Sayonara 2011: Year in Pictures

In January, it snowed. 

March came, and so did a 3 week notice of an earlier than anticipated deployment. We tried to make the best of our time together. 

  

And then he was off.

April was a not-so-fun month. We were going to have a baby. And two trips to the emergency room later, we weren't. 

But at least April ended with a trip to see Greg and Kim.

June, I just tried to make it through the school year. The busy-crazy-do I even have time to teach with all this other stuff to do? school year.

And then Jenn, Jackson, and I relaxed at White Sulphur Springs.

Summer was a blur. Did that even happen?

My Laura stopped by for a visit.

Adam went to several countries and conducted training operations.

And Summer ended with a hurricane and my new job as a Tech Facilitator.

In October, I made a trip to the mountains and Alexi's wedding.

And then, a neighborhood peeping tom tried to break into my bedroom.

New housing became available that week and I moved.

And suddenly, it was Thanksgiving...

And waiting, waiting, waiting, for the new year and my husband to come home.

Sayonara 2011.  

I'm pretty sure 2012 is going to be WAY better. 

Cousin Love and Christmas in D.C.

6 Days. 881 Miles. 15 driving hours. Lots of family. And oh, how I love Christmas time in D.C.

Mad Wrapping Skills

Expectation:

"Oooh, I have a great idea for wrapping presents this year! They're going to look SO awesome. I'm going to buy all this cool, shiny ribbon and everyone will be so impressed with my mad gift wrapping skills!"

"I don't need to buy any wrapping paper, I have a whole tub full of paper and bags and tissue paper. I'm going to recycle too and decorate some paper bags myself. I never have to buy wrapping paper."

"Those gift tags are so cute, but I'm going to save money and not buy new ones this year. I KNOW we have plenty of gift tags in my tub."

Reality:

I buy extra tissue paper and tape because my supply seems low. I don't touch the extras.

The paper bags are too small and wrinkly and look terrible.

I find four gift tags. Four. I have 8 presents.

I gather three rolls of wrapping paper, all at their end. None of which I like anymore. Seriously, who picked these patterns? I blame Adam. (Since he's not here to deny it.)

Umm, do over?

After I cut the paper too small and then have to makeshift an extra layer with way too much tape, I curse 2008 me and vow to go back in time and punch her before she buys the glittery wrapping paper that gets glitter EVERYWHERE.

I finally get the presents wrapped and clean the glitter off my face and the floor. I don't even bother with the shiny ribbon. 1) because it doesn't match the wrapping paper I had to end up using and 2) because I just want this to be over.

I guess I'll be at Target 5 days after Christmas buying the 75% off wrapping paper to stock up for next year. Note to self: no glitter, oh, and you do need those cute gift tags.

Christmas Busy-ness

You know the panic that sets in when you have four days until Christmas, 1 day before you leave to visit family for Christmas, and you realize that not only have you not wrapped the presents, but you haven't even finished getting all the presents, started packing, gotten an oil change (that's a little extra overdue) or called all the people you planned on seeing over the holiday?

Yup. I'm still working on number one of that list of things to do: 1. Find the motivation to finish this list. (Too bad "paint fingernails" isn't number 1, because I'm so getting that accomplished right now.)

I work really well under pressure. It's going to be long day tomorrow, but it will be totally worth it.

1 day until Edenton, NC!
2 days until VA!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

City and Colour- The Girl