I was Whiny McSnivelerson for the majority of November, but I've really just been happy lately. Relatively speaking, I don't have a whole lot to complain about. Which is a little unfortunate for blogging, I suppose, but nevertheless, here I am. :)

I hope everyone had a great Christmas. Here is the haul on my end.....

• Sewing Machine. Huh? Yeah. A sewing machine. Now, I haven't really sewed all that much since Home Ec. classes, but I suppose I could take it up. I watch Project Runway Canada, so I'm practically...uhm... Dolce and Gabana? Yes, that'll do.
• Silverware. Now, MW isn't all that excited about this, but I am. We have a lot of crappy silverware that I am looking foward to turfing once I get back.
  
• Alarm clock/radio/ipod docking thingy. This is one of the few things I asked for. I currently listen to the radio using my Sony Walkman I got in 1994, plugged into computer speakers I stole from MW. So, this will be an upgrade.
  
• ANOTHER Hummer Backpack. So, for those of you not in the know, a few years ago my mother, inexplicably bought me a backpack with HUMMER written in metal appliques on the front. I have no idea why. I don't drive, and if I did, I wouldn't be driving a Hummer, for a large multitude of reasons. Also, Hummer is obviously slang for oral sex (if you didn't already know). The strap on that backpack (which I used despite, and perhaps because of the absurdity of it) broke a while back. So, I asked my mother for a new backpack, using the unfortunate words of "you know, like my Hummer one". I meant the style (two straps, over the shoulders...the classic backpack..not those weird leather ones, or one strap, etc). She took me litterally though, so now I have another. And this time, it's yellow.
  

Hahah. Well, no. Obviously. I am buzzing right now. It could be the extra coffee I just had, or the birthday yule log I had care of a co-worker, but I am a Christmas MACHINE today. I got my sister and brother in law (still weird) their gifts, as well as another gift for my niece-fetus. I actually already bought her something, but it's a gift that can probably wait a few more years. What I got her today is something she can use within the first year of birth (unless she's a 20lb baby, which I suspect she won't be). I also got a refurbished shuffle for my father ($59! Free shipping, and no tax!). I also finished my mother and aunt off at lunch time. Aaaand, mailed out my Christmas cards. Have I gotten any real work accomplished today? No. Well, not a lot. But, this opens up the days between now and the holidays that I can really focus. At least, that's the plan.

It's not much of a secret that I love this time of year. Not to the extent of planning much in advance, or baking, or, you know.. doing stuff, but Christmas, especially this Christmas really warms the cockles of my heart.

I think the early and plentiful snow we had earlier this month has a lot to do with it. It's much easier to feel Christmasy while walking downtown when there's a white fluffy coating over everything.

That said, I'm not even close do done shopping. And that's okay. Every year, it works itself out. Another reason for loving working downtown, I can go out and do shopping on my lunch break.

I'm really looking forward to heading home this Christmas. I think I get the sense that this may be one of the last few I spend at home (or maybe not... MW is perfectly fine with having separate Christmases with my family, and so am I), but I really do love my family. There's nothing like going back and being so comfortable. I realized, for instance, why I have the kitchen in our apartment. It is pretty much exactly opposite to the one at home, and I can never seem to find anything, and everything feels so awkward. I'm excited to look into the Christmas tree for hours the same way you look into a campfire. I'm excited to receive and give presents, to go to the Big Stop with Vicks and Lisa, to browse through Zellers with my mother for last minute gifts, to eat yummy food, to open and give even more gifts with my aunt, to get phone calls from MW throughout our time apart, his usual "I hate Christmas" attitude chipping away to reveal a glimmer of sentimentality.

What are your plans for the holidays?

Four years ago tonight, Mr. Wonderful and I met on a bridge on a cold December evening. I never would have guessed I'd have been sitting here this far in the future talking about what a great time we've had so far. I can't say it's always been easy, or fun, or even wonderful. But at the end of the day, we've always been there for each other, in our own silly ways.