Happy Birthday to Me

                      Today is my golden birthday:  I turned twenty-four on January twenty-forth.  It's been a wild year, with lots of blessings and a few hard choices.  I've learned a lot about myself and who I want to be, and I've made some progress toward becoming that person.  I took a huge step toward feeling independent by renting my first apartment, and finally figured out what I want to do with my education.  I've made some amazing friends, and for perhaps the first time came to truly understand how to lean on the love and support of my family without losing my independence.  I've taken risks, and even if they didn't all work out the way I hoped, they were all worth taking.  I am sure that the next year will bring me plenty of surprises, and I hope you will join me as I uncover them!

Lots of Love,
~Jennifer

Celebrating Christmas

                  As Christmas has drawn steadily nearer, I have found myself, somewhat to my own surprise, honestly excited for the coming holiday.  My surprise stems from the fact that I have not identified as Christian for a couple years now, and with no traveling to do or small children to plan for, I fully expected that Christmas would pass more or less like any of the more minor holidays, save for the inescapable music.  Yet the closer the day in question, the more I have found myself anticipating it.  Never mind that I knew I would be working through the holiday, or that I would be unable to do much in the way of gift-giving - somehow the approach of Christmas filled me with a child-like joy I have not experienced since leaving home.
                  Earlier this month, I saw Rise of the Guardians in theaters.  While not a Christmas movie, it does have Santa Claus in a major supporting role.  In one of my favorite scenes, Santa explains that at his core, his purpose is to bring wonder into the world: Seeing the world with new eyes; giving a fresh look to the possibilities and magic contained in everything around us.  This, I think, is what I have been feeling since Thanksgiving: a renewed sense of wonder.  I still do not understand why, but frankly, I don't think it really matters.
                  Merry Christmas everyone.  Have a wonderful holiday, in every sense of the word.
Lots of Love,
~Jennifer

P.S.  If you haven't yet, I really encourage you to see Rise of the Guardians before it leaves theaters.  Here, have a trailer: