Baking on the Holidays

Awhile back, I tried to make some cake balls. It was disastrous. I tried again last semester, and things turned out a little better, but it was hard. For Valentines Day, my mom bought me a book full of cake ball designs. I tried a design out this weekend. It was fun, and a lot easier than the first two times. Hopefully as I do it more things will get easier. I'll let you see if you can guess what they're supposed to look like (besides yummy).

The first one of the batch

The more I did it, the easier it was. I managed about half without sticks. Next time I go home I think I'll try tigers. Can you all tell what these are supposed to be?

They're owls.

It's Christmas!

My roommates have decorated our apartment; I brought a Christmas tree; we've all baked cookies; and Christmas music is playing.  I've been into the soul side of Christmas music this year.

Happy Christmas, everyone!

The Best Parts

Thanksgiving is possibly my favorite holiday of the year, because there isn't the stress of Christmas, but you still get the good food and family.  Here are some of the highlights of this year's Thanksgiving holiday.

Every year my Dad gets us a table at the live auction at the Christmas Tree Jubilee.  I love it, mainly because I get to dress up in a fancy dress, eat fabulous food, and watch a bunch of rich guys spend lots of money.

I make a killer apple pie.  It was gone in two days between three people.

I made this for my Mom awhile back, and she used it this holiday.  I always feel great satisfaction when I see something I made being used.

My Grandma Alice got sealed in the temple to my Grandpa Bill on Saturday.  It was a great thing to witness.  Not all the family is here, and I can't name everyone, but here's a family picture afterwards.

Ian and Megan, my cousins.

Megan and me.  She loves princesses.  I tell you, I don't know what I'd do if I had a kid as obsessed with princesses as she is.  I entertained her for an hour or so at Thanksgiving, and she was all about princesses.  I was much more comfortable when we got to card games and I Spy.

My uncle Jeff, Aunt Katherine, and their kids.

So, here's to a great kickoff to the holiday season!

Phases

A lot of times I feel like I'm two different people.  One part of me is happy and fun, and the other part is easily hurt and doesn't want to try my hand at socializing or dating ever again.  Sure, supposedly it's just a phase.  Right?  I'll get over it and should get over my concerned phase right now?

Someone tells me I'm amazing, and I want to think I am; truly I do.  However, I just can't quite make myself believe it, because there's that other half of me that says, "Come on.  You've already screwed up one of the most important decisions a person is supposedly supposed to make.  Obviously you can't be that great.  Settle for mediocre.  Mediocre is right where you belong."

Then there's that feeling in my bones that says, "You're worth so much more than you yet realize.  You are meant for something greater.  Wait and see.  Something so amazing is going to come your way that it will make people envious to see you so happy."

You know, it is times like these that I really worry that I'm bipolar.  Soon, I'm just going to turn into a mix of Brennan and House, and be happy in my own strange little way.  It's the holidays doing this to me.  Think it will ever change?  Maybe next Christmas?  I think I'd better work rather hard at it.