Memoir Munchies: 22 degrees

It's a sunny 22, according to Weather.com. I'm sitting in my gray leggings, gray wool dress, and leather jacket, ready to take on the world. But alas, I don't have a desk right now at my internship site. There have been a HOARD of interns coming in this week, so we have to share and make it work. For now, our lovely tan couch in the den will do.

So, how has life been lately, you might ask?

Well, the holiday season was special and difficult, too. There were some I did not get to see enough of (quick 5-minute visits) and others that I felt I couldn't be around too much. I'm being vague, I realize, but God certainly humbled me this holiday season to open my eyes to His love and His mercy and not dwell on the problems and injustices around me. I'm talking mostly about things here in Waco and things in my own circle of friends and family. I've been given an IV of peace in the last couple of weeks, and I am so grateful for that. I hope you have had a WONDERFUL holiday season with friends and family and that you found peace and joy amidst the hustle and bustle.

Just off the plane in Honolulu. Is it a sin to wear a scarf in Hawaii?

Here is a recap of my holidays:

Working at the pharmacy
Wrapping up my grant project at Baylor
Baking cookies

A fun little "The Cluthes" sign for our home

Finding out there is extra grant money, so I'm back on the project at Baylor
Christmas Eve singing in the choir at church (with Dad!)
Christmas Day at Mom and Dad's &
Missing the Kansas family
The Day after Christmas in Hawaii!

Matt & I mostly enjoyed being with family and RE-LAX-ING, something I forgot how to do last semester. I didn't realize how hard the last 5 months have been until I was able to step back and see the pitiful state I was in by December. Self-care is something we ALWAYS talk about in class but SO DIFFICULT to actually do! Who has time? Well, I think I'm going to have to do more self-care or I will be no help to others.

Oh, Hawaii was GOR-GEOUS! The people, the food, the sites...amazing. I wondered why my parents would pick one of the touristy places in the country on the busiest week in their whole year of tourism...and then I saw the beach and the house we stayed in...then I understood.

Dinner cruise at sunset

It was beautiful, simply beautiful. And when I looked past the Prada and Dolce stores and behind them toward Waikiki Beach, I knew why we were here. God was there, and it was really easy to see His beautiful creation on those crystal blue waters and the soft, tan sand between my toes.

A beach near Hanauma Bay...it's not fake, I promise, but a lil windy

We stayed right by Waikiki, and the house sat by a large city park. People of all ages were running and walking and picnicing in the park, so it was quite encouraging. I even took a couple of long walks that week and felt so alive among the Banyans and the cool waters. I know, I know, it was a touristy place, but I actually had a wonderful time. We're ready to go back...for maybe a month...after I sell my right arm and kidney for the trip expenses. If you have a chance, go! If you've been already, go again! It's marvelous. I thank my Mom and Dad for such a memorable trip...their generosity never ceases to amaze me, whether or not I'm on the receiving end. Matt & I got closer on the trip, and it was wonderful to have my cousin Jeremy there to bring the humor. :)