I'm thinking very seriously about getting a cat. I need a little critter in my life.
Seeing my cats Vladimir and Clifford 3 times a year isn't cutting it.
I need my own feline friend.

If you know of one needing rescuing, let me know.

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great Light..."

I keep coming back to those words.
Its been a difficult season, and oftentimes I feel like I'm trudging alone through the darkness.
But the lovely thing about Christmas is that I'm constantly surrounded by reminders of God's grace and salvation. With every nativity scene that I see, I can't help but think about the great Light that came into this sad and dark world. And, despite my best efforts to remain sullen and depressed, the realization of the Christmas story changes everything. There IS hope in the darkness. And this is a good thing to remember.

As for me, I'm home in Portland with the fam and it feels good just to be quiet (and bake. I've been doing a lot of baking...). The world always seems right when I'm with my family. Tomorrow, we'll open presents (we'll be joined by Danielle's boyfriend and Reichle), I'll attempt a gourmet Christmas dinner, we may see the new Ben Stiller flick, and we'll deliver presents to the Somalis. I'm looking forward to it. I truly love Christmas in Portland.

So, to all of you, wherever you may be -- I wish you the merriest of Christmases.

2006 pictoral history (aka my recap).

1. This might be my favorite photo of the entire year. Chris and Jules wedding, Sept 16th. Paul and I, shining brightly. Honestly, we look like we're glowing. I'm not sure why, but we do. He's a good friend, and he left for New York today. I will miss him dearly.



2. The 2nd (?) annual White Trash party. Its not really about watching the races, but who can get the most ridiculous costume and throw watermelon rinds in the streets. Honestly, its one of the better theme parties we do. And I must say, my character (Stella) was pretty hot this year. She's a blackjack dealer in Vegas...



3. Halloween. I was Queen Frostine (Candyland), and Amanda was Max from Where the Wild things are. There are a lot of good pics from Halloween, but I like this one for some strange reason. Mainly because it looks like we're in a magical war.



4. I actually really hate this picture of myself. But, if I am recapping 06, I suppose this pic is relevant. I was pretty preoccupied with this fellow for the early part of 06, and he's become a good friend. So, I'll include him here. Plus, this day was really fun. We got to go to Disneyland FOR FREE. And he'd never been (he's from Israel, you know...) and I geek out over getting to take newbies to D-land.



5. Myste's famous Queen Mary birthday bash. Amanda somehow captured a near perfect moment, as Katie yells lord-knows-what, and I struck a showboat pose. Twas a good night, and this might be my favorite photo from the event.



6. So many nights @ the Troubadour. Walking back to the secret parking spot. Brandon, TMG Intern (which I referred to him as long after he was interning for us). He's a good kid. Again, not a great picture of myself, but slightly entertaining.



7. This night started a number of amazing excursions with Camerica and Myste. We took scads of literary-ish photos (our only inspiration being the boat). We drank cocktails on the Queen Mary, sang along with Elvis impersonators -- and birthed the idea for Myste's grand birthday bash. I honestly have no idea what spawned these photos (there is a whole series) but I adore them.



8. Becca's 25th birthday party @ The Red Lion. She was adorably tipsy and Darren got her a myriad of fun toys (see the toy I am holding). I can't tell you how many birthday's we've celebrated at the Red Lion. I love that place.



9. the Ericam (aka Americam or Camerica) wedding. Beautiful people, beautiful wedding. And the first marriage liscence I ever signed. woo hoo!



10. The perfect day (#1) in NYC with Summer and Shaina. We looked at dinosaur bones, we got in for free, we pranced about the city, drank good coffee, and made new friends. I'm pretty sure a hefty discount at American Apparell was part of the magic as well.



11. There aren't many photos of Linda in my album this year, and that's because she doesn't live here anymore. But, I do love this photo. And I loved this night (..."Can I just say, guys?"). Linna, you are truly missed.

merry christmas to me.

I finally got it.
This is my third trip to Fingerprints this week for the express purpose of purchasing the sufjan Christmas discs. Every single time they've been out of the CD(s). I had resided myself to the fact that this was not going to be the year for "SOngs for Christmas" and I would simply have to wait until next year.

But, thanks to Star (she's one of my favorite employees at Fingerprints, if not my favorite...) -- she found the last copy (of the third shipment) and now its all mine. I only had to trade in 5 promos to get it (not Militia promos, mind you. CD's from other labels that I didn't want. I just had to clarify. I don't go selling the new Copeland every time I want a new CD...)

I feel glandess. and warmth.
5 discs of warm and fuzzy holiday Sufjan goodness.
I just had to share that with you all.
Side note: its comes with 5 discs, 2 booklets, and STICKERS. yes, stickers. you need to own this.

A Very Militia Christmas (aka "I love my job")

I stayed home from work today, due the toothace from hell.
The ache started about 48 hours ago, and no amount of advil will ease the pain. I didn't sleep much last night and I woke up feeling lousy. So, I called in sick. I hate calling in sick. Really, I do.

But, I needed to take a day and rest. So I did.

This is what I did with my sick day:
* Watched 1 episode of Big Love
* read 2 chapters of A Horse and His Boy
* Called my mom
* Caught up on a few work-related emails, one work phone call
* Called Danielle, and had a particularly great talk. I timed the phone call well, and was glad to give some sisterly advice.
* Watched "The Devil and Daniel Johnston"
* Ate lunch
* Drank mint tea
* Went to Target (the only outing of the day) to finish up gifts for Roommate Christmas.
* Baked shortbread cookies (and dipped them in chocolate)
* Wrapped Christmas gifts
* Watched 3 episodes of the OC with Camerica

Overall, I am feeling pretty good. And accomplished. I rested, but wasn't a total slug. I got things done, but didn't over-exert myself. And now, I'm just waiting for the Tylenol PM to kick in.

This Thursday; YES. YOU!

So my co-worker Mikey started an indie/80's dance night @ Que Sera.
This Thursday is the 2nd EVER Call Sick on Fridays.
And...its extra special because its also a goodbye party for Paul, as he's moving to NY next week.
So, come dance with me.
Come say goodbye to Paul.
and then call sick on Friday. :)

Top 10 albums of 2006

I've been thinking it over, and here's what I've come up with (in no particular order):

1. Thom Yorke "The Eraser"
2. Cold War Kids "Robbers and Cowards"
3. The Appleseed Cast "Peregrine"
4. Amy Millan "Honey from the Tombs"
5. Johnny Cash "American V: A hundred Highways"
6. Gnarls Barkley "St. Elsewhere"
7. Illinois "LP in Progress"
8. Neko Case "Fox Confessor Brings the Flood"
9. The Decemberists "The Crane WIfe"
10. Band of Horses "Everything All the Time"

Honorable mentions:
Bob Dylan "Modern Times"
Tahiti 80 "Fosbury"
Danielson "Ships"
Destroyer "Rubies"
Grizzly Bear "Yellow House"
The Format "Dog Problems"
Jeremy Enigk "World Waits"
mewithoutyou "Brother, Sister"
Howlin Rain "Howlin Rain"
Magnolia Electric Co "Fading Trials"
My Brightest Diamond "Bring Me the Workhorse"
Regina Spektor "Begin to Hope"
Midlake "The Trials of Van Occupanter"

(I know I'm forgetting a million, so don't crucify me. )

Albums I don't have yet, but the few songs I've heard are brilliant:
1. White Magic
2. Joanna Newsom
3. Beirut
4. Tom Waits - Orphans, etc.
5. Annuals

CHRISTMAS LIST 06

(* NOTE: I post this for the good of Becca, my sisters, and my mom. I know I'm terribly hard to buy for, so I write down all the random things I can think of and hope it helps. )

1. an iPod
2. A feather bed
3. Burts bees tinted moisturizer (medium tint)
4. Pajama pants
5. any book by Jonathan Safran Foer
6. Joanna Newsom "YS" CD
7. Everything is Illumniated DVD
8. Wilco Documentary ("I am Trying to Break Your Heart")
9. Lip gloss. Aveda, bath and Body Works, you know...
10. records/vinyl. any. we have a functioning record player.
11. long, dangly gold necklaces
12. other CD's I want: White Magic, Beirut, M. Ward, Mountain Goats, etc.
13. Paul Mitchell Tea Tree shampoo
14. Vintage christmas ornaments
15. Perfume (Lacoste or Elizabeth Arden Green Tea)
16. Socks, Scarves, beanies. I have none.
17. A functioning Blackberry. ha!

Jetta Wagon Hatchback door + Amber's sheer force + Lindsay's Head =