vacation

I'm almost a week into my winter break from Auburn, but I'm still in Auburn and not really taking a break. I have to admit there isn't a part of me that can do absolutely nothing. I have to be on the go, doing something with my time. I'm trying to get in some extra hours at work this week for Christmas shopping money, research firms in Atlanta and tweak my portfolio and resume for my upcoming job search in January (which makes me scared/anxious/excited/nervous all at the same time).
I'm dedicating most of my break to reading, an activity I've recently taking up. I wasn't ever much of a reader, probably because any free time I've had in the past few years I've spent with my family and friends never with the desire to pick up a book, but I really do love it!
In a way it has become a competition (like most things in my life) with my fiancé to see who can read more books. Reading is one of those things to keep your mind working even if it's reading a fiction series about vampires written for 13 year olds...guilty.  I'm currently reading, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. It really makes you think and has you on the edge of your seat the entire time ( I recommend it to everyone). The rest of my break involves a lot of traveling in airplanes and cars so I plan to add to my tally on the chalkboard wall.

Christmas: my favorite time of year

Like most, Christmas has been my favorite time of the year since I was a little girl. Not because of the presents or the long break from school, but because of tradition, family and those hilarious stories told every year around the dinner table that never getting old. Christmas to me marks the end of a year that may have had both good and bad times, adventures and unforgettable memories. Christmas marks the end of one chapter in the book of life and the start of a new one. 

For me 2011 had its' ups and downs, but for me the ups are what stay with me. 2011 began with a New 

Year's in Nashville, TN and a January in Auburn preparing for a Spring Semester aboard in Italy. 7 countries later, a million pictures, thousands of frequent flyer miles, an abroad check-list complete, and 19 new friends made up my Spring 2011. The summer was spent making up the classes and a studio I missed during my vacation study abroad semester, visiting family and making many many trips to Atlanta. But the most important thing to happen to both my family and me this summer was the birth of the 3rd grandchild/niece. With this Fall I've stumbled upon many opportunities to build my resume which will hopefully aid with future job opportunities. Auburn football weekends spent with my family and an engagement ring and proposal. As 2011 comes to a close I can say there hasn't been a dull moment. As my Mom says, "there's always something." Whether that something is good or bad it's done. I know 2012 will bring more memories, laughter and tears. A new addition to my family (another puppy Fritz, yes we already picked a name out and we don't get him till February) and a move to Atlanta in May (job or no job). 

Christmas pictures are never easy.