It was such a nice weekend, I hate for it to end. Though it was cold and I have a slight cold myself, the weekend was sunny, filled with friends and food.

I had Friday off because I took my licensing test. It was hard. Most of the time I wasn't sure if I was answering them right. I started a bit early, and finished the 170-question exam within 3 hours. As a computerized exam, my score would flash on the screen within minutes of completion. However, the computer held it hostage, while it made me fill out a survey. Ack! *grumble, grumble* After taking a possible 4-hour exam, I'd like to have my score, thank you very much. I guess it makes sense to do it that way, or they'll never get any feedback from anyone. =P Ah, well. It was worth it: I passed my exam! Yayayay! The hardest part of getting my license was over. =D

After the exam, I called my family to tell them the news. I broke down in tears of relief and joy. I was so stressed out for the past couple of weeks, I couldn't hold it in anymore. I did it! The Hubby took me out to dinner to celebrate. Delicious steak and maple butter blondies a la mode. Yum!

Saturday was a continuation of the celebration - this time, with our families. We took them to Minado, a Japanese buffet restaurant. We stuffed ourselves silly, to the point that many of us felt like we needed someone to roll us out the door. The Hubby was so full, he couldn't eat for the rest of the day. >P We spent the evening vegging out, watching TFC (The Filipino Channel) or something we taped on the DVR.

Today was a mellow day. My cold didn't let up this morning, so I spent most of the day sleeping/lying down and blowing my nose. Stupid cold. At least the worst of it is happening now, rather than my exam day. That would've sucked. My cold is a little better this evening, so I was able to be productive. I did a load of laundry, straightened up the living room a bit, leisurely read, and baked some brownies.

The brownies came out pretty well. I have 4 different variations of 1 vegan brownie recipe. I made: (1) a batch with Ovaltine (more cakelike, almost has a light german chocolate cake-taste to them), (2) one with macadamia nuts and toasted coconut on top, (3) one with a melted chocolate center, and (4) one plain. I used my cupcake pans to make them the right serving sizes. I thought I'd bring some into work tomorrow as a "thank you" for their votes of confidence and for helping me out in my times of stress there. However, I did make enough for The Hubby and me to enjoy. ;P

Sometimes work makes me fearful of having kids. 0.o One of the kids had a really rough time today, and got so fixated on his negative feelings, he screamed in my ear for ten minutes, "Can I go home now?" after asking it over and over for ten minutes prior. The fixation is a part of his symptoms, but, man!

To relieve the stress of the day, I came home and ate dinner (chicken fingers and potato wedges, yum!), then baked. I called  annie__hall , and  then baked again. 

I'm tired now, but happy. =)

I woke up this morning with fresh eyes. I have a fantastic idea for the banner I wanted to create for that quote! All I need to do is go outside and get the perfect inspiration of a picture, maybe tomorrow. It's yucky out today. The icon's looking kind of cool, but I'm not sure if I'll use it yet.

In other news, I'm tempted to bake another batch of cookies, but I probably don't have time. I have to run a few errands before I go to the gym and then I meet Liza later. I'm feeling really good today. I think it's going to be the start of a good weekend. =)

I've been trying to work on a new LJ layout for months, but I can't seem to get the creative juices flowing enough to sit down and do it. I have an idea for a banner, inspired by one of the quotes in blackbirdshaq's journal, but I couldn't get to it today like I hoped. I started working on an icon though. At least it's something.

I fell back on the cheap version of my creativity by baking cookies (chocolate chip and orange crisp)for The Hubby's birthday this weekend. He was happy, OD'ed by sugar.

Ugh. I hate it when I have an idea for something, but the execution escapes me.

Though feeling tired from late night paper-writing and cramming for my final exam, I had a pretty good day.

( Recipe of Joy )

Now, time for me to go to sleep EARLY.

Good night. *smooches*

Baked my first batch of holiday cookies. I was hoping to use my electric cookie gun, but the batter for my mom's shortbread recipe was too thick for it to handle. =? I've been taste-testing them to make sure that I baked them long enough. I'm hoping I'll resist enough to have enough to wrap up. *L*

Still working on the baby blankie for my Jaymie. I'm hoping the mistakes won't be too noticeable, and that her little one will really enjoy it once she's introduced to the world.

Planning to start some holiday cards, after I get some of my exam study guide done.

( Gifties from my snowangels )

( A year in review. )