December Catch-up

Wow. Have I really not written on here in almost a month? Yeah, I've been busy. But that's unacceptable. Let's get so some smiles

• It's Christmas. Like I know it's not yet, but it's Christmas. And there's pretty lights everywhere and all these fun decorations and outfits and the radio has Christmas music and people are in such a cheerful mood. Yay holidays!
• We keep getting all this amazing food brought to the office. Blessings galore.
• I miss McDaniel and Dog Party and Holiday Cabaret and all those fun things. But it's nice to see everyone else enjoy them and have a whole new generation take part. Plus, Torreke and Veronica danced to Howl's Moving Castle score and I'm still not over it.
• I had my last therapy session on the 9th. I was told that I could always count on my therapist as a resource if I ever needed it, but that I'd gotten to a good place and made a lot of progress in a short time, so I don't need regularly scheduled appointments anymore. I've gotten my anxiety to a manageable place.
• I had a birthday! With lots of fun gifts! And delicious foods. But mostly, with my favorite people. Cutting a cake with my immediate family was honestly so nice. My niece always manages to put a big smile on my face. She even prayed for our dinner and for my birthday. I was a very happy aunt. And the next week, I had a bigger dinner with some close friends. Seeing them was such a treat, but seeing them all get along and become fast friends is truly the greatest gift I ever could have asked for.
• I had a lovely brunch with Jim Dyson, only my favorite alumn ever! We caught up and talked life after McDaniel and RWBY fan theories. He's such a good person and I had a blast. Can't go wrong with Silver Diner!
• I've been able to talk to Nick a lot more. The kid has a life, and finals affect everyone differently, so I am still sad that I didn't get to see him for my birthday, but I refuse to hold a grudge or let that get to my energy. I'm just glad we're talking somewhat regularly again. I'm very happy to have him in my life.
• Michael is such a great friend. He's just so supportive and kind and understanding. I am glad that we've always gotten along so well.
• Hairspray Live happened. It may not have been the greatest thing ever but I had fun and it brought back some sweet memories.
• Pentatonix had their own Christmas special oh my goodness I am way too proud of them.
• I got to see Eric! We had a mini-birthday celebration for the both of us. I need that boy in my life more, seriously, he's a gem and I miss him.
• Brookside Gardens twice. I never ever ever get tired of that place. It's so beautiful and magical and happy. It reminds me of childhood, and it's so fun to walk through, even if it is cold haha.
• Ugly sweater party at church! Even if I didn't win, everyone looked so cute and it's nice to be silly with the youth group every once in a while.
• Christmas party at work was awesome. Exhausting and kinda expensive on my end, haha. But awesome. People are still telling me how much they enjoyed the games, which is always nice to hear. And I just enjoyed some delicious food with people I am proud to call my co-workers. Everyone looked so good. And I got the most beautiful ornament from my boss' wife. There's no way on earth she knew how much I love angels. That's God at work right there.
• Have I mentioned how happy I am that you're here? I hope I have. Because I really am. I almost feel spoiled compared to the 8 years without you right by my side. I have no idea what I'll do when you leave. But I know it's not forever. And until then, I'm loving the mess out of having you in the states.
• There's more. There has to be more. It's been such a good time. I am so very blessed. Bad days happen and bumps get in the way but overall, I am grateful. I pray that the rest of the world be able to feel the love this holiday season. It's a scary time for so many out there, but none of us are alone. And there's always someone, somewhere willing to help in whatever way they can. So I'll do what I can to keep spreading that cheer. And to keep it going all the way into 2017!

It's Thanksgiving Weekend

To make long stories short: Getting out of work early is so very beautiful. Driving in daylight is not fun, but much better than the dark. Christmas music is fun. Food is so good. Family is amazing. My small ones make me happy. Days off from work are much needed. And I'm just blessed in a million ways. My Thanksgiving video is up on my channel. And, as grateful as I am for all the kind messages I received yesterday. I will never ever ever get over these texts from my mentees. It warms my heart to no end.

Need A Little Christmas

You know I'm not allowed to sing Christmas songs right? It's an agreement with the apartment. Not until December. 'Cause it's too soon and we need to give all the other holidays enough time to be holidays. Except you know me and there isn't a time that I don't love Christmas music. But okay. I will stick to listening on headphones and forcing myself not to hum along until I'm alone.

BUT. Today we had our first rehearsal for Snow White. And since Panto is a Christmas show anyway, there is a Christmas song. So everyone in the room was literally dancing and singing a Christmas song and having a merry old time, even though it's still October! I was so happy. It felt like a little victory for my five year old heart. Just 'cause it's a super commercialized holiday doesn't mean you can't love the atmosphere and warmth of it all. Plus, so what if stuff is being sold early? It's cheaper and super pretty. And some of us like planning ahead <3

Most Wonderful

MY BABIES MAKE ME SO PROUD. All the proud mama syndrome. So my mentees have been working super hard on their presentations. I caught them rehearsing a couple of times. And their performances were today. They were. SO GOOD. They worked well as a group. The transitions were beautiful. Concepts were clear. They were effectively listening to one another. They used drama therapy techniques at appropriate times and it actually helped further the plot. They all did so much work and I'm just incredibly proud of their focus, dedication, and willingness to delve into new things.

ALSO. After my beautiful necklace from you and my sweet card from Jess, Craig anonymously gifted me the new Christmas album from Pentatonix "That's Christmas to Me" (but I'm smart and I figured it out). It's wonderful. And I just cannot get over how kind people have been to me as of late. Lord knows I've needed it. And it has not gone unnoticed. I'm so blessed. So so blessed.

Concert

Reason 145: After a long and strenuous day, I relaxed at the Einstein Winter Concert & Art Show. A night of Christmas music and wonderful art. I'm so proud of our visual art department, we honestly are one of the best in the state. And who doesn't love hearing familiar tunes :)

 No one, and I do mean NO ONE sings this song (or any song) like her <3

Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

Reason 143: I'm making Christmas cards! This is my absolute favorite holiday tradition. Is that cheesy? Hehe, I just hope they all make it this year (though I assume yours is coming a little later, because, you know, Canada). Hooray for writing in pretty pens!!

These are so pretty!

Cabaret

Reason 133: Alpha Psi Holiday Cabaret was SO FUN. I'm so excited to join this society of crazy, witty, talented, lovable theatre kids. It was just a great atmosphere, and everything was either really beautiful or really hilarious. It was a night done right. Also, yay for the cutie in the improv troupe, he now has a fangirl (haha even though I'll probably never see him again? It's the thought that counts)

They sang my favorite Christmas song :D

Where I'm In Love With You

Reason 120: No one is happier to be on campus than I am right now. Somehow, I missed this. I am here with Emily, and our room is now completely decorated for Christmas :) I'm so thrilled, you don't even know. I just wish you could see it.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra <3

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Reason 118: Hot Chocolate just seems to be a motif in my life for making things better. The laughing trio was reunited today and it was just what the doctor ordered. Gossip. Catching up. Making faces. Laughing obnoxiously. Using sounds instead of words. It was seriously that rush of love that I missed so dearly. I love my AEHS friends. I'm probably never going to let them leave my life. And all we did was sit around in Starbucks, chat, and sip our Peppermint Hot Chocolate. Aren't we sophisticated now? (hah. nope.) And now to get more music on my computer and then Wreck-It-Ralph with the family tonight! YAY

So ready for December <3

All I Want

Reason 109: Dining Hall - Thanksgiving Lunch. OH MY GOODNESS the food was fantastic. I had to grab some to take back to my room because it was ALL so amazing. I was in serious food coma haha. Also, they were playing Christmas music. Do you know how ready I am for Christmas music?! I seriously cannot wait. Eek! People always ask me what my favorite Christmas song is and every year, I forget again! I think it's either Believe by Josh Groban or Carol of the Bells... hmm. Well, I know for a fact my favorite Christmas hymn is O Come O Come Emmanuel. I'll find out later. Teehee!

Right on time, Pentatonix has a new video out :D

 

Edit: The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole. Gets me every time!