A play date with someone new! It's been awhile . . .

Looking Forward To
 

An overnight visit from my brother. Lots of tv stuff saved for him to watch and we will no doubt go to dinner.

A "social mixer" with the local LGBTQ group. I had no idea we even had a local social group (and I mean small town local, not Atlanta). It's at a pub on the square. I realized I don't have any Pride t-shirts that fit me any more, so I ordered a new one. I'll probably eat before I go and walk around with a glass of wine, unless they have some good craft beer. If people are eating, I'll order an app. I thought about taking some LGBTQ stickers I have and handing them out, but that's probably more of a 2nd meeting type thing to do. My new t-shirt will be a good conversation starter; it says, "Live life like a book Florida would ban" in Pride colors.

Well, it doesn't roll around until May, but I just received the program and registration form for the Ohio Genealogical Society's annual conference up at Cedar Point. It's five days of classes and luncheon meetings with other, more experienced, genealogists. Many other topics besides Ohio roots (which I have), too. I went this year and had a ball, so next year I should be even more ready to roll. I love the exhibition and vendor hall, too.

Lunch with good friends on Saturday. I've really been in a slump so it should be a good pick-me-up. We're meeting in a little artsy town with lots of unique shops so we shall eat and support small businesses.

I'll be running the white elephant gift exchange for my family gathering. I have a few surprises planned, plus I plan to do the kind of white elephant where everybody draws a number. Then number 1 can pick any wrapped gift and open it. Next, number 2 can pick any wrapped gift, open it, and decide to keep it or they can trade it with number 1 for their gift. Number 3 can trade with either 1 or 2, and so on. Should be fun; this group has never done a white elephant exchange together before.

Our gathering is going to be in a little town in a restaurant where they shot some of the scenes for Vampire Diaries. They have specialty drinks of course, and the bartender will regale us with trivia. There is also a museum in the basement. Should be lots of fun.

-No more pink eye for our fam (ugh daycare germs!)
-Officially stepping down from my work role in January to allow more happiness and balance in my life
-Making Christmas magical for our kiddo
-Hella Thanksgiving leftovers (we make pot roast in lieu of turkey)
-Allowing myself more grace as a new mom

Congratulations on all of your new adventures!

I’m looking forward to watching the college football playoffs between December 20th and January 20th. Our University of Oregon team is doing real well. I like both the UofO Ducks and Oregon State Beavers. Both schools have great team sports in football and baseball. Go Ducks!!

This time next week:

I’ll be in my new place. Likely nesting….

Lunch tomorrow with my bff. I hardly ever get to see him because he lives in Indianapolis. He's in town for the weekend and we're going to the LGBTQ sports bar, which has good food a cut above the usual sports bar food. I can't wait until he opens his present - he's going to love it! It will be so good to see him and talk in person!

For the first time *ever* in my career/work life I have the entire Christmas holiday off. I can hardly believe it… after all these years. I’m gonna do something special just for me…. :bouquet:

That's one of the main things I loved about working in academia - the students got two weeks off, and so did the faculty and staff.

* * *

I'm looking forward to Christmas day. The boy and I can eat, open presents, play games and watch Christmas specials all day long.

Getting my strength back.

Looking forward to being done with moving already. My departure got postponed. Again.

However…..

I made great strides towards nursing school. Got my schedule and were started with the financial aid part. Something positive for sure!

I’m looking forward to citizens in our country finally saying “No” to anything the orange menacing captain chaos and his tax evading appointees try to do to ruin the world. :sock: :vigil: :candle:

Grocery shopping tomorrow.

Strange but true. I’ve not had a decent meal for over a week. Road food and not having my kitchen situated has taken its tole.

I’m thinking chili tomorrow in the crockpot……

The word “tole” doesn’t look right……? I’m overtired

I made the aforementioned chili. ‘‘Twas delish.

Served it with corn chips and a Gaelic ale from
My favorite Asheville brewery, Highlands.