The Season Has Begun

In my book, it's officially the holiday season once I've watched this movie:



...which I did last night after putting up our tree and wrapping a few presents.  Therefore, Happy Holidays to everyone!

Would You Like To Know...

...what is in my desk drawer at work?  Some of the following items are sure to be found in my top left hand drawer throughout the week:

The Happy World of Haribo: the best gummy candies of all time- specifically, Haribo Frogs

My favourite tea (I also adore Twinnings Irish Breakfast as well): perfect anytime of day

Chocolate, as in good chocolate.  As in, most likely not American chocolate

Before you chortle, I will have you know this drawer is very necessary not only for my survival, but also for the survival of several other coworkers.  Notice the (over) abundance of chocolate, sugar, and caffeine.  Does this say anything about my job?

Also, please know that I do have a toothbrush, toothpaste, and even floss in my drawer as well.  Yes, friends, I take my tea, chocolate, and dental hygiene very seriously.

Would You Like To Know...

....my favourite piece of music?  It's Vivaldi's Four Seasons.  Hands down- best.music.ever.  I know it sounds lame, but in college and graduate school, I would study with classical music in the background; I like to think I produced some of my greatest work while listening to Vivaldi, Brahms, and Grieg.  Here's a great clip of Summer; just try to ignore the nutter violist in the background.

Now Accepting Suggestions

I'm now accepting suggestions for my 2011 Reading List.  Yes, I realize it's barely November (and that indeed, it doesn't appear as though I will finish all the books on my 2010 Reading List), but I am most excited about making this list!  I've already chosen several books to read next year, but I am desperately in need of some suggestions in terms of Children/Youth Lit. and Biographies/Memoirs/History.  If you have any ideas, please let me know.  And just so this post isn't a grand total of five sentences, here are a few of the books which I am planning on reading next year:

What about you?  Have you ever made a reading list for the year?  What types of books do you like to read?  

Would You Like To Know...

...what my husband reads to me at night (or rather, tries to read to me since I am generally passed out well before he's finished all of his studying and reading and researching and writing for class)?  This lovely book:

The Jesus Storybook Bible is amazing.  If you have children, this is a definite must-get for them.  It goes through all the major stories of the Bible- both Old Testament and New Testament- and delivers the stories accurately, but in such a way that it is easier to understand how Jesus is seen throughout the entire Bible, and not just the New Testament.  Seriously, it's the best children's Bible ever.

Isaac's Birthday

Today is my wonderful husband's 28th birthday.  He had a pretty low-key day; he went to work, he did some research, he translated some Greek, and he studied.  Not exactly all the typical activities one wants to be doing on one's birthday.  He's got a lot on his plate right now with his classes and his two jobs and decided it wouldn't be the wisest decision to have a full-blown birthday extravaganza.  Even though we didn't get into a massively celebratory mode, we did still manage to celebrate Isaac and all those things with which God has blessed him.

We went to The Irish Rover, a yummy restaurant which serves up the best pub grub in the area (and heck, maybe even on this side of the pond).  Several friends, from various 'groups' (i.e. neighbors, community groupers, high school buddies who live in Louisville, seminarians, and college classmates), joined us in our endeavor to celebrate.

Rob, John, and Isaac

The Buchans!

Ashley looks unsure in this picture, but she really is enjoying her beer.

Fish and chips, only some of the greatest food known to man!

Chocolate cake, also some of the greatest food known to man.

Yep, not much conversation going on here- just chowing down!

Isaac also enjoyed some delightful birthday gifts, including cards, books, and probably most importantly, Series 1-3 of The IT Crowd on DVD.  I think he was happy with these gifts!

Happy Birthday, Isaac!  I love you!