got nothin' on me in 2013-2014

It's been a really good Christmas. It definitely compensates for last year, when I came home with presents only to discover that "we're not doing gifts this year," we got hit by a waterspout, and I spent the whole trip in my room with my dog because my brother's unsocialized dog was giving mine fits.

This year, my dad came up on the evening of the 24th. I had to work, but my boss sent us all home at one. My dad got into town, we went to church and hung out making sure no one died in the preschool area, and then went home. He had brought the ancient fake tree up that my mom had declared as mine. I found some LED lights I had bought on sale last year, dug out the ornaments my mom had sent up, and I HAVE A TREE. I also made a star out of computer paper, Sharpie, and pipe cleaner. It's so dinky.

My parents also delivered a really soft blanket and matching pillow and a pink and yellow butterfly made of Christmas lights. It now lights up my kitchen.

The actual 25th was spent unceremoniously. I slept in. We went to IHOP, where they were running out of food. We wished football was on and watched Syfy movies instead. I stayed up until almost 3 working on my Amazon gift certificate gift from a friend. My stuff is shipping. I had a sizeable nergasm when finding some old, out of print books and history non-fiction. It will be miiiine!

Also notable: Dad went on a home-fixing spree. He recalibrated my scale--I weigh 5 pounds less than thought! Best scale adjustment ever! 140 is definitely within sight! Dad also sealed some air gaps in my downstairs sliding glass door and window. The building is old and isn't square anymore, so some tape and foam has fixed the leaks and it's significantly warmer now. It's pretty awesome.

Today we were busy. We took the car the auto place to get the brakes done. We went to Home Depot and Walmart for lightbulbs, deicer, and gummi bears (the rest of my edible present for Aaron). We picked up my car, discussed filters and radiator flushes (guess what ELSE I get to do soon?!) and then went to Longhorn's for dinner. I had the cheesiest, most awesome dinner: parmesan crusted chicken (with HEAPS of gooey parmesan), garlic parmesan fries, and very intense baked mac n cheese. Oh, hell yes. I brought most of it home. The mac n cheese is gone, but the fries are waiting their fate in the toaster oven.

Dad and I dozed afterward, and then Dad got bored and restless, and infuriated at his new GPS that couldn't find our hometown, so he went back to Walmart to get his money back. We watched football. I showered. When I came down, he was thinking about bed, but I convinced him to sit on the couch with me, drink beer, and watch the second half of the crappy SDCCDSIJFS or whatever bowl.

He's now in bed. Aaron is about an hour and ten minutes away and ever closer. I am very excited. Even if Dad was asking questions at dinner like "so where does your fiance live" and muttering about how he "needs to talk to that boy."

I hope you guys are having a good Christmas, no matter how many family or gifts you get to enjoy. <3