Friday, December 9, 2011

Winter Wishes: What I'm Looking Forward To...

It’s no secret that winter, with its frigid temperatures and increased hours of darkness, is in many ways my least favorite season of the year. While I do love the holidays and the initial thrill that comes with drinking peppermint hot chocolate, wearing cozy boots and falling asleep beneath a warm quilt each night, it’s fair to say that by the time mid-January hits, I’m more than ready to welcome back the brighter days of spring and summer. 

That said, my winter this year will certainly be packed full with events and activities, including many that I’m genuinely looking forward to. Here, a few highlights that will hopefully help me keep the winter blahs at bay. 

Heading home for the holidays. This time two weeks from now, Stephen and I will be in California getting ready to celebrate Christmas with his parents, sisters and family friends. Since this will be the first Christmas I’ve spent away from my family in Southern California, it will definitely be a new experience that is both fun and bittersweet, though I'll still be heading south to ring in the New Year with my usual gang afterward. Best of both worlds!    

Taking a sushi-making class. Back in October, I was happy to discover a great Living Social deal for a sushi-rolling class here in DC, which we’re super excited to attend in February. Along with learning the basic rolling techniques and tools of the trade, we’ll be able to snack on our own handmade California rolls, vegetable rolls and spicy tuna rolls once we're done. Yum!


Celebrating my husband’s 29th birthday. Yes, it’s true, we’re both officially coming up on the final year of our 20s, first Stephen in January and then me in September. It feels strange to think about, but not all too alarming so far, since from what I hear, the 30s really aren't half bad!

Rocking my new turquoise J Crew flats from here to flip-flop weather. Although I just bought these shoes less than a month ago, they've already managed to outshine some of my old standby faves for their amazing comfort, support and cheerful pop of color, which definitely helps beat back the winter blues.  

Image Source: imgfave.com
Kicking off the last five months of grad school. I still have one class meeting left before I can officially close out Fall 2011, but I've also already enrolled for my last set of just five more classes, set to begin in January. This coming semester, it’s my goal to of course keep my eye on the prize, but also take the time to appreciate the experience for all that it's been  a chance to truly learn a lot, explore my interests and career aspirations, and meet wonderful people who have been supportive both professionally and personally. In those ways, grad school has been more than just a mere race to the finish line.

Image Source: blogs.lawrence.edu
Serving jury duty. Yes, you read that correctly. While most people absolutely dread the thought of receiving a jury summons in the mail, I’m actually excited about the possible chance to sit on a case next month. Having worked on Capitol Hill and studied various types of law throughout college, I have a genuine interest in our legal system and feel that each juror makes an important contribution.

Over the summer, when there was so much public outrage over the Casey Anthony verdict, I couldn’t help but wonder how many of those disappointed with the jury’s decision would have balked or been completely disgruntled about actually serving on that or any jury themselves. Don’t get me wrong, I can definitely relate to the feelings of inconvenience when it comes to the time and scheduling logistics required, especially since they originally had me scheduled to come in the week of Christmas. But at the end of the day, serving on a jury offers the unique chance to make a profound impact within the community, and I hope I get that chance, if not this time, then at some point in the future. 

Image Source: funforward.org 
What activities and plans do you have lined up this winter? Have you ever had the opportunity to serve on a jury, and would you want to? 

22 comments:

  1. This is a great list and I really hope you get to accomplish it all!

    And I have to say, those turquoise flats are just adorable!

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  2. Your list is great! I hate the winter months, too (after the excitement of the holidays is over), but you have some wonderful things to look forward to. My husband was summoned to jury duty during the week of January 4, but with budget cuts, there are very few civil trials in San Francisco anymore. I hope you get to experience jury duty. I've never served as a juror before but love being on the lawyer side and appreciate every juror who contributes his or her time.

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  3. You are adorable. The sushi sounds delicious and those shoes are so pretty! I hope you get your jury duty and are able to enjoy all the time you need with your family!

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  4. I think it's awesome that you're taking a sushi class. It's definitely an art! You'll be able to put together great dishes in the comfort of your own home. I love those turquoise flats! J Crew has the best. And congrats on wrapping up Grad School. I was happy when I completed everything. I've served on a jury several times. It was for minor things though. Thank God not criminal. Have a great weekend!
    http://sassyuptownchic.blogspot.com/

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  5. I am happy to hear you will have the "best of both worlds" for the Holidays, spending time with your husband's family and yours as well!

    I am looking forward to having a good sales season at work and also the holiday, which I will spend with my brother and SIL plus more friends!

    Congrats on your last months of grad school, that's a big one!

    I think the 30's are even better than 20's (and I'm not only saying it cause I'm there), trust me, you'll love the 30's!!!

    Have a great weekend :)

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  6. Sounds like you have a lot of exciting things coming up to look forward to. My main plan this winter is to have a baby. haha. I have to say I am glad my maternity leave falls in the winter so I can just hibernate in the house away from the cold and snow.

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  7. What a list! Would love to take a sushi making class too, that would be so much fun!

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  8. I love the shoes!!! And since you are excited about Jury duty, i hope you get picked :)

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  9. ohhhhmyyygawwww, I LOVE THOSE TURQUOISE SHOES. I have never honestly seen shoes in quite that shade before, and they look super comfortable. Ughhhhh. lovelovelove.


    http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
    Twitter: @GlamKitten88

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  10. great list of lots to look forward to! i heart being home with family for the holidays. happy early bday to your hubby. and please post photos from your sushi class!

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  11. I love those flats!!! They are too cute!

    xoxo, Nali

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  12. This is a fantastic post and I am with you..definitely not looking forward to the winter months. I love your new flats and congratulations on almost finishing school! You look so young, I'd never guess you were 29!

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  13. You have a lot of exciting things coming up! Have fun in California and yum sushi! You must also be excited to leave winter behind whil you are home on southern California!

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  14. no jury duty...yet! lots of plans for you! i'm attending my little brother's wedding on xmas eve! Enter my STYLEMINT giveaway for 5 free shirts! Create profile to enter.

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  15. Sushi class! I would be excited for the winter to continue and --ahem-- thus be over sooner, too!
    I love the snuggly part of the year I must confess, though!
    I would serve on jury duty and not try to get out of it given the chance. At least once you know?!

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  16. I actually realllly want to serve jury duty too! I had to go last year, but they didn't even see me and I just sat there all day...luckily I brought my laptop and was able to catch up on my blogs!!

    great list, I hope you have a fantastic Holiday season...we'll get through these humdrum winter months together!!

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  17. awesome list Heather..happy bday to your hubby...i would do jury duty..i think it would be fun! your holiday plans sounds like a blast..that's what the holidays are all about!

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  18. awesome list Heather..happy bday to your hubby...i would do jury duty..i think it would be fun! your holiday plans sounds like a blast..that's what the holidays are all about!

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  19. A Sushi making class sounds like a great idea. I am also loving those bright teal shoes, what a nice pop of color. Never served on jury duty although I would love to, to see what its all about. I'm looking forward to going home for the holidays, throwing our first New Years gathering and then after the new year its hunkering down for finishing up wedding details!!

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  20. What a great list of items and things to accomplish! Love the jcrew flats, spending time with family is the best and congrats on the pending graduation!

    Red Soles and Red Wine

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  21. those flats are gorgeous! so perfect!

    i *just* got a Jury duty summons too- my dates end of January. I have always been SOO excited about the prospect of being involved in that way but that was when I was salaried. Now that I'm self employed and only work when I get paid I'm feeling meh about it not to mention that my clients will have a very difficult time if I cancel. Hopefully the Judge lets me out this time and I can serve at a later date. (I've already postponed once...)

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  22. I'm always too nervous to sit on a panel...so many decisions! I'm sure you'll do awesome!

    xo-Julie
    Peace. Love. LOL!

    www.HauteKhuuture.com


    p.s. Giveaway on my blog- Enter to win a FREE pair of shoes!!

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