I've hit that critical point after being trapped in the house with whole family as they assemble furniture (bringing out the most irritating to me traits) that I really want to escape. Too late to go to the pool. I wanted to go earlier but thunderstorms. Hell, thunderstorms now.

Did everyone else know this? If you go to the Macy's in Herald Square, and wait on line to see Santa, and, when you get to the front of the line, you tell the elf that you want to see "Special Santa," then elf will bring you into another room, where there's a black Santa. One of my friends just brought her goddaughter, and posted photos on Facebook.

That's really creepy. I mean, nice, but creepy.

And now everyone but me is in bed and I'm listening to the boys discuss what they hope are in the presents under the tree. Which is sweet.

Tom Harkin thanked me for my florid compliment(although, sir, you should not have been stingy and left your seat to the "squeal like a pig" lady.)

Holiday milestone: We just successfully made it through the first fully aware and attentive viewing of It's A Wonderful Life. There was a dodgy moment after Newly Heartless Nick sprayed poor wretched Mr. Gower in the face with a seltzer bottle (Matilda bolted and ran to the bedroom to hide under the covers), but I managed to coax her back out with promises that none of it was real and George would get back to his home and his life and Zuzu and her petals. She was especially intrigued by the prospect of seeing him throw up his arms and shout, "Yippee! I'm going to jail! Isn't it wonderful?" and the actual moment, when it arrived, did not disappoint.

She also really wants a pet squirrel and a pet crow like Uncle Billy, but she's pretty much always wanted those; the movie just reminded her of how much she wants them.

Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter split up.

I feel oddly much more sad for her than for him; I'm not even completely sure what the deal is with them but I have a vague feeling that he deserves breakups and heartache and she doesn't.

Our anxiously awaited package arrived, but now FedEx tells us it will not deliver Santa's present until Boxing Day. I am rather wroth.

I had my annual review with my new-ish boss today. I was worried because, although a lovely person, he has very high standards. Happily, he is extremely pleased with my work and I got a raise AND a $3,000 bonus!!!!!!!!! Hooray for having money to help retile the bathroom!

Congrats, Scrappy!

Awesome, Scrappy!!

Nice!