So, after an exhausting week, it's finally Friday. Although originally I had plans with my friend Jessica, I once again decided to plea a "mental health day," and I am so grateful she understood. Life has been rough, and although this afternoon should be spent truly doing homework, I'm going to take it to relax. The entire homework is going to be dedicated to homework, anyway; why start so early?
Yesterday was a fair day. It wasn't entirely good, but there were certain things that definitely were pick-me-ups. I have to admit to another breakdown sometime in the morning, where I told Clark I was tired of making everyone happy. Yes, one of those breakdowns. I've just been stressed. After taking a moment in my lovely office (still not entirely completed), I came down renewed and ready to face the day. After that, I was out the door and being responsible.
School was exhausting and boring. While I do love my classes, some of them just aren't what I thought them to be in the beginning. For example, my Creative Writing Class is one of the reasons I'm so stressed out. Constant editing, reading, writing, searching, working... it gets really old. It's like this professor decided that we're only taking that class. Regardless, the day was just fine. I was able to come home to a semi-clean house (thanks to my thoughtful husband), and a simple dinner of grilled cheese and tomato soup (also thanks to my thoughtful husband). On top of that, he made arrangements for us to go horse back riding tomorrow (finally)... which means horse back riding today! I am beyond excited.
To add to my then splendid day, I decided to bake. I've been trying not to lately due to wanting to shed a few pounds before the Marine Corps birthday ball, but since a friend was so gracious enough to let us go riding at his farm, I made him and whoever else he wishes to share with, pumpkin muffins.
They're really quite easy. I got the recipe from a blog called "Muffin Top," which is really quite wonderful. If you want to check it out, here's the link: http://muffintop.wordpress.com/2006/11/03/pumpkin-muffins/
The pictures on the blog are much better than my own, as well :). I made a few adjustments here and there, for example I made a double batch and it ended up making about 30 muffins. I also didn't add quite as many spices due to using a pumpkin pie mix to make it, and I didn't put quite as much sugar. Clark actually said they taste perfect. He's not one who likes really sweet sweets, so this was perfect with just the cinnamon-sugar mix lightly sprinkled on top.
I know this is so "50's wife," but baking ALWAYS makes me feel better. When I was having one of my many breakdowns within the past two weeks, Clark observed that I missed Jay, our first neighbor. I was constantly baking, and it was easy because we could give almost all of it away. Even though we have neighbors, none of them are single, and most of them are rather elderly, so I don't know if they'd appreciate it as much as Jay used to.
Now, though, I have the guys at Cove Creek Farm to bake for! Whenever we go riding, I can bake them something so I don't feel incredibly guilty. Of course, the gentleman who owns the farm and the horse said that none of the guys like to ride it, and he's getting too old. You would think this means he wants me to come and ride as much as possible... but let's not jump to conclusions. Cove Creek Farm is a rehabilitation center for young men, typically in their late teens, who got into some bad situations. The gentleman who owns the farm will bail them out of jail, pick them up off the street, or what have you-- and give them a chance to start their lives fresh and new. Last Christmas we worked with one of the young men and got to hear his story about how the gentleman saved his life and he found Christ. It was one of the most amazing stories I've ever heard in my life, and although we're almost a year late to be going to visit and help out again, I'm super excited. Clark said he'd do chores around the farm if needed, but the gentleman declined, because that's the boys' jobs. He said if we brought a treat or something, though, everyone would enjoy that. TA-DAH! PUMPKIN MUFFINS!
I know everyone probably thinks I'm just doing this for the horse, but I assure you I've been pestering my husband since last Christmas that we need to cook for the guys or do something with the farm. It's so inspiring to visit with and listen to these guys who have totally changed their lives around due to the generosity of this gentleman and the healing power of Christ. Although the gentleman, who is personally Jewish, does not press religion on the guys-- they've all found Christ in their lives and are attending several churches in the area. Talk about an amazing story.
OK, I'm going to stop gushing.
After several moments of prayer through the last month (specifically), I think I've finally found something to do that will help others as well as myself. I know that may sound selfish, but I really think this is exactly what I needed. God always points me in the right direction. I just need to really lean on Him a little more, because otherwise I'm not savvy enough to hear Him talking to me. I guess even Moses needed a burning bush to grab his attention...
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