Happy Birthday Rabbie

(Robert Burns)

Today I am homesick. I was so homesick that I busted out my massive Scottish flag and actually thought about hanging it up in my house somewhere...I know...ridiculous...I put it away.

It's been exactly a year since I was last home and even thinking about it brings tears to my eyes. I am such a wuss.

January 25th is Robert Burns birthday and all over Scotland people are enjoying haggis, neeps, and tatties for their dinner tonight. Since I am pretty sure I will not be able to find any haggis (I know my boys will be SOOOO dissapointed..ha) I will be making some regular old uninteresting meal.

This past weekend most of my family back home attended our stakes "Burn's Supper". Here's a wee summary of what typically happens: General welcome, followed with the Selkirk Grace. After the grace, comes the piping (my Grandpa usually does this) and cutting of the haggis, where Burns' famous Address To a Haggis is read and the haggis is cut open. People usually then begin eating just after the haggis is presented.

My Granny frequently recites the Burns' poem "Tam O' Shanter which is over ten minutes long! My new years resolution this year is to try and memorize it. We'll see how that works out for me.

So, whether you're Scottish or not, Enjoy your Burns Night!

My other half

Ryan has a blog (you know...my husband). I love it. When we first started getting to know one another I was impressed with his vast knowledge of random trivia. I liked that he knew A LOT about a lot of different stuff. I studied Art Education at BYU. I always hoped to marry someone that would want to come to an art show with me or be willing and able to discuss a piece of art work. I believe Ryan was a great choice for me. He knows what he likes and why! None of this "just because" nonsense. On our second date I invited him to come to an art exhibit with me. It was perfect and he intrigued me.

It's not just that he has an appreciation for art that I love, but the amazing desire he has to continue learning. So, often I find myself frustrated because I can't remember the name of a specific piece of art, or I can't remember which movement one came from, etc. Sometimes I feel like my days all blend together and I'm in a bit of a rut. Ryan renews my desire for knowledge. Now, believe me...we do have conversations face to face..indeed we have many. But his blog exposes his great mind a little more and I feel pretty special that he picked me.