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!

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.

Rain, Rain, Come and Stay

Who'd have thought I'd love rain so much? Aaaaand, sometimes I don't.

But spring rain? Ah. Spring rain I love.

Goodbye, snow. May you NOT show your unwelcome face around here until December. Because that recent snowstorm was just inappropriate.

No one had better complain about the rain when I'm around, because I am so happy that spring is here!

Spring rain:
1. Smells good.
2. Sounds good.
3. Isn't cold, or mixed with snow.
4. Makes flowers grow!

Hooray for spring rain! And even though some may call it gloomy outside, the wind is warmer and the birds don't seem to mind too much!

Aaah yes, drink it in. The sun will be out soon. But for now, I'm enjoying the rain.

Snow is My Frenemy

Snow and I have a love/hate relationship. For me, it's all about the timing.

Those weeks building up to Christmas...bring it on! I begin almost every morning by squinting through the blindes on my window, hoping to see some serious piles.

Come on, come on, come on... I see pictures of snowstorms on my Facebook friends profiles and grit my teeth with envy. It's not that hard, let's go, SNOW!

Anticipating snow takes me back to being at school and praying for a snow day every night from October until March. I have never watched the weather as closely as those years I was at college.

And the first "real" snowfall (the one that counted, obviously) with all the grass and trees covered? Total bliss.

Now, fast forward to after Christmas. Only crumbs left of the cookies. Crinkled up wrapping paper. Dry pine needles. December comes to a close.

Okay, ready for spring!

No such luck. Now the REAL snow begins. The frost. The hail. The freezing temperatures. All the stuff I would've welcomed in December. Now, not so much.

School and work closings are still exciting, don't get me wrong. But the snow is more ominous now. It's not fluffy and Christmas-y. It's heavy, dark, and COLD.

So bring on the snow now, while I'm emotionally prepared. Now, while I'm singing carols and eating cookies. Now, while I'm dreaming of a White Christmas.

Because, after Christmas? The REAL snow comes. And won't leave.

I See We Have a Long November Ahead of Us

Oh, November. How nice of you to come. I’m going to try to enjoy you for what you are: a colder month with a chance of snow. And with Thanksgiving at the end of you.

But instead, I find myself seeing November as a hurdle. A tall, cold, dark hurdle that I must slowly clamber over to reach...DECEMBER! And CHRISTMAS!

And so the countdown to Christmas begins, this day after Halloween. Last year, on December 26, it seemed so far away. Not anymore! It’s within reach!

November is a test of my self-control. How early is too early for Christmas music? Is it cheating to make Christmas cookies in November? Do I have the strength to look away when a Christmas commercial comes on, for fear I’ll get Premature Christmas Joy?

I am offended if you think I’m a Grinch because I try to hide from Christmas in November. It’s not easy, believe me. I just have a fear that I’ll get sick of Christmas before December even begins.

Oh, November. Please go by quickly. And please don’t hate me for loving December more.