Good deeds, good health.

I feel like a million bucks.

This morning, Andy and I woke up at 7-something AM and dragged our asses to volunteer at the Edgewood Center for Children and Families. I remembered, painfully, how much I do NOT miss waking up before 9:00AM on Saturdays. This was my first time doing volunteer work voluntarily (other times I've volunteered for events were actually requirements for clubs in high school) and I think it was long overdue. Though I'm not entirely to blame - I wanted to volunteer before but I used to work Saturdays at BMW!

Anyhoo, the Edgewood Center is a system for abused/troubled adolescents and they offer a plethora of supportive/reformative services. The organization is celebrating 160 years of service, and it was a great feeling to know that I participated in such a well-established, life changing program. The work was much less labor-intensive than I'd expected - I had anticipated an assembly-line type setup. But actually, we were split up amongst cottages so I only worked with Andy and another lady volunteer. We had a big, sunny kitchen to ourselves where we prepared eggs, hash browns, toast and fruit for breakfast.

I had quite an outstanding time preparing the oranges and toasting the toast. In fact, I can't think of any better way to have spent this Saturday morning! When breakfast was served, we were encouraged to interact with the children. This was a new kind of social interaction for me (children), and I didn't know how to connect on their level. One of them though, was pretty excited to tell me about the Tony Hawk game and Karate Kid 3 - neither of which I know anything about. He also told me that I look like a snowboarder girl. It was certainly an interesting conversation, if not a successful one?

I'm going back when my schedule permits, it was an incredible experience and I'm glad I could spare a few hours of my time to help disadvantaged children.

Also, I went to the doctor yesterday and got my annual check up - everything is all good in the hood (although I have been feeling a strange numbness or poor circulation in my feet). And speaking of hoods, Klaus also went to the doctor yesterday and got his 15k service. He too is all good in the hood. We're all good. In the hood.

I must say, this New Year, and also Chinese New Year have both gotten off to a spectacular start.

The Best Christmas Ever -- Smiles All Around

Soooooo, this has got to be the best Christmas ever for me!

On Christmas Eve, my family and I went to my Aunt's house for dinner. We usually don't do anything Christmassy (no gifts, no big family dinners etc.) so this was a nice change. My mom, who has had a tough couple of years recently, hadn't spent too much time with my aunt in a while and I could tell that she really enjoyed herself. Heck, we all did! My brother and I haven't laughed so hard in a really long time, and my mom even said that she hadn't had so much fun in years. It really was a heartwarming night as my mom and aunt reminisced their college days and such. And there were many moments where I laughed so hard that I was in tears. The food was great, and it was an excellent way to spend Christmas Eve =)

Saturday, Christmas Day, didn't do much at all - just stayed home with my mom because she's sick and I didn't want her to be alone since my brother left for the weekend. I ended up going to Ruby Skye on Saturday night and.. well.. I had too much fun and called it a night around midnight. Although, for the time that I was out with my faaaavorite people, I had a blast -- as always. I'm so thankful for my wonderful friends and family and family friends. I usually feel very alone during the holidays, but this year is totally different. I'm glad that I'm alone because I'm surrounded by delightful company all of the time!

Today was a lazy morning/afternoon, but I got out of bed finally to hang out with the boys. We played games at Chad's place (Scattegories, which I have progressively gotten worse at) and some of us ended up drinking to a loss (or in my case, losses). It's not fun to lose for me, ever. I blame Chad partly, because we get the same answers a lot and I lose points because they cancel out!! Like "big boats" and "Murcielago", he needs to get out of my head!!! But anyway, we had family-style dinner at a Chinese restaurant and then went on to karaoke.

And now I'm going to go back in time to Thursday.. because for this post I am saving the best for last. On Thursday, I got off work early and went to visit BMW!! It was awesome seeing all of my old co-workers and catching up! I really miss the place.. but everyone seems to be doing well and it was really nice to be there again. I told Larry about the car I had my eye on and we discussed the process so I got a much better understanding on how to deal. It helped A LOT because I was so hesitant. And so after I left BMW I started to get the ball rolling... and soon enough..

ON CHRISTMAS EVE I GOT MY CAR!!! Chad is such a dear, he took me to the dealer in the morning. Less than an hour later I was driving off in my awesome new Volvo, that sexy beast. When I got back to the city I picked Chad up and we went to eat at Americana, where he is a total local celeb LOL. I can't describe the overwhelming anticipation that took hold of me the night before, and the morning of. And I can't describe the ridiculous excitement of driving the car around the city for the first time. But I can say that it was AMAZING, and I love it.

I'm so happy. This is the best Christmas ever, because I got myself the coolest present ever ever ever!!! When I drive it, things are just SO much more enjoyable. Pure bliss. My first big girl purchase and I couldn't be more satisfied. Alex got me my OWN NERF GUN as a car warming gift, such a sweetheart! I am just having.. the best.. December... ever.. and I hope everyone else feels the same. Happy holidays!!!! <3