Can I finish this scarf before Friday?  That is the last day that I can give it to the one person at school who I have become really good friends with and who has essentially given me a social life and helped me make friends since I've come here.  It is the same Caryl’s Kerchief pattern that I made before, and even though it was kind of tricky the first time, I am whipping through it a bit faster now.  The color is a lot more orangey in real life, and even though it is kind of bright pink, my friend wears orange all the time so I think it will compliment that nicely. 

I also have to whip out a few flowers, then another of these scarves and a 2x2 ribbed scarf by around  New Years when I will be giving some belated Christmas gifts (read: more time to knit frantically during school vacation). 

I just received my flower swap flower from frecklegirl and it is sooo nice!  I'm very impressed with her handiwork--the stitches are small and perfect, and she did some fancy beading on it to boot.  The flower made its Japan debut on Sunday in Nagoya and it was a big hit.  I also lucked out and got some Christmas treats from home!!  I tore into them right away but although they are not so photogenic anymore, I am still trying to milk them through until Saturday.  Thanks so much Jess, you were a great flower swap pal (even though you posted that tempting picture on your website before I got the package).  There is actually a much nicer photo on her blog so you should check it out if you want to see a true close-up.

With all the great mail I have gotten recently, I really can't complain about being homesick for the holidays.  I have my Reese's cups, my Godiva chocolates, my candy canes and my Ritter Sport so I'm ready for anything!  Maybe I should pack them in a bag by the door just in case there's an earthquake...