Hey Hey It's Turkey Day!

Okay, so T-Day was yesterday, but I was too busy stuffing myself full of goodness (physically and spiritually) to actually post something on here.

I gathered with friends this year instead of family, and I must say I had a blast. I've made some great friends since I've lived here and was so thankful that I was able to spend this holiday with them. It's a little hard not having family around at these times so I'm glad I have people in my life right now that make me feel right at home.

We made a ginormous turkey which took 2 more hours than expected to cook so we ate pretty late (8:00 instead of 6:00) but we had so much fun playing games and enjoying each other's company that it didn't matter! (The never-ending flow of wine kinda helped, too...) And by the time we were all done eating we were ready to go home and go to sleep so it was just about perfect. My roasted brussels sprouts and homemade cranberry sauce were a hit, and everyone pitched in with great dishes, complete with 3 different pies. So I will be going back over to Allie's (the hostess) tonight for a second round of leftovers, mmm mmm!

I will say that yesterday really made me realize how well I've got it right now. Of course life isn't perfect and there are always things that I could complain about or wish for, and it's so easy to get caught up in all of that, but all in all my life ain't that bad. I am in a really good place with great people surrounding me and I just feel so blessed to be where I am in the grand scheme of things. It makes it easier to forget the petty things and enjoy just being happy.

:)

Where is home?

I was talking with my dad the other day and I mentioned going home this weekend to Illinois for a visit. He promptly corrected me, saying that Illinois was no longer "home", and that I had a new home now. That surprised, saddened, and made me happy all at once. It kind of hit me - Montana is my home now. Even though I've been out of the house for 7 years, I've never really felt like I was "living" somewhere else; it was always a temporary gig. This time it's for real. And I must say, I love it. Don't get me wrong, I will always enjoy going back to see family and friends and the places I've come to know very well over the years. It's just nice to feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be, to feel a part of something more than just a campus.

I'm a freakin' adult now, how crazy is that?!

:)

There's this season between summer and winter called fall. Apparently Montana is unaware.

I was waiting to post until I had a photo to prove that the first sign of winter had shown its face, but it's been too long and I just can't wait any more!

We had our first snowfall a few weeks ago now, and as soon as I woke up and saw it on the ground I almost went and put my ski boots on... But I refrained, and took some photos instead. It melted pretty quickly but it sure got me excited for ski season to get here!

We've had more snow here and there, but nothing has stuck for more than a day yet. The mountains, on the other hand, have been covered for about a week now, so it looks like it'll stick around for the rest of the winter. At least one brave (or stupid, not sure) soul has skied up on Big Mountain so far, but it's not quite to the point where it won't completely scratch your skis up...

It's funny to realize that I've had the heat on in the house and car for about a month now when back in the midwest I'd just now be dusting off the cold weather gear... But I'm definitely not complaining! Speaking of -- I'll be back in IL in 2 weeks for a quick visit, so if you'll be around let me know. Might be the last chance until the spring... gotta get your Emily fill while you can!