Pacific Northwest

Christmas this year was a little different. For as long as I can remember, Christmas has been twinkling lights, Santa cookies, stuffed stockings, breakfast burritos, and crab legs. But after years of traveling to enjoy the holidays, Miles and I decided to take a break from traditions and the hustle and bustle for a week away alone clear across the other side of the country.

We chose Seattle because we wanted to fly someplace where we could take advantage of Miles' Southwest Points and Elite status. We have been talking about visiting for a few years and this trip felt like the time to go even though we were warned that Seattle at this time of year is dreary and cold.

To say that we fell in love with Seattle is an understatement. The city immediately felt like home and I was shocked by just how nice everyone was! I'm not sure what I was thinking-- I've never really heard of west coast snobs-- but I kept remarking over and over just how friendly everyone was. It must be all of the coffee they drink! More importantly though, we fit in. Miles and I love big cities, but we also love the outdoors. The Pacific Northwest is the perfect blend of the two. Here is a sneak peek from our trip!

When I found out I had a bonus waiting for me at HR:

Black Friday Cat Lady

Anyone who owns cats knows the value behind this picture.

Miles and I decided to boycott Black Friday shopping this year, but when I saw that cat litter was half off, I planned an early morning trip to my local PetsMart. I'm not ashamed to admit that I loaded up not one, but two carts with litter. 16 pails at 35 lbs each equals 560 lbs! I'm sure people were staring as we drove down the interstate, but who cares when I saved over $120? Just blame my bargain shopping on the fact that we're still college kids.

First Snow

[wearing: rei pink jacket, target sweater & scarf, old navy cami, levi jeans, LL Bean boots]

Nothing made this girl happier than waking up the first day of Thanksgiving break with the first snow on the ground & wearing Bean boots! This was the first snow for the two of us in over two years.

Of course, nothing made Miles crankier than waking up on Wednesday with the first snow on the ground and having to go to class. I'm still not quite sure what he was crankier about: going to work the day before Thanksgiving or knowing that I could stay warm in bed and he couldn't.

Sometimes being a teacher librarian does have its perks. 

Home Away From Home

For Thanksgiving this year, our home became a home away from home. My parents wanted a quiet Thanksgiving (my mom recently had surgery), so my brother came to visit. He brought with him a freshman from Northern Virginia (and Ireland) whose family was going to Massachusetts to celebrate the holiday. The kid was going to spend the holiday alone at Purdue until my brother convinced him he'd have fun at our house. Miles invited a fellow graduate student who didn't feel up to driving 8 hours for one meal since UT-Knoxville doesn't get the Wednesday before Thanksgiving off.

At first, I didn't know what to expect since Miles and I are so weird, but we had a wonderful Thanksgiving. It was fun being the home away from home for so many friends!

Obviously

Obviously, the best time to buy a treadmill is the holiday season.

It's time to get serious about losing this grad school pudge I gained. 

Happiness is

Happiness is knowing that I only have two days of teaching this week. No meetings, tutoring, professional developments, or planning to do. Just two days of teaching and then it's Thanksgiving break!

Happiness is sneaking a little Christmas in before a week of turkeys. For me, there is no such thing as too early. *Note: I haven't purchased a tree yet, but I will admit that when I saw the above Christmas trees as a grocery store, I stood next to them for a good solid two minutes and just breathed in the beautiful scent!

Happiness is a clean house, two cuddly cats, and a movie.

Happiness is spiked egg nog and pumpkin chocolate chip muffins!

Happiness is knowing how good I'm going to feel once my treadmill arrives. (I caved and bought this.) I'm thankful that Miles, my brother, and his Purdue Engineering friend will be here this week to put it together.

Happiness is keeping in touch with friends-- whether its emails or letters. It's fun to have friends across the world.

Lists

Not feeling like my normally perky self. I'm tired. Tired enough that I'm actually thinking about taking a day off this week.

If anyone tries to put one more thing on my plate this week, I might actually cry.

My to do list is a mile long, but it keeps growing!

I wish I knew how to say, "No! Enough is enough!"


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Miles and I are considering buying a treadmill. Reasoning: As much as I like going to the gym, I have no energy or desire to go to a gym after working for 11 hours at school a day. I would rather be home where I can work out when I have a chance instead of having to plan having clothes, shoes, driving, blah, blah, blah. Any thoughts or advice?

In the Neighborhood

Have I ever mentioned that I live in one of those older neighborhoods that make older home lovers jealous? It's true- I do. The majority of the homes built in the neighborhood are from the 1930s through the 1950s. Every home is different and unique to the past and present owners-- something I love! It's one of those neighborhoods that has huge trees everywhere and if the yards are missing trees, it's because they have been chopped down due to height and roots. We also live within walking distance of a park, library, post office, grocery store, and schools which means we often include running errands to our work outs. Older men spend many afternoons waving to walkers and kids are often heard playing basketball or seen riding bikes.

When we first moved in to the neighborhood back in May, one of the first things I said about this neighborhood was that it's going to be a beautiful place to live this fall. These pictures do not do this neighborhood justice. It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood. :)

Half day off

I took the morning off work for a physical and I think it was the best decision I've made in a long time. Typically, I would have stayed up late the night before, but I ended up passing out about 8:30 last night. (Yes, that's old lady bedtime, but sometimes, it's necessary!) I got up at 6:15, took a 20 min shower, actually shaved my legs, put my jammies back on, did my hair and make up, washed the dishes, cleaned the kitchen, made coffee, started laundry, and ate breakfast... It's 5 minutes to 8am. Mornings like this make me feel like a real adult... It also make me think that I should play hooky sometime again during this holiday season. ;)

Three holidays in one.

It isn't a secret that I love the Publix Thanksgiving pilgrims. I mean, who doesn't?

When I was younger, my sister and I used to fight over who would inherit the cute little salt and pepper shakers. Obviously, since I'm the oldest, I would win the argument. A few years ago, for Christmas, my MIL solved my family's dilemma when she found a salt and pepper set in her house. In fact, she found the regular set, the mini pilgrims, mugs, and a bowl. Since then, my grandmother has given me a turkey platter and another bowl.

It wasn't until yesterday, however, that I realized I was still missing pieces. How did I not realize this?? I had never used eBay before, but I couldn't let the opportunity pass... so now, I'm now excited for my early Christmas present for Thanksgiving... that's being delivered on Halloween.

Scenes

On the snowstorm that dumped 4 feet of snow in October: If that were to happen in the south, we would still be out of school. And yes, I kind of think it would be fun to experience that much snow at one time.

On canoeing with geologists: I knew we would be making frequent stops to search for some rocks, so I had planned to bring a book. I ended up forgetting my book at home, but I didn't even notice. It was a relaxing and enjoyable trip!

On Halloween candy: Umm, someone please take it away. Like now. I went three years without a piece of Halloween candy, but this year every piece I find seems to make its way to my mouth.

On education: Thank God for days off.

Above scenes: Me & Mr. Purdue; my little brother (can't you tell?!); Clark enjoying our new patio furniture; geology canoe trip; my 1st grade bat cave for Stellaluna; the pumpkin I grew that turned out to be a watermelon; Miles & me in ATL; scenes from our first UT football game.