Having a Merry Little Christmas

Christmas is always a whirlwind experience for us. It's Jon G's favorite day of the year, and she goes to great lengths to make it special; however, a generous amount of snow and ice prevented some of the usual activities this year. We couldn't make it to Grandma and Grandpa Gilbraith's on Christmas Eve, so we missed the big party with all the aunts, uncles, and cousins. Instead, we had a quieter evening in (though the Wii tennis tournament was ferocious). Christmas day included the annual brunch, gift opening, and picture taking. This year we also went over to visit Grandma and Grandpa Gryp. We didn't stay long, but it was nice to wish them a merry Christmas. Later in the afternoon, we made the trip to Grandma and Grandpa Gilbraith's, and it sounds like we missed quite the party. Joshua and I then had to scurry home a day early in order to miss another coming storm.

It was a wonderful Christmas, just with disappointing weather. Here are a few things that made me smile this year.
Meeting little puppy Maia, Kati's dogger. She's pretty cute, especially in a loverly coat, designed by me. (I think my new coat looks pretty festive as well. Thanks Santa!)

Seeing Joshua (looking rather like a pimp) with some of his very favorite things, including an Indiana Jones hat, Superman t-shirt, and leopard print blanket. Thanks Vanilla Bean Counter for re-introducing some leopard fur into my home. Joshua loves it, and I had just managed to get rid of all of his bachelor's animal print junk. Really funny... Actually it was pretty funny.

Taking a family picture to celebrate the new year. Mom was really disappointed to discover that she had no family pictures from all of 2008 to send in a Christmas card. I made the suggestion that we take a new year's picture. She hopped on board with this idea, and will be mailing cards soon. Vanilla Bean Counter came up with the festive hats and blowers, and I think they made the picture. It's fun to look at and think of 2008 drawing to a close. 2009 has even more to look forward to, including three graduations (bachelor's, master's, and M.D.), a move on to residency and a real job, exciting changes, and things to do with the family. We live a good life.

Brrr, It's Cold in Here

I'm a stickler when it comes to the furnace and air conditioner. I like it a little warm in the summer and a little cold in the winter. Save the earth and some money, right? Well, when the temperature drops below five degrees outside, as it is at the moment, even I'm a little chilly. Despite the thermostat being set at a reasonable 68 degrees, our downstairs still feels like the North Pole.

Even my bread is feeling it. Normally I let bread rise on top of the dryer as it runs. It's the perfect temperature. Today, though, that wasn't getting the job done. After taking out the last load, I put the tray inside and shut the door. Perfect! (And quite clever, if I can say so.)

Friday Night Date

I'm a young gal, right? On our Friday night, it would be possible for Joshua and I to spend some quality time together on a date. We've never been a traditional date couple. I don't like going to the movies, mostly because I feel like I can find a less boring way to spend $20. We don't go out to dinner very often, and we don't like going to the bars. So, you might ask, what was our fun Friday night date today? Why, free sample time at Sam's Club, of course. After returning a faulty ice scraper, we meandered the isles and tried some bagel bites, everything bagels, Texas toast, meatballs, cheese sticks, Fig Newtons, and cheesecake for dessert. What more could a girl want from an evening? Good times, good company, and marginal food cooked in microwaves. (The everything bagels were good. I might buy them next time.)

We really need to find something better to do with our time.

Blast You Snow and Ice

So this morning I went to clear the snow and ice off the car in order to take it to the dealership to get fixed. After letting it run for a half hour and scraping for a half hour until I thought my fingers would break, my ice scraper did break. Frustration. Much irritation. I was going to take a picture of it to enhance my post, but I just didn't have the patience. Now after taking it in to the dealership and waiting over two hours for it to be fixed, I am home and in a very blah mood. It's almost time to drive to Edwardsville for class, a trip that takes an hour and a half in good weather.

Let's all take a moment to feel sorry for me.

Done.

Thank you for your kind attention.

Felt!

Polly had a fun idea to start a Christmas tradition this year that included the entire family. She and Greg supplied a 20 dollar bill for everyone; we drew names and then were off for in groups of two or three for two hours to spend the money on the most thoughtful gift possible.

Greg drew my name, and he did a splendid job. After meeting back at the house to quickly wrap the gifts and eat some Pizza Hut, we opened. In my package was a mountain of felt, several embroidery flosses, five fat-quarters of fabric, and a bite-sized Milky Way and Smarties. Total amount spent: exactly $20. What a perfect gift, especially the felt. Now I have pretty much every color, and I love just looking at it in tidy rainbow order and thinking about all the fun projects ready to be made.

Hoop #34,212: School Externship

Check, and done!

Today I finished my time at the elementary school. I'll miss some of the kiddos, but mainly, I'm just excited to be moving on.

Hoop#34,213: Medical Externship

Beginning January 12, 2009

Jingle All the Way

This past weekend, Jenna and I joined my dear mother on a Christmas bus trip to Chicago, organized by the United Methodist Women. At 7:30 Saturday morning, we were seated on the charter bus with 50 other women on our way to a fun day.

Bus activities included many games with the opportunity to win prizes. As you probably know, I am a very poor sport when not winning, so I was determined to come out on top at least once. After game one, I was not a winner, but I managed to hold myself together. After game two, my patience was wearing thin. I finally won game three! We arrived in the big city at about 10:45 (long trip). We shopped around for the rest of the afternoon and found a few things, including a lovely pumpkin-colored coat. If I'm good, it will appear on Christmas morning. Overall, the trip was a success. Vanilla Bean Counter wasn't there, making it a more pleasant experience for all. (I mean that in the kindest way possible). Jenna was a good sport about the whole thing, and we're still friends. Jon G. was thrilled to have me and Jenna around for the weekend.Next road trip: cousin's wedding in six days. We're off to Indiana.

Things I Learned at the High School

Today I went to observe the SLP at Springfield High School. What a strange experience it was. I learned a lot.

1. At the high school level, SLPs are more like LD teachers.

2. Students with cognitive disabilities think my teeth are shiny. (I had just brushed them.)

3. At some store in Springfield (most likely) an adorable pair of red boots are available that I covet very much. Similar to these:
4. Some SLPs still use oral motor therapy and don't know that it has been shown not to work.

5. Students are very tall compared to a stumpy gal such as myself.

6. The high school may not be the place fore me.