a tad longer than expected...

back with the family in michigan. before i left, i saw the nutcracker wednesday night with alisha. we had fabulous seats in the orchestra (for free!). the first half was a little dull, but i really liked the second act. i was impressed with the wardrobe and stage design. the fake falling snow was gorgeous. exchanged gifts with the roomies after the show. i'm really glad the girls are as excited as i am to see wicked in january. it's just too bad it's at the oriental or we would have better seats. working at the auditorium has really gotten me in to the whole theater scene and i'm loving it. i'm pretty sure i'll be getting tickets to see diavolo in march which should be a really great experience. not sure if i'll be seeing too hot to handel: the jazz gospel messiah in january, but i should probably go 'cause i've been involved with so much marketing for it.

stopped by dennis' place before i started home. he got me cranium and i can't wait to have a game night with some of our friends. i need to remember to bring trivia pursuit pop culture home so we have that option too. he also made chocolates with mango curry and coconut for everyone for christmas and, of course, they are super yummy.

finally did some christmas shopping yesterday with charles. leaving in a bit to finish up today with my dad. he actually wanted to spend some time with me, so i'm taking advantage of that. after shopping we're going to meet my mom for dinner.

haven't gotten a hold of anna yet 'cause her phone is broke, but hopefully her and brandon will come over tomorrow and do a little gift exchange with me, elise, and bunk like we usually do. also hoping to get to see amy and mark while i'm home. it's too bad i can't stay for new years, but i'm looking forward to spending it with alisha and nick. we're thinking about going downtown to see the fireworks, which will be a new thing for me. sounds fun and on the inexpensive side, which is definitely a must after christmas shopping.

i think having no snow on the ground is affecting my christmas spirit. maybe i've finally hit the age where it starts to fade. i'm sure ashley will make sure i'm all "merry and bright" on christmas morning. we're having a christmas brunch this year with my family, as opposed to the dinner we usually have with my mom's side. we're doing the dinner + gift exchange on christmas eve so that my uncle's family can be there. they're spending christmas day with my aunt's side. i'm glad i don't have to deal with the "which-side-to-spend-the-holiday-with" war. one of the many perks of being a half-breed.

i desperately need a new book. i finally finished irving's until i find you which was 800+ pages and now i'm bookless again. i'll probably pick one up with my chanukah money while i'm out today. i love staying up late reading in the living room with the christmas tree lit up, curled up with a blanket. i looked through my mom's books last night, but i wasn't desperate enough to read nora roberts. not exactly my cup of tea. i stayed up and watched reruns of miami ink instead. i'd like to pick up gregory maguire's son of a witch, but i already ordered it from half.com earlier this week, so i'll have to find something else. speaking of books and being the nerd that i am, the title for j.k. rowling's final book has been released: harry potter and the deathly hallows. yeah, i'm excited.