Meredith, I completely agree. Gift giving is no fun when you're struggling to find something to give someone (just because you know you should give them something), and you don't feel at all excited about what you ended up buying. Also, I love your reaction to the season's first snowfall: "It’s always so magical and makes me think anything is possible. I’m still amazed that frozen rain/water turns out like that."

Everyone should also check out a new Love List Project post on the blog Ejly: http://www.ejly.net/2009/12/my-friends-will-make-fun-of-sappiness.html It's a really honest (but not at all sappy) look at long-distance, long-lasting friendships.