Waiting for my real life to begin.

I cannot comment enough how strange this year has been. While alot of trials have come my way, I've learned alot of valuable life lessons. I'm an imperfect person living in an imperfect world filled with imperfect people. I know that God only expects me to try my best. He knows that I will fall, but it's no problem at all to pick myself up from where I left off and start over again until I get to where I need to be. It's a continuous and ever-winding road called life with ample of opportunities for detours, scenic routes and bumpy terrains. It all depends on the path in which I take. That choice is up to me.

As we approach this upcoming Christmas season, for me, it becomes more and more apparent as to why Christmas is so important. I need the greatest gift in the world, Jesus, so that I have the option to "pick myself up" when I fall and continue on my road of life. A beautiful journey which God has fashioned for me.

To be honest, I wasn't overly excited for Christmas at first. It seemed like after Halloween, the Christmas season just popped up before my eyes. After everything that's gone on this past year, it did take a while for me to process. But, I'm going to keep my spirits high. This could be my last Christmas with my family for a while since the Lord only knows where I'll be next year.

So, let's take that road before us and sing a chorus or two because baby, Christmas is just around the corner :) This is a time to celebrate and be glad!

So, I only really got excited when I visited Bath & Body Works today. We've never had that store here where I'm from, so I was pumped to go in there for the first time in my hometown's mall.

Okay, can I just say, I'm not overly crazy about fancy bath products. I tend to stick to the basic, cheap stuff. But can I just say, I am OBSESSED about the candles. OHHH, the candles!

Someone better get these for me if they know what's good for them!! (I kid......maybe):

1. Winter Candy Apple



2. Vanilla Bean Noel (It smells like French vanilla yogurt!!)


Yum, yum!!

So, because of my excitement with primarily these two candles, I went home and made a batch of white chocolate, cranberry, and oatmeal cookies. De-lish!



Right now, my mom is gone for a couple weeks to the states, but I'm excited for her to come back to we can get ready for Christmas together. I'm also super pumped that my exams are done December 8th this year, which means, I have a whole MONTH off for Christmas vacation. :)

Each year I do a Christmas checklist. Here goes mine for this year:

1. Santa Clause Parade
2. Study for / get exams out of the way
3. Singing Christmas Tree at Church
4. Caroling around the hospital with the med school choir "Ultra Sound" (sooo serious!)
5. Christmas shopping
6. Watching Christmas movies / TV specials
7. Baking cookies
8. Warm, fuzzy and sparkly clothes
9. Decorating the tree/house
10. Christmas photoshoot?
11. Ice skating
12. Holiday specialty drinks at Starbucks
13. Buying gifts for the unfortunate
14. Remembering the real meaning of Christmas

...and there's more to come! I also have to start applying for jobs over the holidays. Eeek! Scary thought!!

Well, I'm off to work for the night. Have a safe and happy start to your holiday season! And for all my American friends reading this, Happy Thanksgiving :)