11 days

Originally, I thought this blog would be about crafting.  You know, paper and things, my etsy shop happenings.  It turns out that I do more living of life than crafting, so I have come to the conclusion that this is my all purpose blog.  My life blog.  The next big thing in my life is the Latin America Studies Program in Costa Rica.  In 11 days I will be arriving in San Jose, Costa Rica.  I will be staying with a host family, practicing Spanish and taking classes about Latin American culture and history.  Hopefully, I will also be taking short trips to Nicaragua and Cuba.  I don't have a lot of information about what this semester will be like, but I do know two things.  I am super excited and scared to death.  I can't wait to experience a different culture, feel the sun, get to know my host family, swim in the ocean, eat new food.  On the other hand, what if I make a cultural faux pas!?  What if I my family doesn't like me or I don't like them?  What if I try to speak Spanish and my vocal cords don't work? 

As for now, I will read my LASP required reading, start to pack and enjoy my last 11 days in the US of A.

getting in the spirit.

Okay, so here's something.  Christmas is in three days.  Yes, THREE days.  This seems strange to me despite the Christmas tree, sugar cookies, gingerbread and wrapping paper that surround me.  Some of my favorite blogs have written loads of posts about Christmas, which I enjoy.  However, my pattern seems to be one post per season this year.  So, this is my Christmas post.  Maybe there will be more.  Maybe I should make a new years resolution about blogging...

 Amidst my surprise at the onset of Christmas, I have done a few Christmas-y things and I have been enjoying the advent season.  I have been making some Christmas cards and wrapping lots of gifts. Every time I eat a meal with my family we light the advent candles and read an advent prayer/ devotion from Henri Nouwen.  I love advent.  I love the anticipation of such a glorious day.  The day Jesus was born and the extra special day of family time each year.  Some of my favorite Christmas traditions are singing in the Candlelight Christmas Eve Concert at my church, eating fondue on Christmas Eve, opening stockings before breakfast on Christmas morning and performing some sort of magic show or play with my younger cousins.  I think one of the times that I most appreciate tradition is at Christmas time.  Traditions makes this time of year extra special.