Happy Holidays!

Christmas cookies
that my boyfriend and I made!

Happy Holidays to everyone!  Personally I celebrate Christmas - so Merry Christmas! :)

What are your plans for the holidays?  Today, I'm just spending some time with my family and then my dad's family as well.  Then tomorrow, my family is visiting my mom's family for a Christmas dinner.  Lots of food and lots of company!  Hah!

I'm really only at my parents for a couple days, so hopefully I get a chance to actually spent time with them (and my sister) and hopefully we aren't rushing all over the place all the time.  I'm hoping to relax, since I haven't really in the past few days!

Tell me how your Christmas / holidays / break is going!  What are your plans?  Anything exciting?

Eight Ways To Survive Family Christmas

1. Take up drinking. A lot of it. And in a short period of time.
2. Ask for a handheld video game for Christmas. You may be playing with it all day.
3. Go for a walk. Get lost. Call your parents and ask them to come find you. Stay hidden for a couple hours.
4. Insist that you need to practice for your upcoming school concert. Choose opera.
5. Get everyone gag gifts. And use them constantly throughout the day.
6. Send your parents on a scavenger hunt for their gift. Make it at least an hour. Then give them a dollar store gift.
7. Forget everyone’s name. Introduce your grandpa as your girlfriend. Talk about how much your memory has improved.
8. Fake an injury. Spend the day in ER. Well, it’s a good way to get uninvited for next year.

Living With Parents

How long do you think it is still 'okay' to live with parents?  Obviously, yes, it is different from person to person.  But what do you think makes it okay to live with your parents for longer?  When is it really time to move out?

Personally, I went to university at age 17.  I lived with my parents for the two summers in between.  But I didn't live with my parents when I was at post secondary school.  I didn't live with them once I graduated either.  I was able to support myself.  Just barely, but I could do it.  I don't intend to move back in with them unless I have hit rock bottom ... Even more than I already have!

I know some people who are 25 or 26 ... Still living with their parents.  Maybe it is smart of them, they can save up lots of money.  Especially because the people that I know have full time jobs. imagine making $30,000 a year and not having to pay rent, food, and all that.  Maybe they are the smart ones after all!

I guess it depends on the person.  I need my independence.  It isn't like I hate my parents, but I do hate living with them (it was like torture!).  I like being my own adult.  They can come up and visit me, that's pretty cool, always nice to see them.  But not to live with them.  I need to be on my own.  I don't think that I should be relying on them for everything.  I need to be making my own food, cleaning my whole house, dealing with normal things (ex. mouse infestation), and making normal decisions.

Sometimes it is difficult, but I really do enjoy it.  Growing up is important.   I'd rather do it now than later.  Yeah, I have a lot more responsibilities, but I find it is a lot more fun as well.  I mean, I don't have a curfew or as many rules.  I can have my friends stay over anytime.  My boyfriend doesn't have to sleep in another room.  Heck, I'm allowed to kiss him!  I can listen to my type of music whenever I want.  I just don't want to give up these benefits!

Living on your own at a young age is, of course, a challenge.  But I think it is worthwhile to grow up and not have to rely on your parents for everything.  Personally, it is working out for me anyway.

Christmas Shopping!

It's that time of year again.  I'll admit, I've done most of my Christmas shopping already (okay, they are almost all wrapped and under my tree too!) but I tend to get over excited about things.  Many people have yet to start.  I'd like to start off by giving some ideas for your Christmas shopping!

1. Thinkgeek: http://www.thinkgeek.com/
There are tons of random but cool things on this site like:
Electronic Butterfly in a Jar - http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/cubegoodies/e70c/?pfm=homepage_Featured_7_e70c
LED Jellyfish Mood Lamp (I would LOVE this!) - http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/lights/9a8c/
Glow in the Dark Odd Pods Cacti Pals -  http://www.thinkgeek.com/clearance/on-sale/c6e4/
Tetris Link - http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/e7f3/

2. Zazzle
Canada: http://www.zazzle.ca/
US: http://www.zazzle.com/
You can browse tons of designs or create your own.  You can do t-shirts, mugs, ornaments, posters ... all sorts of things!
Canada deal: free shipping on orders over $35 with code ZAZZLEFREE35 (ends December 8)
US deal: 15% off all orders and free shipping on orders over $50 with code DECDELIGHT15

3.Amazon
Canada: http://www.amazon.ca/
US: http://www.amazon.com/
Canadian amazon isn't really the greatest.  However US amazon ships to Canada for some items.  Which is nice.
Anyway, they have a variety of items for pretty much anyone on there!  Computers, books, sports equipment, kids toys, posters, kitchen items, pet supplies.  I find that amazon has something for everyone!  I have made plenty of purchases on amazon including: spice rack, poster, watch, workout videos, and more.

Here are some other ideas:
- hoodies
- t-shirts
- tickets to a concert, show, or event
- gift certificate to a nice restaurant
- gift certificate to receiver's favourite store
- posters
- plant
- basket of assorted fruits or chocolates or nuts
- baked goods (always delicious!)
- books
- shower gel / body lotion

I've found that online shopping is very nice around this time of the year, considering it is so busy in the stores.  But some people love the rush of the stores during this season.

Best of luck for all your Christmas shopping!

I'll Show You Beautiful

This video is wonderful.  So many people are bullied.  For not being enough of something.  Not looking good, not acting the right way, not doing something, not being smart enough.  Everyone is different.  Accept others for who they are.  Love the person that you are.