The semester ended almost two weeks ago, my marks have been submitted, my shopping is done, and life is good. I\u2019ve gone a little Martha for the holidays \u2013 the other day I painted the bathtub, baked gingerbread, made cranberry gravy, and to complete the package, did a little insider trading. It\u2019s a good thing.
\nThe world\u2019s greatest mother-in-law has gone home, Colin has been to his first concert (David Bowie, who was great, and flu-free), and so far the cat has not destroyed the tree. More good things.
\nThe season also means catching up with old friends. Yesterday was a banner day for such contacts \u2013 in the morning, while I made cranberry jelly (which (a) is not the same as the cranberry gravy and (b) turned out perfectly, thank you very much), I had a nice chat with my New Jersey connection. Later, my Haligonian buddy called to say hi and officially announce her engagement (once her divorce is final, of course). We ended the day with a very cozy evening of port and spinach dip with my former boss\/current good friend. The good things continue to pile up.
\nWe\u2019re looking forward to a nice family Christmas chez the \u2018rents, with my brother and sister and various add-ons, as well as a few more visits with the long-lost. And just to ice the cake, I don\u2019t go back to the classroom \u2018til January 12th \u2013 when I\u2019ll be teaching a full load! My colleague has received her itinerary for her trip to Belgrade, so it looks pretty official at this point. I sincerely hope that all of you have as much to celebrate this season.
\nHappy Christmas, kick ass in 2004, \u2026 and\u2026 to all a good night.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The semester ended almost two weeks ago, my marks have been submitted, my shopping is done, and life is good. I\u2019ve gone a little Martha for the holidays \u2013 the other day I painted the bathtub, baked gingerbread, made cranberry gravy, and to complete the package, did a little insider trading. It\u2019s a good thing. … <\/p>\n