Quick Updates

My parents have arrived safely back to the states! Finished my last huge project of the semester-one small paper left. Thanksgiving is over and I didn't overeat. Almost done Christmas shopping, I have one present left even bought myself a present. Phew! Spent time in with my brother and his family. I saw "Savior of the World" (thanks, aunt ann). I had walked to temple square in Sunday shoes (earned three blisters on my heels) and played Volleyball the next day. Tomorrow I will be attending the baby blessing of my sisters twins.

Twins at Halloween

Also, I decorated for Christmas! I put up my Australian Creche.

The Spirit of Christmas

I have been pondering lately, if I hate or love the fact that Christmas music is on the radio (since Halloween) and decorations are up on houses and in stores right after Halloween. I used to tease my mother about how early she put on the Christmas music back in the day. I was annoyed that I had to listen to Christmas longer than necessary, but times have changed. I guess I have become my mother (which is great). I have made a decision about hate or love. I decided for love.

Here is the rationale of my thinking (hold on):

What is so bad about celebrating a holiday a little earlier? We are forced to be reminded of the Christmas spirit early or start being cheerful earlier than planned? (please catch the sarcasm.) I see no bad about starting Christmas early. We have more time to plan the holiday season, so we can include more time to help and serve others. Less Stress, it is possible! Spend time thinking about what gifts to give our loved ones. Nothing can be wrong with being reminded of birth of Jesus Christ a month earlier. If more people had the Christmas spirit all year round would the world be a better place. I am comfortable with being reminded of my religion and my beliefs more often. It is reason I celebrate the season. I think many of us get caught up with the fact that marketing and advertising have destroy Christmas, blah, blah, blah, but making it last longer, I see no harm in it. Thank you for reminding me to have the Christmas spirit earlier.

Grocery Shopping

I personally enjoy grocery shopping, my mother doesn't like, that is why I go with her, when I am home. It is fun to wander up and downs the aisles, mentally pretending that I can cook. I noticed something funny today about grocery shopping.
1st- never, never, never go when you are hungry-you seem to buy things that you normally don't buy.
2nd-unless you make a list of things to buy, you always buy more things than you intended and buy items you already have at home
3rd-after shopping this afternoon, I wanted to go out and get something for dinner. I was tired and worn out and didn't want to cook or make anything.
4th-I am picky about certain products. Some items, don't care if they are the cheap remake and other items, must be the real thing.
5th-I am so my father's daughter and grew up in the south. I love to talk to the cashiers. Sometimes, it freaks them out.

Ode to the Engagement

I have had some wonderful people in my ward become Engaged. I am super excited for them as I always am for my friends. It is crazy time (so I have watched), but the rewards are worth it. I have written a small little poem about being engaged

Ode to the Engaged (things to look forward too and we all want)

1. Blinding ring (the ring is so big it blinds your friends)
2. Scratchs on my face from my ring
3. Stress about losing the ring (washing my hands, doing dishes, etc...)
4. Crying from all the emotional stress and no sleep
5. Birthcontrol bloating
6. Calorie counting to make sure you fit the dress and look good
7. Compromising on everything
8. Choosing family sides for holidays and other special occasions
9. Collecting a list of addresses from friends and family
10. Making sure you invited everyone and don't forget anyone
11. Going inactive in your ward
12. Making sure bridesmaid dresses aren't cuter than the ones you have worn.
13. In-law's (meeting, establishing the lines, making friends, learning names, etc...)
14. Making decisions about the following: Colors, location, flowers, photographer, bridesmaids and maid of honor, food, etc...
15. Picking who is going to be in the sealing room with ya'll. (they are only so big)
16. Opening gifts, sometimes the same one over and over again
17. Returning gifts
18. Writing Thank You Notes
Bless your heart

Let's talk about tagging!

Here are my thoughts, it is a great idea. Personally enjoy reading others, but doing it myself, um, well, I have no desire to do it. I do feel obligated that a few people have tagged me and I will complete the task, but I will not tag others. Sorry if I am ruining the game.

8 Favorite TV shows:
1. The Office
2. Survivor
3. Amazing Race
4. House Hunters
5. Law and Order: Criminal Intent
6. Chuck
7. Pushing Daisies
8. Dirty Jobs

8 Things I did yesterday:
1. Homework
2. Read a book. Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech
3. Had lunch with my brother and niece.
4. Went to Autumfest (clogging show)
5. Read a another book. A Year down Yonder by Richard Peck
6. Talk to my parents via Skype (ok that was Friday)
7. Niece spent the night.
8. Pick up my room.

8 things to look forward to:
1. My parents coming home
2. Twins (niece and nephew) baby blessing
3. Semester to be done
4. Going to the Library
5. My parents coming home from their mission.
6. Seeing sibling and their children at Christmas time.
7. College Basketball season
8. Christmas in Raleigh with my parents.

8 Favorite restaurants:
1. Cafe Rio
2. Olive Garden
3. Red Robin (bottomless fries)
4. Goodberry's (frozen custard)
5. Claim Jumper -
6. Salsa Fresh
7. Pei Wei (smaller version of PF Changs)
8.

8 Things on my wish list:
1. new computer
2. new scriptures
3. A date with someone that asks me
4. to play volleyball or basketball with friends
5. to spend time with my family
6. no headaches
7. To know what I am going to do after I graduate
8. Laughing