December 11th, 2024
Time: Afternoon Slump
Weather: Cold with wispy clouds
Moon: Waxing Gibbous in Aries
Music: Ambient Lofi
Mood: A bit irritable but getting over it
Gratitude: Warm clothes, cross stitch, gift giving, ibuprofen
Lately,the weather has been cold and clear and bright in that way that only happens in winter. That said, I'm hoping for some rain soon! Since it doesn't snow here, this is the closest thing that we have to a white Christmas without having to seek it out ourselves. According to the weather report however, my wish may be granted soon! Like tomorrow soon, yay! 
Currently, I'm reconciling with myself over the reality that I may not finish my Marcille cosplay in time for my targeted con in January. Getting sick derailed my progress, and I didn't accomplish as much as I hoped to during my family's visit. Even though my winter break in-between the semesters begins in a few days, I'm worried that won't be enough time. And let me be so real––I'm wayyyy the past the point where I wanna con crunch!! This stuff is supposed to be fun and crunching is not fun in the slightest!! I have Matured(tm) and Evolved(tm) since being a 20-year-old trying to do the most in the least amount of time!! 
And stressing and staying up way too late in an attempt to finish something is the opposite of that. When this had happened in the past, it often took away the actual enjoyment of wearing the costume. When you're trying to cram a massive project at the end, mistakes are made and corners are cut. You end up fixated on these aspects which decreases your confidence... it's no bueno. All of my favorite costumes were not only unrushed but also finished in-time for me to do a practice run of it before the event. Of course regardless if you crunched the costume or not, you often want to make tweaks before you wear it next (or at least me!), but the overall experience is typically so much smoother if you don't. All this to say is if Marcille isn't finished then it's fine. It's fine! Nobody's grading me! There will always be another con, and besides, there are other costumes to wear and rewear! Marcille will have her day another time!!
Last weekend I went shopping in a small town that really dresses up their main street up for the holidays. While people were out and about, it wasn't slammed pack. Instead, there were enough to create an excited, chipper energy in the air! It was fun popping out from the chilly air into the warm little shops and see their own unique decorations. On one block there was a small music quartet made up of a trombone, trumpet, harmonica, and another instrument I can't recall now––maybe the piano or drums (totally different options lmao). Either way, there rendition of Feliz Navidad was super cheery! 
What else is happening... next week, I am hosting a Christmas party, ahhhh!! I'm so excited!! My theme for it is "Christmas morning pregame", so the plan is to do breakfast for dinner, themed drinks, and give my friends their presents. I know that ""valuable time"" prepping for this could be used as Marcille, but I'd rather celebrate the season with loved ones, you know? ; __ ; Squeezing everything in this time of year can be such a cruel mistress. Either way, I'll be sure to share pictures when the time comes!
There are some other things I want to share (how the pre-finals week petting zoo at work further spurred my desire to have a pet rabbit someday, baking cookies for the first time with my nephew), but work has taken the steam out of me. Let's talk again soon––take care everyone, and happy holidays!! 
Love,
Sarah
December 2nd, 2024
Time: Noon o'clock
Weather: Cool and bright
Moon: New moon in Sagittarius/waxing crescent in Capricorn
Music: Get Lucky by Daft Punk
Mood: Chipper!
Gratitude: Family, loved ones, tasty sandwiches, meditation affirmations
Hey friends! I wanted to write a quick diary entry, which, let's be real, is mostly an excuse for me to show off my new winter layout LOL. Christmas is my favorite holiday and I'm super in the spirit this year, so I wanted to make things festive––at least for the month of December! Come January all the decorations will be removed for something more Wintery Blue(tm). People's seasonal setups for the different holidays are always adorable, so here's just that!
My brother, SIL, and nephew flew in on Thanksgiving day and have been spending time with us. Their presence has been like a warm embrace within the household. It's too cute watching my nephew running around the place, wide-eyed and fascinated with EVERYTHING. Yesterday we played this game where we lined up his plushies (and mine lmao) on my desk chair, which he would then spin around. Each time they peek-a-booed he would giggle, his cheeks scrunching up. On Thanksgiving, we ran around "fighting" each other with foam swords. After dinner another night, he cheered "Yay, Mama!" as well as whoever and whatever else he could think of all the way home. Sooooo sweeeeet!! I might write a longer roundup after they leave, or just keep it to myself. I want to journal more about daily activities for the sake of preserving the memory, but that's neither here nor there at the moment.
Last night I came up with the idea of doing a different Christmas-y activity per day. Big and small things are both allowed. I'll come back with a list later!
Andddd apologies again for yet another abrupt ending, but that's all for now. Take care everyone, wishing you all joy wherever you are!! 