Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

I hope you all take the time to celebrate what you have (no matter how small) with family and friends. Christmas isn't about who has the most presents or money -- it's about sharing moments together and love. I hope everyone stays safe today! Enjoy!

Before I stop typing, I wanted to share a few items that I got that mean a lot to me!

1. A laptop cooling fan! Maybe I can save my computer from burning out on me and catching my room on fire from the explosion!
2. An Italy calendar. I love Italy. So much. It makes me want to go there even more and visit Venice and Florence!
3. A box of art supplies from my mommy. I want to be a children's book author when I'm older (hopefully) and this box means the world to me. My mom cares so much for my future, making me feel more confident with my choices :)
4. A raggedy anne doll ornament for my collection of mismatched decorations. My dad and his fiance picked it out for me. That doll played a couple roles in my life. This ornament, to me, means memories. 

What did you all get?! Not that anyone will tell me, but think about your gifts with love and not with greed! 

Again, happy holidays!

-

Tiffany

You are Never Alone

The holidays make you think about depressing things sometimes, but I actually enjoy that(yes, it sounds odd, but I will explain.) A lot of people have someone missing in their lives and that hole pangs in their heart every year. The ones we care about can suddenly fall right through our fingers, leaving the special days to be unnoticed ones. Although a piece of the puzzle may be missing, it doesn't mean that it is gone forever -- it still exists somewhere and we can rest peacefully knowing it isn't gone entirely. Take this holiday season to remember those who have gone because they will always exist somewhere inside of you.

Now, sorry for that horribly depressing beginning, but I just thought I would start out with that to go along with the rest of my post. I haven't lost many, but I know people who have. During these times, we need to be reassured. Comfort eases. There are still some things that do not comfort my mind, but I get past it. This poem I wrote below this paragraph talks about how I dream about the missing person in my life (well, this person was never in it, but I dream of him anyway.) Yeah, girls dreaming about boys -- it's predictable. Some women dream about having a guy around for the holidays, but I don't need the guy just because kissing is nice and we would make cute Christmas cards together. No, it's more than that. Relationships are also friendships and sometimes, it would be just heavenly to have someone to talk to especially on special days.

So, this poem is mostly about the last part up above. I'll let you guys in on my thoughts:


Many dream of flying
or swimming in a pool of shimmering coins.
I could sit under a tree
and dream of such things
until my eyes close under humidity.
the dreams in my mind
are closer to reality.
I'd love to fly
and feel cool copper on my skin,
but I'd rather be dancin' under swinging
Lights while holdin' your hand.
We would be nervous under
the bare branches,
but our shy laughter
would shake the snow above us,
and we could talk about the snowflakes
that bounce between our eyelashes.

I can be a little cheesy sometimes. You know, dancing under lights in a forest seems very Disney-like, but I do wish for these things. For one: I love the forest, lights, and dancing, so it means more than a fairy tale inside of the DVD player. There are many things we always want, but we know we can never really get. I want to fly and swim in piles of money, but am I going to get that? Probably not. Fantasies and fame -- it sounds pretty great, but once you get beneath that, you can find what it is you really need. For me, I need a friend. Oh, I know, I have a lot of good friends. However, there are times when you just want to talk to a guy about everything and anything and I miss that. A lot.

There is something about the way men think that keep conversations flowing in a different direction, but most of the time they are cut short because they always think women are trying to flirt with them or something ridiculous like that. Really, EVERYTHING DOESN'T REVOLVE AROUND DATING. We think about dating, but all we want is a friend and someone to talk to for a long time. We, humans, were specifically designed to communicate! So, why can't we?? This whole sticky situation just bites you in the butt. When you are lonely, you want to talk to someone. If I find someone online that I want to talk to, then I'll talk to them. It is never a good feeling to feel that you are bugging that person. Then, you start thinking that they might think you are in love with them when all you want to do is talk.

I do like someone, but right now, I want to talk to them. That's it. Talking, you know? That thing we do to feel comforted and all of the above? Talking doesn't mean dating. It could mean it later, but that's not the goal here. Some say they need to date and I say go right ahead, but you will be missing out on a lot if that is all you do. When you actually have the time to think about this stuff, this is what comes out. We don't have to follow the "dating river" because there are so many other paths to take if we just get off of it.

So, why not jump off the little raft and explore? Figure out what is REALLY important to you. Rivers can be unpredictable because we cannot control the river, but if we get off of it, then we have control. Would you rather be forced to date because that is what everyone else does or would you rather follow your heart and mind to find what is best for you when the time comes? It's just a thought.

I know that creating your own norm can be difficult -- you start feeling lonely and empty inside. These feelings can be horrible during the holidays, but you need to remember that the feeling of comfort is existing somewhere. Don't feel alone this holiday season because in reality you are never alone.

Joy,

Tiffany

Short and Sweet -- Five More Days

5 more days until Christmas.

1. My house is cold.
2. Instead of a fire, I am toasting up by the heat of my laptop.
3. It's snowing. Finally.
4. It's 10:50. 10/2=5. 50 backwards is 05.
5. We aren't dying tomorrow. So, keep your shorts tucked away. It's not going to be hot. Sorry.

We're keeping it short and sweet tonight because I'm tired.
On the brighter side of things, I bought an 18'' skateboard with a white bottom and black wheels.
Wheels rhyme with heels.
OH.
My skateboard is fancy.
Is yours?

Sleep tight and dream of sugar plums.

Tidings and joy,

Tiffany

Six Movies for the Holidays******

If you don't count today (since it is practically over), then there are only SIX MORE DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS! So, I really don't know what to use for this countdown blog post, but I may just have to do my six favorite Christmas movies with pictures provided by BING (again. I have to say it or else I might get ARRESTED!) Hey, you can't steal my blog either. I know it's the holidays and money is tight, but come on. My blog? I'd be flattered, but don't do it. I don't need a little circle with a "c" in it to let all of you know that this is copyrighted. How about this? 

DON'T STEAL MY BLOG.

IT'S COPYRIGHTED BECAUSE I SAY SO. 

:D

Anyway.

SIX MOVIES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

(Counting in Italian!)

Uno: White Christmas

Due: Christmas Vacation

Tre: A Christmas Story

Quattro:  The Polar Express

Cinque: Frosty the Snowman

Sei: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 

Ah. It all brings back memories, doesn't it? I love all of these movies. Of course I love more, but I only used six (obviously.) So, before I end this lovely advent post, I would like to post some pictures of my new present from my lovely best friend! 

She told us[friends] not to open our presents until Christmas, but I got them yesterday and my friend and I could not wait. 

It's a brand new knitted hat! (From the store, of course.)

Isn't it adorbs? She knows me well. 

WELL, I hope these posts are sparking some excitement deep down in your tummies. I'M getting excited. If you are having trouble trying to get excited, then drink some hot cocoa, eat candy canes, watch some of these movies, and sing holiday music even if you suck. 

Spreading holiday cheer for all to hear (read),

Tiffany

8 Days of Christmas Desserts

If you all didn't know this already, there are only EIGHT MORE DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS. I was making my own 12 days of Christmas, but it wasn't going very well (and I am very sad :( ) This time, I know I can figure out eight Christmas desserts that I absolutely LOVE. I am a big fan of sugar-coated butter with sprinkles and icing. VERY big fan. I eat dessert quite frequently...like every day. With this post, I would like share 8 of my favorite holiday desserts! I'm getting pictures from BING, so don't expect anything fancy.

8 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS DESSERTS

ONE: Sugar Cookies!

TWO: Gingerbread!

THREE: Pumpkin pie!

FOUR: Chocolate Turtles!

FIVE: Old-Fashioned Ribbon Candy!

SIX: Peanut Brittle!

SEVEN: Fannie May Mint Chocolates!

EIGHT: My Mom's Delectables (Almond cookie balls rolled in powdered sugar!)

Yummmmmmmmmmmmmm.

I hope you all are hungry now! Indulge! It's the holidays! 

<3,

T.

Quirk Number Seven

#7: After almost pushing your window screen out the window and down to the ground and figuring out that your Internet cable is behind the fridge, you find yourself reading an E-mail that says you have an assignment due for a class on Monday. 
Well, isn't college glorious!

Yes. This all happened to me during my first week of college before classes even started. Seems stressful, right? You are absolutely correct! However, this is adult livin' right here, but at least I haven't broken the windows yet. The dorms that I do live in are pretty outdated because my hall was built in the 70's. It actually isn't too bad since they have repainted a few times (I have seen the color underneath the pleasant blue and the walls used to be AQUA.) So, that makes me a little happier. The janitors keep the whole hall nice and neat, but that doesn't stop everyone from smoking up a storm in their rooms, turning our hall into a cheap(er) motel. You tolerate it after awhile.

After reading my quirk, you are probably wondering how in the world that all happened and I will tell you how in the world it did. Well, it was a very hot day (since our hall lacks A.C.) and I decided to open our windows all the way. As I got up to stretch from my desk chair, I noticed that there was a bee in our room! I scrambled to kill it, smashing it on my roommates window screen, and I popped the screen out. It was flopping in the wind from the 4th floor. I almost passed out right there onto our tile floor, but I noticed that the screen wasn't really...moving or falling down to the grass below. I regained all sense of reality and saw that the screen was screwed into the base of the window frame, but the screen was broken. So, what does a college student do when something seems to be broken? Fix it with duct tape!!! It is still there to this day and we have not had anymore insects in our room (thank the Lord!)

Now, the whole refrigerator situation was a humorous one. I could not figure out how to get Internet for the LONGEST time. I plugged my Ethernet cord into the port that I thought was the port, but it wasn't. I wanted to just curl up in a ball and die, but then, I compared the area that my roommates cord port was located in and matched it to my side, figuring out that mine was behind our STUPID MINI FRIDGE. After hugging it and pulling it out, I got my Internet -- only to find that I had an assignment due for one of my classes a couple days later. College LOVES SURPRISES, so HOLD ON. You are in for one HECK of a roller coaster ride. 

On the bright side, I have gotten really good grades and my first semester is over. With that, I would just like to let everyone know that college gets really close to slitting your throat, but it makes you turn into steal. You may feel like everything is crashing onto you, but you are under all of the ruble holding it up with your pinkie finger. What doesn't kill you does make you stronger (sorry for that cheesy Kelly Clarkson reference.) College gives you a nice force feeding of adult life during the first few days and you just have to deal with it. Being an adult doesn't come with free coupons to the spa, but once you get past all of the challenges, you can go ahead and use a coup because you will need it. I really need to treat myself for once as well.

My last word of advice would be to buckle up and enjoy the ride. Make sure you have a big box of tissues, though, sometimes you may spring a leak. Oh, and make sure you become friends with amazing people because you will need someone to talk to during times of "I CAN'T DO THIS ANYMORE." You will appreciate it later.  I guarantee it. 

-Tiffany 

\/\/oah! Eight /\/\ore days until Christ/\/\as!

Quirk Number Six!

#6: Getting free food and feasting your eyes on a lot of cute college guys. They aren't Ryan Lochte, but they will do.

It's time to get back on the quirky track! WOO WOO! All aboard! We are about to travel into the land of...well, the land of attractive guys that you have not seen in years which makes you nervous. Don't worry, I have some tips for all of you gals and guys out there. Just a word of warning, however, I am not much of a pick-up artist, but I do know some ways to land a hot guy friend. The free food though? You don't even have to bat a lash. 

First, let me make this suspenseful and talk about food first. No, not on the hot men (I know. You were thinking it.) Yes, free food! During the first week of college, you are bombarded with coupons and free pizza. Don't have any cash to run to Taco Bell? No worries! Just go to a club and get some free nourishment (and make some new friends while you stuff your face with greasy cheese!) You will not be hungry on your first week of school, but after that, I suggest you start making spears because you are going to become ravenous! Seriously, you will be a little hungry unless you do have snacks. No matter what, though, you can find something to eat. Unless your friends are fasting and the dining halls are short on food, then you are screwed. 

While eating pizza for a week, you will be plump and ready for a hot date! Yes! College guys love them pizza hips because they have them too! Once you go to college, you will be surrounded by more men then you ever thought possible. They are everywhere, swarming like bees, making their way to the new flowers. Of course some may not be carved by an artist, but they are pretty decent. But how do we talk to such attractive men, Tiffany?? Well, you have came to the right blog (and if you came here by accident, then I suggest you finish reading this.)

How to Talk to College Men:

1. Wear clothing.

2. Make sure you don't have pizza between your teeth and SMILE!

3. Wave, but not like a princess.

4. Say, "Hi!"

5. Don't stare at their lips for too long.

6. If you stare at their lips for too long, then look down and compliment their shoes.

7. If they are not wearing shoes, then stop staring at their toes.

8. Make a joke!

9. If he laughs, ask him if he wants to get pizza sometime.

10. If he says yes, then there you go.

I know, my tips are horrible, but I do not make them serious on purpose. College is a new experience and a bit overwhelming -- you are running around with strangers! I do know one thing and that is to NOT be a stranger! Be friendly! Acknowledge everyone's presence because you never know who will notice your's too. You may not always be friends with the people you greet, but look over their shoulder. There are thousands more to know. So, get out there, wipe the grease off of your chin, and smile! You never know who will be smiling back (and if they offer you food, then you just found yourself a pal.) 

Happy Friday!

-Tiffany

50 Things I Love About the Holidays!

Well, Christmas is only a week and a half away. I never expected the year to go by so fast. Once college started, life took so many turns and finally dropped me off at home where I can finally sit down and not think about anything useful. Right now I am sitting next to our lit Christmas tree while watching American Pickers with a full stomach of Tazo Chai Latte tea. I must say that I am blessed to be in a home so warm. (The only thing that is missing here is SNOW.) Since I am in the holiday spirit, I was thinking about making a list of my favorite things about the holidays. So, let's get started!

0. Knowing Christ was born on the 25th!
0.5. Charlie Brown piano music.
1. Sneezing after breathing in the cold air every morning.
2. Wearing hats, scarves, gloves, and boots.
3. Always having a plentiful supply of chapstick.
4. Hot chocolate with HUGE 'mallows.
5. Muppet Christmas.
6. Putting my old ornaments on the tree.
7. Eating a lot of candy canes.
8. Getting stabbed in the eyes by snowflakes.
9. Wearing Christmas socks.
10. Coming inside to a warm meal.
11. Tazo Chai Lattes!
12. Staying in your jammies all day with a comforter!
13. Ripping a small piece of wrapping paper off of the corner of a present to see what you got.
14. Creeping on Santa at the mall.
15. Sliding on ice on the street.
16. Trying to make O's with with my breath in the cold air.
17. Going sledding.
18. The sound of your feet crunching in the snow.
19. Eating white snow.
20. Laughing at the fact that I almost ate yellow snow.
21. Making snowmen and taking a bite of the carrot nose when it is rubbery.
22. Looking at the lights on everyone's house at night.
23. "All I Want for Christmas is You."
24. Icicles.
25. Watching dogs play in the snow.
26. Throwing snowballs with my dad.
27. Watching Christmas classics.
28. Getting jealous of everyone's dancing skills on White Christmas.
29. Making cookies!
30. Eating cookies.
31. Getting wavier hair from being out in the snow.
32. The way it sounds outside in the winter.
33. Making homemade presents for the people I love.
34. Making cards.
35. Receiving all of those texts on Christmas day.
36. Throwing wrapping paper all over the floor.
37. Putting bows on my body after unwrapping gifts.
38. Not taking a shower until the afternoon.
39. Spending all of my Christmas money a couple days after Christmas.
40. Counting down!
42. Screaming in the car after running to it in the parking lot on a bitter cold night.
43. Waking up to a white day.
44. Seeing Christmas trees in people's windows.
45. Asking my cousin what she got for Christmas.
46. Winter break.
47. Wearing a coat with a very big hood.
48. Seeing animal tracks in the snow.
49. Taking an annual first pee of the new year on January 1st at 12:00 am.
50. Being able to start the year all over again.

I think 50 is enough for now. The holidays mean so much more than lists, but they get you thinking about what you love the most and why. I am happy to be home, to have a break, and to enjoy my time while it lasts. If only it would snow, then more than half of my list would be completed, but mother nature is being mean. Guess who is not getting a card this year?

I want all of you to make your own list so you never forget the good things about the winter time! Don't let Jack Frost bite you on the nose too hard! He doesn't mean it anyway. Deal with it. ;)

Peace and Joy,

Tiffany!