I want to be on a cruise too! DH was moaning yesterday that we should be on a cruise remembering Christmas past cruising.

This kid doesn't miss a trick.

{{sj}} I often asked my mother how she survived parenting me in particular because I was a horror, and the 4 of us in general. She said she repeated to herself over and over again, this too shall pass. And it does. We did all dote on her lovingly into her old age, maybe because she was so forgiving of all our shenanigans.

I've been on a cruise for Thanksgiving, and one for New Year's Eve. Never one for Christmas. Although the idea of Christmastime in Cozumel has its appeal, especially on a overcast day with rain expected.

I got a new recliner and wrestled the old one to the curb. Now I feel sore but accomplished.

Here's a new contender for the Buffista Compound: [link]

I'm not getting on a plane until Sunday, so I have a bit more time to ignore the whole packing thing. I'm also working from home today and tomorrow, which will facilitate getting stuff done around the house.

That could work. Bit pricy, though.

What's the interview about, sarameg?

Ugh. Flying out of San Jose was cheaper than San Francisco, so I got up at 5:30am and wrestled my giant suitcase up a big forking hill to get some work in at the office for a few hours. The office has coffee and bacon, so I may be marginally less grumpy once I can shove that in my face.

I have a reading hangover -- up late last night to read An Unkindness of Magicians. I have a quilt to make today (no really) because I'm crap at planning. I'm just waiting for kids to go to school to have a quiet house.

Coffee and bacon sounds SO GOOD. I have had neither. I can fix one of those. Safe travels, shrift!

One Day Quilt, Kat? Wow?

My phone tells me I got an hour and 20 minutes less sleep last night than my average for Thursdays, so i feel validated in my tiredness, I guess.

Ha, my Sr Manager came around doing the morning "how is everyone" thing and I thanked her for recommending for promotion and she looked kind of blank but nodded and smiled. She was out yesterday and I guess they actually made the decision yesterday? Anyway, she came back after she went and asked someone exactly what the situation was and congratulated me. This company has "communication" as one of our Guiding Principles and we are just so erratic at it through official channels.

Help please for the gift giving incompetent. I'll be having Christmas dinner with DH's brother and family. There will be 4 little ones under 6 there. They don't require gifts, but I'd like to bring something for them. Ideas?

Books! Maybe a Christmas themed picture book for each?

Congratulations on the promotion, -t!