Let's give this the old college try...

So this is going to be my first Christmas season away from home. Don't get me wrong, I have lived separate from my family for years now, but this time I am 5 hours away. That's about two Lifetime Holiday made for TV movies. I think this year more than ever it is important for me to share my Christmas online in as many forms as possible. So I type this on my swanky iPad and am listening to good holiday tunes on Pandora radio... And I type it with ambitious hopes of creating something that lessens the distance between my heart and yours (even if that distance is as far away as Iowa).

I wanted to hold off on decorating this year, but then we bought a new bookshelf. This is a tall type bookshelf that actually had to be anchored into the wall.... And it left an odd strap in view. (Full disclosure, I am pretty sure that it is not anchored correctly). We needed something to cover that strap, and what would be better than a tiny Christmas tree?

Isn't it beautiful?

I think my favorite thing about this picture is how violently bright the little tree looks. In fact, you may not know that is a tree up there if I didn't tell you. I think the light reflecting off of the ceiling really adds to the effect. It's Christmas time, guys. Get your jolly on.

Scrooges might say.... It is too early to celebrate Christmas. What happened to Thanksgiving? 

Well, those people are missing the beauty of it. We can have it all. This is America, after all. We can eat turkey and wear Santa hats and exchange reasons to be thankful.

Day 9 of November and I am thankful for:

1. I hate to brag so much, but I really am working at the perfect school for me.

2. My family and friends are amazing. I get to see them all soon!!

3. I have my love!

4. I have a new, beautiful car. Living the dream!

Til next time, my elves and she-elves.

45 (short) days til Christmas!!!