December

Doing new things in December turns out to be the biggest challenge of my project so far. For many including me, December is mostly about traditions. On the first Saturday, I get to pick up my free Christmas tree from my generous realtor, Tim Hyde. Then I spend the next week hastily preparing for my annual Holiday Open House, now in its 10th year of tradition. It's great to see friends, some that I only get to see on this one occasion a year, and afterwards pile all of the toys that everyone brings around the tree (see photo) to donate to Toys for Tots. Other December traditions include attempting to out-do Angie's creativity in sugar cookie decorating at my mom's, complaining about said mother's comments about my life in her annual Christmas letter, watching the British Television Advertising Awards with TAB, attending the candlelight service at my mom's church on Christmas Eve, and overall eating too much.

In addition, here is a brief list of New to Me things from December that may or may not become new traditions:

1. Eating greasy Chinese food from David Fong's. Hopefully leaving my cell phone there will not be a tradition.

2. Schmoozing with teachers at Blake's Holiday Party at MIA. My guess is that even Blake will not be able to afford the extravagance of another party like this.

3. Learning about comic art at The Minnesota Museum of American Art. Unfortunately, this museum is closing (probably did not help that this is the first time I've ever been there) so will not become a tradition.

4. Eating excellent Nepali food at Everest on Grand. Put this on my list of reasons to drive to St. Paul! Definitely a new tradition.

5. Eating decent Indonesian food at BALi. TAB loves this place so I'm sure I'll be back. The location, atmosphere, prices, and spices are great.

6. Bill and I were glad that we braved the coldest night of the year to listen to the Lyra Baroque Orchestra's Holidays with the Sopranos concert. Very beautiful music in a perfect venue. Would like to check them out again.

7. Making veggie stock, lentil soup, and apple dumplings on the winter solstice. Hopefully a new tradition.

8. Christmas shopping without going to the mall: online and local stores only this year. Definitely a new tradition.

Happy NEW YEAR, everyone!