Singleton Living. Seriously.

In my world as a single girl just barely over 30 (that's my story and I'm sticking to it), I find myself in a very weird place socially. I have just moved home and am attending a family ward which definitely has its ups and downs. I have been here long enough so that people know I am sticking around, but they just don't quite know what to do with me. I find that I am very complimented when people ask why I am not married because that means that they actually wonder. I get the question from the well-meaning people as to if I am single, as always, and I have to say that I am now getting the most unique responses to my answer to that question. A new acquaintance who is married and has some kids even responded, "Lucky!" when I stated my single status. The following conversation that I had on Sunday with an older sister in the ward let me know, however, that I am in a whole new league:

SISTER: So, I have been meaning to talk to you-you have been on my mind a lot lately.
ME: Oh? That's nice, what about?
S: Well, how do you feel about getting married?
M: I feel good about getting married, why do you ask?
S: Well, it is something that I think you should do-have you thought about how you are going to make it happen?
M: Uh...Uh...well, since coming to California, not so much.
S: You really should. Think about it I mean. Do you need some help?
M: Uh...Uh...Apparently.
S: Oh, good, because I was kind of the Yenta of the singles ward when my husband and I were serving over there and since being released, I haven't had the opportunity to work with a young-ish person and get them married. I miss that.
M: Wow. Okay, Yenta. Are you sure that you are up for the challenge? (I really did say that)
S: Oh yes-you just have to have an open attitude and not be picky. I will consider it my project to get you married.
M: Excellent. Isn't it time for class?

So, as a result of this conversation, I have decided a few things: 1) I will have an open attitude. I will be open to anyone who considers themselves a Yenta. 2) I am really not picky. Well, except for a couple of things. I need someone to be at least my height within an inch or taller than me. I am not a bodyguard. I need someone who will laugh at my jokes. I am pretty funny. Other than that, I am pretty flexible. 3) I am pretty sure that I am still young! Not young-ish like she said. YOUNG.
Now, if anyone wants to join "Team Get Anne Married"-you are welcome to. I will get you Yenta's number. Seriously.

Thanksgiving at the Beach. Seriously.

For Thanksgiving this year, it ended up being just me, Laura and the parents, so we decided to accept an invitation to spend big thursday here:It was a great day to spend with family and friends, so of course we decided to spend some time taking pictures of ourselves:
And after a great day of stuffing ourselves, walking on the beach, and taking naps on the porch with the sound of the ocean in the background, we came home and got to hang out with our favorite Barlow:It was a great day and we had a bunch of fun visits from friends and family throughout the weekend and even got in a little trouble with the law:Or, as we call him, Officer Barlow...Anyways, I love this holiday season and the opportunity that it brings to remind me to be thankful for everything that I have.