(Sarah) from the block.

I've been having writer's block recently.  I've blogged a lot of really long blogs I can't post to the world, and I've sat down to write about life and come up with what amounts to a pretty good status update.  I find this happens most often when I have a lot of things to say and a lot of restrictions on what I can or personally want to put out there. 

Well, I can't run away forever, so I'll put it out to the blogosphere...  in two weeks Matt is going to Afghanistan.  I'm sure there will be lots of sad blogs about missing him, and lots of happy blogs about being home after a year away... but I can't avoid it forever, so there it is. 

So what was it that made me finally decide to tell everyone?  Well, for one it's in TWO WEEKS and I can't run away forever.  And for two...  My good friend Meili blogged today about her favorite things.  I know I've had "favorite things"lists before, but felt inspired by Meili's list and immediately thought "writers block: cured.  I shall blog about it post-haste."  And write about it I shall.  And since I apparently can't just avoid talking about it anymore... there you go.  It's out there. 

Favorite Things (a "right now" list by Sarah Timms Thompson)
- fall.  The smell. The crisp breeze that makes your nose cold for the first time all year.  Scarves.  JACKETS.  Soup and Grilled Cheese.  A general feeling of happiness that reaches your soul when you realize you don't have to smolder and die for another year (this part is especially great this year since I've had such a hot, horrible Southern summer).
- sleepy twitching.  Although I don't particularly like being almost asleep and "twitching" myself awake (usually by falling in a dream), it's wonderful on others.  Feeling the sense of closeness when you're cuddling on the couch and your significant other does it.  And how hilariously my dog twitches and snores when he sleeps (I think he's most active in his dreams).  It's deeply personal, and I like that.
- friends.  If I have learned one thing on this hiatus from the world that I know it is the importance of a good friend.  The feeling you get when you are with someone you totally trust, and can chat in a safe, loving space.  Knowing all their stories (but loving the old and new) and them knowing all of your stories (but listening to them anyway.  Friends help me "spread around the crazy" and not blow-up at the husband.  Friends give me someone to go out with when I need to get out of the house.  I love them.
- ice cream.  When I eat ice cream, I feel that somewhere in the world. something wonderful is happening.  I've recently re-discovered Neapolitan.  HOLY YUM.
- baking a cake.  I am a stress-baker.  I love measuring, pouring, mixing, baking, smelling and tasting cakes.  And I love sharing them.  The joy I get from delivering a cake to someone makes me beyond pleased.  Plus, it helps decrease calories as opposed to recently when I eat cakes all by myself.
- jackets.  They're cute, they're forgiving.
- a good run. It isn't always great, but every once in a while, I get done with a run and feel amazing.  That feeling is why I run every time.  That and the entire cake I've probably eaten.
- shopping for furniture, bathroom fixtures or backsplashes. Like Tiffany's.
- walking in the rain.
- cuddling at night.  I love laying down after a long day to a nice, warm cuddle.
- angry birds.  If you have an iPhone or iPad or iOtherThing, you should buy this app.  It's WAY better (and WAY more hours of fun) than your average RedBox DVD.
- comments on my blog.  Sure it's a cheap shot to try to get you to comment, but it really does make me feel good.

Please please PLEASE tell me YOUR favorite things.  This way whenever anyone has a bad day, we can look back here and think "well, those are some good things in this world."  I've needed some positive things recently.