Adele

I am tooooooootally in love with Adele's new album, 21. Her voice is haunting and stunning. It doesn't hurt that a lot of the songs really hit home right now

Haven't heard it yet? What are you waiting for?! Hop to it! You can watch her record release performance online!

Nephew Love

I am the happy aunt to four nephews, three nieces, and two great nieces. They're all adorable and, sometimes, incredibly frustrating. Today, the littlest nephew did something incredible, and I'm so proud I could cry.

He's had a rough couple of years. Well, we all have, but it has been exceptionally hard on him. This year he has really been trying harder, and it has shown. This afternoon while on patrol duty, he saved a life! Apparently a high school girl wasn't paying attention, and almost stepped out into traffic. My nephew grabbed her arm and pulled her back right before she stepped in front of a car. My nephew! I know it may not sound like a huge deal to the rest of the world, but he's made so many improvements in this last year. I'm sososo proud of him.

Confession

I have something that I must admit, but I'm terrified that saying it out loud will make it more real. Unfortunately, I think the only way to come to terms with it is to fess up...

I still miss you. Not the waiting up for calls, the feeling anxious all the time, or the constant ache and confusion. What I miss is you. I miss my friend. There was this person in my life that I had so much in common with. Someone that could make me laugh, and that understood the stupid things I do. Not only understand, but appreciate. I still want to call you whenever I do something stupid, or when I see something I know you would like. I HATE that.

But I'm trying to accept it, and work out how this whole friendship thing fills in the cracks.


image via ffffound.

Valentine

In honor of Valentine's Day, let's take a brief moment to discuss a few things that make me swoon right now. Shall we? Yes. We shall.

* I am completely, totally, madly in love with these little bookshelves. I'm currently trying to devise a plan to make one my own.

* Anything that reminds me of Paris. (hint: pretty much everything reminds me of Paris.) Beautiful baked goods, stunning art, the old Europe feel. I love it all.

* This VW commercial is so positively precious I can hardly stand it.



So there you have it. Three things that I'm head over heels for right this moment. I hope you too have something you're totally gaga about! Now get off the internet, and go tell someone that you love them. It IS Valentine's Day after all!

Yawn...

Something happened with the beginning of 2011. Somehow, in some unbelievable way, I have become EXTREMELY busy. Also, extremely popular. Who knew such things could happen? It seems I forgot that I have so many friends!

All of this activity has ruined my already chaotic sleep schedule. And let's be real here, sleepy time has never been my strong suit. Warm milk with a healthy dose of honey and cinnamon is my savior.



image via ffffound.

To 2011

I'm so excited about a new year and a fresh start! I spent the evening with good friends, playing quelf and drinking champagne.

I'm looking forward to more friends, more travel, and more happiness in 2011. I just want to be healthy and happy, and I think that's all anyone can ask for.

Happiness

I didn't realize how miserable I have been for the last few months until, suddenly, I wasn't anymore. It's shocking to me, and I never expected it.

For the first time in a very long time, I'm happy. Thank you for that, even if it wasn't your intention.



image via ffffound.

Tale As Old As Time...

Beauty and the Beast has been my favorite Disney movie pretty much since it came out in 1991, and this year for Christmas my doting big brother (thanks Wayne!) gave me the blu-ray combo pack. I could not be more pleased. I can't tell you how incredibly happy this movie makes me. This, truly, is what big brothers are for.

Now, you should stop what you're doing, and get in touch with your inner 5 year old. Even after almost 10 years, the animation still holds up beautifully.

Merry Christmas!

And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.
~Dr Seuss

I hope everyone has a lovely and safe weekend, full of all the best things Christmas has to offer. I for one, am surprisingly overjoyed this year. There's just always so much to be thankful for.

Merry Christmas!

Family

Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life!
~Albert Einstein

Yesterday was my family's big Christmas shindig, and I think it may have restored my Christmas spirit.

Having so much family in one room is complete chaos. There are a million things to do, lots of yelling across the kitchen, and plenty of trash talking while watching whatever game happens to be on.

But, in spite of the madness, there is something about being in a room chock full of family that has a way of making me feel so unbelievably happy, and so completely loved.