Tidings of comfort and joy

It's over!! The grades have been turned in and my grades have been received. I hope my students find their grade as much of a joke as they found my attendance policy. But I do wish them the happiest of holidays. They were a good bunch for my first time.

Wednesday night I went to Gay's house to present my paper, briefly, and indulge in a little party. 'Twas quite interesting and I couldn't help but become sad when I remembered what it had been like to go to her house this time last year. She is such a remarkable woman and it breaks my heart to witness what is happening to her.

Thursday, our very own desperate housewife,


Beth, had us over for a wonderful party filled with holiday cheer. I attempted to be bartender and decided to make two signature shots: pineapple upside down cake, and a white christmas. I knew how the pineapple ones tastes, ever so yummy, but I was curious to give the white christmas a shot. Get it: give the shot a shot. You know you laughed. The white christmas was quite nasty. But the pineapple saved this bartenders short-lived career. I also made mini-muffins to add to the spread that consisted of yummy cheeses (St. Andre's I do believe was the best), popcorn balls, brownies, sugar things Lark and I attempted to make (we lacked proper equipment, ok?), and sugar cookies. For the wine lovers out there, plenty a bottle was uncorked. It was a good party.


Though the photo is larkless, she was indeed there.

Last night I drove up to Chapel Hill to see my Metro Deluxe people, minus Kara-licious. Finally finding a job in her field has prevented her long Christmas break home so she was noticeable absent from the festivities. And due to traffic back-ups (argh) I didn't get to see Eri either. But Adrienne, Jessica, Stephanie and I enjoyed our MD reunion. Kenya and Kristin joined in on the dinner which was quite delicious. I LOVE greek food. I even allowed myself a small glass of wine, because I now enjoy a good Shiraz every now and again. Our waiter was over the top and too touchy feely: see the "family" picture of him pulling me in and Adrienne making her "dear lord, if you don't make this man stop touching me now..." face. No.. He was NOT precious.

My Adrienne is moving to Philly in a few weeks. I shall miss her. She makes me laugh and she is the only one who can call me Tommi pixs. (Short of course, for tommi pickles). She is such a beautiful person. But they say the good ones are the first to go, and Kara left first and now Adrienne is gone. *Sigh* At least I have cool places to visit now. Philly and Whiteville... err... let's just say Memphis for Kara.



And here we are: Jessica, Tommi, Adrienne and Stephanie. I left MD in August '04, Jessica has left about a billion times but she keeps coming back. Indeed, she even worked on black friday. Adrienne has but a few days left and Stephanie... she's still there, but she's destined to do great things. She is an amazing photographer, designer, and general Martha Stewart. And Kara... we miss you!!!

So to my rather small readership out there, I wish you a very merry christmas. I'm hoping that Harry Potter books are nestled under my tree at home with my name on them so that my holidays can be filled with wizardry goodness. I hope Santa brings all you desire and for those traveling, be safe.