Insert Appropriate Carol Title Here

For the first time in a number of years I'm feeling VERY excited about the Holidays. Tonight after my shift at the portrait studio I met Laura, Kris and Kim at the Christmas Market in Columbus Circle. It was SNOWING to beat all. I had left my hat and gloves at the apartment because it was NOT snowing when I left the house, so while I waited for the girls to get to where I was I bought a woolly hand knit ear-flap hat. It was fleece-lined and may be one of the best things I ever bought. It was snowing huge wet flakes. I had my umbrella but I was getting as soaked as if it was pouring rain.

Lights on the trees in Columbus Circle

Once we were all together we walked through the wonderful market for a while and shopped the vendors. Laura and I got hot apple cider and I got a giant ginger cookie. When we'd had about as much as we could take we decided to walk over to Rockefeller Plaza to see the tree and lights. It was a little bit too much walking for the weather. We each stepped in some puddle until we all had wet shoes and socks and toes. Yuck! All the same we were very cheery, walking along in the beautiful snow. There were horse-carriages with tops and millions of people walking.

Laura, Me and Kris at the Christmas market Cider Stand

When we got to Rockefeller it was worth it. The decorations were beautiful to see. We tried to get picture by the tree but the crowds were so thick we had to coordinate umbrellas and crowd control to actually get each other AND the tree and lights in a picture at the same time. The people were so thick that they had to have police at the cross-walks, not just directing traffic but actually holding the street crossers BACK from traffic. We walked over to Saks because Laura had seen a light display there that coordinated with Carol of the Bells. It was so cool I almost cried.

The beautiful tree in the snow

Saks Fifth Ave snowflake lights that blinked in time to Carol of the Bells

Finally we had to get going as we were all freezing and soaked to the bone. We went down in the subway and were treated to a show by a really funny busker who wore a wig and sang a song called 'Baby Mama' that got stuck in all our heads. We finally made it home and I had to hang up everything, including my pocketbook which was drenched on the inside. We all put on sweats and got chinese delivery and have been sitting in our cozy warm living room listening to Christmas music this evening. The only thing missing is a crackling fire and some hot toddies. I love visitors!

Today at work we had a child's birthday party. It was definitely my favorite things I've gotten to do at work yet. Helping kid with crafts I can totally manage. It sure is hard being the new girl. I haven't been in that position in a while. I know how everyone else feels though, I've been on that end of it plenty.

Oh look, we've gotten out the karaoke machine. Gotta go.