Current mood:anxious
Its getting down to counting days now until I load up a truck, and actually do the move. And since its getting closer, I'm beginning to check things off the list that are actually getting done.
- Turn in notice to apartment - Check!
- Call and confirm the truck rental and dates - Check!
- Make a list of the things that need to get done for the day they need doing - Check!
Making a list helps me, makes me feel like I'm making some progress in the right direction. My apartment application was approved, so now I know where I will live. That's a huge relief right there :) My biggest concern is driving the darn truck, though. Sure, I can drive in a straight line while towing my car, but ... backing up? Weigh stations? those will be issues. Along with driving in the mountains. I'm trying to avoid doing that. I remember what it was like when I moved to Ohio, but I was only following the truck! not actually driving it. But it was still harrowing for me to watch as it glided down the mountain, and seemed to be way too fast, in my opinion.
*takes a deep breath* Yes, I know I can do this,
I just need to tighten up those old boot straps......
6:57 PM
Groundhogs & Candlemas - Feb 1, 2008
Current mood:ditzy
Since the middle ages, Feb 2 has been known as Candlemas, an old feast day when candles were blessed and sent home with parishioners so that Divine Light could direct their earthly steps. February 2 is also the midpoint in winter; and also known as Groundhog's Day. When I started looking up information on each of these events -- suffice it to say there is plenty written.
In weather lore, if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day, and fails to see its shadow because the weather is cloudy, winter will soon end. If the groundhog sees its shadow, it will return into its burrow, and winter will continue for six more weeks. Personally, I'm not much of a fan of this ... and maybe that's because I've not ever seen the groundhog peek up and give a look 'round. If I had, I might be a little more jazzed about this one. 
When I read about Candlemas, it got me thinking back to when I was young, and the electricity would go out. Mom would get out the candles, and we'd sit at the kitchen table, sharing the light, and talking, or playing a simple card game to pass the time. While I'm sure that it was an inconvenience to adults, to kids it seemed rather magical -- something different, and we had no control or choice in the matter (unless we wanted to go to bed in the very dark! and who did?? haha) But now that I'm the adult, and yes, I did my fair share of lighting candles and entertaining kids at the dining room table, my view on candles is different. Every room, and each person, looks beautiful in candlelight. Candlelight just makes the whole atmosphere seem special -- probably because we don't do it often enough. Light a few candles tomorrow night .... and observe. Like moths drawn to a flame, in candlelight, we move closer to one another.
One of the nicest folk customs I found online: place a lighted candle in each and every window of the house, beginning at sundown on Candlemas Eve (Feb 1), allowing them to continue burning until sunrise. (ok, I would cheat and use the electric type candles... just for safety). What a cheery sight on a cold, bleak and dreary night to see house after house with candle lit windows! (borrowed from Mike Nichols) I'd love to see this in a town.
Since I've already packed my electric candles, and since its already past sundown, I may have to save this for another year. But, I'll be lighting a few candles Saturday night, just for a little cheery atmosphere (and that will be a few less things I have to pack up!! )
May your beauty shine in candlelight today!!!
5:17 PM
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