"There'll be parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting, and caroling out in the snow"

Well I know as I write this that most of my friends and family in VA and MD are still snowed in from the snow that hit the area Friday and Saturday. The same storm did hit Charleston, however not in the form of snow, but lots and lots of rain. While you all played in the snow, I drove my car down very flooded downtown roads praying that I would make it to the stop sign and not get stuck in the high waters as I drove home from work Friday. So while we have certainly had no snow, nor have we really toasted/roasted (I google searched and apparently there are versions of the song that use each word) marshmallows, we have certainly had the opportunity to host and attend several holiday parties!

Last weekend was our holiday party weekend. Friday night my friend Bethany from work had all of the girls (and their significant others) over for a fun night of visiting, good food, and some great wine. On Sunday we hosted two holiday gatherings at our house, luckily they were both potluck so we did not have to do all of the cooking for both. In the morning we had the women on the Panhellenic Council that I advise over for a holiday brunch and a winter wear gift exchange. That evening we had the Greek Life Office (GLO) Staff over for our holiday celebration. It was very low key since not all of our student workers were able to come. I have been told that in the past for the GLO Holiday party they did a White Elephant gift exchange, but the students this year decided rather than bringing silly gifts for one another, to donate school supplies to the local elementary school off their wish list. The food and company were great for both of the celebrations and Timmy and I spent most of last week eating off the left overs!

This past Friday our friends Libby and Tyler had a holiday open house to celebrate the season and to display the lights on their house. Unfortunately, due to the rain storm and some technical issues at their house, were not able to see the lights but we were once again able to enjoy good food, some great champagne wine, and the company of the great friends I have made from the College.

Timmy & I at Libby & Tyler's Holiday Party

Saturday we made a quick trip up to Columbia to complete our Christmas shopping and get our hair cut before the holidays. We also had the chance to get lunch with our friend Lindsay and enjoyed having the chance to catch up with her. Lindsay and her husband Nick were one of our only couple friends in Columbia that we grew close to during our short time there. Nick is in the Air Force and currently is over in Afghanistan, so we missed seeing him but were glad to see Lindsay and we definitely keep them both in our thoughts and prayers constantly, especially during the holiday season when they are apart, and we hope that you will also! Next spring when Nick returns to the states they will be moving to New Mexico so we are grateful for the opportunity to spend some time with Lindsay and hopefully both of them before they leave.

Timmy & I with Lindsay & Nick celebrating my birthday in May 2008

The past few weeks have been very bittersweet for me and my new group of amazing friends here in Charleston. It has been wonderful celebrating the season together but sad as we prepare to say good-bye to our good friend Heather. Heather and her sister will be leaving Charleston on Tuesday to move back to the Cincinnati area to be closer to their family. Heather was one of the first people I met when I started my job in July and she always went out of her way to make me feel welcome and at home and has been a great friend and mentor to me over the past several months. I feel so blessed to have had the chance to work with her and to get to know her these past few months and will certainly miss having her around. She is a truly amazing woman and I know she will do great things wherever her road in life may take her! Relocating and starting your life over in a new place is never easy and I am very grateful this holiday season to have made some very great friends who all work at the College of Charleston with me. They have welcomed Timmy and I into their lives and been a great support to us during our time of transition.

My Amazing CofC Co-Workers & Friends
Timmy and I both have a few days left of work but are looking forward to heading back home on Wednesday to celebrate the holidays with our family and friends in Chester. I hope as you all continue to prepare for the holidays that you take time to reflect on the many people and blessings that we all have in our lives and remember to keep those who serve our country, like Nick, and their families in your thoughts and prayers.