Merry Christmas

I really love Christmas and I was a little worried that this year wouldn't feel as festive since we didn't do our normal Christmas tradition of driving to Iowa. That probably doesn't sound like much fun to most people, but I really LOVE going every year. I love seeing everyone up there and there's always snow on the ground, so it really feels like the holidays. My uncle is an amazing cook and we eat like kings, including the beloved 'soup night' - this is a fabulous night of decadence. He makes four or five soups - all completely amazing and then we play cards or watch movies or hang out in the hot tub. It's a blast.

Anyway, so I have a new job this year (yeaaa), so i couldn't take enough time off for us to make the trip. We decided to get a cabin in Blue Ridge for a few days and I was surprised to find myself really excited to go. I realize that I may sound a little bratty. 'really amanda? you were excited to go to the mountains? shocking'. but as i get older, i rarely get excited about trips. i used to be excited for weeks, even months ahead of time. the anticipation was almost as good as the trip. but now i rarely feel that anticipation. guess it's just one of those things.

So anyway, when we got to the cabin, it was decked out - I mean, like seriously decorated. there was a HUGE 10' tree and every square inch of space was covered those little knickknacks that cabins always have. They didn't take down their normal decorations, so it was packed with bears, deers, roosters, and little snowmen...everywhere. No room for even a glass on the coffee and side tables. But it was vey cute. We spent the days eating, cooking, snacking, drinking, a little hiking, playing games and hot tubbing and more eating. *Sigh* it was so much fun and totally beautiful out there.

So that was Christmas, but we also had a very lovely Pre-Christmas a couple weeks ago in Oregon with my brother and sister-in-law. That was really fun, even though we bombarded their fabulous, but not massive home with five extra people for six days. yes, we were those in-laws. but it was really fun and again, we ate really well. The Portland branch of the Armington family knows a thing or two about cooking great meals. yummm. I also got to check out Portland State University. I am applying for grad schools (Masters of Public Health) and PSU is in the mix. I was thrilled to check out the campus and talk with someone from the school for little bit. Very cool. Great vacation.

and it's not over yet...My sister and I leave on Wednesday night for Winter Park, Colorado for four days (and New Years) with my best friends. Only sad thing is that Ben can't come. such a bummer. he'll be missed.

and it's still not over. Up until last night it was, but as I got in bed and picked up my book last night, an envelope slid out.

Now, Ben and I didn't do gifts this year. None, that was the deal. I looked at him and he said, 'before you open it, I know we're not doing gifts, but this kinda just happened and I really wanted to do it.' oh, you lovely man. Inside a very sweet card was a ticket to Lady Gaga!! OH MY GOD, NO WAY!!!!! I had really wanted to go with my sister, and Ben's sister and a few others, but the tix were so expensive and I've been spending too much lately, so I decided against going. What a guy. I'm a lucky girl.

I hope you all are having a wonderful holiday.