I'm random, thanks for asking.

Nearly time for Thanksgiving here in the US and then a fast ramp up to Christmas. This year, of course, is very different from years past, but the holidays are coming be it Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza, or another significant holiday for you at this time.

1. Have you started decorating for holidays yet or are you going to skip it this year?
Right before I saw these questions, I thought I should get my Christmas cactus out. Otherwise, no, I have not started decorating. I may not decorate because we are moving, current date unsure.

2. Will your gift buying be more local or online this year because of restrictions?
I'd like to go up to Pickle Barrel Trading Post one weekend, because I like it and maybe I'll find some interesting gifts. Otherwise, going to be mailing gift cards to the fam.

3. Will you be doing something ‘extra’ to try and give this year’s celebration a bit more sparkle?
I had not even considered anything to that effect.

4. No parties this year, but how are you reaching out to family and friends to wish them well?
I'm invited to Sarah's small family gathering, as I was last year. Otherwise I'd be home alone for Thanksgiving. I can't travel to see my own family for Christmas either, so I'll prob spend it with hers as well.

5. Do you believe in Krampus? If you don't know who it is, follow the link.
I'd not even heard of it until a few years ago.

My mommy and sister are gone back home. I'm glad they came, even though it seemed to go quickly. Well, 4 days is pretty fast. We went to the Grand Canyon via the scenic route, got me a new bookshelf, and ate a ton. I should write more here, but I'm feeling lazy. :)

Finished watching Bleak House. I like it. Maybe not enough to watch it again, but I liked it. Well, I take that back. I'm sure I'll watch parts of it here and again. One character's voice, not face, was so familiar, I had to pause it to check imdb. Mrs. Rouncewell on BH turned out to be the gypsy on Jane Eyre. Ah hah! I knew it was somebody I should know!

I must say, I kind of felt like ewanspotter in that tonight felt like dinner on a Tuesday, but cooked at home, and with presents opened before and after. This is sad, since that's not what Christmas is, though the family being together part is big for me. One positive: as much as my sister can drive me insane, she does have some redeeming qualities. I can't remember the exact example at the moment, but something funny did happen today.

Present news: I got my flute! I had asked for one for my birthday, and long story short, didn't think I was getting one after all. Well, my last present felt a little familiar as I started to unwrap it, and sure enough, there it was. Yay! I even remember the scales, though I'm quite rusty. My brother jokingly told me to play Ave Maria, and I was able to figure out the first few notes. I don't know how much practice I'll actually get, since I might be too self conscious to have my neighbors hear me play. That, and I need a practice book.

:D

Note: I did not go out for coffee today! I made some instant stuff at home, to drink with the blueberry muffins I made. Oh, crap, I did go out for coffee, sort of. I had to take my sister somewhere, and we noticed McDonalds was open. People have been telling me their iced coffee is good, so here was my chance to try it. It was a little too sweet for my taste, and I think it's full of non-dairy creamer. Wait, I use n-d creamer all the time at work. Bah, whatever.

Got the format idea from keeumm and I like the efficiency of it.

21st
Drove from AZ to Mom's house in CA, 11.5 hours. I hate I-5.
Had banana chocolate chip cake from Starbucks in Blythe, which made me very happy.
Started reading Pride and Prejudice, which my sister had a copy of.

22nd
Can't even remember what I did that day, but probably not much. Went shopping somewhere with my sister, grocery store I think. Later, Costco with Mom as well. My cousin practiced card tricks on me all night. I totally missed an earthquake, even though I was sitting downstairs reading when it happened.
Oh yeah, now I remember, I went and got my birthday present - a lamp.


23rd
Saw my friend Allison and her brood, plus our friend Erol as well as some people from high school that I had not seen in years. Didn't get to spend too much time with them, but I was very happy to see them.
Celebrated Christmas that day, since my cousin was going to Washington the next day. My brother and sister-in-law came over for dinner and presents.
I'm getting my bed! My dream bed! I'll put up a picture sometime.

24th
Went shopping with Mom, and got the lampshade for my lamp. Saw my dream bed at Pottery Barn, and literally hugged one of the posts. I want that bed SO BADLY!

25th
It was one of the most un-Christmas Christmases in my life. We watched Little Miss Sunshine (bizarre) and laid around.
Finished reading Pride and Prejudice, which I loved. Wanted to watch the movie again so bad I almost went looking for another copy of it.

26th
Had coffee with Dad

27th
Went to see my friend Alison in San Francisco. We went to Pier 39 and Fishermans's Wharf, which I loved. I haven't been there in ages. We then took the "scenic route" back to her home, at which I once again marveled at the way buildings are crammed on the incredibly steep hills.
Went from SF to Sheltri and Eric's in Hayward. We went to Chevy's for dinner, and Sheltri and I caught up while we waited for Eric. I gave Eric grammar lessons after dinner, which was quite amusing. I was writing example sentences on a napkin. We went back to the house and talked for a few hours. I miss them very much.

28th
Went to Sacramento. Picked up Kelly, and went to Old Sac, yet another place I hardly ever got to see, even when I lived in the area. I miss Kelly too, we think so much alike! It's my goal to save up and visit her in New York this summer.
Went to see Hilary afterwards, and met her daughter, Lisa. Hilary I also miss very much, as we are so goofy together in a way no one else understands.

29th
Drove home, 11.5 hours again. I still hate I-5.
Went to the coffee shop before even going home.
Got home, immediately turned on Pride and Prejudice. Love this movie!

It's good to be home.