Well, it definitely feels like Christmas outside. We got a nice little dusting of snow this weekend in Philadelphia and it is COLD, really cold! It also feels like Christmas inside too. My husband and I got our tree up and decorated last night and we had so much fun doing it! We always make a mini party (you know I love to celebrate!). We drank wine, had an amazing assortment of cheeses, bread, seafood, and listened to Christmas music all night. We love pulling our ornaments out because they hold so many memories and it’s re-living our life. We buy at least one ornament each year, something that holds significance for us for that year. We have an ornament from the year we got married, a glass sushi roll and chopsticks from a trip to the Japanese Gardens in Portland, OR, and a big glass ball made from ash from Mt. St. Helen’s the year we hiked to the top. I thought I was in such good shape but after a 9hour hike with 5000ft of elevation that left me sore for almost a week I began to wonder. Good thing I didn’t have much training to do for a few days because I could barely walk! This year’s ornament was from California. We both raced Vineman 70.3 and then spent a week in California to enjoy some down time. It was a nice break in the middle of the season that we both really needed. Anyway, our tree looks great, even if it is a bit lopsided, and I even have most of my Christmas shopping done. Not that I mind shopping. I’m one of those weird people who love to shop during the holiday season. I love the hustle and bustle and festive atmosphere. So, now I can relax, do some last minute shopping, enjoy the holiday parties and of course, have time to get in some good training!