glow.

It's 5 p.m. The bed is made, the laundry is in the dryer, the dishes are done, our off-to-Alabama bags are partially packed for tomorrow's departure, Nate is at work, Otis is curled up on my lap, and I am basking in the glow of our new not-so-much-Christmas-but-all-year-round lights that we put up last night in the living room.

Our friends, the Orrs, have lights hanging in their living room and we also have a poorly-lit living room, so we copied their idea. Who doesn't love the magical feeling of sitting beneath Christmas lights? I seriously feel more creative just sitting under them. More relaxed. Childlike excitement about the possibilities life holds.

Last night as we were putting the lights up, Nate said, "I like our house." I said, "Me too." I do. I worried for awhile that since I bought the house before I met Nate, he might not like it. Maybe if I had spent more time house hunting, I could have found a better one. But this is our house and we like it. It's not perfect. It's small and cozy and the kitchen is half painted. There are dust bunnies under the couches and cat hair ... everywhere. (Thanks to a Living Social deal I have a house cleaner coming next week!) But we like our house because it's ours. We live here, so it's home. Christmas lights in the living room might not be common or popular, but who cares? It's home. And they're awesome!

Life is good. Nate and I have been experiencing chills-up-the-spine moments where we realize, I get to spend the rest of my life with you. That's a long time and it's awesome. Do you know how many times in the past my best friend has moved away or lost interest it me or got too busy to stay in touch? Now I have a best friend who isn't going anywhere. Marriage is sweet.

Happy Thursday,