Ding Dong Merrily

Before Christmas, I participated in something new. I volunteered as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army.

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Crazy, right? I always wondered who these people were that I saw ringing bells outside Wal-Mart. Seems simple enough, though. I mean, anyone can stand and ring a bell.

I got involved through my library and the local Rotary. Minimal instructions were given, but I showed up at the appointed time at a nearby shopping center. I was bundled up and ready to go for two hours.

The volunteer I was replacing passed me the bell and apron, and I started ringing my little heart out.

And ringing.

And ringing.

And ringing.

Has it been two hours yet? What? 10 minutes?

Let's just say that I really underestimated the toughness required to stick it out in the elements. 

The dancing around was a necessity, really. Had to keep the blood circulating.

I was pleasantly surprised at how many people gave. Most donations were a dollar, but it varied. Some gave on their way into the store, while others promised to give on the way out. Either way, they got a smile and a "Merry Christmas!" from me. (And the guy who just said "Aren't you cold?" and did not donate got a bonus fake laugh.) 

Honestly, it was a joy to feel like I was helping in some small way. And all the lovely people I met made the experience feel truly gratifying. And, not to brag, but my crazy good bell-ringing skills and winning smile had people stuffing $$$ in that red bucket like nobody's business.

Of course, awkwardness finds me no matter what, and bell-ringing was no exception. I kept running into the problem of whether or not to keep ringing while someone was fumbling in a purse or wallet. I didn't want to stop and stare, but it seemed strange to RINGRINGRING when they were standing there in the act. 

I don't mean to rush you, but RINGRINGRING.

By the end of the two hours, most of my body parts were numb and I was more than willing to relinquish the bell, which by now just felt like an extension of my hand. 

Uncomfortably cold? Yes. Lengthy and at times boring? Yes. Will I do it again next year?

Also yes!

Since Last Year

Whoa! New Year! Where did that come from?

Over the last few weeks it feels like I've just been running around. Seeing lots of friends and family. Playing games. Eating cookies like they're goin' out of style. Rushing to the gym. Traveling. Gifting people with the perfect Christmas presents. Receiving some awesome ones. Saying "See you next year!" to people (it never gets old).

Enjoying the break from classes (not sure how I could cram them in now anyway). Looking forward to only 2 more semesters, baby!!

Made this insanely delicious monkey bread for Christmas morning.

Watched season 1 of Sherlock, after about 17 (well, not quite) people told me I needed to watch it. Loved it.

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Bought Pentatonix albums because they rock my socks.

And now it's cold cold COLD. And super snowy. Couldn't make it up my hill yesterday after coming back from work. Needed some assistance. Embarrassing.

So that's what's up with me! Planning the new year and plotting how I can manage this blog! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you dear readers!

Care for Salt with Your Snow?

I meant to write a Thanksgiving post.

I meant to write a snow-related post.

I meant to write a fun Christmas post like this one. Or this one.

But it is just NOT HAPPENING, people!

Besides school and work, I've got cookies to bake! Presents to wrap! Josh Groban to listen to!

Lots going on. Lots coming up in 2014. Change is coming for me. More on that later.

For now, let me just say one final word on -

how disgusting my car looks right now.

Trucks have been tossing salt around like the Swedish Chef in his kitchen. Like crazy. We've had delays and closings and people freaking out and people running to the grocery store. So, typical winter weather in this area. I love love love having snow on the ground in December as long as I don't have to drive in anything unreasonable. And as long as I can make it up my intense hill (a burst of speed usually helps as I begin my ascent).

So anyway, lots of snow means lots of salt and whatever else is in that dirty mixture that is all over the roads. I hate the gritty feeling under my shoes but I would rather feel that then my legs flying out from under me, I suppose. And as a result of all that road grit, my car is really looking like it's feeling the dismal winter blues. Sorry, pal. There's really no use in cleaning you at this point. Why bother? You'll just get yucky again.

I have almost walked past my car in parking lots because it just doesn't look right. Oh well. At least every other car on the road is in the same situation. Except a few. Really? Are you washing your car every day?

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Oh, Good, It's Dark Already

WELL, we have gotten some lovely snow. I am so pleased that, after such a disappointing previous winter, we got some serious snowstorms and big, fluffy flakes. Especially since most of it was right around Christmas!

And now, it can all go away. Seriously, time for spring.

January, February, March....these months are dismal. No Christmas to look forward to, only long, miserable days of coldness.

The library's pretty quiet, too. I mean, attendance dropped before the holidays. It always does. But it's taking a while for people to get back in. All my programs are low on people and the pages (high schoolers who work in the evenings) don't have much to shelve.

Quiet days at the library are so depressing! With my recent viewing of Les Miserables (okay, and all the subsequent continuous listening of the music), all I can think of as I wander aimlessly through the library is "empty chairs at empty tables."

"My, friends, my friends!" Why have you all left the library?

Not a fair comparison. But I won't deny I haven't thought about it.

Cabin fever, that's what we all have around here. Outside, people are just rushing to get inside. Inside, there's nothing to do either. Bring me some sunshine, quick!

Fairy Tales, Fevers, and Hobbits

Merry Christmas, everyone! Hope yours was as lovely as mine.



The weekend started out rough, with me leaving work early on Friday and languishing on the couch with a fever. I couldn't go caroling on Saturday or to church Sunday, but happily I was able to be at the Christmas Eve service on Monday (inconspicuously coughing into my elbow).

The lazy weekend of rest did provide an unexpected blessing: the chance to tear through the entire first season of Once Upon a Time! I absolutely loved it. A lot does remind me of Lost, which I was a HUGE fan of, and the fairy tale element is delicious. I highly recommend it!

My Christmas "break" has been busy. I'm thankful to have a rest from school, but there have been so many parties and get-togethers and shindigs that it feels like one continuous chain of Christmas cookies! I have loved spending time with family and friends, and I still have over a week left before classes resume. I'm going to take advantage of every minute!

My brother and sister and I went to the midnight premier of The Hobbit, and it was awesome. I really felt the late hour, though. I must be getting old. The beginning dragged a bit for me, but I got into it more as I caught a second wind and everybody left Hobbiton for an adventure. (Seriously, three hours long? I'm not sure if it needed to be.) It was fantastic getting back into Middle-earth and seeing beloved characters like Gollum again! The effects were fantastic, and I loved learning more about the dwarf world. Thorin reminds me a lot of Aragorn. Martin Freeman was outstanding as Bilbo, also. His facial expressions and comedic timing crack me right up. It was nice to just watch the movie without really remembering what happens in the book; it's been a few years since I've read it.

My family has tried to watch some of our favorite Christmas movies (White Christmas, The Santa Clause, Scrooge, etc.) but someone has managed to fall asleep at every viewing. Okay, mostly me. I blame the predictability of movies we watch once a year. I cuddle up in my blanket, mentally quote lines along with the characters, and drift right off. Woof.

So that's what's up with me!

Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King,
Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!"
Joyful, all ye nations rise; Join the triumph of the skies;
With angelic host proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Hark, the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"

Ah, Christmas. The one time of year when theological truth is suddenly blasted from mall speakers and car radios. Thank God for His gift of salvation; Jesus is the only hope for our world. What a joyful time of year!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Lies I Tell Myself

Here are the top 3.

1. I can lie down on the couch under a blanket and watch a movie without falling asleep.

2. I can just eat one cookie. Then I will have no problem stopping.

3. I don't need to write that down; I will remember it.

Obviously, I lie to myself all year round. But of course this is Christmastime, so I'll make it seasonally applicable!

1. Is there anything quite like reclining on the couch under your favorite blanket, the only light coming from the tv and tree lights? No, I say. For some reason, I always think I can watch a movie curled up in what is essentially my favorite sleeping position. And maybe I'll just rest my eyes a moment during this slower scene. No problem. Plus, Christmas movies are just so relaxing. And comforting. And usually have at least one quiet, peaceful, snowy scene with Silent Night playing gently in the background...

2. Oh, sure. Of course it's true. If you have a craving, just eat one! Then go on your merry way, mouth filled with lingering sweetness, stomach asking for more, fingers already absentmindedly stretching towards the Santa plate. Fine, cookies. You win. I just need to make sure you all taste as good as the first one.

3. Yep, back in September she said she'd love a new toaster. But come December, do you think I remember? Oh, I might have a vague memory of him wishing aloud he had a pair of warmer gloves. But guess what? I had such confidence in my good memory that I never wrote it down. Oh, I'll rememb...what?

'Tis the season! Heh heh.

How Lovely Are Your Branches

Real or Fake?

I'm speaking, of course, of trees.

Do you go out in the frosty air and browse among hundreds of green giants, to choose the most majestic fir? Is it simply not Christmas if you cannot bury your face in pine branches in your living room?

Or do you bring your tree down from a box in the attic? Do you assemble three parts and arrange pliable branches? Do you settle for a pine fresh candle instead?

My family has done both.

Obviously, I love the fresh, Christmasy tree. I love picking one out; I love the smell.

But an artificial tree is nothing to be ashamed of. There are some beautiful ones to be had out there. Ones that you have to get pretty close to in order to tell if they're real or not.

And as for the smell, I recently discovered Scentsicles. Ah, how delicious! Hang them in your tree for a sniff of the real thing.

2012

And Christmas is over. The food is eaten. The presents opened. The Christmas music wiped from all radio stations (It should definitely be on another week...).

Now we'll start seeing Christmas trees kicked to the curb. Along with ribbons, wrapping paper, cardboard boxes, and fruitcakes.

Christmas is over. But I am still partying! I have a couple more days off work, and I plan on enjoying them, thank you very much. In fact, I am eating chocolate right now. That's RIGHT, beore lunch! That's how I roll.

This week is the end of 2011, so let's pause and listen to "Auld Lang Syne."



Niiiice.. By the way, is 2012 really coming up already?

What is the deal?

I'm still writing 2010 on things. I haven't even gotten used to 2011.

Now I have to write 2012? Where did this year go, I ask?

What did I accomplish? Where have I been? Where am I going?

Hooray for the end of the year, when we can be filled with inadequacy and look forward to a new year where maybe we'll do that thing we always wanted to do.

I'm already a member of the gym, so I'm definitely ahead of the game on that one.

Any New Year's resolutions you need to accomplish this week? Quick!

Christmastime is Here

Aaaaah! Christmas!
Hope everyone has had a magical time leading up to this spectacular day. You only get to do some things once a year:

-Get to read lots of different Christmas cards. Yes, we know your child is an accomplished genius...Wow - thanks for sharing all your issues!...Who ARE these people, anyway??

-Get to sing loudly in public without people wondering why. "JOY TO THE WOOOOOORLD!"

-Get to watch lots of heartwarming movies and cry! Unless you do that year-round, in which case, pace yourself.

-Get to eat a LOT of food in the name of tradition. "These calories don't count! It's Christmas!" "Of course I'll try the dessert you made! It's Christmas!" We at the library feel very appreciated this time of year, when our beloved patrons shower us with baked goods and boxes of chocolate. Especially boxes of chocolate. I just pick out the coconut ones.


-Get to see people you only see during the holidays! Enjoy it. Stay up late, get out of your routine, and enjoy it. You can sleep in January...



-Get to go to church on Sunday on Christmas Day! No, this doesn't happen every year. But it's pretty special that it happens this year. Give me some old Christmas hymns and let's celebrate the birth of Jesus! Woo-hoo!

To all my faithful readers (even the ones in Saudi Arabia and Czech Republic who accidentally stumbled upon this blog...), Merry Christmas! Thanks for reading! May your weekend be filled with joy.

Jimmy Stewart, and Other Favorite Christmas Things

Jimmy Stewart.

Just let that name sink in for a moment. Consider his greatness.

What a guy! My favorite movie with him is, of course, It's a Wonderful Life. After that, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and The Shop Around the Corner. Black and white is the way to GO!
I would marry Jimmy Stewart. If he wasn't married. And, you know, dead.

He's one of my favorite parts of Christmas! Check out this clip of my favorite Christmas movie. Then, check out some of my other favorite Christmas things.




1. Watching It's a Wonderful Life. Swooning over Jimmy Stewart.
2. Watching White Christmas. Singing along.
3. Christmas Eve service at my church. Especially at the end when we all hold candles and sing Silent Night. Beautiful time of celebrating the birth of my Savior.
4. Decorating for Christmas. Hanging up ornaments, stockings, lights. Setting up the nativity scene. I used to spend hours playing with my family's nativity scene. It got pretty creative.
5. Baking Christmas cookies. While listening to Christmas music. And wearing a Christmas apron. And using Christmas cookie cutters!
6. Enjoying the first snowfall around Christmas. Pure magic.
7. Singing aloud to Christmas music playing anywhere. There's something about Christmas music that makes people less self-conscious...everyone can sing along!
8. Buying presents for people. Picking out just the right gift makes me so happy! And then of course wrapping them is fun too. Except my gift-wrapping skillz are pretty limited. Picture a lot of tape.
9. Looking at Christmas lights. When I was younger, my sister and I would "count the Christmas lights" on either side of the car while we were riding in the back seat.
10. Spending more time with family and friends. My besties come in from out of town and I get to hug them and hang out as much as possible!

Peering Up at the Sky. Bitterly.

Um, excuse me?

I'd like to file a formal complaint.

Against Christmas movies.

Listen, I love 'em. I love the magic. The romance. The saving of Christmas. The wonder and joy of the children. The conflict ending in resolution over a glass of eggnog and a plate of cookies. The SNOW...

That's right. The snow. In every. single. Christmas. movie. Even if everyone goes to bed on Christmas Eve with no snow on the ground, there's ALWAYS snow when they wake up.

Every time I say how much I want snow on Christmas, everyone around me shares their expert weather information. "Nope. No snow in the forecast." "We're going to have a Green Christmas."

Green Christmas?? Can there be two more depressing words? It's a cold, green, grinchy Christmas. Thanks a lot, Christmas movies. Thanks for raising my hopes only to dash them in a muddy puddle.

I want to wake up to some magic! Is that too much to ask?



No snow on Christmas is like no icing on gingerbread cookies. Whaaaat?

Frosty Is Dead

There are few sights sadder on a cold winter morning than deflated Christmas inflatables.

In the evenings, when it's dark and frosty and magical, these inflatables are, well.... Okay, honestly I'm not a fan of inflatables. But at least when they're blown up they can be kind of cute. Especially the snowglobe ones.

And when you're driving around the wealthy neighborhoods with the big houses to see their ritzy outside displays (what, am I the only one? whatever.), everything looks so perfect in the darkness. The lights, the candles, the wreaths. The reindeer slooooowly raising up their heads. Then slooooowly dropping them back down. Then slooooowly raising them up. Aaaand, well, you know.

And then in the morning? The magic is gone. It's almost embarassing to see those piles of plastic wrapping in a heap. It's like they're naked, lying there. And who wants to see the reindeer that have blown over? Come on, people, get outside and make this stuff presentable!

I found an old blog post that I wrote last year about the five types of houses decorated for Christmas. It's pretty good, honestly. I think you should take a look by clicking here.



Tonight, take a spin around and see some good Christmas decorations! Just keep your eyes straight ahead tomorrow morning. Trust me. It's not pretty.

I'm Blind! I'm Blind! Oh, Wait.

Sometimes I do things without thinking.

I get into this automatic rhythym of doing things the same way all the time, and I'll get easily thrown by something simple.

Sometimes, when I put my contacts in, I leave my glasses someplace unexpected. Someplace I might not remember later.

Then later, I'll take out my contacts, and this is what goes through my head.

Whoa. Sometimes I forget my eyes are this bad.

I literally can't see the hand in front of my face. (waves hand around in front of face. gets momentarily distracted trying to see things.)

Okay, glasses.

Glasses, glasses, where are you...?

Oh, great.

I'm standing here blind and don't remember where I put my glasses (starts feeling around counters and sinks to find glasses. Wanders into several rooms, arms outstretched, trying to sense where the glasses are.)

How many times am I going to do this before I just keep my glasses in one place?

I am an idiot.

Hey, happy Friday everyone! And happy second day of December! You know what this means? Christmas blog posts! Get excited.

Guilty as Charged

Yes, I have been listening to Christmas music.

A little bit, here and there.

Every year I tell myself I'll wait until after Thanksgiving, but nobody's perfect. I'm only human. I have a crazy Christmas elf trapped inside of me, jingling to get out. Just like everybody else.

Even though I try to wait, certain circumstances require me to listen to Christmas music early. They are:

• Being stressed out. When I'm feeling overwhelmed by the world, relationships, my own irritating thoughts...I break out the Christmas music. When I'm worrying or obssessing, the reassuring voices of Josh Groban, Bing Crosby, and Michael Buble tell me that everything will be just fine.

• Shopping anytime after Halloween (sometimes before). Unless you'd prefer to bring earplugs with you, it's impossible NOT to hear the Christmas music stores start playing. I couldn't believe it when I heard it a couple weeks ago in the mall. I looked around guiltily, a smile already spreading across my face. I developed a spring in my step, a song in my heart, and a desire to buy everything I saw as Christmas presents. Hey...maybe stores are onto something here...

• When it's snowing. We had a freak snowstorm here a few weeks ago and HELLO, you just can't NOT listen to Christmas music! The situation absolutely required it! It's like when you're baking a cake and have to taste the batter. You can't always wait until the cake is done, dude.

• Going to sleep. Heh heh. All right, I'm super guilty of this one. After all, how many times in the last month have I gone to sleep? At least, like, thirty times! When I try to go to sleep, my mind sometimes decides that we have to rehash everything that bothered me or worried me throughout my day. Or I get to re-live conversations where I thought I said something dumb. Shut up, voices in my head! Calming music always helps me relax, and Christmas music is just a festive bonus.

I will unashamedly "officially" turn on the Christmas music the day after Thanksgiving. Or possibly that night. When do you start?

I'm So Over You, Winter

Oh, the winter months.

Now that Christmas is a distant memory, winter is basically pointless now. Sure, all that snow that nearly everyone just got was fun, but seriously. It's time for spring.

It's strange how, in the winter, I feel like I don't remember what it's like to try and fall asleep on those hot summer nights. Or what it's like to see grass. Or hear birds. Or smell someone else's barbecue and wish it was yours...

My hands are ready to be warm again.

My eyes are ready to be blinded by the sun again.

My feet are ready to flip and flop.

My bright white legs are ready to be seen by the world - okay, never mind. Forget that last one.

I heard this February is going to be pretty warm. And the groundhog didn't see his shadow, so I think that's a good thing. But whatever; I've never claimed to be an expert in weather prediction or, um, groundhogs.

I'm ready to run outside again! Come on, spring! I'm getting antsy!

And I'm not alone. The library was packed yesterday with people trying to get over cabin fever, loading up on books to make up for the few lonely days they were trapped inside. Seriously. The parking lot was FULL yesterday. We had a snow day and a half, and the community missed us! And you'll miss us more if libraries disappear.

But this post isn't about library funding. It's about spring!

And nothing says spring like those cute little spring-themed M&Ms with bunnies and ducks and sheep... Hurry up, spring!

The March of the Snowmen

Now that Christmas is over, do you know what it's time for?

That's right, the snowmen. This is THEIR time to shine.

Sure, they hung around at Christmas. The most famous one of all was featured all the time on tv. Wrapping paper was decorated with them. And I made cookies with their shape.

But now...they get to stick around. Because hello, it's still winter! You might feel like you have to put the Christmas stuff away, but things with snowmen on them? Leave them out.

Put away the blatantly red and green Christmas plate; leave out the one with the cute snowmen wearing scarves on it.

Put away the stockings; leave out your glass snowman collection.

Put away your Christmas tree earrings; put on your snowman earrings!

"Snowmen aren't Christmas-y; they're seasonal," say women unable to let go of the warm fuzzies of Christmas, crossing their arms protectively over snowmen sweaters. "Snowmen are still allowed!"

Good to know we have rules for this.

Post-Christmas, Or, Now What?

The days right after Christmas are kind of like Mondays after weekends. Times a hundred.

You get  kind of confused, like what's work? What's healthy food? What's exercise?

I ate some raw vegetables last night and marveled at the freshness of them. My stomach is like, Where's the butter? Where's the chocolate coating? Where's the whipped cream on top?

I got up this morning and ran. My legs wondered, Where's the couch? Where're the pajama pants? Why are we moving so fast when there're no Christmas cookies ahead of us?

Come on now, you spoiled body! Get back into your routine! Here we go!

Well, my Christmas was lovely and I had a great time with family and friends. The anticipation of Christmas always makes me wild with excitement, so now there's a little getting used to normal life again.

Now comes the tough part. Now we slog through these remaining winter months without Christmas to look forward to anymore.

Time to buckle down and embrace the Monday.

If chocolate helps you deal, so be it. Nothing to be ashamed of.

Merry Christmas!

Happy Christmas Eve, everyone!

My family is making a delicious holiday meal today, and in between the preparations I thought I'd post a quick note because I won't be writing anything tomorrow.

This has been a crazy year for me, but I'm so thankful for my family, friends, job, and my Savior who blesses and provides for His children through the good and the bad.

This time of year is a reminder of the precious gift of Jesus. Because of Him, we can have a personal relationship with a loving God. Now THAT'S a reason to celebrate.

Have a wonderful Christmas!

The Traditional Sort of Food

Have you ever felt guilty because you don't like to eat something traditional? Some things are just expected of you around the holidays...like eating turkey. Or pumpkin pie. Two things I could do without.

I mean, I'll eat them. There are few things I will downright refuse to eat. But turkey and pumpkin pie? I'd just as soon skip them and load up on sweet potato casserole or something oozing with chocolate instead.

The thing about turkey is, it's meat. People say, "Oof, I stuffed myself with turkey yesterday!" and I think, why would you do something like that? It's turkey. Boring old meat. Same thing with people eating lots of ham or sausage or whatever. I say, skimp on the turkey now so when the dessert comes out, you'll be ready.

Okay, so now the dessert comes out. Everyone dives for the pumpkin pie. It's okay, I guess. But I'm not really a pie-lover. I'll just take a spoonful of Cool-Whip instead, thank you.

Traditions are well and good in their place. But there's no reason to keep doing something (or eating something) for tradition's sake alone.

This cartoon doesn't really have anything to do with my post, other than the fact that it's about turkey. But enjoy it anyway. :)

Mail, Especially of the Christmas Variety

I am in charge of the Christmas cards at the library.

After a couple times of me exclaiming over them and admiring them and practically grabbing envelopes out of people's hands, the librarian who handles the mail just gave up and let me open all of the cards as they come in.

So I open up each one, show the especially cute ones to anyone who happens to be standing around, and stick them up with tape in an artistic sort of collage.

It's fun to get the random ones from businesses, like the bank. I have mixed feelings about the glittery ones. Sure, glitter is pretty to look at, but it gets ALL over my hands and the envelope and the tape and I start feeling panicky, like I have to hold back so I don't start jumping up and down and flapping my hands.

Christmas cards feed my desire to get mail. Other people are annoyed by lots of email - I get a little excited. My birthday is a big event, of course, because I get so much fun mail. When I got all that mail about colleges when I was in high school, I felt very important.

It's just nice to get something with your name on it, I guess. There's nothing like opening up an envelope with your name on it...especially if it's a thick envelope. Money? Stickers? A musical card? Oh, the possibilities!