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!