Christmas vacation is... simply put... the best. a break from classes, school work, exams, etc. is much appreciated. though in the past i have felt the need to make to-do lists over the holidays, this year i feel no such urge. i am incredibly content being as lazy as possible, considering this last semester was the busiest one yet.

on that note, today i did pretty much nothing. nothing of note at least. my boyfriend was visiting for the past few days and left after lunch today, after a few quick games of blockus - probably my new favorite board game. we also spent a lot of time playing rook - my new favorite card game - with my parents. though i love the game, him and i were not so successful winning-wise.
after he left this afternoon, i played a couple more games of blockus with my parents and our foreign exchange student. i don't think i am particularly good at the game; however, considering the number of times we have played, i should hope i am getting better.

i have started reading the book, "How to Change the World" by David Bornstein, and spent an hour doing so this afternoon. i have never read a book like it. it focuses on the realm of social entrepreneurship and, in particular, the men and women of note within the field. i have not read much but i am already realizing i have a strong distaste for social programs. and, the more i think about it, the more i realize that i have no reason to dislike them. there are many programs out there that have a strong, positive impact on our society as well as many cultures around the globe. though they do require money, of which i think is my greatest hesitation, without passionate social entrepreneurs tackling the issues we face today, our world would not be where it is today. one of the most interesting statements in the book: "The ratio of problem-focused information to solution-focused information in the media is completely out of balance." how long would it take to come up with a list of 10 issues affecting the world today? two minutes? how long would it take to come up with 10 solutions? i'm going to say... much longer. does anyone else see that as a problem? anyhow, "How to Change the World" gives real life examples of what individuals are doing to fix problems and "right wrongs". though i wouldn't say i'm a real "go-getter" myself, the book is very interesting.

back to my day... i also took a long nap, finished knitting a scarf, caught up on emails, and watched "Perfect Stranger." the movie was interesting with a quick twist at the end; however, one viewing is enough. i guess i didn't care for the "extra" content too much. i watched "Premonition" last night and that one was much better... much more worth my time.

i have two interesting ideas today:

1. buy the perfect proposal for just $250. where is that, might you ask? the Rink at Rockefeller Center, NY, NY. check out the details.
2. have you ever thought of skipping the wedding flowers and opting for wedding leaves? i hadn't thought of it until i saw this picture. you'll definitely go against the grain, but i don't think it's too shabby at all. in fact, i might be a fan.

The Christmas season is finally here! I guess it actually arrived several weeks ago; however, papers and final exams have consumed every spare moment. I have hardly noticed the distinct change in decor and mood throughout the town.

Today I finished all of my Christmas shopping. I tend to buy more than necessary just to give myself time to really decide what gift would be the most appropriate for the recipient. That means I have a few stores to make returns at. Probably not the best policy. Next year I will need to make a list well ahead of time... and stick to it.

It has pretty much been decided. I will begin my Wedding Consultant course this May/June. I am leaning towards the ACPWC Program (Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants). It will cost appx. $900 and take between 3 and 4 months to complete. I hope it will be a very fun learning experience. The best part will be shadowing... and, of course, looking through lots of bridal magazines, clipping out ideas and pictures.

It is official. I will be working as the Project Coordinator in the Greek Life Office this spring. Very very excited!!!

Oofda! I can't believe it's almost 2009! I will be graduating in just 5 months! I need to figure out my job situation, living accomodations, and sheltie breeder. Fun fun... if it all works out.