Happy Holidays

Time management is not high on the list of things that I am exceptional at doing and often, it leaves me disappointed. When I try to prioritize, it's not even that I spread myself too thin, it's almost like I slap a slab of butter on one side of my toast and let the other half be dry and bland. This is the most fitting analogy I can come up with :P. I put so much into my social life, and my time with friends that my introspective life tends to take a backseat. I can't remember the last time I took hours out of my day to just sit and read. To sit down and write a post. To draw. I'm very lucky to have found the amazing friends that I have, but I desperately need to learn how to take a step back and be by myself from time to time. School was a big factor too, because the time that I had for myself had to be given to my education. If I was just sitting around and decided, "hm, maybe I'll write a post" or "maybe I'll start that book.." I'd remember whatever assignments are coming up, lurking over my head and I realize I just don't have the time.. It isn't quite New Years Eve but I really think that my resolution will be involving time management and taking more time for myself, to grow as a person.

I love blogging, and I love reading what each of you has to say, and I love that you take the time to read what I have to say. My lack of writing isn't due to a lack of interest in blogging, it's always been an issue with being disorganized and poor time management.. It's something that I hope I'm able to turn around for this upcoming year. I know it's been forever, but I'll attempt to give an update on my life, I'll keep it short since it's been so long.

I've got a Nikon camera, I love to take a photograph..

This was an early Christmas present to myself. After much deliberation and talking to my highschool art/photography teacher and a lady who I knew had the D3000 and raved about it, I decided it was time for me to upgrade to my own big camera. I still have a lot to learn about it but I'm really enjoying what I'm finding it can do. Thanks to Allison for suggesting the Nikon to me :).

Sirsy played another local show recently, and of course we had to go :D. If you aren't familiar with the band Melanie is the singer/drummer/flutist/whatever she needs to be, she's right next to me, and her guitarist Rich is next to her. We'll be seeing them again on New Years Eve.

IHOP feast following a concert in Albany. Chocolate chip pancakes..♥

Last week my friends and I got together for a fancy Christmas dinner. We cooked ham, potatoes, green beens, and Amanda brought a dish of macaroni and cheese. Brandy cider and white wine complimented the dinner well. We exchanged presents too. I forgot to take pictures but I fixed up these little Christmas cups with penguins on them filled with Lindt chocolates, hershey hugs, Snickers, and rock candy. Julie knitted me an AWESOME scarf, it's such a cool combination of colors, I'll try to remember to post a photo. Then Amanda gave me yankee candle chapstick and Whoopie Goldberg's new book, "Is it Me or is it Nuts Out There?" I almost died laughing! I can't wait to read it! Overall a very fun and memorable evening.

The mandatory Christmas tree pic ;). This is actually the biggest tree that we've ever had, all thanks to Tom the woodsman ha ha. I went over to his house and we walked up into the woods and he climbed right up the tree and cut the top off. Yeah, he's pretty impressive :).

I love the holiday season, and I love giving present, but I am pretty glad to have it be over now. I feel like I can finally relax and get myself back on track. I made myself step on the treadmill for the first time in months this morning. The freshman five is growing to a freshman ten and I am putting an end to it right here and now before the freshman 15 becomes a reality. I actually think it's more holiday weight than college weight really.. Well maybe it began before finals because I was pretty stressed and pretty unconcerned with health around that time, then came the holiday break.. so, you know :P. Now I'm going to get back into shape and get feeling healthy again. Plus I'm going to really work on that whole time management and improving myself thing. I'm sure the rest of my college friends on here are glad to be home for the holidays, it sure feels nice to have the first semester under my belt. I didn't do outstandingly well, I came out with a 2.8 GPA, but I passed everything, and now that I know what to expect, I think I'll do much better in the next semester.

I hope you've all had a wonderful Christmas or holiday, and I'm anxious to catch up.

With love,

Olive