Christmas is Here!!!

Last time I checked in was just after our first snow in DC. It was an exciting day, as we usually don't get snow in the area until late January or even February. As many of you likely saw on the news, we recently got hit with a historical blizzard. In Bethesda, we received the most snow in the entire state of Maryland with 24 inches in less than 24 hours. Yep, you read that correctly. TWO FEET of snow. Many people who live around here and are imports from other areas of the country haven't ever seen that much snow in one winter, let alone from one storm. Needless to say, the entire DC Metro area nearly shut down for several days to recover.

As there isn't much grass or unused space around here, there still seems to be snow everywhere even after a few days of melting. It will truly be a White Christmas in DC! That will excite many of those around here who've always called this area "home," but a large number of people (including myself) are keeping their fingers crossed that they make it back "home" for Christmas - white or otherwise.

A number of friends and family members have been telling me for days about some untimely winter weather conditions for when I'm expected to return this evening. I didn't think much of it then because the weather is so unpredictable, but I took the news to heart when a friend currently residing in Tulsa warned me of the snow. When people in states other than where you currently are and other than where you are traveling begin to send warnings your way, I'd say there is good reason to be concerned!

My flight is just a few hours away now and is currently scheduled to depart on time, so keep your fingers crossed. I'll be back in the Midwest through January 3, 2010. I hope to see many of you during my holiday vacation...maybe even including my nephew :)

Christmas is Coming

With such nice weather in DC for most of the year, it's hard to tell when winter begins around here. Sure we've had our fair handful of chilly days, but the sunshine and warmer temperatures always seem to make their way back. Yesterday was the first real sign that it was definitely winter...our first snow!

Now for all of you who were born/currently live in the Midwest, the first snow is usually a sign of many more days of snow to follow...and ice and freezing temperatures. Well here in DC that is not the case. Snow is quite rare here, especially before January. We probably only got about half an inch, but it was absolutely beautiful. Huge snowflakes and mild enough temperatures to make it enjoyable. Things are starting to feel a lot more like Christmas is around the corner!

Along with yesterday's snow to prepare me for Christmas, I also got the opportunity to attend the Lighting of the National Christmas Tree last week. I personally really enjoyed the experience but was a bit distraught by those around me complaining that they couldn't see well enough or that their ears hurt because of the cold. It didn't take me long to realize that I needed to forget about everyone else around me in order to get the most of the situation.

Performers included Sheryl Crow, Jordin Sparks, Celtic Woman and a few others, Secretary Salazar and President Obama both spoke, the entire Obama family pressed the button to light the national tree, and Michelle read The Night Before Christmas to a handful of adorable children. It was a fun event all around.

I'm beginning to thing about how to make the most of my time while in IA/NE over Christmas and New Year's Eve, so please let me know if you'd like to claim any specific time with me. Also, I'd appreciate hearing if anyone is still reading this blog when I write. I'm thinking about making a New Year's resolution to keep it update more often to keep more people informed of what's going on out here. That way when I call to chat with you, I will be able to do more listening. And yes, I do know how!