FeStiVaL of LiGhTs

Here's another reason--to add to the list of a hundred--why I love living here.











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Except for the snow, it almost feels like Piedmont

The Alexandria Scottish Christmas Parade

Yep, you got it. Sarah J and I headed to Old Town to get a lil' taste of the Highland pride. Even though it was snowing, we enjoyed ourselves immensely. Highlights? Seeing dogs clad in plaid (Carrie, I can already hear your disgust), medieval looking peeps, bagpipes, and hot chocolate that does the body good.

What was the even greater highlight? Well, hanging out with my bosom friend, Sarah. I love that I just used the word, bosom.

Embrace the puddle

Thanksgiving in New York...a magical thing.

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. With three strategic adults and 4 kids (who didn't have to use the bathroom at all), the day was a hit. Fifty degree weather, an expedited parade, and no hard core thanksgiving preparations before or after...lets just say that the day was perfect.

Step stools. A necessary addition to the parade watching. It was one of the factors that made it a complete success.






This is the puddle that we embraced. It was right next to us. Therefore, people could not push their way into our spot because, dang, the puddle is just too deep. I thought it could potentially hinder the joy of the parade, but no, how wrong I was. It just added to the amazingness; hence the title of this blog post.

Oh and we got to give credit to the hot dog, pretzel, nut setup that we had next to us. Though it was smelly and slightly in the way, it also added to our strategic parade watching.







Diane, I thought of you!








Who doesn't love Hello Kitty??

Andrea Bocelli. I also saw him in London.






Soho tasting tour. Started with chocolate and cookies first; an often occurrence in my family.

Cuban corn

Mmmm pizza.

More memories to come in New York. In the meantime, embrace your puddles.

Following the in-crowd

Judge me all you want. It's cool. I know we all have despised the in-crowd at one point of our lives. But even more so...we judge people who end up being followers of the in-crowd. Whatever. Call me a follower. Call me someone who can't think on my own two feet. Call me a wanna-be. Do it. I don't care...

I liked New Moon.

Especially this...

I won't deny it. He was beautiful to behold. Call me a cougar. I'm fine with it. It was enjoyable and it didn't hurt that he had his shirt off. Erin, are you with me on this one?

There you have it. I'm a Twilight groupie.

My Top Five

Things that I'm grateful for this year...

1. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Sure, I guess this is a given, yet I am grateful that they have a plan for me and for all of us. I don't understand it most of the time but I know they're leading me on the right path as I do what's required of me. I'm grateful that the atonement truly allows me to change my behaviors and weaknesses. I have seen fruits of that this year and for that I am so grateful.

2. My family, holler! My parents for their examples of faith, diligence and love. My siblings for being my best friends and a constant support system. My nieces and nephews for thinking that I'm cool even when I can be super lame. And of course my extended family for their continued support and interest in my life. We can thank facebook for that!

3. My roommates. I was inspired to live where I live and for that I'm so thankful; for they are some of my best friends right now. You'll never meet such down-to-earth, genuine, and fun girls. They have given me rides on numerous occasions and constantly are aware of my life situation. Here's to following the spirit via the ListServe. Gotta love them. Muah.

4. Education. Thank you, BYU for your amazing education. I loved my time as a student and have learned tremendous things in the classroom and out. I am grateful that I have a degree and that I had the means to acquire a teaching license (even if VA doesn't like mine). I am grateful for the study skills, the social skills, and the general knowledge I have learned. Wow, I can't even begin to explain...

5. Unemployment. Yeah, this is probably a shocker to everyone, but I am thankful for it. And while I'm at it, I'm grateful to be a substitute teacher! I have learned much from being without a full time job. Mostly, that your job does not define you or your character. That starting as the low man on the totem pole can be completely rewarding. That people are praying for you and trying to network on behalf of you. That people are just as valued and of worth to an all-loving God regardless of their vocational status. I have been humbled, but wow, do I understand the plight of the unemployed person! I am also grateful for subbing. It has taught me a lot of parenting skills that will eventually come in handy. It has taught me to never look down on those who are "below" me. It has taught me to be a better teacher and much more patient. Especially, with pre-k, wow!

There's many more things I can mention this Thanksgiving. As a historian, here's to the pilgrims for their sacrifice to come to the new world. Here's to our country. And here's to our God.

Thanksgiving loving coming your way from NYC...

Hope you enjoyed that.