O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree...

We put our Christmas tree up tonight, and here are Mom and Dad. They were testing out all the lights before putting on the tree. Here's Mom and Rascal cuddling on the floor.
The tree before the lights....
The tree with the lights....
And the tree all done!
Christmas is my favorite time of year, and I'm so excited to finally be decorating!

Leavenworth!

So I just got back from my weekend away with Josh and Jill and Nick. We went to Leavenworth and Wenatchee, and went to Mission Ridge on Saturday. The weekend was absolutely perfect! Here are the highlights:

Jill and I in the truck on the way over.

Josh and I walking in Leavenworth.

The lights in downtown Leavenworth.Jill and I with the Leavenworth sign.
Jill and I!
Us getting ready to snowboard! It was Jill's first time.
Josh and I before heading out on our first run.

Me taking a break in the snow.Josh and I in the snow.

We had such a fun weekend, and it was nice to get away with some great friends. The weather was perfect, and I can't wait to go again!

New Car! New Car!

Okay, so it's not really a new car, just a rental. But I can pretend for a few days, right? Sunday afternoon, I was in a minor accident (totally not my fault, either), and they have advised me not to drive my car in the meantime. It goes into the shop on Monday.

So, while I'm waiting for it to be repaired, I get a rental car! Which, when you drive a 1994 Honda Accord, is something to blog about. Here's a picture:

This is a stock photo from the website. It's an '08 black Dodge Avenger. And I must say, it's actually pretty fun!! It's the same type of car they use at the speedway for their pace car, so I'm used to riding around in it. But driving is fun! It's pretty quick, and handles fairly well. Plus, my iPod plugs right into it, which I'm liking. So, new fun car, fixed Honda, and not having to pay for any of it = not too shabby, right?

Everything All Rolled Into One

This blog is going to be very random, as it will be an update on the last few days. First off, the Procession of the Carols, from this past Sunday at the Abbey. There were performers throughout Old Main, performing Christmas carols. Everything was decorated beautifully, and it really put everyone in the Christmas spirit. Here are two pictures of the Abbey:

And, here are some photos of the performers in Old Main during the Procession of the Carols. They're a little blurry as I was trying to take them while walking.

Also, Friday night, I went to Zoo Lights! I've recently started dating a guy named Josh, and I had been mentioning how much I love Christmas, so he planned a date for us to go up and have dinner, and then go to Zoo Lights. It was the perfect night - clear sky, not too cold, and no rain. Here are some of my favorite pictures:

Next up is a small vacation this weekend. Some friends and I are leaving Friday morning for the Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival, along with snowboarding at Mission Ridge on Sunday. I'll be sure to post pictures when I get back!

Belonging

Back in September, I made the decision to start the process of becoming a fully baptized, confirmed, practicing Catholic. I started attending weekly RCIA classes through the Abbey/Campus Ministry at Saint Martin's, and begun attending Mass on Sunday evenings. All of this by myself, for myself, all alone.

And I have loved every single second of it.

I won't discuss my reasoning behind making this decision; just that it has been the right decision for me personally.

I have enjoyed learning about the history of the religion, the Bible, and Jesus Christ. Mass is a beautiful and spiritual event, held in a truly beautiful church that just happens to be on campus.

But the thing that I have enjoyed the most, is the feeling of belonging.

The people in Campus Ministry (Nick, Susan, Father Benedict), have become close friends of mine. I see them in the hallways, or when I stop by Campus Ministry, and in class/Mass on Sundays. They make a conscious effort to get to know me, and stay updated on my life. We joke around, have fun, and make light of certain situations.

But I can also discuss more serious matters with them, including matters of faith. I can be candid with Fr. Benedict as far as my questions regarding the Catholic religion, or rituals of Mass, or a multitude of other topics. He is a very open and caring person, willing to share his stories/struggles if it means helping someone else with some of their own struggles.

Tonight was the Procession of the Carols, Candlelight Mass, and Christmas Tree Blessing. Everyone was in the Christmas Spirit, and celebrating the 2nd Sunday of Advent. Christmas decorations could be found throughout the school and Abbey, and white candles lit every area up with a soft glow. You could feel the warmth and caring-ness practically oozing out of everyone in attendance. (I'll be sure to post pictures tomorrow!)

I had often times before considered embarking on this journey, but it never felt like I was quite ready. Or committed. Or just ready to make that first step. But, now that I have, I am so thankful that God has found his way into my life, and ever so thankful for the new friends I have made as a result.

God bless!