Top Eight Posts of 2011 {and my Top Three}

According to my blogger stats, these were the top eight posts in 2011 {based on page views & comments.}

8. A Letter to My Sister

1/3/11

63 pageviews and 5 comments

7. A Brilliant New Packing Strategy: Guest Post by Annoyed Army Wife

5/9/11

139 pageviews and 6 comments

6. My BIG Announcement

4/26/11

8 comments

5. And the Army Strikes Again

1/14/11

144 pageviews and 8 comments

4. The Fever: TMI Alert

8/22/11

10 comments

3. Community

2/24/11

16 comments

2. I'm Getting Married...

1/6/11

16 comments

1. All Dressed Up: Graduation Dress Options

5/25/11

64 pageviews and 17 comments

I have added my top three favorite posts of 2011 {based on my own prerogative.}

3. Law School Unplugged

9/20/11

2. Making the Hard Choices

6/14/11

1. Wedding Weekend

2/1/11

I'm away for the weekend (again) enjoying time with Al and ringing in the new year.

Happy New Year, friends!

Christmas Card Book

I saw this pin awhile back. The concept is so ridiculously simple, I probably didn't need to pin it. But as we all know, if you don't pin it, you will certainly never actually do it.

Today, while I was de-Christmasfying my place, I decided to make a book out of my Christmas cards instead of just throwing them all away. After all, I love looking at those lovely faces all year round. I also figured it would be a great way to archive each year as my friends and family change and grow!

I have pictures and the steps themselves are pretty self-explanatory. I used some Christmas string instead of metal rings, but either options allows you to add to the book if you receive some of those straggling cards over the next week or so.

Christmas Wishlist Review

In the aftermath of Christmas, I am overwhelmed by how great it has been. I was so spoiled by my family and have been relishing all my time with Al. {I am also in complete denial that I start J-term in less than a week.}

I got a couple of the things I really wanted from my Christmas gift wishlist.

1. Cream earmuffs

2. Whiskey Rocks

3. BYO Lunch Tote

4. C.O. Bigelow Mint Lipgloss (x3)

I have some Visa giftcards burning a hole in my pocket and I will probably pick up one or two of the other items on that list when I get the chance. In the meantime, I am getting things tidied up around here so we can head out the farm for Al's last weekend.

Oh, I'm in denial that Al's leaving too...

Brown

I have a few minutes to check in before my day starts, so I thought I would say hi. We have been busy since Al got into town on Saturday, although most of it has been relaxing. We spent time out at the farm with my in-laws and had our Christmas celebration with them. We played cards, enjoyed delicious food and drinks and just got to have fun together. I think Al really needed some family time and I was more than happy to get away for a few days.

We spent the day yesterday packing my Grandparents house and moving it to their new condo. My entire life, they have owned a house on a lake in Northern Minnesota and when the lived in Germany, they would come back and spend the summer in the home. In 1994, my Grandfather retired and they moved here permanently, settling into that lake home. They are now getting older and just don't need a big house all to themselves, so they took the opportunity to buy a condo closer to the cities (and closer to my mother and aunt.) Last week they received an offer and immediately made plans to pack-up and move their entire home. It went very well, but made for a very long day.

My sister gets into town today and we're running some last-minute errands before hunkering down for the holiday weekend. Having Al here has been a great time and I am simply relishing our time together and trying not to think about how short it's going be. My mom is simply loving his company and even put him to work on an electrical project yesterday. It will be all-Christmas-all-the-time the rest of the weekend, so I will likely not be back to blog until early next week.

Now, if only we could get some snow. It is Christmas after all. Christmas needs to be white.

The Christmas Quiz

We're returning for our time away today, but have so much to do before our dinner party tonight. I likely will not be able to blog until sometime tomorrow.

Until then, please enjoy The Christmas Quiz

(stolen from the lovely Chambanachik)

Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?

Both! Separate, combined, I don't care. I love it all!

Colored lights on tree/house or white?

White. I think it's classy, simple, serene. I've always liked the idea of a big, gorgeous tree in the main room of the house and another "fun tree" in the basement living room for the kids to decorate with whatever they want.

Do you hang mistletoe?

I never have. That might be a great tradition to start once Al and I are finally celebrating Christmas in a home together.

When do you put your decorations up?

Traditionally, we do it Thanksgiving weekend, but in the past few years it has been a little later. In my own home, it will likely be part of Thanksgiving weekend.

What is your favorite holiday dish?

Portafina Jello. It's made with raspberry jello, cranberry sauce, pineapple and port wine. It has a yummy cream cheese frosting. My grandmother always made it growing up and after a few years she would make an extra batch just for me. When everyone is eating pie, I am having seconds or thirds of Portafina. When I turned 21, she passed the family recipe along to me and I have been in charge of bringing it ever since then.

Favorite Holiday memory as a child?

After Christmas Eve service, we would curl up on the couch with egg nog and cookies. We would read How the Grinch Stole Christmas and the Christmas story from the Bible. It was so simple, but one of my favorite memories to this day.

When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?

I don't exactly recall. At some point, I heard my parents milling about filling stockings and such. What I do remember is that I felt a special responsibility to make sure my sister never found out!

Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?

Always. Since my parents are divorced, we always spend Christmas Eve with my dad and Christmas day with mom and family. When I have my own children, I would allow them to open one gift - a gift for the family to share (like a new game or a movie we can watch together) and we would spend C.E. celebrating that way.

How do you decorate your Christmas tree?

See above.

We always had store-bought fake trees. They were fun and did the job, but they were never as special as the big, real tree at Grandma's house. That will be a certainty when I grow up.

Snow! Love it or dread it?

I'm from Minnesota, when means aside from driving through a blizzard in traffic, I love a good snow. I think it is such an integral part of my entire life, that I could not imagine Christmas without snow.

What is your favorite holiday dessert?

Besides Portafina? (see above.) I don't eat cake or pie much at all, but I like cookies and chocolate. I would say my favorite dessert would be lefse.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Too many to count: Christmas Eve-eve driving around to look at Christmas lights; Christmas Eve candlelight service at church; the sledding hill behind Grandma's house...

Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum?

Take it or leave it. They're fun, but I wouldn't miss them.

Favorite Christmas movie?

Little Women. It's not really a Christmas movie, but it's close.

Saddest Christmas song?

Can a Christmas song even be sad?

I guess I would say "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer." ha!

What is your favorite Christmas song?

There is no way I narrow that down to one song. My top five were reviewed over the last 5 days. A bonus: (a more modern one)

"All I Want for Christmas is You" - Mariah Carey

Favorite Christmas Tune #5

This song is great because it's a fantastic showcase of so much amazing talent.
I listen to orchestras (and especially TSO) when I am studying or need some calming, uplifting and energizing music. This one is by far my favorite compilation.

There are rumors that the guitar parts are done by Metallica, but that has never been confirmed officially. Either way, they take a beautiful song and rock it out - which is why it has my vote!

Favorite Christmas Tune #4

This song is a great reminder, amidst all the presents and food and fun, what the reason, the real reason we celebrate the season. This song also has a special place in my heart because as a child, my mother would save up each year so we could go to the Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith Christmas show. We didn't have a lot of money, so it was the one special thing we did. Always together, enjoying beautiful music in honor of this blessed time of year.

Favorite Christmas Tune #3

In keeping with the classic Christmas songs (and Rat-Pack singers) I bring you the beloved Dean Martin and my favorite duet of all time. In Minnesota, this time of year, it's always cold outside!

Favorite Christmas Tune #2

I tend to love the classics, with both songs and the artists themselves. This one in particular is on repeat in my Christmas playlist. C'mon, it's Mr. Blue-Eyes himself, crooning away. For me. On Christmas. I couldn't be happier!

Favorite Christmas Tune #1

Al arrives today. Wheeee!

I will be joining his family this morning for breakfast and some shopping. Then I will run over to get him from the airport before we head off to the Waterpark of America for the night. It's a great way for all the kids to get together and have a great time and the adults can drink, play cards and be together. We'll do gifts and food and celebrate Christmas together that night. We will be spending the next few days at the farm with his family, so I will not only be out of internet range, but enjoying my time with him. (I'm ovulating...he he.)

Until I return on Tuesday, please enjoy my top 5 favorite Christmas songs of all time.

Today, with my husband returning to me, it is only fitting I would start with this one.

Pistachio Cranberry Christmas Cookies

I just made these...and they are delicious!

Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything.com via Mel on Pinterest

Click on the picture to find the recipe...

For the next few days, I will be m.i.a. Al gets into town tomorrow and we're headed out of town to celebrate with his family. I've lined up some fun posts in my absence.

Have a great weekend!

Christmas Card

I sent out my Christmas cards this week, so most of them will be arriving in the next day or so, if they haven't already. I wanted to share my Christmas letter with you because even though I don't have the time or money to send every single one of my readers a Christmas card, I really do appreciate you!

{click to enlarge}

Merry Christmas and God Bless!

I Won!

Last night, after a long day of studying, I opened my email to find this:

I won!

I won day 8 of Chambanachik's Christmas Giveaway.

The prize: a handmade clutch and earrings from Ines @ The Few, The Proud, The Wife

Check out the prize here.

I am so elated. If you haven't visited Chambanachik's Giveaways yet, please do. There is still time to enter the last few days. She is generously opening her blog and her heart to a lot of people by doing this giveaway and I am so blessed to be a lucky winner!

Please check her out! And have a great Tuesday (I know I will!)

Around Pinterest

Alas, I can't stay away too long.

Let me rephrase, I can't focus on studying too long.

So, I'm going to share my favorite recent pins from the life-sucking sweetness that is Pinterest.

Source: 9gag.com via Mel on Pinterest

And there are so few...

Source: pinterest.com via Mel on Pinterest

A lazy susan for shoes. Heaven in a closet.

Source: thatgirlinpearls.com via Mel on Pinterest

A masculine, yet home-y office space. A few more plants and some extra lighting and this could be my office.

Source: ispy-diy.blogspot.com via Mel on Pinterest

DIY glitter heels. I almost want a pair of heels to wear out so I can try this!

And the best for last...

Source: insidebrucrewlife.blogspot.com via Mel on Pinterest

Eggnog Latte Cupcakes - Holiday perfection!

Don't Try, Just Do

I've said before that I work best under pressure. I would rather study 12-hours-per-day for 4 straight days and then be completely finished than spread it out over two weeks and leisurely complete the work. Sure, it's not necessarily the most stress-free option, but over many years of schooling it has proven to provide the most optimal results.

While in my typical morning routine (wherein I post-pone everything to read blogs, check email and scroll through Facebook while sipping on coffee that was inevitably delivered to my bed) I read an article that made me sit up.

Read it. It's pretty short. I'll wait.

Even though my procrastinate-and-push-through mentality has always worked in the past, I have recently been trying to procrastinate less. Yet, here I am, 5 days away from the end of finals, setting myself up for the same routine I have done many times before. Trying is not working.

I need to stop trying to study for that exam. I need to stop trying to get through one more case, or one more paragraph, or one more outline. I need to stop making excuses. I need to just DO it.

Like the author said, it's time to remove the word "TRY" from our vocabulary.

It's worthless. It's time-filler. Much like the word "wait." (I added that.)

It simply provides us with an excuse to not get off our butts and get things done.

So, as soon as I hit publish, I will jump out of bed, get dressed, and do my work!

My Christmas List

As promised, here is my Christmas list this year. It's a little long and ranges from silly, little stocking-stuffers to gifts of granduer. It's Christmas after all, the season for fun and dreams!

And giving to your blogger friends! {wink wink}

Click to enlarge any photos...

Books, Movies & CD's

Black Swan

The Kings Speech

The 4-hour Body - Timothy Ferriss

The Time of Our Lives - Tom Brokaw

The Help - Kathryn Stockett

The Perfectly Imperfect Home - Deborah Needleman

Michael Buble - Christmas

Clothing & Accessories

Leopard Chain Wrap Watch - Windsor

Beige Snowflake Earmuffs - Topshop

Plaid Top Leather Gloves - Merona c/o Target

OPI Touring Collection - c/o Amazon

Crossing Paths Clutch - Le Mode Accessories

Fushia Chiffon Trim Tee - Old Navy

Green Hunter Rain Boots - c/o Zappos

Things & Stuff

Whiskey Stones - Uncommon Goods

Flokati Rug - IKEA

Fresh Balsam Three-wick Candle - B&BWorks

Supreme Court Hot/Cold Mug - Uncommon Goods

Presto Cool-touch Griddle - Target

BYO Lunch Tote - c/o Amazon

Big Ticket Items

Amazon Kindle Touch 3G

Flip Ultra Video Camera

Under $10 Items

Glitter Cell Phone Clutch - Forever 21

"Hydra" Lip Gloss Wand - Sephora

C.O. Bigelow Pink Mint Lip Gloss - c/o B&BWorks

Sheer Dot Ankle Socks - Old Navy

December

We are now almost 5 days into the month of December and I am still reeling from all the stuff I didn't get done in November. Nonetheless, the world keeps spinning and somehow the days keep ticking off the calendar. Finals start this week and go through the 14th. Al gets into town on the 17th and we start Christmas festivities with his family immediately. I am done Christmas shopping, so I should be able to focus on my school work without too much distraction. Tomorrow, I'm going to share with you my Christmas wishlist. What a better way to start a Monday than pining over my favorite new obsessions?

In the meantime, enjoy a group of great guys that I've known for quite a few years. They are currently on their cross-country Christmas tour and, of course, looking for ways to pass the time. In this video, they rap about one of the greatest places on earth: Minnesota.

Common Courtesy

First off, I am sorry I've been m.i.a. recently. I am caught up in the perfect storm of finals, holiday prep and other Christmas fun. I am also sorry that my first post back after my absence has to be so negative. Alas, it is.

I ventured to Caribou Coffee today for their $2 drink special (and to do homework so I could take the night off for a Christmas party.) I knew it would be busy because of the deal, but I figured most people would be getting coffee and heading back out to shop or whatever.

When I got there, it was pretty busy. I set my stuff at one of the small tables because the larger study tables were all in use. It's important to note that the larger study tables are the only ones with outlets to plug in computers, so there really isn't an alternative for laptop users. There are, however, many other tables for people just hanging out and enjoying their coffee. On top of that, there are signs posted that say to limit your time and share space with others.

Anyway, I order my coffee hoping that one of the tables will open up shortly. After a few minutes, I notice one pair start to throw away garbage and put their stuff away. Around that time, an elderly woman walked by with her coffee. Naturally, I offered her my chair. I told her that I was happy to give her my seat and I was just waiting for one of the outlet tables to open up.

The pair of ladies heard me, looked at me with smiles and proceeded back into their conversation. I was left standing near them, with my two bags and jacket in hand. Stunned. TWENTY MINUTES later, they were still sitting there, talking about someone's kid and PTA or some such. Finally, a small table in the corner opened up and I was able to access an outlet.

Perhaps they were not done and in fact it just appeared as though they were. And perhaps they didn't hear exactly what I said to the other lady, but still. To me, it's a pretty clear unwritten rule that if there are other seats open, and a laptop user comes in, you either offer to switch, or try to speed up your conversation. It just seems like common courtesy.

Just like I offered my seat to the elderly lady, they should have had the awareness to offer me their table. Especially, since there were many other tables open that worked for their needs and none that worked for mine.

Am I totally crazy here?