Big December

December may be the last month of the year, but that doesn't mean it's the slowest!  I had an action-packed month that was categorized by clocking a LOT of miles on the highway.

The first trip to Corpus Christi was to celebrate my friend, Monique's, completion of her MBA.  Congratulations!!  She may have inspired me to further my education...maybe!  She put in LONG hours of school and work to get done in a year and a half.  I don't know if that is an option for me at the moment. Nonetheless, we celebrated with a tasty lunch at Water Street Seafood company- yum!

I spent a number of hours, not on the highway, putting my Christmas tree together.  I was in heaven!  Christmas Vacation and A Christmas Story played while I put up the tree and all its trimmings.  It was nice to reminisce about how each ornament was purchased or gifted.  I stumbled upon these whimsical ornaments called Krinkles, by Patience Brewster. My collection started with just two, but is now up to fifteen! They are delicate and often adorned with feathers (as shown in the photos above).

Back to the highway, headed south!  I spent December 23rd and 24th with my in-laws.  It was how Christmas should be: relaxing, with lots of food and lots of wine! Coincidentally, this was the theme for the rest of my holiday.  After indulging with them and exchanging gifts, I ventured further south to see my parents and family.  It was a miracle to see everyone in one trip: both parents, brother, grandparents, aunts, and cousins! I love that Christmas is a time that family can get together; fitting that Jesus' birth is what made Mary and Joseph a "family".

After returning home, I had a two-day work week (awesome!) before the New Year holiday was upon us. It is always best to surround yourself with good company, so I invited two new and dear friends over for NYE dinner and celebration.  I have to admit that I was the fifth wheel, as they had their significant others with them.  But we were at my house, so it didn't matter :)  Sabrina, Susan, and I posed for our last photo in 2011, right before the fireworks began to burst and sizzle outside. And since JT wasn't here for my New Year's kiss, I got the next "best" thing, pictured above.

2011 was a great year with many highlights.  I pray for a safe and healthy 2012 for myself and all those around me. Let's make it count!

~ Julia