The Forgotten Carols

If you've never had the opportunity to listen to, read or see on stage The Forgotten Carols, you should definitely make this a part of your Christmas traditions. I was introduced to this wonderful story, and the songs it inspired, several years ago. Since then, the story has grown into a full-on stage production that I've seen twice: once three years ago and again last night. It's a magical experience that takes me on a roller coaster ride of emotions: levity, sadness, hope, etc. It's an amazing gift to see this play/musical on stage. Last night I sat beside my best friend (who is expecting her first child after years of trying and disappointment) and the rest of the women in her family, each who have had their own struggles, and I felt the Spirit so strongly I couldn't deny the blessings that I have in my life all because a baby was born over 2,000 years ago in a manger. It is a humbling realization and one I was more than willing to accept.

tweleve days 'til Christmas

• I have always wanted to live in the Pacific Northwest. As a matter of fact, my top pick for grad school is University of Washington in Seattle (I love the rain). Well, after two weeks of rainy weather and not seeing the sky for several days in a row, I'm rethinking my desire to live in the PNW. I just might end up in Chapel Hill, after all.
• I've got a cold. I suppose I can't complain because I willingly cuddled with a boy who had a cold-I probably deserve what I get. The best part of a cold? The meds! My mother called me at 9:00 PM last night after I'd taken a shot and half of NyQuil. I can't recall our exact conversation and had to call my mother today to make sure I did indeed talk to her last night. :)
• Our office holiday party is tonight. I remember when holiday parties where on a Saturday night and one got all dressed up in their finest attire. Now, I'm lucky if I get out of the office in time to get to the party. And I consider my self "dressed up" if I'm wearing nylons.
• My to-do list is a bit overflowing at the moment: I have shopping to finish, gifts to make, goods to bake, packing to do, etc. Happy Holidays indeed.

keeping my wits

I'm an independent, educated, self-supporting 31 year-old. And yet when I am around a cute guy I become twitterpaited and end up acting like an obnoxious 16 year-old. I need to cure myself of this ailment. Quickly.

love never ends

It's been almost two years since I lost someone dear to me. The circumstances were tragic and I have had a rough road to travel to come to terms with what I lost, both to someone else's carelessness and my own fears. Approaching the two year anniversary of this loss, I am amazed at how I survived, how much I've learned and how much I've healed.

I was recently at a bookstore and saw this plaque and immediately my eyes filled with tears. The picture says it all.

misc.

• Sometimes I say things I know I shouldn't. I just don't think. It's 'open mouth-insert foot.' I haven't yet figured out why I do this.
• I am addicted to Better As A Memory by Kenny Chesney off his Poets & Pirates: Just Who I Am cd. I cannot get enough of this song.
• Going through a nesting phase. I desperately want a house and a husband. Maybe even a few kids...eventually. I want a real Christmas tree instead of the little artificial one I have simply because it fits in my apartment. I want a fire pit in my backyard.
• Wanting to be 17 again. Okay, not really, maybe just in theory.
• Upset that I paid $25 for a manicure only to have it completely trashed within 24 hours.
• Contemplating how much my life is going to change this spring. Life as I know is going to be entirely altered.
• Loving Yankee Candles' Balsam and Cedar scent diffuser...it's made my apartment smell like Christmas.
• Excited about riding the Polar Express this weekend with the Gore family.
• Realizing that, now school's out for the semester, I have tons of time on my hands. What in the world did I do with all that time before I went back to school?