Christmas Time in the Country

A celebration is in order because I officially started my Winter Break at about 3:45 this morning. I feel as if a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Now, it's Christmas decorating, shopping, and wrapping around the clock.

My lovely friend Alison has already spread the Christmas cheer by bestowing lovely gifts upon me today. Not only does she make the best salad-and-bread combo but she knows exactly what gifts will fill my heart with joy.

(Image courtesy of http://www.creativelydifferentblinds.com/)

Beatrix Potter never gets old for me. I don't care how old I get or how many books I read, I don't think I'll ever like any author as much as Beatrix Potter. The Tale of Little Pig Robinson is shockingly one I have not read. Illustrations of pigs in proper little outfits. What could be better?

(Image copyright Sharon Montrose)

Sharon Montrose's animal prints are so gorgeous. Alison knows that I have a weird love of cute animal butts, so this could not be more suitable. It will adorn my walls very soon.

I absolutely adore winter days.

Vogue

I didn't get any farther down my to-do list today. Sorry for the short post, but I'm intending to begin my last exam in a few minutes. I'll leave you with my most recent distraction:



(Image courtesy of nymag.com)

To-Do

To-Do List:

Haircut for the holidays
Anthropology Exam
Austen and Woolf Exam
Christmas shopping
Present wrapping

I'm slowly working my way through my to-do list. I'll complete my last exam tomorrow and then I'm free to shop 'til I drop. Can't wait.

Countdown

It's only Monday and I'm already looking forward to the weekend.

The countdown has begun; I'm approaching my last days of fall semester. I completed one exam today and feel exhausted (History of Literature III, for those who are interested). That means three classes down and two to go. I have take-home exams (my favorite kind) in Anthropology and Austen & Woolf. I can't wait to be done! Let's hope I stay good and productive and get them done by Wednesday.

It's been hard to focus on studying when I have Christmas shopping on my mind and carols on the radio. I have been especially distracted by the Charlie Brown Christmas song this year. Any particular song getting you in the Christmas spirit?

Christmas List

What's on your Christmas list this year? I've just started making mine (I know, late as usual). My wishlist includes:

(Image courtesy of www.amazon.com)

(Image courtesy of listal.com)

(Image courtesy of ikea.com)

I have exams tomorrow, so I'll see you on the other side. Enjoy what's left of the weekend!

Checking In

It's a busy time for me right now. I have three exams left and a big change has just presented itself. I'll try to share more soon. For right now I can just say that I'll be running around like crazy for the next month.

For a quick break, I keep picking up this:


(Image courtesy of www.rightcelebrity.com)

I freakin' love Natalie Portman. Have you seen Brothers? It's one of the most intense movies I have seen in a long time. If you haven't seen it yet, GO!

The Triumphant Return

What do you do when you're feeling really uninspired?

I'd love to know, as I've felt that way for the last couple of months (perhaps that's why I've let my regular posting fall by the wayside?). I have felt drained and like I have nothing of significance to say. Do you ever get that way? Maybe it's because the weather is getting colder, the days are shorter, and school just won't end (except that I'm only three exams away from the end of my second to last undergrad semester). I know that it's a selfish kind of sadness, but I just can't help it.

I'd like to kick my butt in gear and knock myself out of this funk by borrowing an idea from someone else (someone in the blogosphere, not sure who): I'm going to try to write something everyday for a month. 31 days.

This counts as one. Just to be clear.

So, I'm back. Again. Good tidings to you are in order. Can you believe it's already December? We're approaching a new month, a new year, a new decade. Already. Time passes way too quickly. In the midst of the Christmas shopping hubbub, I'm hoping to slooooow dooooown and appreciate one of my absolute favorite times of year.

My favorite things about this time of year:
-lights cover things that are generally not covered in lights - trees, bushes, porches, etc.
-snow! (we've had snow BEFORE Christmas for the first time in years)
-my mother breaks out her holiday sweaters and socks and wears them well into January (one of the most endearing things about her)
-gift giving reaches new heights (I find shopping for others more satisfying than shopping for myself)
-I don't seem weird for only ordering hot chocolate at Starbucks
-fun Christmas lists fill the pages of magazines and are featured on blogs (a la A Cup of Jo)
-it's the time of resolutions, new beginnings, showing your appreciation for others, and spending time with the people you love most

See you here tomorrow.