Christmastime.

God is here.

My heart warms with this thought.  And my soul rests.  This is one of the most profound-yet beautiful-truths of Christmastime.  Amid the hustling and bustling, shopping, baking, partying, wrapping, list-making, caroling, cleaning, decorating, tree-hunting, giving, etc., etc. this is why Christmas matters most to me.  The age-old nativity story is a simple one of a tiny baby and more love than I can grasp.  And no matter what happens or doesn't, God is here and ready to love me, hold me up, and share life with me.  *Exhale*

And now for my "adult world" Christmas wishes!

•  For Mom:  A quick and complete recovery from the crazy-and-hard-to-pronounce-hip-surgery.
•  For Morgan:  A job or teaching opportunity in India!
•  For Brandon and Erica:  Motivation.
•  For Bukesa, Mengo, and the rest of the homes and schools in Uganda:  Committed individuals to support the kids' development consistently.
• For My Precious Grandpa:  A boost of health.
• For Alissa and Mark:  A large sum of money, so they can get to Asia faster!
• For Dani and Mac:  More time together.
• For Me:  An open heart and crystal-clear clarity, so I go, do, and be exactly what Christ intends.  And maybe a Kindle... only so I can read all of BBC's Big Read books!!  So silly, I know.  I'm shamefully admitting that I want one. 
• For My Dearest Friends, Near and Far, Who I Didn't Specifically Mention Above:  A peaceful Christmas and 2011 filled with wonder, opportunity, health, love, provision, and laughter. 

Merry Christmas.

"I've got a thousand love songs.  Far too many, they've just got away.  I've done a thousand things wrong.  Far too many for me to name.  But I'm not too far gone to fall headlong, into the arms that love me." 

Today is a much better Monday than I anticipated.  Over the Rhine pre-released their new album, and I'm listening to it while drinking a new blend of coffee.  I was trying to avoid instant gratification, but OTR doesn't apply.  Mmm.

For the love of sultry music, Christmastime, and anticipation of yoga class.

Promises (that require) Playlists

The Context:  

My couch is cozy this time of year, especially while watching my favorite French movie or reading Eat. Pray. Love. and romanticizing about foreign lands I have yet to visit where I will kiss intriguing men.  I also enjoy a margherita pizza with red wine for dinner and dark chocolate M&Ms for dessert.

The (Problematic) Reality:

Despite my passion for the country's film, I failed learning the country's language.  Turns out it's much more difficult than Amélie let on.  Also my preference for high-calorie dinners is making me a flubby sloth. And because she stopped her yoga routine and consumed excessive amounts of wine and pizza, Elizabeth Gilbert gained 15 pounds in Italy, because, well, all she did was eat.

The Solution:  

Even though I hate it, 24 Hour Fitness is my new boyfriend.  He's always available for a chat or late-night walk.  I know, I know, I've said it before.  But I'm running a 5k on January 23rd in Washington Park.  My first one ever; I just registered.  I don't want to do it, but if I don't do it, I won't go to 24 and will spiral into a glutenous sloth. 

A Promise and A Playlist:

 

So with that promise, I've spent hours deliberating over the perfect combination resulting in the following playlists.  Goodbye, excuses.  Hello, iPod. Expect an update on January 24th or 25th.  Enjoy the tunes (they're treadmill tested and runner approved) and share your favorites! 

The Current Favorite (Better Known as the "I Only Listen to Chill Music, and Running is Foreign to My DNA" Playlist):

1. Feist - I Feel It All
2. Death Cab For Cutie - The Sound of Settling
3. Fiona Apple - Better Version of Me
4. Cake - Love You Madly
5. The Postal Service - Such Great Heights
6. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Heads Will Roll
7. Radiohead - Idioteque
8. Red Hot Chili Peppers - Can't Stop
9. Coldplay - Strawberry Swing
10. Mumford & Sons - Little Lion Man
11. John Legend & The Roots - Our Generation (The Hope of the World)
12. Eagle-Eye Cherry - Save Tonight
13. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Learning To Fly
14. Explosions In the Sky - First Breath After Coma

The Motivator (Better known as the "Get Off Your Butt... NOW" playlist):

1. A.R. Raham, from the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack - Mausam & Escape
2. Jason DeRulo - Ridin' Solo
3. MGMT - Kids
4. Jay Z with Alicia Keys - Empire State of Mind
5. Angels & Airwaves - Everything's Magic
6. Justin Beiber - One Time (Hey, if the Fever works...)
7. Eminem - Lose Yourself 
8. Black Eyed Peas - I Gotta Feeling
9. Kanye West - Stronger
10. Beyoncé - Single Ladies
11. Justin Timberlake - Sexy Back
12. Cake - The Distance
13. Jamie Foxx - Winner
14. Flo Rider - Club Can't Handle Me
15. R. Kelly - Ignition (remix version)

Surprised?  :)  Love to my fellow addicts to Netflix streaming and passionate couch potatoes.  I'll never judge you.