My Music Monday

"Good Life" by OneRepublic.

In the midst of a totally Monday-ish Monday, this song is still able to make me smile.

This has gotta be a good life
This has gotta be a good life
This could really be a good life, good life
I say, "Oh, got this feeling that you can't fight"
Like this city is on fire tonight
This could really be a good life, a good good life.

Go here. Press play. Repeat as needed. :)

Words of Wisdom...

"Forgiveness is giving up the hope that the past could have been any different."
I heard that on Oprah the other day. I don't really watch, but with all of the crazy weather and ice days, I've had a lot more afternoon time on my hands. So anyway, it really hit home.

I've written about my "A-Ha!" moments and many struggles with forgiveness several times. You can read about a few instances here or here or here.

It's clear that forgiveness is hard for me. And I don't believe it's hard just for me, but it's a constant battle for a lot of people. It's not easy, but I don't think it is supposed to be. If you think about it-- People that are in need of my forgiveness have truly hurt or betrayed me. If they hadn't hurt me so badly, then what would I need to forgive them for? I know you're thinking, "Well DUH!" But seriously, forgiveness is ridiculously difficult. Ugh.

I do take positive steps daily. I have forgiven so many people because (as Oprah says), I really have given up the idea that my past could have been different. I don't WANT my past to change, because as cliche as it sounds, I wouldn't be where I am now. I got hurt badly in college several times, I had people let me down numerous times after that, I got my heart broken, I was even disappointed in people on my wedding day. But you know what-- The heartaches, disappointments, college days, and even my recent wedding are in my PAST. So, I choose to move forward. I choose to look at my future and forget about the regrets and painful moments of my past. It's not worth my time any more.

Forgiveness and me... We're working on our relationship together. It's been a long process, but we're doing better and better every day.

Thanks for your insight, Oprah. :)

Valentines Day...

Was Perfect!!! I came home to this:

Ice Ice Baby

Welp, on my FIFTH day off in the past two weeks because of this weather, I figure I can catch up on what is going on in the Houchin Household.

I would like to start by saying, I LOVE winter. I guess it's because I was born in December that I (usually) can't get enough of this weather. I love scarfs and coats, boots, and beanies. I love my ski clothes. I own snow boots and I live in Texas, for crying out loud. However, I must now admit THIS.IS.ENOUGH. I am officially over it. OVEEEEER it.

Anyhow. Here are some pics of happenings around here. Forgive me, we have no children, so I take LOTS of pics of my doggie. She's my baby girl.