The Blur that was December

Oh my goodness - so much has happened, where DO I begin?! After 5 exams and an exponentially related number of pots of coffee, I finished my finals and made it to the wedding. Exams went fairly well - it was one of those weeks where you don't really know how you did, you don't feel good or bad about them, you're just so glad to be done them that you almost don't care about the outcome. Until you get a few nights' sleep under your belt and the worry returns - did I study enough, did I get enough sleep, did I make one of those dreaded 'super blunders' that will blow a whole term's worth of work??

The wedding was fantastic. We had so much fun. Everything went off without a hitch (I didn't bale down the stairs in my 4 inch heels) and the blisters from said beasts have nearly healed and disappeared. Sam and Niki were blessed with incredibly generous gifts from friends and family alike, and they're settling into their new home. I'm slowly adjusting to hugging my brother goodbye when he leaves (I'm not gonna lie - I did cry a little on Christmas night when they left). But it's all good. Oh - and Niki got a new job - she'll be working LITERALLY a block from my school. Very cool. =) Oskar & Georgia made the CUTEST ring bearer and flower girl EVER!! And, well, we all looked pretty amazing - it was fun.

As far as I know everyone loved their Christmas gifts. We all got a great haul, and it was fun to have Uncle Bill and Auntie Shirley here for the first Christmas in like - 12 years!?! (Not to mention Uncle Dave who's been gone for roughly the same number!) I haven't quite recovered from the overindulgence yet - it's time to bring out the spinach diet for a week... haha Uncle Bill flies home tomorrow morning and we're going to meet Brent & Denise for brunch after the airport for some more "Christmas visiting". Should be fun!

Alas, I'll be back in class soon enough... Marks were posted late Christmas Eve. I didn't get my 4.5, but a 4.2 isn't so bad. Leaves room for improvement, right?? And it's technically still straight A's. =D Your thoughts & prayers are much appreciated though - I got into ALL my courses next term (plus the one I missed this fall!). AWESOME! I think?? haha That means a full course load plus an evening course. Am I crazy??? You bet I am. Stark-raving NUTS! 34 hours of class a week plus homework & studying. So... I'll see y'all about the end of May... haha

Wishing you all a peace-filled, faith-centered, merry Christmas. Take the time to cherish family & friends, and take a moment to drink in the present. I've realized this year more than ever that if I don't consciously take the time to enjoy the moment - it slips by before I realize it and quickly becomes a fading memory. So don't be in such a hurry to get where you're going - sit back and enjoy where you're at - or you'll miss it!

Happy Holidays!!