2010... Oh my.

Pouring rain out the window, a mountain of blankets around me, and the house to myself – sounds like the perfect conditions for snuggling up with my computer and writing a new post for you guys. This one hails from lovely Los Angeles for a change, though the weather, in retrospect, isn’t exactly looking quite so lovely at the moment. I can hardly believe it’s the last day of Christmas break before I pack up my overly filled suitcase (which is a puzzle-like task within itself) and journey back to San Diego in the morning. The past few weeks have been amazingly refreshing, relaxing, ridiculous at times, and ultimately quite rewarding. With so much to share, I think it’s best to take a que from the all too well known adage, “A picture’s worth a thousand words”. Though, following that logic, I’ll admit this entry may potentially resemble a Harry Potter novel in length…

Finals week can usually be associated with long nights at the library, countless cups of coffee, and stacks of text books and notes... at USD, however, that list can also include adorable puppies- like this cutie who came along with a plethora of other therapy dogs to help ease the finals stress on campus.

Oh, and did I mention finals week also includes snow?!

Yes, you heard right. Snow in San Diego! Above are the remnants of what was once a snow covered hill just outside my dorm room (meaning I had the best view of the spectacular snowball fights and sledding that took place the night before!).

My friends and I decided that since the Christmas spirit was all around us, we might as well join in and have our own mini-Christmas in the dorms! By the way, aren't the lights on the trees beautiful?

Sharing our Christmas cheer by baking cupcakes for the guys down the hall ( Christmas colored, of course)

Ice skating with my friends - the rink was on the beach!

USD wasn't the only part of San Diego decorated for the Christmas season - Sea World looked just as lovely!

The end of finals week meant the end of celebrating the holidays at my home away from home, USD, and the start of celebrating with my family at the real thing! They went all out decorating the house this year, and I must say I can't imagine a better 'welcome home' greeting than what they surprised me with!

Winter break at home didn't exactly live up to its name... i mean, it wasn't very wintery... Los Angeles weather tends to be a bit warm... and it wasn't too much of a break in that I ended up quite busy! Either way, it was so much fun and I'm happy to share a little piece of home with you guys!

My brother and his friends took me snowboarding for the first time! Lesson number one: Jump on ski lift without falling - fail. Lesson number two: Jump off ski lift without falling - fail. Lesson number three: ... well I think you get the point....

Pictures of the city's Christmas lights at the Santa Monica pier and in Newport. There's a bit of a theme going on here in that the first is taken of a ferris wheel... and the second is taken from on one!

My best friends and I managed to have a few adventures at home as well ranging from western restaurants and bull riding to dressing up for a 50s themed party - I'm still amazed at how well we ended up looking the time period part! (And, for the record, that is my fearless friend Stephanie riding in the photo, not me! She's far more graceful, promise.)

My goodness that was a lot of information all at once. I'm thinking next time I'll update you in much smaller doses, don't fret. Hopefully you all loved your winter break this year just as much as I did! Talk to you soon... Kaitlin