I’ve officially started my Christmas baking. Two days ago I baked a Dutch apple tart- a sour cream pound cake, plus an apple, spice cranberry-nut cake. The first two have made it to their homes and the last one will be delivered tomorrow evening. Aside from that, I have a LOT of cookies and other recipes in the mix so I can whip up Christmas trays to give to busy people who don’t have time to do holiday baking.
I love this time of the year.
Most of you who know me- know that as much as I wish he didn’t, my darling husband smokes. I’m allergic to smoke of any type- so he doesn’t do it around me, but he does do it. It’s a habit that he is hoping to kick sometime in the near future, or so he says- but I still caught him looking at xikar lighters online the other day. I thought he was searching for Christmas gifts- but maybe he has that in mind for himself. I’m not sure since he didn’t mention it, but he did make sure I saw it- so I guess it’s possible.
I guess we’ll have to see what Santa leaves under the tree.
In addition to packing and prepping our home for our upcoming vacation- I’ve been spending some time perusing the Internet looking for Christmas gift ideas- and making a list (I haven’t checked it twice, yet!) of what I want to buy for whom. I’ve also come across some great cushion deals, which have been a source of inspiration for some decorating ideas I’ve got brewing.
I’m excited-and it hit me today just how excited I am. Lots to get done in the time between now and our travels, but I’m looking forward to every moment.
I’m counting down- to many things- Black Friday- Thanksgiving- Christmas- our trip home for the holidays. That’s last on the list- but certainly not the least thought of. In fact- it’s on the forefront of my mind as I’ve been packing and arranging the past days getting everything ready for the trip.
It’s going to be different this year- People I’ve enjoyed seeing in the past, I won’t see this trip- and in some ways I feel a tinge of sadness about it- but I know the importance of letting people walk away when they want to go. I am not one to look back, nor am I one to conform myself to be manipulated just to suit someone elses desire of what I should and shouldn’t be doing. I accept people for who they are- and if they can’t reciprocate- that’s A-OK with me!
This change is not a bad thing- it’s just a different thing. There are family members who I hoped to see and spend some time with that have passed away, but I know that things are as they are supposed to be- I embrace that and know that the time spent with everyone else will be extra sweet.
Counting down til lift-off and I can’t wait.
This has been a year of blessings for so many people that I know. My brother has started a new life and is happier than I’ve seen him in .. well, ever. He has a new home- complete with boston bedroom furniture and other gorgeous furnishings- plus good things are happening all around him.
I also feel blessed. My business is doing well, and I have many great plans for the new year, which will hopefully allow it to expand and grow even more. I don’t take any of it for granted- I’m grateful. Not just for the month of November- but every day.
What about you-What are you grateful for?
I’ll admit it- I’ve been reading the Black Friday ads for a few days now. I’ll also admit that I haven’t found anything that I don’t think I can live without- but I’m still holding out hope and looking forward to some fun shopping with family. I did see where Target is going to open at 9 on Thanksgiving night and I’m seriously thinking a trip may be in order- but we’ll see how it all plays out. I know our plan is to be up bright and early Friday morning and make a day of it. Fun day in the making for sure.. I’m just crossing my fingers and toes for some ‘can’t live without’ deals- and lots of sunshine!
Marcel made a mention a while back that maybe it was time that we both started thinking about new computers. Of course- little does he know, but I’ve already been looking at ultrabook devices for him- and have a couple that I’m considering. Since we both use our computers for entirely different things- (Me for work- and him more for play), I figured his would make a good Christmas gift- and I could always get something for myself in the new year.
I know that Christmas is still a little while away, but I’m hoping to have a list of all the gifts I need to buy by the time we arrive home for the holidays- and that way all I need to do is buy. It sure makes life easier.
That could be the name of a song couldn’t it? I guess that popped into my mind when I typed the title because one of 3 Doors Down’s album was called 17 Days. It was also pretty great- but then I guess you could say I’m biased since they are from my home town.
The reality is 19 days is the time left before we head home for the holidays and I am EXCITED! I know- imagine that! I still have a lot to get done here before we head out- but once I am past this weekend’s cupcake madness- I should be home free with more time to get things done.
We’re already making plans and setting up little gatherings- and I can’t wait to see everyone and spend time with them. I’m looking forward to having coffee in the morning and watching the sun rise over the field- and hanging out with my brother, plus getting to know his girlfriend, whom I already really like! SO much to look forward to- 19 days and counting!
This morning I had a moment when I realized that we would be home for the holidays in less than a month. I can’t wait to see my family and friends back home that I haven’t seen in a while- plus taking a lot of joy in knowing that I’ll be spending Christmas with them. It also means that I’m really late with getting my Christmas shopping done- but I plan to look for a wide selection of perfume oils and other gift items when I get home- and hopefully get everything taken care of online- without having to fight too many crowds.
I’ll be shopping coupon codes and finding the best buys possible- and I know that if all goes well, I’ll have everything done in plenty of time for a lot of relaxation and fun leading up to Christmas.
One month- I’m on the official countdown until our trip home. It goes without saying that we are extremely excited about it. Today we took care of the forms we needed to get done- and this coming week, I’ll get one of my passports renewed and we will be ready to go.
I still have a LOT to get done in this time frame, but it’s hard for me to believe that we are down to the final count. It seems like we haven’t been home in years- although I know that isn’t the case. Let’s get this party started!! The countdown has begun!!
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