Also - Happy Kwanza, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Festivus! What ever you may celebrate, I hope it was wonderful.

It's been so crazy the last couple days, I haven't had time to properly update. Sorry about that folks! Now that Christmas is over, hopefully things will slow down.

Well... this years Christmas was pretty wonderful. On Christmas Eve is went to a small party at Giordanos being hosted by Jon. Alex, Katia, and "Chad" were there as well! We had a great time just sitting around, talking and munching on stuffs. It was so nice to be able to see everyone.

After that I went back to the corps and helped with Angel Tree distribution. Prayers were answered, as we had received a donation of older kids/teens presents the day it looked like we were going to run out. All I can say to that is, God is good.

After wrapping up at the corps, my family headed home to have our own little Christmas. We have our "Christmas Morning" on Christmas Eve due to the fact that we have to be into the corps early the next day. My corps serves a community Christmas Dinner to the homeless and down on their luck. We also give out gifts and provide other services. Then we hit the streets and take the meal and services directly to the people.

Our family Christmas was pretty nice ^^ . My brother and I gave my parents their gifts first, then exchanged them between ourselves. After that, my parents hand out the rest of the presents.

I got my Mom a nice dress jacket, one of the really in style ones, and a matching necklace. For my Dad I got a gerber multi tool. One of those tools that is like a swiss army knife, only in tool form. It also came with a little mini key chain version. And for my brother I got a $25 I-Tunes card. Everyone seemed to like their gifts, so I'm happy!

From my brother I received a Mernan purse. It's really cute! From my parents I received a new alarm clock with an ipod dock, a designer perfume, a stylish computer bag, a really pretty silver and gold ring, the first 3 seasons of SailorMoon *squee!* and... a very big surprise. Mom had bought the bracelet that I absolutely loved at the jewelry party we'd gone to in Oct. I had really wanted it, but at the time only has $10 to my name. I almost cried when I opened the package and saw it.

After exchanging gifts, we sat around and snacked on a cheese ball with crackers, cookies, and hot chocolate. We'd already had dinner, Chinese from our fave place, earlier. It was a very nice evening.

Christmas day was hectic. Managing volunteers, crowd control, and other things kept me busy. When we got home, I helped Mom start dinner then took a short nap before getting ready. Marky arrived around 7, and as usual Bella was happy to see him. My goofy dog absolutely loves my boyfriend. Anywho! We sat and talked and cuddled for a while. Then exchanged gifts. I gave him a sterling silver band ring, with a piece in the center that spins around the finger and has a little design engraved on it. He sat there and played with it for a good 10 mins! *dances with joy*

Marky, some how, remembered that I collect music boxes. I'm pretty sure I've only ever mentioned it once. He gave me what has to be the most beautiful music box I have ever seen. It's hand made with hand blown glass turtles that are inlaid with 22k gold and rest on a porcelain base that turns as it plays. It literally sparkles in the light. Plus it plays one of my favorite melodies. I was honestly speechless when I opened it. I placed it on my bedside table.

Dinner was nice. My Mom really out did herself. The conversation was fun and dessert was amazing. After dinner, Marky and I retired to the basement and watched Jeff Dunnham's Christmas Special and cuddled. It was really nice! Despite the raging fight my brother was having with his girlfriend. It got to the point where my parents had to intervene. *sigh* But, on the bright side... if that didn't scare him away...

Other than Christmas stuff, there isn't much to report. I got a new hair cut and had my bangs styled differently. It's so short! Well... to me it's short. I'm used to having hair that goes to the bottom of my back. Now it goes to the bottom of my shoulder blades. I didn't mean for the stylist to take so much but I like it. The funny thing is, if I style my bangs a certain way, it looks like Micheru's hair. , It's pretty cool. Especially seeing as how Neptune is my fave.

Let's see... because I've been sick, I've lost about 5 lbs. I'm enrolling at Regency on Tues, and am totally psyched about that. Ohayocon is a little over a month away, but I have a new sewing machine so it shouldn't be a problem.

Oh! That's what I forgot to mention! Our Chaplain's wife, having heard about my problems with my little Jenome, gave me her old sewing machine! She doesn't use it anymore and wanted me to have it. It's older than I am but in mint condition and perfect working order. She also gave me all of the various accessories and feet with it. It's sooooooo nice! I actually did cry a little when I opened it. This is the type of machine that I wouldn't be able to afford. I am insanely grateful. I'm trying to think of something I could make for her to say thanks. I'm leaning towards a nice little tote bag for her bible and other stuffs.

Well... not much else is going on. With Ohayocon fast approaching I'm going to be busier than a little honey bee in the middle of summer. If anyone is going to Ohayocon, please let me know! I'd love to meet up with you~

TTFN - Ta ta for now!