Winter Reflections

For the first time in 5 years I am experiencing a full winter season.  Even though it is technically not winter yet (but soon!) and I have been in the States for Christmases, it has a different feel to it.  Mostly because I am trying to figure out my normal life now that the weather has changed, and the changes that brings to routines.  There are fun and not fun things about cold weather I am realizing, so I made a few lists below on my winter thoughts so far...

Things I like (so far) about being back for winter:

1. Getting to go to holiday events and fun things for the whole season (example: the first picture is from Longwood Gardens which I visited last week)

2. Hot drinks multiple times a day!  Everyone enjoying hot drinks at my house this weekend (Also notice my cute tree): 

3. Having a real reason to wear cozy sweaters and sweatshirts.  

4. Not trying to cram in so much socializing in a short 2 week visit (like my Christmas trips the past 4 years), but enjoying various get togethers with people over time.

5. Cooking meals made for cold days, this weekend Meg and I made a big meal in the crockpot and I have been eating lots of soup.

Things I am not enjoying or dreading about winter:
1. When my car is frosted over in the early morning when I am leaving for work.  Some tools I bought last weekend to help me with that (along with some stray one needles):

2. Potential icy sidewalks and roads.
3. When it gets dark around 4pm.
4. The lack of green- most of the leaves are off the trees and in some places it looks pretty stark.
5. Missing a few of the Uganda Christmas traditions like the UCU Christmas concert with very lively singing!

I'm sure I will encounter more things that I like or dislike as winter rolls along!  Right now, I am enjoying all the Christmas lights and decor especially.  Meg visited this weekend and we did a few Christmas events, a picture in front of one decorative tree:

I am anticipating that January and February could feel like long, cold months so trying to plan some fun things to look forward to.  For now, I will not hurry December along!

2012 Book Review

On the suggestion of a friend, I just added a place on my blog that shows what I am currently reading- look for it in the right hand column under the pictures and quotes.  Also,  last year I did a blog post on my favorite books from the year and got lots of positive feedback from that, so I figured this would be the time to do a book related post.  I've still been keeping track of my reading on Goodreads and again, I really like that website!  So far this year I have read 48 books and have a couple more sitting next to my bed to read this month.  The books I am listing as my Top 5 are all books I have read in 2012 and would recommend to anyone!  Also there are some other recommendations at the bottom.  So, in alphabetical order by author here are my top 5 of 2012:

1. Running the Rift by Naomi Benaron

I already posted some about this book but it is written from the perspective of a Rwandan before, during and after the genocide.  I thought it did a good job of describing the scenery and culture of Rwanda from what I have experienced.  There are some intense scenes but very well written and compelling.  

2. Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross

I read this book on rural home stays in February, which now seems like such a long time ago!  It is the perfect historical fiction about a potential female Pope, after reading it I wanted to research how much was true.  It leaves you with lots of questions and good insight in to the times and the Catholic church.

3. Falling Together by Marisa de los Santos

 

I recently read this because I loved her other books.  Part of the reason this book resonated with me is because it takes place in Wilmington, DE and Philadelphia and the characters are exactly my age.  Everyone may not love it as much as I did but I think she is such a real writer with amazing attention to detail.  She also lives in Wilmington so I am secretly hoping I will run in to her some day.

4. Wonder by R. J. Palacio

This book was given to me by my friend Rachel who is a middle school teacher and is in the "young adult" category.  It is the story of a boy with a facial deformity and his experience in school.  It is so wonderful and humanizing, I think anyone would cry throughout the end (as I did).  

5. Half Broke Horses by Jeanette Walls

This book is a novel/memoir about the author's grandmother.  Again, I have read her other book and think she is a great writer, and this one didn't disappoint.  Weaving in details about the time period and her particular family makes this book unique and a page turner.

Also a few books that deserve a mention and I would recommend: The Invention of Hugo Cabret, The Secret Keeper, The Age of Miracles, Starting from Scratch and Wild.  If anyone has any recommendations for me please comment and let me know.  Happy reading!