Home

Wow, so Washington is cold. But its good to be back, I have nothing planned while I'm home and I LOVE it! If anything exciting happens I'll be sure to write about it, but until then, I'm putting big warm socks on and watching Law and Order.
MUCH LOVE!

What would Jesus Buy?

I am reminded this holiday season, as I am every holiday season of what is most important, what I care for, and of course; what I want for Christmas. Every year I am the pain in the butt family member who refuses to make a list of cds and gift certificates and such that I want for Christmas. Its a struggle every year. As a Buddhist I don't need nor want material gifts from people. Don't get me wrong. I appreciate every gift that has ever been given to me. I don't look down on any one who gives or receives a gift because I understand the love behind it is what is actually important. So its difficult to make a list, of things when really I'd like to take out the middle man and just take the love you offer through the gifts. I always feel bad for my family and friends who feel obligated to buy me things despite my claims because they want to show their love, and since I don't make a list its always difficult to guess what I would want. But everyone needs to understand that the best way to show some stubborn, opinionated, college student, Buddhist that you love her is through the things that don't come in a box. Sit down and have a conversation with me, read my favorite book The Buddha and the Terrorist, Call me up unexpectedly just to chat, volunteer somewhere and tell me all about it, donate to a charity under my name, tell me something I don't know about you, introduce me to something new, ect. Of course, I can't deny that I too ask for things that I need like financial help for Semester at Sea or school in general. But i would honestly prefer anything from the prior list than a check any day. Just food for thought. Merry Christmas.

Smith Visit

My fabulous neighbor family came to visit during Thanksgiving. It was a much needed and appreciated trip.

They got to check out my crib:

The boys and I went to Capitola so they could see the beach:

We went to Denny's and ordered one of each of the desserts. Before:

After

During:

We had a lot of fun shopping for Karen's Bday gifts:
The boys got to see a Christmas Palm Tree at the mall:
Thank you for coming Smiths! I had an amazing time! See you all soon!

Thankful

1. My parents
2. My friends
3. My family, by blood, by marriage, and by love
4. Santa Clara University
5. Lake Joy
6. The direction of this country
7. My health
8. My faith
9. Life and Everything

Sac town

Sorry i haven't written in a while. Last week was absolute madness. I am in Sacramento with my Uncle Joe and cousins Dylan (11) and Amy (8). I get to stay with them for five days, Amy is really excited but I told her by day for she'll be wanting me out of her house:) I'm really glad Joe is putting me up this week I'd be alone in my dorm if he hadn't. We're going on a mini road trip tomorrow to the redwoods and I'm sure the rest of the week will just be hanging out, which is honestly how I'd like it. I'll keep you all posted if something fantabulous happens.

Surprise!!!!!!!!!!

Wow. What a weekend. I surprised my mom, surprised Evan, worked in the yard, surprised Dylan, hung out with my bros, saw Carrie's new house, met Carrie's roommies I didn't know, surprised my dad, took him out for lunch, worked in the yard, surprised Ali, hung with the Swifts, slept in my mommy's bed with her:), worked in the yard, went to Janice's birthday party, studied for my test, and did my homework. Thats a lot to cram into one weekend. I am exhausted... just in time for the craziest week of the quarter!!

Carrie's Visit

Well Carrie is leaving tonight and my life is going to get REALLY busy this week. I have a huge presentation in Lit on thursday that is going to kick my butt and I have a midterm in Stats on Friday that is sure to make me cry. Carrie's trip was relaxing, we got a lot done and had a lot of fun. Now its back to the real world.