December Nora’s Ovary Chill 2024

🗓️ December 1-13, 2024 – Just feeling Corona virus icky

After Thanksgiving, I wasn’t feeling well 🤒. We had plans to head to Colorado for a week to hit the slopes 🎿 and enjoy a ski trip before the year ended. At the same time, Adam had been texting us about Jane’s surprise birthday party 🎉, and right after that weekend was our friends’ Christmas party 🎄. So many celebrations lined up… but I ended up missing them all.

I started experiencing a mild fever, frequent urination, bloating, spotting, rashes around my nose and fatigue 😓. Something felt off, so I took an at-home rapid test—and bam! I tested positive for COVID 🧪😷.

Sadly, I missed Jane’s surprise party, and from what I heard, they had an absolute blast celebrating her birthday 🥳. Mike ended up canceling our reservations and let Stephanie know we wouldn’t be able to visit them this time around since I was sick 💔

3rd Photo shows rashes around my nose

🗓️ December 19, 2024 – Hitting the Slopes! 🎿❄️

After being sick for two weeks 🤒, Mike and Jacob decided to go skiing nearby at Welch Village to scratch that ski itch ⛷️. On the way there, I was still feeling a bit under the weather. I remember stopping at a gas station where I grabbed some coffee ☕ and muffins 🧁—but I wasn’t a fan of their donuts 🍩🙅‍♀️.

I stayed at the chalet most of the time 🏔️, occasionally heading down to the bottom slopes to wait for Mike or Jacob to appear downhill. I snapped a few pics and videos 📸🎥—Mike loves seeing how he skis from a distance. While waiting, I grabbed some chicken tenders 🍗, fries 🍟, and a drink 🥤. I barely finished my meal, so I set it aside for Jacob to polish off since there was plenty left.

I was feeling full, and my snow jacket was so tight around my belly 😅—probably why I lost my appetite, lol. After about two hours, Mike came back to the chalet, totally wiped out 😮‍💨. He said he was exhausted and joked that he’s getting old and doesn’t have the stamina for downhill skiing like he used to 🧓⛷️.

We waited for Jacob while walking around a bit, but I was so tired I could barely keep up with Mike 🐢. He kept waiting for me, and eventually we returned to the chalet to rest and wait for Jacob to finish up 🛷.

 🗓️ December 22, 2024 – European Christmas Market in St. Paul 

🎄✨It was a chilly night ❄️, and I asked Mike if we could head to St. Paul for the European Christmas Market. I also invited Jacob—hoping we could go as a family and enjoy something Christmassy together during the holiday season 🎅👨‍👩‍👦.

So off we went! Even though the air was brisk, I bundled up in my full-body jacket 🧥. As I zipped it around my belly, it felt tight… and I couldn’t help but feel a little down 😔, thinking I must really be gaining weight. My stomach keeps growing, and I’m already wearing a medium-sized jacket. Sigh.

Still, it was refreshing to be out—even in the cold. We managed to dress for the Minnesota weather like pros 💪🌬️. It felt so good just walking around the market, soaking in the festive atmosphere. I almost bought a pair of mittens 🧤 and even lined up for food, but I wasn’t hungry. I felt bloated and just wanted to enjoy the moment.

The three of us wandered through the market together, and one kind couple offered to take a photo of us 📸. It was a sweet little memory tucked into a chilly night, wrapped in twinkling lights and togetherness 💫❤️

🗓️ December 24–25, 2024 – Christmas Day with the Family 🎄🎁Christmas was a small but meaningful celebration—simple, yet full of love 💖. Especially now that Jacob is all grown up, the holidays feel different in the sweetest way.

On December 24th, as always, Jacob asked if he could open just one present 🎁. That’s been his tradition for years, and I always let him open one… but only one! Otherwise, he’d drive me crazy all night, trying to sneak under the tree and shake the gifts because he just can’t wait until morning 😂🌲.

I had trouble sleeping—maybe it was the holiday excitement, or maybe I was just keeping an eye on Jacob to make sure he didn’t crawl under the tree again 😅.

Christmas morning was lovely ☀️. We exchanged gifts, and I was so happy with mine! Mike always knows I love cozy pajamas, and he picked out the perfect pair 🛌🧸. He also got a couple of golf-themed gifts ⛳, and Jacob received a few gift cards and sewing supplies 🧵✂️—his new hobby, as he proudly calls it.

We prepared a simple Christmas dinner 🍽️, then settled in and watched movies together 🎬. It was quiet, cozy, and full of warmth Christmas Holiday 2024

🗓️ December 31, 2024 – New Year’s Eve 🎆🍇

I can’t believe the year has flown by—and that tomorrow, it’ll be 2025 ✨. Around this time, my friends and I usually sneak off to Mystic Lake to celebrate the New Year 🎉. We miss the fireworks and the lively traditions we grew up with in the Philippines 🇵🇭. But Mike prefers staying home, and honestly, I don’t mind the quiet.

We chatted back and forth in our group chat 💬, tossing around ideas, but in the end, we all stayed in and watched the fireworks on TV 📺. It was more chill that way—simple, cozy, and low-key.

I still prepared a few traditional Filipino touches to welcome the New Year 🍽️. I bought 12 round fruits 🍊🍎🍇—one for each month of the year. Round fruits symbolize abundance and prosperity for the year ahead. I also made biko (sticky rice) 🍚—a sweet treat believed to bring good luck that “sticks” with you.

I know it might sound funny, but there’s no harm in trying—especially when you’re wishing for a little extra luck in the coming year 🍀💫