one more to go

My last fall semester of school has finished and I still do not feel an overwhelming sense of relief, which probably stems from being a little stressed, on edge, and sick for a couple of weeks. I have, however, been able to get an ample amount of napping done the past couple of days, which has been a wonderful treat.

Tomorrow, I head off for California, where I am sure to have a whirlwind of a break. Hayes will join me and we plan to visit Southern California (to see his extended family), Sacramento for Christmas, Tahoe, and the Bay Area. It will be great to have him spend more time with my family and see more of our home state together. I am also thrilled to spend our first Christmas and New Year's Eve together. The holidays are such a joyful time that have been marred by the perceived need to buy tons of presents and emphasis on material giving. This season should rather be a time for giving our time, our love, and our resources to those we love and to those in need. The holidays have lost the true meaning of being a time of hope and renewal, giving way instead to crowded parking lots and frenzied shoppers. I must say that I do love decorating the Christmas tree and listening to Christmas music, but I find more gratitude in the experiences than in the mandatory presents.

2011 awaits and will bring so many blessings: graduation, a move to a new city, (hopefully) plenty of travel, and more thankfulness for what I have been given.