Merry Christmas!

Hello, everyone! :D Merry Christmas! How has you holiday been? Ours was very busy, but even that is an understatement.


It all started yesterday--which was eventful in more ways than one. You see, I injured myself all day long. The first thing I did was ram my small toe into an eight pound dumbbell--behind which sat another eight pound, two five pound weights, and then two three pound weights. My toe is now a nasty shade of maroon--no pictures will be forthcoming. So, limping through the remainder of my day--I discovered that Shark Week had arrived, which rendered me practically useless even with the added pain killers and caffeine. Seriously...can't Mother Nature just text me instead? :( Later in he evening I burned my hand on our fireplace. I decided after that, that maybe I should avoid all dangerous activities--like being awake.

We had endless cleaning and cooking before our Christmas Eve dinner with our family friends. My dear friend Jessie was even there with her mother, Mrs. Stacie. It was a great night! We exchanged Christmas gifts and I discovered that my lovely friend had made me a scarf! I absolutely love it and I can't wait to wear it out in public! :D I will post a picture as soon as I find and outfit that compliments it! :D Mrs. Stacie also gave me a jewelry box with my aunt's favorite Bible verse on it. Haha, I will have to keep her from stealing that! ;)

I gave her an infinity scarf, a pair of sunglasses, and some Bath and Body Works stuff! :D No really good pictures of last night, sadly. When you are running like a chicken with it's head cut off you don't really have time for pictures. :( Today we did get some good pictures though. I was exhausted though, I woke up at what I thought was 5:30--but it was actually 4:30 because my little desk clock can't be set back. It did give me a chance to shower and clean up early though. :)

After having Christmas morning breakfast with my grandparents and family friend Mrs. Cynthia, we opened presents to each other. I gave my mom an MP3 player with my brother, I gave my dad a gift card to one of his favorite stores, my sister a jewelry making kit, and I gave my brother an Imagine Dragon's CD. :) In return, my brother gave me the first season of Gomer Pyle USMC, and my sister gave me "Mrs. Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children"--a book that I have been wanting to read for quite some time. So far it's really good and very intriguing. I'm nearly halfway through it already! 0_0 I must pace myself because I will need a book to take to college with me this semester.


I have a distinct feeling, however, that this book will get a bit scary before too much longer. Now I really wish I had gotten that Castiel I asked for, for Christmas.

After Christmas breakfast we went to my grandparents house, where all the 'adults' play a Dirty Santa game--where basically everyone brings a gift and you all steal gifts from each other. I'm not a big fan, but this year I did manage to snag a Bath and Body Works kit that was even in my scent! :D Very happy about that.

After Christmas there it was off to my aunt's house (my mom's sister) where we had some light snacks before opening even more presents! There I got a pair of black, chandelier earrings, a aqua infinity scarf, and an iTunes gift card. :) The gift card was great, considering the fact that today I got my very first iPod!

My sweet and very generous parents got me the iPod 5 for Christmas this year, and I am SO excited! They also gave me a gift card to Radio Shack so I can get a case for it--which it desperately needs because I don't want ANYTHING to happen to my new baby. I believe I'll try to hit the store in the next few days, as soon as the craziness wears down.

I also got "The Fault in Our Stars", more Bath and Body Works goodies, a Union Jack/British mug set (tea included), a sketch book and some beautiful new colored pencils. The movie "Hotel Transylvania", aloe socks, a wide assortment of candy, and a sweater with a really cute owl on it. Over all it was a very generous and blessed Christmas! :D


But now that Christmas is over, it's time to focus on going back to school. Books have to be ordered, and new supplies bought. The truck's due for a good wash and vacuum (I basically live out of it during the semester). One good thing is that I have already gotten my official paperwork in order (months ago) so I don't have that stress on me or my mother.

I've excited to go back to school, but I'm also nervous. But we've gone over this song and dance a million times already haven't we? So let's break out of the loop for a bit. School is coming--no more shall be said until the actual first day! After that I'm probably not going to shut up, either because I'm complaining or I'm a little too eager to tell any and all good news I have.



But I hope that everyone has had a wonderful Christmas, and that you have all been blessed! :) Now it's onto the New Year, and I hope that God blesses every one of you!

Merry Christmas, Lovely Bloggers! :D

Christmas Tunes, And Yes I Know I Have Weird Taste in Music!

Christmas is right around the bend, so I thought I might share a few of my favorite Christmas songs! Warning, I have weird taste in music. 

Love this song! 

I grew up with The Kingston Trio's songs, my mom always loved them. 

The Civil Wars are a personal favorite, and so is "O Come O Come Emmanuel" 

Another one of my childhood songs. 

This was a must, every single Christmas! We always had this playing so it is a very BIG Christmas memory for me. 

Well, I don't know when I'll talk to you guys again, but if I don't before Christmas, I hope you all have a happy holiday! :D 

Eating Up Christmas Time!

I love Christmas time! 

It's one of my favorite times of the year, even if I have to share my abode with sometimes cumbersome decorations. :) 

Currently I'm enjoying the Christmas tunes and the new photography opportunities. Christmas always posed a problem to me with photography--even back when I was just snapping candids for the family. My camera never wanted to 'digest' the lights correctly, and I usually ended up with a blurry mess--unless of course I submitted to the flash, in which case I got an overbearing, overly detailed, glimpse of everything. Trust me, flash on people isn't always great. 

I've also been happy because I got my final grades back for the semester. I was blessed with all A's--shocking considering that one of them was in Physical Science, which I had been expecting a B in. Wonderful, blessed feeling there! :)

But I'm loving this season so far! :D It's so great to have family around for the holidays. :) I've got almost all of my shopping done, which is a relief! All of the big gifts are bought; I just have a few last minute gifts to get.

We're not in the cooking part yet--but once it gets here I'll be making chocolate fudge, pecan pie, and a vast assortment of cookies. There are usually a lot of sweets around for us during the holidays. I'm going to gain so much weight over this holiday season! :( That's okay though, I'll lose it all over the Spring semester. Stress does that to you...grrr.

I've also--finally--finished my Christmas list! About time too, considering the fact that Christmas is next week. 

iPod,(Yes I still want an iPod.) 

Loki t-shirt from Hot Topic,

"The Fault in Our Stars" by John Greene,

Tardis Necklace from Hot Topic,

And that's about it for this year. I mean, asking for a new iPod is a big deal, so I'm keeping my list simple. :) I really want an iPod.

In other news, I also wrapped a dinosaur...

I got my cousin, Michael, a dinosaur toy for Christmas--more specifically a T-Rex toy. 

It was not so much I had to wrap the dinosaur--as I wanted to see if I could wrap a dinosaur. I'm glad to say I succeeded, though his tail was sticking out. 

Don't worry, he's nicely put in a bag now--this was more of a random idea to use up the bits of wrapping paper I had left over. Fun idea I guess, though kinda messy. 

Today, I also babysat my cousin Michael and my little sister Joanna. We had a great time riding around on the golf cart while belting out Christmas carols--albeit the wrong words. 

I also survived a ten year early driving lesson. My sister has already learned to drive the golf cart--but my cousin was a newbie. So I let him drive a little on his own--basically I let him steer the cart while I handled the pedals. He really enjoyed it, and was thrilled with himself afterwards. Yep, ten years from now I'll be the cool cousin that lets him drive an actual car. 

I also finished a lot of the editing on my aunt's Christmas card photos. I don't do much with editing, I just adjust a few things and then leave it be. 

This is one of my favorites. 

This is a really fun shot, fun for Michael anyway. Haha, now he can bargain for better Christmas presents! 

Well, now I've got to head out! :D 

You Rarely Think About Where You're Going, Until Someone Asks

Yesterday I finally got to take pictures of my friends up in the warehouse! I was absolutely thrilled! 

Taking pictures of the cool objects up there was fun, but my favorite area of photography is portraits!

Our trip was short, and we only spent about thirty minutes in the warehouse. We got there later than I would have liked because we had a lot we had to do first. One of them was actually opening our Christmas presents to each other, which was really fun. I gave Hannah a Downton Abbey shirt, Clara a scarf and cameo, and Hannah gave me a photography book! I haven't given Jessie her present yet because she'll be joining us a week from now on Christmas Eve. Can you believe that it's a week till Christmas? I can't, I really can't. It's flown by so quickly I've barely had time to digest it all. And to believe that after that I have a week and a half until my school starts back. Yikes is an understatement! 

When we got to the warehouse we had a lot of fun taking pictures, but we had to be really REALLY quiet because they were still running the business downstairs and the sound travels. We didn't cause any problems though, so that was a blessing.

I also met a very nice young man who was running the store yesterday. We talked about photography and it turns out he modeled for a bunch of really big league clothing brands in New York a few years back. He said he was trying to get back into the photography/modeling business--and he said if I ever needed a male model he'd be happy to oblige! I reminded him that I was not a professional, but he said that he liked the pictures I'd already taken and that he was looking to add to his portfolio. It's a great opportunity, and I have his number now. :) But when he asked me about my photography and where I wanted to go with it..it made me think. Where do I want to go with it? 

I mean, it's a hobby, yes...but I don't know the first thing about making money with it or actually photographing a real model. 0_0 It's a scary proposition in the sense that I could fail miserably at it. There again it's a great opportunity if I want to actually go somewhere with my photography. Question is...do I? 

IDo I want to take on that responsibility, along with the rest? School, personal life, declaring a major this year, and my main hobby--writing...all of that is very important to me right now, so do I really need to be adding yet another thing to my list? Then there's the fact that I've only been in this game a short little while, and to a lot of professional photographers who have been around for many years--my suddenly declaring photography as a viable part of my life  might seem a bit premature and silly. They've seen people come and go in that, with only the truly dedicated remaining to slog it out. I don't like to be a quitter in anything, it makes me angry, so I guess what I have to decide is--how dedicated am I? It's a burning question alright..one that I will have to answer soon.  

Hannah by the window

This is one of my all time favorite shots of Clara! :D I think it's actually one of the best ones I've ever taken of her!

Jessie! 

I also got to show them the scary mannequin room! This is a very blurry pic, I know, but it captures the moment pretty well. Hannah actually jumped when she saw the Lady of Death, standing in the back--and we were all freaked out when we actually went into the room. Though to be fair, I wasn't really creeped out so much, I was just sitting back and enjoying their reactions. Needless to say, none of them liked that room at all...and I don't blame them. The back part of the warehouse has all of the scary stuff like the rabbit and Headless Henry--plus some jack-o-lanterns that were hiding in a dark corner and that I had somehow missed. Hannah waded cautiously back through the carnage by the light of her iPod--there were many times we were sure she'd never emerge again. :) That place is horror movie central.   

Here's a picture of us when we were opening our presents. There was wrapping paper carnage everywhere! :)

I think everyone had a great time though, and I look forward to going back up there again to take more pictures--and possibly going to Dairy Queen afterwards, which is something we wanted to do this time but because of our late start we couldn't. Besides, when we got home we found that the moms had baked a TON of goodies (including brownies! Yummy!). 

Winter Fun with Friends!

We all piled our feet on Hannah--she did not appreciate it. ;) But she was a good sport and didn't kill us for putting our wet, dirty shoes on her. That's what you get when you have long legs---you are used as a footrest! 

Well, from the title I'm pretty sure you can guess that I had friends over and we had an amazing time!

This was the first time our little group had been together in weeks--since everyone had been out of town for the holidays...and then were stricken with illness. But yesterday we got back together and had a series of adventures!


Mainly we just talked, that's usually what we do. We laugh and talk (very loudly) and basically just have a good time. We fangirl over our favorite shows (Hannah and I completely freaked out over Doctor Who) and listen to our favorite bands. We talk about life events and all sorts of crazy stuff. We're weird, crazy, random and very, VERY chatty!

First on the list was a golf cart ride--as always. 

It was a lot of fun, despite the rain. All day long there was a thick mist coming down and by the time we got back inside we were all pretty much soppy wet. I hate it when it rains like that, the mist soaks you and then you can't get dry or warm no matter what. But we had fun.  

I don't trust Jessie

See that look, that's the look I give Jessie when I know something crazy is about to happen--and it did. Right after this pic we took a turn too sharply and I was slammed into her. There was much screaming and laughing.

See, this picture is very poor quality and the colors are all messed up, but here we are. Yes, lovely aren't we?

Jessie, Hannah, and Clara. We were unable to get really good pictures due to the low lighting.

Jessie and me together after coming in from the rain. 

Jessie and I before we actually went out riding. It wasn't raining then--tricking us into thinking it was safe--but once we got out over the hill (the very back end of our property, here came the rain! Very sneaky, rain...sneaky. 

The back end of our property. 

After we got back inside we were all exhausted, and we retired to the sofa. We ate pizza, and watched Disney's Robin Hood. Yep, Disney night with the girls! Nothing better! Next time we want to watch Pocahontas so we can sing along. Love these girls!

This was, I believe, the best picture of the night. Haha, this is truly us! From left to right: Joanna (my sister), Jessie, Clara, Hannah, David (Hannah's brother) and, of course, that's me sitting on them. :) I love David's expression! Haha!


What else has happened since I talked to you last? Well, I finished all of my finals! Yes, I survived and (though I don't have my grades back yet) I believe I passed! I'm so happy! Today's final was history, and it marked the end of this semester.


It's been a real learning experience, and I'm glad I can say that I'm better off because of it--but I will miss it. I'm excited/nervous for the new Spring semester--and also the new year!

Each year I'm nervous about starting over--but I remind myself that God is with me and he has continued to bless me in unimaginable ways! I pray and trust that he will guide me through whatever challenges the new year brings and that he will bless me beyond my wildest dreams!


That's about all I can say right now--because I've got to take my sister to piano--so until next time!

There are Even More Decorations, and It's Raining

Hello! 

As predicted, my family decorated for Christmas today. This has actually been the first 'free' day I've had since this week started. I will have at least three more really busy days before I get another quiet day, so I'd better enjoy this while it lasts. 

But today....okay....

Started out slowly because I slept in. That was my fault though, I stayed up until one thirty txting. 0_0 That is late by my standards. I'm a night owl, but not that much of one. And no, I will not tell you who I was txting. ;) And yes, I'm being coy. 

My mother's Christmas decorations are of a primitive style--very rustic and country which suits us perfectly, seeing how we live on a farm.  I really like them, and that's saying something because my mother and I have totally different tastes. I like a lot of shabby chic stuff, and she likes rustic/country style. Nothing wrong with either style--it's just we rarely agree on decorations, clothes, or accessories. 

We haven't gotten our tree yet, but I believe we will do that this coming Wednesday. :) I can hardly believe that Christmas is 17 days away! For me, this year has just flown by so fast! Especially this semester of college. A lot has happened, and while some of it wasn't pleasant, I have really enjoyed the learning process!  When I say 'learning' I don't just mean school. I've learned a lot about having a job, and dealing with sometimes difficult situations. I'm grateful God has put these experiences in my life, and that he has guided me and helped me learn from them. Now I'm excited to see what's coming in 2014. Again, still not used to 2013--am I the only person still writing 2012 on all of their papers?

After about an hour of work, we were done cleaning/decorating. Then I was left to retire to my room in peace. Seriously, I'm exhausted! I think that's just the staying up too late talking, because honestly I've done very little today. I went to the store, but that was a fairly quick trip. Maybe it's the weather, I mean look at how gloomy it is.

This is what we have been looking at all day. :( Very gloomy, there are actually supposed to be mountains over to the right! The mist has covered them up. All day rain (and the temperature) has been falling. Yuck, very gloomy.

But while I was out I did snag this cute little owl hat. I can never resist anything with an owl on it. :) I don't mean to keep posting pics of me, sorry. Selfies are very annoying--trust me I know--so after this I will limit them.


I am also perfecting my Christmas list. I had a previous draft of it, which I believe I posted a pic of, but now I'm working on narrowing it down to things I really want. Always start broad, then whittle it down to specifics. So far I'm looking at an iPod, and a bunch of stuff from Hot Topic. Not to mention books, I've got several of those that I really want. One of them is "The Fault in Our Stars" By John Greene. I know, I will cry my eyes out, but I want the book none the less. :) I'm already running very low on books now, so I definitely need to get some more!

What else, what else....hmmm, well tomorrow I have another final. 0_0 This is my second one, but it's supposed to be easy. Why? Well it's for Physical Fitness, and all I have to do is show up and do a few push-ups and sit ups. Easy right? Well, let's hope so. ;)

I'm going to miss some of the people I've met in my classes, which is different from last time. Last time I don't think I knew anyone in my classes, I mean I don't even think I spoke to many of them. I was so nervous and out of my element that I didn't really focus much on talking. This year I was more comfortable with classroom life, and with the load of work I was expected to carry--so I was a little more relaxed. That's something I didn't even really notice. Apparently, when I was nervous before, I seemed very hostile--even though all I really wanted was to just adjust and start talking to people. Because I was so scared and self conscious, I actually gave off a very angry, and hostile vibe. I seemed distant and probably a bit snobbish. Now that I'm more adjusted, I've noticed that I've made more friends and have become less nervous about talking to people I don't know. What I mean there is this: before I would NEVER start up a conversation with anyone I didn't know--which meant I didn't talk to anyone. Now, while still exercising caution, I talk more and can chat with my fellow classmates about a variety of subjects. This is a huge break through for me because I'm not very social. I'm shy...okay more like extremely shy, so chatting with anyone I'm not intimately acquainted with has always been a challenge. However, God has blessed me and now I feel a bit better about it. Still learning, but better than before!


That's basically my day in a a nutshell, I know very little to really talk about, but there it is. :) Tomorrow I'm going to take my final and then spend the afternoon hanging out with my lovely friends, Hannah, Jessie, and Clara. :) It's a great way to spend a day really.


Until next time little bloggers!

Well, the Tree's Up

Look! My tree has two shadows! Vashta Nerada! RUN! No time to explain just run and jump in the phone box! 

Haha, random side note there. But yep, the tree is up now and my room has been mildly decorated. I'm not a really BIG decorator--I like my room the way it is, plain and simple.However, I can't be in the Christmas season without a few decorations around and a couple of my favorite carols on the radio. 

So, today, how are things going? Well, I manged to climb into the attic and get out again without becoming that character at the beginning of every Supernatural episode. :) Comforting and disappointing all at the same time--I mean, I really do want a Dean for Christmas--a Dean or a Castiel, both are good.

Also, it might not have been a good time to go in there for another reason. Last night I re-watched DW "Silence in the Library"....and considering the fact that our attic light currently doesn't work and there are millions of books in there....it was probably not a wise decision on my part. But again, I made it out alive...will I never run into Dean or the Doctor? Seriously people.

But Christmas is starting to set in here. Yay! I'm already perfecting my Christmas list and getting the last of my shopping done. I believe next weekend I will wrap presents to put under my little tree. I always wait a while before doing that so the wrapping doesn't get messed up.

I've got most of my shopping done, but I still have to buy Clara her present. :) I really love shopping for my friends, it's so much fun! With most of my family they know exactly what they want--but with friends you can just go and try to find something you think they will like. We get to surprise each other! Last year, Hannah bought my a Hobbit calender that I completely freaked out over! Loved that present so much! This year I've gotten, her and Jessie presents I think they will really like! I know exactly what I'm getting Clara, I just have to find the time to pick it up! :)

This is my deranged nutcracker--he eats souls.

I am still thinking about doing that post about dating--maybe it would be interesting. I dunno, still thinking it over.

But yea, this post is going to be a little shorter than normal as I am tired from dodging death in the attic. So until my next death defying adventure--which shall surely come sometime soon.

A Very Late Thanksgiving

Update post, and side note: I will not entitle this post 'Thanksgiving with the Fam'--UGH, sorry, that phrase annoys me to no end now. 

Well, today was my family's very belated Thanksgiving. :) We were late due to illness and other family obligations, but as of tonight we were able to have a delicious meal and officially begin the Christmas season. 

Ugh.

Yea, not looking forward to decorating. A giant tree, in my room! :( No regular music for a month and very cold, rainy weather. No, I'm not a winter person. I love fall, and with all the beautiful colors gone I'm left with dreary, foggy, rainy fields and gloomy woods. Of course I shall continue to venture into them, but I will miss the explosion of color. 

Of course, there are still sweaters, cider, fire, and cuddly cats--so maybe winter isn't completely evil. Maybe, I'm still watching him carefully. 

Back to dinner, we had my aunt, uncle, cousin Michael and a good family friend, Mr. Don, over for dinner and there was so much food! 0_0 I was good, I didn't over eat, mainly because with the extreme weight loss of the past few months--I have been able to eat nearly as much as I used to. Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. My jeans are falling off and I've lost up to 25 pounds, probably more by now. It's ridiculous really. 

Of course, by the time the Christmas season ends I will be complaining because I've gained too much weight. Haha, yea--then I'll lose it all again once school starts back. Freshmen 15? I lost 25 people--what's happening to me?! Don't believe that lie...you'll lose weight in college, and it's all thanks to a little miracle called stress. Yep, lovely stress. What would I do without you? 

Probably sleep, yea...sleep sounds nice. 

My sister enjoying her Thanksgiving with her Cousin Michael at the kiddie table. We gave the little people plastic cups because we have yet to trust them with glass. They didn't mind, they were too busy making greedy eyes at the pies. 

Ready for dinner. It's not really fancy, but what matters most is the people. We have a tiny family now, but it's a family.

My newest outfit. Not much for fashion, as you know--so don't remind me that this isn't really fashionable--but hey, it was fall colors so I decided to wear it. 

Mah turkey! I like this little fellow. He's not nearly as annoying as his twin brother, other turkey and I are on the outs. 

But now it's time for Christmas, and that should prove interesting! :) I already have started my list.

Yes, I still have a Christmas list. My parents will still give my presents and so will my extended family. Some people don't do this once they get to a certain age--but for me this is how it works. Most of my stuff is from Hot Topic, which is my new favorite store by the way, and of course I want an iPod touch! Probably four, but I could get five...dunno. 

That's all for this update post! Hope you all are ready for the Christmas season and a few Christmas themed posts. :) I'll see you next post!