...take care to appear happy, and especially to be so.

This morning, someone at work told me that I looked 'unusually happy' today. It was a nice thing to hear, especially on this exceedingly frigid Monday after a weekend filled with one wedding (last one of the year!), one night at Sam's and not much sleep. Just the comment itself elevated my mood even more and sort of kept me going today.

Truth be told, I am happy. For the past few weeks, I've been in a permanent good mood. Thanksgiving came and went and I felt truly, truly grateful. Everything seems to naturally have a positive spin on it. The holidays are coming and I am loving the season already. I love the songs, the lights, the TV shows - even the weather. It's my favorite time of year.

I have my car back. But not just my car, I have my freedom back. I feel like I am 16 all over again. I can do the things that I've been wanting to do and was forced to put off all this time. I am going to start volunteering at either Divine Providence with Trish or Mothers' Home in Darby. Or both. I am still working out the details. I want to find a place that feels right.

Sam's! I can work there and supplement my Richardson paycheck. And, if you know me at all, you know that Sam's is not just a job to me. It is not just a restaurant or a place that I go to make money. Sam's is a home to me, as are all of the people. Going there doesn't even feel like work. Really, can a person ask for anything more?

Eight months was a long time to be stuck in a holding pattern. That's what it felt like anyway. Some severe peaks and valleys and a lot of learning.

I finally feel like Kristen again. And, apparently, I look like her as well.