At the end of your comfort zone...

I received a card from one of my very best friends not so long ago. The front was black with white writing that said, "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." I couldn't think of a better quote to sum up this entire experience that I have been having. It's been a string of pushes... each day marking one more day successfully completed. Because after all, it's been over 3 months and we're still here - aren't we?

I went Christmas shopping a couple days ago by myself downtown. I hate to say it, but I'm going to have to venture out in the rain again today to pick up some little additions that I didn't purchase last time. It made my mind a bit weird when I looked around and saw wreaths, trees, lights, banners, and even a Christmas donkey (yes, you can be confused... I was as well) on the side of the road. It was like a snowball hitting you smack in the face. It's the holiday season, and it's completely crept up on me.

It's not just the weather that has led me to push Christmas to the back of my mind... but I think also the fact that we aren't with our families and our contact with friends from home has dwindled a bit recently. With all of our lives going a million different directions it hard enough to stay in touch... let alone if you can't shoot out a quick text or call.

So to Le Pack & Della. I miss you.

The muggy heat seems unnatural for a month that for the past 23 years has been complete with snow, cold, jackets, scarfs, red noses, big boots, slushy weather, hot chocolate, and fires. When I think of Christmas I think of my mom's cooking... big pots of steamy goodness that makes my kitchen smell like home. I think of flannel pjs and reading by the fire. I think of Christmas cookies and wrapping paper. I think of board games and family movies. It's odd, but all these images and memories of this time of year seem so far off right now.

On the flip side, I'm really excited to celebrate such an amazing holiday with incredible friends over here. I'm lucky enough to have one of my best guy friends trek all the way from Ohio to celebrate not only New Years, but Christmas as well. Shout out to Kyle Melling who I cannot wait to see! It'll make this time a lot easier when we have someone from home, who can make me laugh no matter what, to spend it with.

So this year, I'll be trading in my J. Crew pj bottoms and sweatshirts for a red bikini and Santa hat on Christmas day. Instead of putting on gloves and wool socks I'll be rubbing in sun tan lotion! It'll be different... but I have a feeling it will be just as magical.

Here's to embracing in new traditions and always keeping the old ones close by! Happy Christmas Season friends! Cheers to the reds and the greens, the blues and the silvers... and whatever holiday you might celebrate!

Peace & Love.