New Year's Eve 2009

Happy New Year's Eve! 

I had a wonderful visit with my family over Christmas.  It was just the four of us, and it was the first time we'd all been in the parsonage at the same time. Though our tree had fewer presents than some previous years (thank you economy), the ones there were more than enough. Plus, the best part was getting to see my brother and my parents. 

When I made plans to come home for Christmas, I fussed about having to leave my NFL Network service in my Lawrence apartment.  The Titans were playing on Christmas Day and I would miss the game!  They would be playing on my birthday in my hometown and I wouldn't get to see them.  Little did I know that my brother had "already solved the problem" (as he put it).  He gave me 2 tickets to the game!  I couldn't believe it!  I was going to see the Titans play on Christmas Day! =)

My 23rd birthday celebration took place on the day after Christmas since my brother and I were at the game all evening on Christmas Day.  Mom cooked a delicious meal and cake.  This year, more than any other year before, I realized that my Christmas dinners are vastly different than most peoples'.  Every Christmas, our evening meal is my birthday dinner, which in my family means we eat whatever I choose.  Every Christmas I get to eat ice cream and birthday cake before the day is done.  Additionally, my present-opening is not finished in the early afternoon like most peoples'.  Instead I get to look forward to suppertime when I open my birthday gifts.  My family and friends don't combine my presents, and Christmas gifts are wrapped in Christmas paper while birthday gifts are wrapped in birthday paper - never the other way around.  When I was younger, I thought that was just the way Christmas was.  Only recently have I realized how unique and special my Christmases are.

Straight No Chaser concert

I had a blast tonight at the Straight No Chaser concert.  I always loved seeing them at DePauw, and they were of course amazing here as well.  I got to here my favorites plus some of their more recent holiday stuff.  The Christmas Can-Can was hilarious!  If you get a chance to see them in concert, do it!  They're a great a cappella group, and even though people think they're a Christmas group, they do waaaaay more than just holiday music.  To hear some, check them out on youtube or their official website.

20 days till I'm 23

Advent. Possibly one of my favorite times of the Christian calendar, musically-speaking.  (the other is Easter, I think).  Though I've had 4 years of not being around my family for most of the Advent season, this year is a little different.  I'll be with them only for the Christmas Eve services.  I really liked being at Mama's church last week for the first Sunday of Advent. 

I haven't yet decorated my apartment, but it's definitely on my list.  I do wish I had an Advent wreath and calendar to celebrate.  I'm hoping to get a Christmas tree, but I just realized this afternoon that I don't have any ornaments for it.  I'm sure I'll gain more than enough in the years to come, but right now I'll have to buy something to get started.  I may even go for some form of tinsel!

Only one week left of classes - for me that's only 5 class sessions.  And one of those is the final meeting of ProSem, which should be somewhat fun.  I'm excited for the end of the week because I'll be going to the SLPH & CLP GSO Christmas party Thursday evening, and then on Saturday I'll see Straight No Chaser in concert.  I love those guys!  I saw them several times at DePauw, but this time I actually had to pay to get in!  I know they'll be more than worth it, though!

Finals week should be fairly un-stressful for me. I've got 2 papers due (one is a group assignment) and only 1 test. I will be taking a trip for the lab on the 17th-19th to Sacramento.  I'm excited because I get to see my Dad's sister and her husband.  I've never seen them in the month of December, much less this close to Christmas!  I'll fly back to KC and then drive to Nashville.  Sugar's gonna come with me, which I think he'll like once the driving part is finished.  I know he's sick of me leaving him!