Tonight, Tom brought home Indian take-out. It felt so luxurious. We have take-out about once a quarter, and every time I’m overwhelmed by how wonderful the concept is! The kitchen that I had thoroughly cleaned, stayed clean. We spent more time eating and chatting because there was no prep or clean up. The meal: malai kofta and Chicken tika masala was delicious and something I don’t know how to make. Tom suggested we get take out once a week. I replied, “Some day. . .”
Tom had to study all day today. Around 3:00 I was feeling the need to make Saturday feel like the weekend, so Scotter and I headed off to Target! I rarely shop at Target, so when I do I always feel like I’m splurging. We mostly just went to be around other people, get out of the house, and do something out of the ordinary. I let Scotland linger in the toy aisles, and didn’t balk when he stood completely still and stared at the escalator for a full minute. I skimmed through the discount racks, and bought Scotland a pair of jeans (for $7.00- He’s so cute in jeans!) I considered buying myself a purse and a baby doll for Scotland but decided against both. I did, however, go with the spunge holder that suctions onto the side of the sink. (I’ve been wanting one for years and for $3.00 it made it in the cart.) Then it was just bulk soap and baby shampoo. I realize that for many Target is bottom rung shopping. My friends say “Oh, they’re just cheap fill-in-the-blank from Target.” It’s funny how relative life can be. 
I got the book club back up and running for my ward and I’m super excited. I had a lot of interest and mostly everyone was game for reading more difficult literature. We’ll see what books actually make the list. We’re starting off with “Gone with the Wind.” It’s a lengthy read, and I’ve been impressed by how when I have a deadline suddenly I “find” time to read. When what it really means is I spend less time online reading blogs and the news. Or that I make sure I have my earbuds in when I’m running or doing mindless tasks. (Little tip- if you convert an audiobook on CD to an mp3 file you can listen to it on your phone at 2x speed, which makes for much quicker progress.)
While heading up the book club I had this realization. I avoid leadership. I’m worried about coming across too bossy, and so I’ll get something going and then say, “Now I want to make it clear that I’m not in charge here, everyone has an equal say. . .” But what generally happens is that without someone to keep things structured, they just petter out.  A few weeks ago I had the impression that I needn’t worry so much about being over-bearing. But rather I needed to be true to myself and lead out. It was a “candle under the bushel” moment. It also realized that one of Satan’s most effective methods with me is dissuasion. I often have great ideas, that get pummeled by dissuasion clothed in “politeness,” “humility,” or “selflessness.” They’re all good things, but often my ideas are better. 
I’m research our potential residency spots. It’s fun to imagine our life in San Francisco, Salt Lake, Seattle, or Denver. Each holds it’s own thrills and challenges. Today, I was looking into Seattle. My daydreams were full of hikes and backpacking, kayaking on the ocean and visits to Vashon Island and San Juan Islands. I saw my little family attending all sorts of city events and learning to make parks and museums our backyard. I imagined long weekends in Moxee on my parents “ranch.” Last week it was Salt Lake. Then it was lazy days spent with cousins, starting a children’s performance group with Brigette, singing with the Tabernacle choir, and having lots of family around. Often I wish I had a crystal ball, but then I realize: I’m having fun dreaming of my future in such exciting places!
I’m training for a half marathon. There, it’s out. I guess I’m committed. I ran six on Friday I’ll run seven this week. . . I bought running shoes, the second most expensive shoes I’ve ever bought in my life. Now I just need to find the race!