A new, new job

Let's cut to the chase.

My new job two weeks ago? It is no longer. Don't worry, no drama ensued... We just didn't click. I was disappointed after so much excitement to finally work again, and it caused me some anxiety that week. But at the week's end, I got the call that I really wanted all along. I knew in my heart that this new, new job was it. Only a week into the new, new job this week and it clicks. I am happy.

That's all that needs to be said about that.

Oh, and my new work digs? Uh-maze-balls. I mean, those ceilings! At some point I expect to see Dumbledore walk around the corner...

Now on to winter recess. Ah yes, the major perks of working in academia... Today is the last day my office is open until the New Year. Pretty sweet gig, eh? :)

In between baking and eating Christmas goodies, I will be a busy little bee during my time off. I have the past year to reflect upon and write about (stay tuned!), as well as planning to do for the New Year. Lots to do!

I may not see you back here until after Christmas, so if you celebrate, have a very Merry Christmas!

 xoxo

J

Oh happy December!

December is here!! (As if you're not aware of this already :) )

Without fail, December's arrival just makes me HAPPY. For starters, there is my birthday. I love my birthday. LOVE. (T-minus one week, y'all!) Then Christmas. Then New Year's Eve. The festivities and sparkle abound and I just love it.

Here is a handful of eye candy that matches my December happiness....

This looks about right for my birthday cake

Nutcracker Ballet. Love.

The best version of the Christmas Carol, imo

Rudolph has been a tradition in my family since I was a tot

Oh the pretty lights

Oh the pretty snow

Oh the pretty lights and the pretty snow

This is downtown Fort Collins, CO, my home!

Bubbly for New Year's, always

{via Pinterest}

Do you love December, too? What are some of your favorite holiday traditions and to-do's?

Happy weekend!!

xoxo
J

Black Friday? No thanks

Yesterday was a lovely Thanksgiving, probably one of the best I've ever had. This was slightly surprising, as I expected to be homesick and sad not to be spending it with my family for the first time ever. But I wasn't. Yes, of course I would have loved to see my family and I do miss them, but Thanksgiving was perfect because it was relaxed and chill. It was quite nice to just do and be. In that rare space of peace, I was able to genuinely reflect on what I'm grateful for.

Today we got up at 10 o'clock. I made pumpkin pancakes topped with cranberry sauce. We watched some Food Network shows. I finally showered and dressed around noon. We talked with Hubs' family for awhile, ate some lunch and then walked to our neighborhood coffee shop, where we are now. We'll head home, gnosh on leftovers for dinner and continue to relax into the evening.

But wait, no shopping??

I don't do Black Friday. At least not in the wake-up-and-go-shop-at-3am sense (scoring deals online seems to be the safe, sensible alternative, imo). Not only do I find it completely unappealing to wake up at an ungodly hour to obtain sweet deals on the latest must-have gadgets, but I also hate the mentality behind the madness that BF has become. I just can't get on board with the out-of-control materialism that BF has bred in our society. Um, hello America? Literally stampeding over each other and even threatening to shoot fellow shoppers over iPads and iPods?? Total lamesauce. I don't want to be a part of that.

Pinterest

Okay, okay. I know that's the extreme-case scenario. I know (I hope) that most people are able to buy their dirt-cheap plasma TVs without imposing bodily harm on those around them. And c'mon, I'm not above the thrill of snagging shiney, pretty things on the cheap. I just take issue with how blown out of proportion BF has become... I remember years ago it was "stores open at 7am"... then "6am"... and earlier and earlier until encroaching into Thanksgiving evening itself. Let's find a little balance folks.

Alright, off my soapbox. If you're a loyal BF shopper, shop away my friend. It's just not for me. I'd rather kick it with loved ones and take care of me with some much-needed R&R. If I am in the market to shop for something, I'll do it online. Or wait for another day. If I'm not busy spending time with my peeps. Or taking a nap.

Like I said, this has been, and continues to be, one of the most satisfying holidays I've ever had. Let's see if I can maintain this through the New Year...

Happy Weekend!

xoxo

J