No, that's fair, Sheryl. My first boss came back to work 80% time after she had a baby, and her day at home was Wednesday. I didn't understand why she wouldn't want a long weekend (since I was like 23), and she was like, "It's too tiring being home more than two days in a row!"

The good news is, the puffs are effing perfect. Croquembouche ahoy.

Yay puffs,

I told my family I was up for texting, maybe, and explained my normal contact with th family, so so hopefully they will back off. I think I was able to assuage my sisters problem with her father abandonsing me, so that is good.

Croquembouche! Super fancy

Well done, Sophia.

Looking forward to going back to work at this point sounds about par for the course, speaking as a non-parent observer.

Yeah, she probably didn't want you to feel like she was abandoning you too! And it's easier in some ways to have minimal contact with people you know well/grew up with because there's a base there? If that makes sense?

My friends came over for our fam gift exchange but I had an awful migraine and bowed out of the show we were going to. I'm sad I didn't get to spend that time with them but felt awful—had to take two doses of my meds before I felt better, and I still feel gross though not awful anymore

I am impressed by creampuffs! Dang!!

Croquembouche! Whoo, Jesse, that's impressive!

Went out with a friend and we ended up in a new place that's a mid-20th-century lounge/bar with live jazz and cool velvet couches and whatnot. The drinks were fine and the food was fine but the decor and atmosphere were very cozy Frank Sinatra-ey. Just a chill place.

Now I should make a tart crust. Gonna make this tart for Christmas: [link]

I just helped SIL do an elaborate wrapping disguise/diversion and yo, bought the nephew half a car. But biggest brag is that I got the fucking gigantic bows for the car & younger nephew's overpowered go kart to fucking be bows. Goddamned crafty shit. There was a lot of swearing.

All my ~ma~ is yours, Daniel. Best wishes and love for everybody involved.

Wow, Sara!

Mmm, that tart looks good, Suela.

Best thoughts to your mom, Daniel.

So it's just about 7:30 and I've finished putting bows on things, put away all the wrapping supplies, had breakfast, taken out all the trash, and maybe that's it. So far. I guess the rest of my list is just finish dessert, clean the kitchen, take a shower. I don't know how long the croquembouche will actually take to put together, but at the same time, I don't want to do it now because we aren't going to eat it until like 3. Hmmmmm. Maybe I'll shower to get that out of the way?

Croquembouche! Whoo, Jesse, that's impressive!

Indeed. I would love to be near enough to taste test. Take a picture!

Much ~ma for your mom, Daniel. It's a tough age for bones.

I'm still moving slowly, and was surprised to get a work call. People shouldn't be working because then I have to. Better look at my recipes. Thinking of baking something for the new neighbors next door. Haven't met them yet but someone has moved in. Anxious to see how much the place sold for but not sure how long before the county will post it with holiday schedules. DH may just ask our former neighbor.

I'm in MI at my sister's. Today's all Christmas prep and party, and tomorrow we're driving to my niece's in NY state. My cold is being held at bay by OTC meds. I'm not sure if it's the meds or mucous on the brain, but the Hallmark Christmas shows are vaguely surreal.