It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

4 Calling Birds...

Dear Santa,
Thank you for finding Nana's pearl. Now about the other things on my list...
I think I am satisfied for now.
Love,
Anlee Brooke

Sorry guys, I do not have a Dear Santa letter from the kiddies today, but I have one from my co-worker, Lucy:

Dear Santa,
I want to go to the Philippines, please!
Love, Lucy

So, I found out today that I have been okay'ed to take a vacation day in February giving me a total of 6 days straight of freedom from school!!! My co-workers had originally proposed the idea of vacationing together in the Philippines. Today, I found out that Lucy definitely cannot go as the weekend falls on a Korean holiday. It looks like I might take my first solo vacation somewhere. Palawan, Philippines is looking pretty good, but not so much for a solo traveler. New Zealand is sounding nice, but a bit more (A LOT more) expensive! Looking at the map of eastern Asia, the choices are (and safest to travel alone): Philippines, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, China, Vietnam, Russia, or Japan. Let's take a poll and see where you guys think I should go. Email me any advice that you have!

In the spirit of Christmas, here is a great video of some seriously fanatical Christmas enthusiasts. Enjoy!
Can these guys be my neighbor's please!!!!

O Christmas Tree O Christmas Tree

Okay, the Christmas tree is up!!
This was the AHHmazing brainstorm that I had had a few days back and realized last night as Amanda and I put it together. I hope you like our Asian Christmas Tree. I have to give credit to JCrew for inspiring me to create a tree that is highly educated. Our tree is made of chopsticks and the pages of Jane Eyre (hence, highly educated).. The tree topper is a paper crane that Amanda crafted. When I woke up this morning, I did so with a bit more enthusiasm knowing that I would pass the tree on my way for morning coffee.

Joining us this holiday season is Herman, the Christmas cactus: (he's missing an appendage due to my drying clothes falling on him.) And, my mom's angel that has been watching me sleep since early high school. Rounding out the gang are countless candy canes and snowflakes. I spent about 3 hours listening to Christmas carols last night -- neighbors, unfortunately, did too!

Dear Santa,
I want a puppy for Christmas, please. Please bring me a notebook computer. Please bring me a doll. Please bring me a bicycle. Please bring me a mp3. Please bring me clothes.
Love,
Eva
My most advanced student! She has a pricier list.

Dear Santa Claus,
Please help me find my Nana's pearl. I wear it everyday and have for the past few years. My grandfather gave it to her as a wedding gift 60 years ago. I woke up this morning and it wasn't on my chain. I've been really sad this morning. Please help me find it. It means more than words to me.
Love,
Anlee

So, mine is a bit more depressing...


In other news, NATTERS is HOME! That means a lot of skype calls to come. So, happy you are home safe and sound Nat! It's Thursday, which means another week has flown by! Saturday, we are going to see New Moon. It's being released here today. I think I am also going to go ice skating on Saturday. I have had it in my head and now intend to go.


I finished reading Jane Eyre yesterday. It felt good to plow through a book. My brain feels slower here, reading less. But, as always, Jane is a wonderful woman and Mr. Rochester, a wonderful man. I guess it's safe to say it's the adult version of a Disney movie with a classic love story. Good read. Will elaborate more later.





On the third day of Christmas, my TRUE LOVE gave to me, Three French Hens