no place to work within your walls, at least for now. We are nearing a turning point, though, and soon, once I acquire a 6 foot, then will we be able to create away from eyes that don't understand the process, but are in awe of the results. Well, maybe not always, but soon, and then there will be no excuses as to why we must eat dinner at the couch. Until then, hang in there; I am.

Dear Bed,
On Saturday morning, I realized how much I have missed spending every un-awaking hour with you. School has furiously wedged itself between us this last two weeks. I feel as though we aren't spending the quality time that is necessary for my health and your feeling of usefulness. I am sure the Other Half has been doing his share enough for the both of us. Believe me when I say I would rather be there, wrapped in the quilts and sheets than doing anything else right now. Believe me, you aren't the only one feeling neglected as is the room in the above post. We will get our time, I promise. Otherwise, I will be sick because of it.

Dear Power Ranch Dental,
I have only had two dentist's in my entire existence, but you by far are the best! You took me for a tour of the office, showing me how and where you do everything that has to do with your practice. I was most impressed with all the technology that is involved in dentistry nowadays as I hadn't been to the dentist since junior high (I know, for shame), and I got a goody bag only a dentist could dish out at Halloween. My teeth feel so fresh and clean, but I do know that I will be back in the coming weeks. The bad news that you had to report was about what an idiot the last dentist was (my feelings, not yours.) The wisdom teeth that the ex-dentist said were fine where they are, are indeed fine, but grew in partially under my gum line and gave way to two cavities that may require a root canal each. All growing up, I have never had cavities; not once! But, you have reassured me that I am in good hands, and that we will make it through. Thanks again Dr. Kennedy for a good visit, and to many more. (Will they all accompany a goody bag?)

Dear Willy,
Welcome to the family! I never understood why girls lusted after boys with certain types of vehicles until I met the one who is now my Other Half. This isn't why I married him (as he sold it later on through our courtship), but his choice in all vehicles historic was definitely a deal sealer. The first jeep he had was a CJ either 5 or 7. I didn't care what it was specifically, only that it was a Jeep. For some reason, there is something about the ruggedness of a Jeep that I can't completely put my finger on. It has nothing to do with engines or axels as I am completely automobile retarded. So, of course, when he asked me for my blessing to bring you home as he was scanning Craigslist, I said yes without hesitation. My only stipulation was that I would one day be able to revel in driving you down the street. It still has yet to happen, but I am counting down the days to OH's promise.