"Here's to the bright New Year, and a fond farewell to the old; here's to the things that are yet to come, and to the memories that we hold."

How wonderful it feels to be both back home again and on the brink of a new year.

Quick weekend recap: Traveled to Maryland early this week and spent two much-needed nights with my grandfather; I would drive up there again myself if I could just to relive the joy on his face when we were there. After Maryland, we headed down the coast to our nation's capital to watch the Military Bowl, but unfortunately, the Pirates faced a devastating defeat. But it was still a lot of fun, especially at the tailgating party beforehand! We decided to spend the night in the city and ended upstrolling around DC afterwards, looking at all the city lights and buildings thatremained decorated for Christmas. (Gosh, I just love the buzz and the people and the window displays in cities like Washington. I am such a city girl!) We woke up this morning for a brisk walk and grabbed breakfast before heading back to North Carolina. And let me just say, the day ended perfectly (that is besides the bumper-to-bumper traffic for three hours). A double-overtime bowl game with an insane finish, and my Heels pulled out a 30-27 win! Born a Pirate, bred a Tar Heel.

Anywho, I already posted about some of my memories from this year. I'm so ready for a fresh start, for the new year feels like it turns over a new leaf for me. I know it's just the next day on the calendar, but there's something enlivening and unexpected about what's to come when the ball drops. First night here I come!

Belle of the Ballet

Rodarte's drawing for the White Swan in the film Black Swan. The costume on Natalie Portman, in my opinion, was picaresque. In terms of the ballet, my favorite between the two will remain the Black Swan (Odile), because of her precise movements, fierce fouettes, and overall eccentric demeanor. But I fell in love with the costume's elaborate headpiece and use of tulle and feathers. Gorgeous, darling!

I think the bizarre/horrific parts of the movie have worn off, so I might listen to my Swan Lake soundtrack as I travel this week. I'm heading up north to Maryland and then Washington D.C. for the ECU bowl game, then to Charlotte for the weekend. I'm almost getting used to living out of my duffel.

Holiday Heaven

This is what happens when I have too much time on my hands. I surf the internet for entirely too long, drooling over things I can't afford.

Holiday Heaven by julieemayo featuring a wrap ring

BUT I did purchase those velvet Gap flats today in navy blue for $4.76. Thank you thank you thank you, after-Christmas sales.

Two Thousand and Ten

What a year.

With the snow falling six inches deep outside, keeping me snuggled inside for the morning with endless cups of coffee and homemade lattes, I have some time to reflect on what the year Two Thousand and Ten has brought.

• Second semester senior year. A trying time for me, I can remember praying for high school to end, I was so ready to get out of there. Those months were filled with both good and bad. I learned to persevere and love my (fr)enemies; I learned the value of true friendships. I fell in love with my newspaper position and knew I would miss it greatly. Loved the laid-back feel in my classes after receiving my acceptance letter, hated being idle. Prom, Charleston, graduation. Looking back, it flew by, despite my feelings at the time that it could never come soon enough.

• A lovely summer. The first of which I mostly stayed home, working at a summer camp and enjoying time off. Stayed away from relationships and got back on my own two feet, becoming genuinely content with being single for the first time in a long time. Visited my grandmother for the final time, met my beautiful new cousins, spent time with my best friends. Entered the blogging world.

• Entire semester at college. Phew. Never would I have guessed college would have been so busy. I got through it, blessed by the formation of new friendships and suitemates who continually demonstrate Christ's love. Love my sorority, love my campus. Struggles came with old friends, but I couldn't bear to lose the lifelong treasure that only they can possess. Began to meddle through my passions, grew a desire to study in Spain for a semester next year. Cocktail parties, finals, my 19th birthday. Tough choices and experiences. Tears, celebration, concentration, and laughter encapsulated these past few months.

Who knows what the year Two Thousand and Eleven will bring.

Cheers

Enjoy this special day with the ones you love, and I wish you all a very

Twas the day before Christmas

Have you noticed that Christmas Eve is one of the busiest days of the year? There's the cooking, the baking, the last-minute shopping, the cleaning, and of course, the wrapping. All of which I should probably be a bigger help ;).

Although I love the craziness, my favorite part about Christmas comes at the candlelight service this evening. When all the lights go down and one candle is lit, continuing to be passed row by row until the whole sanctuary is consumed by a chorus of voices singing Silent Night and the lights of flickering candles. So gorgeous it almost feels magical.

Can'ts Into Cans

Peanut Butter Perfection

Probably my favorite cookie of all time. Baked these goodies last night and seriously couldn't stop eating the batter. Goodbye waistline?

Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
recipe from Maria Vastola

1 3/4 c. flour
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. peanut butter
1 egg
2 tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 pkg. Hershey's Kisses, unwrapped (any kind, but Maria used Caramel Kisses and Hugs)

Preheat oven to 350 degree Fahrenheit. Combine ingredients. Roll into 1" balls, roll balls in sugar. Bake on cookie sheet for about 10-12 minutes. Top with chocolate Kiss immediately upon removal from oven.

Winter Wonderland

I cannot possibly get enough of this wondrous season.

*Not pictured but things I love nonetheless:

Christmas carols, the buzzing activity at the mall, chiming bells in the sanctuary, holiday classics like White Christmas and It's a Wonderful Life, and snuggling up on the couch for an afternoon of endless Hallmark Christmas movies.

And I better go ahead and mention how much I've fallen in love with the entire second chapter of Luke all over again. I memorized it as a kid, but back then it just didn't hold this kind of power for me. My pastor preached on a few of its verses this morning, and I've been reflecting all day about how much depth and beauty is in this one single passage of Scripture. Not only is it packed full of the history of Christ's lineage, it gives insight into what made up that beautiful night. It's more than just the Christmas story, it's a story of life and salvation. It's a story of His mercy and forgiveness, and of a Child born as our gift.

Note To Self

"The difficulties of life are intended to make us better, not bitter."

"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These people have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen."

I'll Be Home For Christmas

I'm home I'm home I'm home! I was so ready to throw all my crap in the car, hit the road, and head back to Raleigh after my last exam. It was probably the most beautiful feeling in the world, to finally be free from those long days of intense note-taking, highlighting, and paper-writing. Oh, and of course studying my tush off. Worst part of college by far.

But it's over, and I am overcome with joy.

First off, let me make a few points.

Point A: You never know how amazing a queen sized bed feels after you've been sleeping on a nasty worn-out twin sized one at college. Especially after you've been told that your room used to be the room of two gross freshman boys.

Point B: The only bad part about breaks is being away from the rooms/suitemates. Love y'all.

Point C: Why have I not listened to Train until now, besides their overplayed singles that is? They are incred. Parachute is a current favorite.

Point D: I'm convinced Kate Middleton is flawless. Not only is she engaged to Prince William, she's freaking gorgeous. And I'm a teensy eensy bit jealous, if you couldn't tell. I want her wardrobe, her sapphire ring, her hair. Ugh some people just have it all.

Point E: Flash raves are scary. And so are psychological thrillers involving Swan Lake melodies. Quite horrifying, actually.

Point F: I. Am. Going. To. Blog. More. No more finalssss! Take that Chapel Hill education. All A's and 1 B, what up, I think I can handle you. Maybe I'll even apply for the DTH next semester?

Point G: I'm 19. What an awkward age. It's sort of like 17, but not as cool because you're in college now, not high school. But holy wow next year I'll be 20, which sounds way more legit.

Point I: Have I mentioned how good it is to be home?

Exams...

suck the life out of me.