Rosemary, Frank, Bing, Nat, and Ella

I feel like Mom and Dad raised me well, though it may have been through vicarious forces that this came to be the case. My Christmas, though devoid of wrapped presents and stuffed stockings, is fantastic. I am literally snowed in—in Abbotsford none the less—I have me tree up and decorated (a huge fake pine given to me by an amazing manager at work), baking done, and stockings hung. I've watched all the Christmas specials: the original Rudolph, Mr. Bean, Home Alone, the original Grinch; all that remains is "It's a Wonderful Life" which I have been saving for tonight. My iPod has been pumping out the classics as well; loaded with tunes from the Rat Pack, Glenn Miller, Ella, Rosemary, among other less influential artists. It feels like Christmas. It feels like Christmas did when I was still a little girl. Comfortable and cozy, filled with warmth and peace.

Although this is not my first Christmas away from home, it is the first one I have spent by my lonesome—well, Bob is here too (my fish). I know that time with family is especially valued at this time of year, and I would like to be back in Linden with loved ones, but God has given me this huge blessing of time spent alone. This is the first "time off" I have had from every responsibility in what feels like eons. I think July long weekend actually. I don't have to worry about anything. I have a place to live, a job, no school yet, no stresses. What an amazing feeling. I feel like I'm getting balanced again.

I do have one fear though—the power might cut out. It did a week or so ago and it was fairly crummy. There was no heat in the apartment and my roommate and I were forced to light a fire and a thousand candles to try and warm the place up at night. It was fun though. We built a gingerbread house and roasted marshmallows on the candle flames. Anyway, he is gone back to Linden for the week and if the power cuts here, I am trapped with no heat because I do not drive, the busses aren't running, and I have never made a fire in a fireplace.

What does a solo Christmas involve for me? Well, I plan on finishing all my laundry and cleaning the apartment, taking a much needed shower, playing around on the computer and television, listening to my iPod, making the rounds of calls to loved ones many many miles away, and maybe read a little. I suppose I should make food in there somewhere. I would like to take a walk, but think that I need a shovel and snow pants to get out of the building—there is several feet of snow on the ground. There are some vehicles in the parking lot which are completely buried in snow. Now, being that no one here owns a shovel, this makes for a serious mobility problem. It has been snowing for two days straight and doesn't show signs of stopping. Although, I cannot be grumpy with the snow. It is the most beautiful snow I have seen in years, if ever. There is no wind so it falls straight down, actually, it floats down. The flakes are big and light, and fluffy—powder—not wet and sticky. It is quite honestly picturesque. It really makes me want to go snowboarding!! Pretty soon I could hop of my third floor balcony and go boarding from there! Wishful thinking!

All in all, Mom and Dad have raised me to be happy with what I have, regardless of whether it is material or a locale. However I do really want a puppy, so if anyone wants to send one this way that would be so cool (but only real dogs please. No Chihuahuas)!

I suppose that is all for now. I wish you the very best Christmas!