Airy Voices

"He is ne'er crowned with immortality who fears to follow where airy voices lead." John Keats said that - did anyone catch the movie "Bright Star" this year? If you haven't seen it, check it out on Netflix or however you view movies. Warning: It's sad, but so, so beautiful! And if you haven't guessed yet, it's about the life of John Keats. This is not a quote from the movie, but one I actually read a long time ago that was quoted in the L.M. Montgomery novel, "Emily Climbs." If you've read any L.M. Montgomery, we'll probably be friends or at least we'll have something to talk about. Anyway, I've always been intrigued by the quote. What exactly are these airy voices? Are they the random, beautiful thoughts/inclinations that swiftly enter and leave one's mind? How do I follow them when they pass so quickly? Does this mean I need to be more spontaneous? I'm going to factor this into my new year's resolutions once I make them, which will hopefully be relatively soon as it's New Year's Day.

So, the new picture at the top of my blog is a picture of Adam and I in Siena, in the Tuscany region of Italy. We went there the first week of November in part to celebrate our second anniversary. Yes, we made it two years! Now can I start giving out marital advice or do I still ne

ed more experience? I meant to blog about this sublime, am-I-really-here trip that we took, but I got busy. Sorry - I should have a better excuse, but I don't. If you'd like to view the photos I took with my running commentary, view here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/zundelje/ItalyTripNov2009?feat=directlink

We went to Florence for four days and to Venice for two days. It was my first European experience and I loved every minute of it. The highlights for me: our nightly gelato runs, walking through the Sienese Duomo, and seeing Michelangelo's David. I loved all three cities we stopped in, and I can't wait to go back!

But this post is not about Italy. It's not even a catch-up post, really, or at least I didn't intend it to be. It's more just a friendly, "hi, it's been awhile" post. We had a great Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday run. I love Thanksgiving and Christmas! I love the long weekends and vacation days that allow me to catch my breath after busy work deadlines and Christmas parties. I have mixed feelings about Christmas parties this year, especially when I essentially had three work Christmas parties this year. Another potluck - really? I also love the feeling on New Year's Day when you realize that the holiday craziness is past and that normal routines will set in again. I like routine...For awhile. I like making new year's resolutions. Starting today, Adam and I are giving up refined sugar - again. I want to last at least a month. I'm putting this in my blog post as to document the start and create greater accountability. But I have just one question. Does today count? It is a holiday after all.

So, for Christmas this year, I got a new nephew and new experience in building snow caves. Adam is reliving his Boy Scout past this week. We've built caves in our yard and in Adam's parents' yard. The one in his parents' yard is over 6' and has not been fully excavated yet. I have a feeling I know what the rest of my day will hold. Mom and Dad, here are some pictures from the last little while:

Christmas Day 2009 - note the copious amounts of snow outside

My first gingerbread house ever - mine is the far left and also the most structurally unstable

Adam's brother, mom, and sister creating their masterpieces

Adam in the snow cave in our yard

Adam and Jen preparing to build the second snow cave - note the head flashlights, a present from Adam's mom. Adam looks like he could rob a bank

As you can see, our Christmas decorations really added something to a drab living room that I've been meaning to decorate. I'm really going to miss them!