Sometimes it is hard to see all the growth and progress we make over time. We change a little each day, and those little changes add up to big changes. But when we just compare one day to the next, it often doesn’t seem like anything has changed at all. It is only when we compare days that are months or even years apart will we see a difference. Sometimes I get frustrated with the apparent lack of progress in my life because of this.

But recently I met someone who reminds me of the me of three years ago. I haven’t pictured myself as being too different from who I was, but apparently I am. This person was shy, reserved, spent most of their time at home by them self rather than going out, even though they want to get out more. They were a little intimidated by the reality of the adult world and all that comes with being a part of it. That was me.

I’m not saying that now I am completely confident and nothing scares me any more, but I look at all I have done over the last three years, all the people I have met, all the places I have gone, and I am amazed.

It was eye opening to see the changes in me. I wonder what the next three years will bring.

Yesterday I decided to get all of my dishes done. While I was doing that I thought I should clean off my counters. And while I was doing that I thought I’d clean out my fridge. And while I was getting some sacks from under the sink to put garbage in, I organized the stuff under the sink. And while I was doing that I decided to organize the drawer I keep the lids for my storage containers in. Except while I was doing that I thought I might as well clean the cupboard where I keep the storage containers too. And if I was cleaning that cupboard I should clean out the cupboard above that one. And when that was was cleaned out, I had more room so I thought I’d clean the top of my fridge and the cupboards above the fridge, which led to cleaning the cupboard next to the fridge as well, and then to cleaning the book case where I keep my food storage. It was the whole “If you give a mouse a cookie” type of thing. But my kitchen is looking very clean and organized right now.

It snowed a lot Wednesday night. I woke up yesterday morning and there was about six inches of snow outside. The trees were covered, the ground was soft. It was beautiful. Snow makes everything quieter, more peaceful. I wish I would’ve had time to get my camera and take pictures of the drifts on the snow and the smooth whiteness. Unfortunately I had to drive to work. On days like that I’d rather stay home and watch the snow outside while I’m wrapped up in a blanket, holding a mug of hot chocolate, and reading a book.

The kids at school were busy yesterday with all of the snow. The playground is still white, but there are 18 HUGE snow balls, larger than the average third grader. I was very impressed with them. It showed a lot of teamwork that the students had been able to make all of those. Today they started knocking them down. I watched one class spend an entire recess taking turns kicking at one of the balls until it broke in half. Then a few of them took the pieces and started rolling those. It was fascinating.