I took off at 1 on Friday to finish up my Christmas shopping and do whatever else I needed to do before hopping on my plane. I was mostly successful with gifts, with the exception of the knit-a-day calendar wanted (though was very sweet and helped search all over for it, but alas it was nowhere we looked, though they had crochet-a-day and origami-a-day). I got home from the shopping extravaganza, wrapped ’s presents, packed the rest away, and… who knows what else now (it’s a whole week later, like I can remember, and like you really care).

came over, and I remembered I needed to call for any last-minute changes and information that needed to be exchanged (including her cell number, which she finally got set up Friday). For those of you who haven’t witnessed it, this is generally what one looks like when talking to on the phone (click for larger versions - the facial expressions are key):

Uh huh, yeah, I see, OK….

Great confusion? Why are we all so serious? I have no idea.

And because someone was having fun with my camera, one last shot of me looking statuesque.

Somewhere around that time, decided that was going to be her new best friend. Here’s proof:

I’m on the phone with , look over, and this is what I see. Didja catch the expression on ’s face?

That’s the closeup. How happy is she?

Awww, bonding!

Blissfully relaxed…

The necessary whoring…

And the licking…

OK, yeah, she doesn’t look quite so happy there…

And the inevitable bath after so much lovin’.

We decided to go to Highland and see if we could find anywhere to eat there (and we did, the Village Bistro that I went to before with either or , I can’t remember who). We browsed some shops there, drove down Grand to stop in Cooks of Crocus Hill, and returned home. General Christmas merriment, including exchanging of gifts (which has caused great fake-hatred towards me from and the watching of White Christmas.

And, in case you needed proof that I just don’t make up all these stories about my pretend boyfriend…

Yes, we really are this cute. You know you’re jealous.

Merry Christmas!

popularity: 12%

Borrowed from Miss Tanya

1 MINUTE AGO: I ate a pretzel
1 HOUR AGO: I was emailing
1 DAY AGO: I was bored at work
1 YEAR AGO: Read for yourself
I LOVE: ice cream
I HATE: annoying co-workers rambling on loudly to other co-workers when I can’t put my headphones on to block it out
I HEAR: Jerry (see above)
I FEEL: stiff (muscles still recovering from carrying luggage, and I shared my bed with which is always wonderful but not necessarily comfortable - you try fitting him into a twin bed and see what you come up with!)
I HIDE: feelings that scare me
I DRIVE: almost never
I MISS: rain
I LEARN: quickly
I NEED: a nap
I THINK: cheese in a can is a great idea

FIRSTS…
First piercing: Ears. (Though technically my finger, because in elementary school I thought it would be interesting to find out what it felt to staple my finger. It hurt. Lesson learned.)
First credit card: Discover - still paying for that one
First band I liked: DC Talk
Last long car ride: home to ’s in July
Last movie seen: the second half of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers that was on TCM this morning as I got ready for work
Last food consumed: green apple Jolly Rancher
Last phone call: from co-worker saying she was back from lunch and I don’t have to answer phones anymore (and can go get Starbucks)
Last CD played: SHeDAISY as I was importing it in iTunes this morning
Last drink drank: hot cocoa from home
Last time scolded: yesterday I was chastised by a manager (not mine, mind you) for not being busy enough

SHORT ANSWER…
I AM: bored
I WANT: solitude
I HAVE: fake fingernails
I WISH: that everyone I know feels loved
I WONDER: what I should make for dinner
I ALWAYS: get nervous before flying
I DANCE: when home alone, or while taking care of babies
I SING: along in the car, or with the radio in the kitchen
I CRY: alone
I AM NOT ALWAYS: open
I WRITE: all the time
I WIN: “smart” games with
I LOSE: Trivial Pursuit with and
I SHOULD: get to that last little tiny piece of work sitting here on my desk (but I’ve got 4 hours left, so what’s the rush)

FAVORITES..
NUMBER: 47
COLOR(S): purple, sage green, pink
DAYS: any that I get to sleep in
MONTH: September
SONG(S): favorite? no way
DRINK: White Chocolate Mocha; frozen margarita; Kahlua; Coke Classic

IN THE LAST 2 DAYS, HAVE YOU…
CRIED? no
HELPED SOMEONE? do computer problems at work count? then yes
GOTTEN SICK? no, but I’m starting to think I might be coming down with something
GONE TO THE MOVIES? no
SAID ‘I Love you’? no
WRITTEN A REAL LETTER: no
TALKED TO AN EX? no
MISSED AN EX? no
WRITTEN IN A DIARY? yes
HAD A SERIOUS TALK? yes
HUGGED SOMEONE?: yes

popularity: 12%

1. What word irks you every time you hear someone say it? Doh!
2. What is your favorite word? and I share a love for the word “deliquesce.”
3. What does it mean?
4. What word do you say far too often? Fabulous!
5. Name three words you think other people overuse: (I use these too much as well) wicked, random, sweet

popularity: 16%

1. What is the best thing that happened to you personally this past year? A lot of really great things happened in 2005, but I think at the top of the list is leaving that job. I’m so much more relaxed and happy, and have time for all the other wonderful things that happened after that.
2. What is the best thing that you saw happen in the world around you? I sadly don’t pay enough attention to the world around me to be able to answer this.
3. What is the biggest lesson you learned this year? It’s OK to put plans on hold, even if they’re big things that will affect the rest of your life in positive ways (like grad school), if you’re not ready for it yet. Do things on your own time frame and screw what the rest of the world thinks. I was worried everyone was going to be disappointed in me, and everyone was so supportive and completely understood (mom included).
4. What things do you hope change for you personally in the next year? I’d like a new roommate. I’d like to be able to spend more time with my friends who are really busy these days (no guilt implied there, girls - I just miss you, that’s all). I’d like to get better at mornings in general. But I’m pretty content these days.
5. What things do you hope change in the world around you? See #2.
6. Do you have any resolutions? I’ve answered this way too many times today already, but in short, no.

popularity: 16%

1. How will you be ringing in the New Year? I don’t really know. and I really didn’t talk about it, except for, “do you think we should do something?” “I dunno, maybe.” Usually I stay up and watch the ball drop in New York and then go to bed, and really I require nothing more than that except for the addition of a kiss at midnight, and anything else is just gravy.
2. How do you wish you were ringing in the New Year? I really don’t care all that much about this particular holiday. But, my one wish about New Years is that I could be at home in Chicago and have some of ’s fresh-made donuts that she only makes on New Year’s Day. That’s good stuff.
3. Do you have any traditions that you observe on New Year’s Day intended to bring you luck for the upcoming year? Nope.
4. Do you make resolutions? Do you keep them? Not really (on both accounts).
5. Would you ever have plastic surgery? Where did that question come from? As much as I could pick out any number of flaws that could be “fixed,” like any other woman in America, I still have to say no. would kill me. She frowns upon the fact that I color my hair, and I’ve already heard her lecture on plastic surgery more times than I can count (and know that even though she’d “get” why I might feel insecure or desire a change about something, she’d still not approve, and I really don’t need to hear that lecture or tsk-tsk for the rest of my life, you know?).

popularity: 17%

THE MORE OR LESS EDITION

1. Time: Comparing the last 365 days to the previous 365, do you have more, less, or about same amount of free time on your hands? If more or less, what changed over the last year? Much more free time, since I’m only working 40 hours a week these days. Things have gotten much more relaxed, especially without a car, because then I’ve learned to be patient and that waiting is just part of life.
2. Money: Do you think having more money would buy you more, less, or the same amount of happiness as you have in your life today? If more or less money, how much more or less would it take? Money doesn’t buy happiness, so… yeah. I do know though that if I had more money that I’d be less stressed, could get out of debt, that sort of thing, and there’s a certain amount of happiness that could be related to that. But still. I’ve never thought I would have any quantity of money in my adult life, with the career paths I’ve chosen and so forth, so my idea of happiness hasn’t been related to it at all.
3. Dating & Kissing: Thinking back to when you were in junior and senior high school, do you ever wish you would have kissed/dated more, less, or about the same number of people that you did back in the day? I dated so very little in junior high and senior high, and for the most part I’m really OK with that. By the time I graduated, all of the guys I knew were quite unattractive (they might have been fine physical specimens, but most of them were jerks and had other undesirable character traits), so there’s no one I can think of I really wish I’d had a chance with. The only thing I can say about the kissing issue is that when I started dating this year, my complete and utter lack of experience in that arena had me more freaked out than anything, and part of me wishes that I’d been able to stress about that when I was 17 instead of 27. But there’s another part of me that knows why I waited and am glad I did and know that it’s part of who I am, and I wouldn’t trade that for the world. There’s a few other benefits I can think of as well, but I’ll keep those to myself.
   
4. Exercise: Do you plan to exercise more, less, or about the same amount in 2006 as you did in 2005? Oh, the ambitious, health-conscious part of me would love to say more, simply because 2005 involved a lot of sitting on my butt. However, I also know that while I was working at the church I did a lot more running around and playing with the kids, and I won’t have that anymore. I do walk more now that I don’t have a car, so that’s good. Since the only thing I really like to do is go running, and the sidewalks are snowy or iced over 6 months of the year, it gets hard to make a habit out of anything.

popularity: 13%

In the new year…

1. List one person you’ve lost touch with that you will look up. In light of my 10-year high school reunion in 2006, I’d like to stay more in touch with Chrissy, my best friend from high school. She’s also the only person from high school that I vaguely keep in touch with. We email once or twice a year. However, last time I talked to her, neither of us were planning on going to our reunion. Personally, if she’s not going to be there, it’s really not worth the drive/flight/trip home to see a bunch of people I couldn’t wait to get away from.
2. List two places you want to go. A new campground in Minnesota, any place out of state that isn’t “home.”
3. List three habits you want to change. I plead the 5th.
4. List four things you hope to learn. I’ve got 3 computer classes this winter that I’m excited about (CSS, ASP, and SQL). says all knitters need to know how to crochet just a little bit, so I’ll throw that on this list too. How to make a decent pot of coffee (and remember to write down the instructions so I don’t forget like all the other times I’ve been taught). Which “it’s” or “its” to use when.
5. List five goals you would like to achieve. Find a church I can be comfortable getting at least marginally involved in (and one that I won’t get sucked into). Start grad school. Finish knitting projects that I start. Either move into ’s room when she moves to New York or learn to stand up to her. Make time to read more.

*I’d like to note that I don’t make New Year’s Resolutions, mostly because I’ve never come close to accomplishing any of them, except that one year I resolved to never again air guitar (which I did quite successfully for many years to come). But it was a fun exercise anyways. I don’t really plan on making these official resolutions, or even intentionally pursuing them.

popularity: 13%

Woke up Christmas Day at 10:30 and it was wonderful. had actually only gotten up at 10, so we were well-rested and relaxed. I tooled around the kitchen in my pj’s searching for breakfast, made coffee and read the paper - we were in no rush. Finally went into the living room and opened presents. was very pleased with the Sound of Music, which was really a last-minute idea since I couldn’t find the knit-a-day calendar she really wanted. She liked the nativity too, even though she didn’t take her nativity collection out of the boxes this year. She gave me a pair of satin pj’s from Vickie’s, baby blue, which are nicer than the black ones I bought for myself from Target. Now I’m living the life of luxury, with 2 pairs of satin pj’s. She also got me Cinderella, which I had requested. We spent the afternoon in our pj’s (I think I changed into “normal” clothes around 4:30, but I can’t remember why, unless it was just because that seemed the thing to do before eating dinner) watching the movies we’d bought each other. made up a turkey and stuffing, we made the sweet potatoes and I had had the previous weekend, and life was good.

Monday I had nothing planned, which was nice. Slept in again. I complained to that I’d brought my skirt home and then had nowhere to wear it, so we decided to dress up in our wool skirts and go have lunch. We went to a couple of yarn shops in Geneva, thought that the Egg Harbor Cafe had a long line, so we’d wait until later. When we finally stopped by, we realized they’d closed at 2. The hunger headache was threatening to ruin the day, and we finally ended up at Town House Books cafe, a place I used to go to when I worked downtown for the city. My headache almost didn’t go away when we got home, and I thought I’d lay down and sleep it off, but picked up my new knitting project instead, and it just melted away. I’m really excited about my new project - a black stole that’s all lacy. “Intermediate,” the pattern says. I feel brilliantly talented when I’m working on it, even though I had to cast-on four times before getting it right, and had to start entirely over after I ran through the 8-row pattern once, since I was so off in my stitches. But the second time around I only had some minor little errors that were easily fixed, and most rows ended up perfectly. I’ve made it through the pattern twice (that’s 16 rows) - it’s going to be really soft and beautiful when I’m done.

Tuesday we planned to go to the Egg Harbor Cafe, since we’d missed it the day before and we went last year over Christmas with one of ’s sisters and I still dream about the Eggs Benedict I had there. It wasn’t on the menu, and my selection wasn’t all that spectacular, but really enjoyed hers, and since she was paying, that was fine by me. met up with us while we were there. We all went to another yarn shop that had been closed Monday, and then us girls went to Starbucks as is our tradition and went home. We had a great talk (I hadn’t seen her since her wedding, so you can imagine there was tons to catch up on, since email and the phone just don’t cut it sometimes) and I was really very happy about some of her responses in particular (not that I expected the worst, because she’s really the sweetest person I know, but I’ll have to explain the whole situation in a separate paragraph at the end).

We finally tired of the coffee and decided to walk around downtown Geneva, another one of our traditions. One of our favorite stores, the Sea Captain’s Lady, is no longer there (Swedish Days the summer I turned 16 I bought my ear cuff there and that’s where the magic all begins really), which was sad. But we perused the Swedish/Norwegian store and a bunch of other original places that I can’t describe - you just have to go and see for yourself. I found some really nice espresso mugs (slightly larger than that, really, just big enough for a small cup of tea) that were pink and red and had hearts painted on them and the handle is a heart, and they were on clearance, so I got a set of 4 for $10. My lucky day. I also found the Chicago Starbucks mug that I’ve needed to round out my collection, which made me very happy.

We went back to ’s, exchanged gifts, and she was on her way. and I went to the public library so I could online check-in for my flight (her AOL has been broken for who-knows-how-long, and I can’t fix it). I called Vickie’s to see if they had the pj’s in a smaller size, but they didn’t, so we’ve decided to see how they fit and if they’re too loose I can add in a drawstring later. I wrapped presents for and , borrowed ’s car keys, and was off to their place for dinner. We had a nice chat about all sorts of things, looked at pictures, the usual catching up with family stuff. Nice dinner (odd, as always, but quite edible this time). just loved her hat. She hates wearing wigs and only does so in public when she knows it’ll make people uncomfortable, but around the house and family she wears hats because her head gets cold (even to bed!). The one I made was soft and warm but not too warm, and loose enough to be comfortable. I may have to make her another one, just because it made her so happy. Here’s pictures of the finished product (click for enlarged versions):

Final product views:

Final product 3-D

in the hat.

being goofy and wearing the hat he wore all December while he was selling Christmas trees.

and in their hats.

I went home, got some sleep, and then experienced Wednesday, which I just won’t talk about for now because I don’t need to end my day complaining.

*and now it’s time to leave work, so I’ll have to explain the conversation later. Not like anyone will know or care, because my blog’s still broken.

popularity: 12%

[Yes, I know these are totally out of order, but I started writing this one first. My apologies.]

I had a pretty good trip home (really good, if you don’t count Wednesday as part of my trip, but more on that later).

My sweet boy took me to the train station (or in Minnesotan, “light rail” station) Saturday morning and saw me off. My shoulders are really sore today from carrying my bags around myself yesterday, so I’m quite grateful that he offered to help me out, especially since Saturday at 7 am is not exactly my favorite time of the week. Checking my luggage was a breeze, and since I’d already done the online check-in for my boarding pass, all I had left was security, which took longer than I’ve had to deal with before. But it was still a lot of just sitting at my gate, since I was responsible and arrived well before I needed to.

Had no problems finding at the airport when I arrived in Chicago. I did see her first as I was scanning the crowd, thought she was some blond woman, and kept looking. Turns out her hair is just a lot greyer than the last time I saw her. Sad. But my luggage appeared right away, we walked right out to her car, and were on our way home. [Sidenote: odd, I just noticed that a rubberband appeared on my desk while I was gone. I can't figure out where it came from. I don't use rubberbands, so it's certainly not a leftover of mine.]

I unpacked a little, we got caught up, and I wrapped her gift. I was sad to see that several little pieces had broken off the clay nativity I got her, but when she opened it the next morning we quickly glued it back together and it was good as new. Took a nap, since traveling is so tiring, after looking through several of her knitting books and magazines that she recommended. Then it was time to fix myself up and get over to Grandma & Grandpa’s for the traditional Christmas Eve extravaganza (which is not really an extravaganza at all). My aunt and uncle came and picked me up, which was nice since I don’t really drive anymore and they live just a few blocks from ’s new house. Everyone wanted all the details on , which I was happy to provide, along with pictures (and I checked a few times to make sure the step-cousins were well aware that I was involved, though they’ve never seemed the slightest bit interested, that way if Grandma says anything to them, it’s all good). The big drama of the night was that the table was situated north-south in the basement instead of east-west (honestly, there was a good five-minute lively conversation about this). My cousin Julie and her husband Mark showed up just before dinner with their four kids, who are absolutely adorable. Last year the girls were just turning one (Isabella’s birthday is a week before Christmas, and Sophie’s birthday is mid-January - have you figured out how they did that yet? They adopted Isabella from China, and mid-process found out they were pregnant again), and so this year they were running around and talking their mouths off. So cute! Julie and Mark work so hard to have such well-behaved children. It’s amazing, because they are always on their best manners and are pretty sheltered and restricted, yet all of them are the happiest kids I have ever seen. I’m amazed, really, by their family.

After the traditional dinner was eaten (addition this year: a red velvet birthday cake with coconut frosting for my Grandma’s son, whose birthday is Christmas and was turning 60 this year), everyone (except the step-cousins) hung around downstairs and talked about boring things and drank coffee while Grandma tried to push cookies on everyone. I stayed, despite the conversation, because my other option was watching football with the step-cousins, and that’s a fate worse than death. Finally we all went upstairs, Grandma’s kids left (step-cousins included), and it was time to open gifts. Being the only one of my generation present meant I had the most gifts, but Grandpa is always the most enthusiastic about opening presents, so he went first. I love that at 92 he’s thrilled at the prospect, always ripping the paper off and getting excited, even though it’s usually some sort of food assortment and then a book or sweater or something. I got a book from my aunt and uncle, an ornament from my aunt (as always, regardless of what her family gives me, she gives and I each an ornament, and has since we were born, so it’s a nice tradition, though it meant and I always had more presents to open than everyone else), and cash and a potpourri crockpot (which was summarily left at ’s house for appropriate disposal, re-gifting, or whatever anyone thinks of). I had brought no gifts, so there’s nothing much else fun to report there. I’ve got some pictures, though (clicking will take you to larger versions):

My aunt and uncle - my aunt is ’s sister, and her husband was my junior high principal while and I were both there, which was seriously uncool as a 6th grader, but by 8th grade getting called down to the principal’s office was pretty sweet.

Here’s the Johnson clan - me, grandpa, , , and grandma.

Here we are again. Such a photogenic group.

Grandma loved her gift from . Apples and pears and some really big pork chops (insanely huge, really). Here’s the traditional look for grandma, in her chair, with her short ankle socks always visible. Makes me laugh, but in a good way.

Grandpa in his chair, showing off the two books he got - one’s a pop-up of America the Beautiful, which was really neat, and the other was a coffee table book on farm machinery, which apparently included whatever model it was that they had on their farm (don’t remember what that was, but it’s in there if you feel motivated to read the book).

My aunt and uncle took me back home, shared my horror about the potpourri crockpot, and we got ready to go to church. We went to the 11:00 candlelight service, as always (I’ve missed 2 in my entire life, same number of times I’ve missed Christmas Eve at Grandma and Grandpa’s - once because there was a blizzard and it was 30 below and didn’t want to take her toddlers out in that weather, and once when I lived in Michigan and helped lead the Christmas Eve service, so I took the train home on Christmas Day). It was nice - I like the new interim pastor. He seemed friendly and personable and normal, and approachable, like he’s had problems before and probably wasn’t the coolest guy in high school, you know? We got home and were in bed by 1, and promised to sleep in as late as possible (or as late as ’s cat would allow before demanding to be fed).

popularity: 12%

…when a manager (OK, just this particular one) comes over to the printer to grab her stuff and gets what I’ve printed out as well, which is definitely not work-related. First time it was PBS schedules for “Walk Through The Bible.” But this time it was cookie recipes. And then she says, “light on work, are we?” My response was, “I’m waiting for contracts to come in.” Because I am. There’s some other projects I’ve got hanging, but with most of my co-workers out of the office I can’t really get anywhere with them. And I’m watching phones at the moment. So yeah, I’m cruising the internet. And I don’t think I’m going to he** for it.

popularity: 11%

1. Virus:: Definition Software
2. Poop:: On You
3. Smart:: As A Bug
4. Agent:: Finn
5. Wrap:: It Up
6. Brass:: Bed
7. Waste of time:: Don’t let it be a
8. Suspicious:: Malicious Intent
9. 360:: Full Circle
10. Dummy:: Test

popularity: 11%

The hostage situation has been sufficiently resolved. The particular co-worker who could suck you into a 4-hour conversation about, say, Kleenex vs Puffs, left, and it was safe for me to go find a sandwich. And ruffled potato chips. They go great with my Coke. Makes me long for summer picnics.

So the food I have in my house (or lack thereof) is scary. is coming over after work tonight and I have no idea what I can feed him. There’s a chicken breast in the freezer. And some Stove Top. And I think I have frozen corn. And several cans of chicken noodle soup. Of course, that sounds like one potential meal, but then if he comes over tomorrow as well, well then we’re just plumb out of luck. But I’m leaving Saturday morning for 5 days and don’t want to buy groceries until I get back. Oh, I have eggs too. And perhaps 2 English muffins. And turkey bacon. And pancake/waffle mix. Alright, I’m feeling better about that.

got back last night at 2:30 am. I woke up briefly - 20 seconds, tops - and promptly lost consciousness again. She asked me this morning as I was getting ready to leave if she woke me - I was surprised she was up and going to work at 9 am, all things considered.

Last night I assembled the main parts of the Prize Coffeecake recipe always made, and then put the pieces together this morning, popped it in the oven, and while I was showering and make-up-ing it cooked and was delicious. Everyone here thought so. That’s why it’s called “Prize” Coffeecake, don’tcha know. has another favorite, but it involves dough and rising and then cutting and filling and twisting and brushing with butter and a whole lot of complicated stuff, especially considering I don’t really care for it all that much. She’s making a turkey while I’m home. You know, for the two of us. (It’s a small one, but still kinda humorous.)

We’re going to the Christmas Eve service, as usual (I was worried there for a moment, because we’ve only got an interim pastor, and then with Christmas being on a Sunday I wasn’t sure what they were going to do - turns out there’s going to be a Christmas Eve service and Sunday morning services, but we’re skipping the morning ones - mom’s idea, not mine). And I’ve got a coffee date with on Tuesday. And the traditional Christmas Eve dinner at Grandma & Grandpa’s. But other than that my time is free. Haven’t been able to get a hold of to see when he’s not working (it’s his weekend to work, unfortunately, which means stocking up the store on Christmas Eve for the Day-After-Christmas sales on Monday… thankfully he has Christmas day off), but I’m guessing that his only free day is Sunday, and that’s fine with as well. It’s not like I wouldn’t get to see him otherwise, since he’ll be at Grandma & Grandpa’s, but that’s not our family Christmas, you know. I mean, it’s family, but not immediate family. There’ll be people there that I didn’t get gifts for. Like… everyone. Wow, I was cheap this year. I always wonder if I should be getting gifts for aunts and uncles and grandparents, and it’s all just such a crap shot. Most of the cousins are married with kids (and much older), or living in Indonesia, so I can’t exactly take cues from them. The one cousin I have who’s single I haven’t seen in forever, and he’s kinda flaky. I don’t say it to be mean, that’s just Dave. But I don’t think anyone would expect him to get Grandma & Grandpa anything. Are there unofficial rules about unmarried grandkids being “kids” still? Someone should write a book. Or at least a list.

Last night, instead of vacuuming and cleaning out the fridge like I should have, I made some jewelry. It wasn’t entirely unproductive. I was picking out jewelry for my trip home and realized I didn’t have any earrings to match a particular necklace I’d made earlier. So I made some. And then I got ambitious and made another necklace and set of earrings for myself as well. They turned out much cuter than usual. It’s hard to make stuff that isn’t gaudy, flashy, costume-y. This set is white pearls with silver oval beads and silver hearts and a pendant, and the pendant and the earrings are identical. I know, like anyone cares. If I’d taken a picture… The last necklace I made is still sitting unworn in my jewelry box, and I think I’m going to have to take it apart and re-do it. Something is wrong, design-wise. It just doesn’t … flow.

Super-boring days at work today. Just basically waiting for contracts to come back. Getting time cards signed before the holiday. said something about not really being able to spare anyone for vacation except that she wouldn’t say no because it was Christmas. I got to thinking… I’m definitely spare-able right now. I could go home and get laundry done and finish packing and still have time left before dinner. And work wouldn’t really miss me at all.

There’s a few things I’m waiting on other people for, some stuff that has to wait until the new year, and some stuff it’s just not worth doing until after the holidays. So I’m twiddling my thumbs. I’m all caught up on my web-reading and am left with trying to play Sudoku without getting caught. Tomorrow morning I can do some filing, since won’t be coming in. But I’ll still have to fill the other 3 hours and 45 minutes of my 4-hour day. And what am I going to do this afternoon? I can leave and get coffee and peruse Field’s, but only for so long, because I came in late and need to leave at 5, which is already cutting my day shorter than I should. I’d say that I’d come in the half hour early tomorrow to make it up, but let’s be realistic. That’s not going to happen. We’re all lucky I come in when I do.

Y’all are going to have a crapload of reading to do once my blog gets fixed. I almost feel bad for you. But I feel worse for me, and I’m getting more frustrated as time goes on and it doesn’t get fixed. I haven’t heard anything in over a week. I think I’m going to have to email them again. I don’t want to be a nag, but what am I paying them for?

Legislative auditors are here today. That’s always a fun process. Managers running around asking people to photocopy things.

I’ll stop boring you with these mundane details and go back to boring myself.

popularity: 11%

My co-workers are holding the food hostage. They set up the spread in the empty office across from me, and now they’ve all sat down on available surfaces and are chatting.

Yes, I realize I could go in there and actually talk to people and be social. But really. , you understand what I’m sayin’, right?

popularity: 12%

1. Where are your forefathers from? Ever been to those countries? My grandpa (’s dad) was born in Sweden and they moved here when he was little (or at least that’s the story I remember). I’ve never been, and am not sure if I would want to go - it’s a pretty difficult language to master. As far as the rest of my ancestors, they’re from a whole slew of countries and all came to the farmland of Illinois, land of promise apparently for both ’s family and ’s family.
2. Are you related to any famous people? Any kings or queens in your family tree? Um… no. I’m not related to any famous Johnsons (or anyone else, for that matter). We’re farm folk… not too many royalty there.
3. Think about the first person in your family to come to this country from somewhere else. If you could ask that person anything, what would you ask them? That would be my grandpa, and he’s still alive and I will see him on Saturday (though he’s not very good at conversation these days, not for hearing loss or sanity loss or any sort of disease, but just because he doesn’t feel like it anymore, and at 92 I’m inclined to agree with him). After his wife died (a month before I was born), he spent a few years grieving, and wrote down his family history. I’m sure any questions I’d want to ask would either be answered in that, or he wouldn’t know the answer, or he wouldn’t be able to articulate the answer (you know, feeling questions).

Last question is general:

• What’s one thing you want to do before the year ends? I know it sounds simple, but I’d like to read a book. I haven’t actually finished one in a while, and I’ve got several good ones (both fiction and non). I’ll probably bring a few home with me to Illinois and get at least one finished between the plane trips and just down times (because with it being just and me, it’s not exactly party central).

popularity: 16%

If you were an entry in the dictionary, under which word would people find you?

Because I used it (aka “looked it up” yesterday) and it seems appropriate…

loquacious

I seem to have lots of words to share these days. Not important words, or even words that when strung together make tons of sense. But words nonetheless. I’ve been writing long emails, long blogs, even spending lots of time chatting with (daily conversations of at least half an hour, compared to our usual exchange of a few sentences if that). I’m sure will love that when I get home, having thousands of words to share with her (we’ll be fighting to get words in edgewise!). OK, maybe not, because by Saturday I could be spent. Who knows? Wordy seems better than quiet and withdrawn, yes?

popularity: 14%