Christmas Shopping... Ugh.

It's only the first week of December and I'm already sick of Christmas shopping. I had to go look for a Cris Cringle gift for a work 'holiday' party on Monday night, so I spent the evening at Scarborough Town Centre trying to find something. It's hard to pick something when you're limited in cost and I don't know the recipient too well personally. I must have walked around the mall about 3 times before I settled on something. I guess I could have picked up just about anything, but I also didn't want to get anything that had 're-gift' written all over it. ;)

In general though, I've actually been trying to avoid doing too much Christmas shopping the last few years by making stuff instead. In past years, I've baked some cookies/brownies, made gel candles, soap, and last year I made photoboxes. Sometimes it saves me some money, but depending on what I try to make, it probably doesn't save me that much either. Still, I don't mind doing it 'cause I find it less stressful than having to shop and I guess it's more meaningful that it's come from my blood and sweat--ok, that was an exaggeration. :P Anyway, I'm still not sure what I'm gonna do this year. I've been brainstorming a bit, but truthfully I'm running out of ideas. I'm trying to be somewhat creative, but not too 'cheesy', while considering cost and how much time I have to try to get it done. Gotta decide on something soon!

FINALLY...

After practically months of waiting for reviews and approvals, my program's work has finally bore some fruit. It's been a bit frustrating, but at least I can move on to some other stuff now. It's been difficult getting some other work done 'cause they were dependent on this announcement. Anyhow, just a big sigh of relief that this part is done.

FYI, if you're interested, you can read the news release here.