corporate-free christmas

So, the pledge that I made to do a corporate-free christmas has turned out to be quite successful!
I just made my last order (from etsy.com) and got this email response, not automted, from a real person:

Thanks so much for your tie purchase - it is currently being made to orderand will ship tomorrow. :) Each is handmade uniquely just for you at the time of purchase.

My brother should love the tie I got him - it's a little nerdy and humorous but really hip looking. With that, the shopping is done! Every gift I got has either been from etsy or from local artisans. It feel very rewarding to support artists and crafters while at the same time getting really special and unique gifts for the people I care about. This Christmas required a little extra thought and planning, but it was so worth it! I can not wait to give everyone their gifts. It should be an extra special holiday season....

wonderful day

Yesterday was one of the most enjoyable days I've had in a very long time. Despite the recent stresses of finals and upcoming end-of-semester deadlines, I was somehow able to let that all go and just enjoy myself.

Tim is visiting this weekend (of course), so we decided to do something out of the ordinary. We slept in late, and then got up and headed off to the Ecotarium and spent a few hours looking at reptiles and playing with the exhibits like 5-year olds. It was so much fun. This was followed by lunch on Shrewsbury St., and and expedition around the city to find Bear Republic Racer 5 beer (thank you KJ Barron's!) then we went home to cook dinner. Tim was amazed at my mahi mahi, salad, and sweet potatos. Kimmy was in town, so we went out for drinks later with a few friends. It was the perfect finish to an amzing day. I really feel like things are falling into place whether or not I am happy with everything else I have to deal with.

Growing up happens fast.