3/4 Done with Graduate School

So, I'm quite enjoying winter break so far! The end of the semester was oddly anti-climactic and just kind of faded out, so it took a while for everything to be wrapped up and done for good. But it has been over a week now since I didn't have finals, and it has been nice being able to relax and not commute every day or wake up to 21 class-related emails. I've been hanging with the pup, watching a lot of Netflix, going on walks, getting ready for Christmas, hanging out with the husband, lunches with friends, and working on a couple things. We're not traveling or anything for the holidays, so a central Texas Christmas it is! School starts January 6th (this semester is 32-35 hours a week at internship, with internship seminar and research seminar classes, and then internship ends on April 18th and we just have our colloquium class and prepping for that presentation) and graduation May 16/17! It's a rainy, stormy day, so maybe I will work on filling in my 2014 planner (always a much looked-forward to task at the end of every year). Happy Solstice! :)

- From the desk of Mrs. M

Christmas Break To Do

With the completion of my one final and a 100% score on my final paper, Christmas break is officially here! One quarter of the way done with grad school, hooray! Kyle and I will be going up to PA in a couple weeks to spend Christmas up there, and we'll be back here for New Years. I wanted to spend the holiday down here, but oh well; whats four more days spent driving between TX and PA again (with unhappy cats). School starts back up the second week of January; I am anticipating a tougher semester than this last one (which was not tough). But anyway, I want to try to make the most of my winter break, by doing the following!

- Hopefully spend some time in the Pennsylvania snow!
- Go for walks to see the neighborhood lights
- Bake and cook
- Read! I'm starting with rereading The Hobbit to prepare for the movie release on December 14. After that, I may take recommendations from this list.

- See The Hobbit! and Les Mis. ouiouioui
- Watch some Christmas films! Love Actually, you're up next. (/the only Christmas film I own)
- Send out Christmas cards and mail gifts
- Figure out and order wedding photos
- Research internships for next year
- Eat at some State College favorites (The Waffle Shop)
- Try to sleep enough
- Blog more

photos from Christmastime, last year

What are you up to this holiday season?

- From the desk of Mrs. M

Christmas in Finland

There was even a tree on the ferry across the river!

Pictures from: Christmas with my second host family, Christmas village at old town in Turku, Peace declaration ceremony on December 24th, Santa Claus Village up in the Arctic Circle, lights in Tampere, in front of the Turku church, gingerbread houses with my host dad and sister. 

- From the desk of Mrs. M

Wednesday Wedding: Winter

They say it's the most wonderful time of the year, so it must be a great time to get married! I got engaged right before Christmas, and this time of year is certainly special and filled with love and pretty things. Also, cities and towns put up lights and decorate for the holidays; why not take advantage of the festive spirit all around you? 

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- From the desk of Mrs. M