"she rocks to the east, she rocks to the west, tutti frutti"

I hope everyone had a fantastic start to the new year! We wanted to go to NYC for new years eve this year since we're so close- but it turns out it's ridiculously expensive to take the train there that night, and we figured parking would be impossible if we drove, so we skipped it and went into Boston instead.

It was pretty freezing outside but we bundled up and it turned out to be a lot of fun. There were dance parties in the street, lots of musicians, and a whole bunch of ice sculptures around the city to look at. My favorites were Jack and the beanstock, and this under the sea one.  It's 2 scuba divers with some reef, a shark, and an octopus- It's called "guess who's coming to dinner".  Ha ha. 

At midnight we watched the fireworks over the ocean. Logan and I didn't have noise makers, so we squeaked along with everyone as best we could. 

On our way home around 1 a.m. somehow we got distracted and missed our stop. We ended up at the end of the line, all alone on the train. Ha ha. Sad. 

It was a really fun night despite that little detour, which was more amusing than anything.

Also, I have some pictures to post!

 A week or so before Christmas I got a call from my Uncle Peter saying he and my Grandma had found some dresses she wore before she married my Grandpa back in the day, still on the hangers, in a trunk she has in her house. And by back in the day I mean around 1950! Anyway, Peter asked if I wanted them and of course I said yes because how cool is that? 

So I got them in the mail and I was totally excited to try them on. My grandma is a lot shorter than I am so I was pretty sure they probably wouldn't be very long and I had no idea what size she was back then but oh my gosh...they fit like a glove! 

I love them, they are so much fun. 

So cute, right? I feel straight out of the 50's. 

This other one is adorable, too. 

This one is black with gold designs on it. It's so pretty. I took a picture in color so you could see: 

A big thank you to all involved, I love that I can wear my grandma's dresses from so long ago. 

Happy New Year everyone! As for me, I hope this year is as great as the last. :)

Another year gone. Seems to pass so quickly these days...

but seriously. It was just like yesterday that new years 2012 happened, wasn't it? so weird.

I got engaged this year. Went to Disneyland. Got married. Went to Hawaii. Moved across the country. It all still feels a little like life swept me up and I'm just hangin' on for the ride. It's been a fun year. One of my favorites. I also played with my hair a lot, but that's pretty typical. I can gauge time periods pretty well by what hair I had...
2012: my year in hair.

Jan-May,                              June,                                     July,                           August-September,                October-December

Logan and I were talking the other day and decided if we ever had to go on the lam we wouldn't get very far in disguising ourselves. We've pretty much had every look we can!

Anyway, I can't believe we're about to start another year. Here's to wishing the best to everyone! Be safe and have fun! 

From Dave Grohl to you:

"...and I'm feelin' good"

Last month on Thanksgiving I was right in the middle of rustlin' up some stuff for dinner when I suddenly felt like someone socked me in the stomach. I was on the floor in an instant holding my stomach for awhile and Logan helped with making dinner while also taking care of me. Later that night I curled up on the couch to watch a Disney movie and Logan brought me over something to drink and some chocolate chips to make me feel better. Ha ha ha. I laughed at him because of a conversation we'd had before about this-

Me: My head still hurts.

Logan: Did you take any advil?

Me: No...I took chocolate chips... That's what you gave me for the pain!

Logan: You're married to the biggest harry potter fan, what do you expect?!

 Chocolate makes you feel better and happier, right?

Yesterday Logan finished his finals and today he came down with a fever. I went to the store to get some medicine and came back that as well as holiday oreos, ice cream, and stuff to make smoothies. He laughed at me and said he thought I was confused about what you get people when they are sick. Apparently you don't just get candy things. I was confused and replied, "but...I got things I would want if I was sick!" 

Who's with me here? I mean I got chicken noodle soup, too, but come on...a delicious pina colada smoothie on the side never hurts! 

MMmmm...

I don't have cable, but every time I turn on the computer it seems I run across something about the shooting this week. My heart is broken for those little children and their families.
When I first found out, I tried to avoid reading about it. I thought I could lessen my own heartache if I didn't know the details, but I somehow found myself being drawn to it anyway. I can't imagine the way a loss like that feels. I pray I never find out.
 I wasn't going to write anything about it, but then I felt that almost trivializes it somehow. I find myself randomly thinking about it throughout the day unexpectedly with the most gut wrenching ache, until my throat constricts and I have to take a minute to collect myself and step away from the sorrow.

This Christmas it seems everyone is hugging each other a little tighter, and loving a little more. I hope it stays that way.

I'm sad I'm not going to see my family this Christmas season; especially my adorable nephews and nieces who I just love more than I ever imagined.

To those families who are hurting- my heart goes out to you and your innocent little children. I am praying you find peace.

"have it known throughout the land from sea to sea..."

Even though I need a job, I was thinking of holidays the other day and how grateful I am not to be working this Christmas. I'm pretty sure working retail has ruined countless Christmases for me for years, and even though I wasn't working retail last year, my overly awful boss put a huge damper on my jolliness for the season.

Because of all this reflection I was doing, now I'm beginning to wonder if I really don't like holidays like I've been claiming for years, or if I just in fact hate working during them. The whole thing is unraveling rather quickly and messing with my bah humbug spirit.

One thing's for sure though- I hate present shopping. I love giving presents to people...so much so that I can almost never make it without giving the present early or just accidentally saying what it is. The whole deciding what to get though...It's actually a pretty stressful event. I am terrible at picking out presents for people. I just hate trying to figure out what people will love! It's hard! I would much rather have them just tell me what they want... but then I get all bummed because they know what they're getting and it's not a surprise and what kind of present is a no-surprise present? A boring one. Sigh. See what I mean? It's stressful, hard work.

Anyway, in honor of my newfound less humbuggy self, I am actually blogging to tell you my favorite Christmas movie. Which is die hard, of course. I actually had a whole speech prepared on why, and was looking for a picture to go with it, when I read an article basically telling all my reasons why for me. So, to read an accurate and very entertaining article on why Die Hard makes an awesome Christmas movie, just read all about it here: http://www.ndsmcobserver.com/scene/why-die-hard-is-the-greatest-christmas-movie-of-all-time-1.2963527#.UMn3tOQ82So

Also, I love Santa Claus is coming to town, (the claymation movie) because Burgermeister Meisterburger is a hoot. Minus the whole scene where the young future mrs. claus sings whatever that super long song is by the fountain that's ridiculously boring and I want to fast forward every time. I always hated that part as a kid too. Seriously though, Meisterburger. Best Christmas villain. Plus he's got awesome dance moves and a great song. And he has the best lines:
"YOU? How dare you! You are obviously a nonconformist and a rebel!" 

 "I have been bamboozled!"

That movie also makes me want a penguin named Topper.

In related news, we decided to make a Christmas card this year. Mikey was feeling the Christmas spirit and got all dressed for the occasion. He might've even let out a few ho-ho-ho's during the picture taking, one can't be sure. He asked for antlers for next year's picture and I think he might have been feeling a little silly in a Santa hat next to Logan and the beard. He was a good sport about the whole thing though. I love him.