Happy new year! Today's big task is getting the tree un-decorated and put away. No idea what the temps are outside, but I won't be there for long today. It's sunny. I foresee a nap in a sunbeam for me this afternoon. (2018 resolution—adopt as many of my cat's good ideas as possible.)

I am also getting the tree undecorated and having my semi-annual, "Oh my god! I have too many ornaments! I have to stop buying ornaments!" freak out.

I am leaving my tree up until at least mid month.

Well, my tv just went out. Nothing else did and a breaker is not tripped. I am going to check the plug it is in, but GD if it is blown. I don't think the tv is even 2 years old.

The tree stays up until Epiphany. I'm not Catholic, I just like the tree. Mine isn't even decorated, except for a string of tinsel. It's got fiber-optic lights in its branches, so it twinkles in colors.

Solidarity, msbelle, I also am doing work-work today. Because if I don't, tomorrow will be a manic panic that isn't pretty. Our print schedules don't take holidays or weekends into account.

I am also keeping the tree up until Epiphany.

I made the bread. It was the right call. It was easy, the house smells delicious, and I get to have happy thoughts of ita to help me ring in the new year.

That sounds like an excellent call.

I had a delightful evening and morning with Polgara and family including an amazing ride home (amazing because I didn't have to take the train), and am going to another party shortly with my mother.

I just helped a neighbor move his gigantic 85 lb. speakers up two flights of narrow stairs. Ended up panting, dizzy, and headache-y afterwards. Getting heavy stuff up to our floor sure seemed easier when I was 38!

Today I have cleaned the living room and kitchen, made a shipping list for cookie making, and then hit the store. Now I'm home with a heating pad and thinning ill be lucky to get one batch of cookies rather than the 4 I had planned on. I have baked zero cookies this holiday season which is NOT ON!

We went out to brunch, even though it is 25 degrees outside. When we got home, our charmingly idiosyncratic thermostat had decided not to work, and it was 56 degrees inside. I am now under three blankets, with a heating pad on my back, while waiting for it to warm up. Winter is such bullshirt.

You're a good neighbor, Matt.

Last night I went to bed at 7:30pm after dosing up on NyQuil. I got up at 2:30am for more NyQuil. I woke up super congested, so I've been pouring hot tea down my throat all morning. I suspect I may be calling in sick tomorrow.

I did manage to drag myself to the farmer's market and grocery store yesterday before I collapsed, so I have plenty of food to eat, including a slow-cooked ancho chile-rubbed pork roast.

My big plan for the day is going to the movies with the family.

it is 77 here