It's been busy around here.

I don't even know everything I've done in the past three (EEP!!) weeks since I was last here. I haven't checked up on anyone else either so I have no idea what's going on with anyone else.

I got a hair cut. It was just a trim, but the nice lady who did my hair knew I was going to my company Christmas party that night so she did it up all fancy-schmancy. I loved it. So curly and cute. A co-worker got some pictures so hopefully I'll be able to scam it from her to show off.

We played In Nomine for the first time in Cheruby's campaign and I made her character work very hard with very little payoff. I felt so bad for her. And my character was quite mean and suspicious of everyone. We're being used as pawns in a much larger game that I'm sure we have no control over.

I've done some baking as well. There was sugar cookie making with a really good friend who's having a hard time lately. And chocolate chip cookies for my Seasonal Celebration that was two weeks ago. The newlyweds and family were able to come over in the afternoon so I got to spend some time with the littlest monkey. She's adorable and loves the kittenses.

Present buying and present wrapping didn't tire me out at all this year. I made several small trips out to specific stores with specific things in mind and only left empty-handed a few of those times so I didn't get frustrated. I always left before that happened.

Trips to the doctor for me and a some time spent visiting a friend in the hospital. A roller coaster of emotions later and things didn't turn out well. I just keep them in my thoughts and prayers that their spirits heal.

I didn't think it'd be a big deal, being away from mom & dad on Christmas-proper. But I missed them more than I thought I would. I saw them the Wednesday before for a small Christmas meal and saw mom the Wednesday after on a quick trip of hers into the city, but the week in the middle was barren without them. I don't know what I'm going to do next year. Mom and I had a very good visit this week. We hadn't visited like that in a while and it was good.

Spending time with friends and family came first in the past few weeks. It's been wonderful and the amazing part is that I haven't felt rushed at any time. Even when I had to stay up until 4 a.m. to get the Christmas stockings done for our adopted family so that the evening could be spent with my family and my Cheruby. Very worth it. I had a few evenings last week where sleep was not the priority. I made friendship bread for everyone in the office which, with 13 people, and 2 loaves at a time at 1 hour 5 minutes baking time for the loaves.... so much baking time. Very tired by Friday and very happy to have the long weekend here.

After the very tired Friday, Cheruby and I went to Lumsden to visit cenobyte and clan. There was another house warming party in their loft. I quite enjoyed myself as did Cheruby who got to pee off a balcony. Heh. I slept in the car on the way there so I could be partially awake when we got there.

Then there was Christmas with my Cheruby's family. They very nice and wonderful and I loved being there and spending time with them. Cheruby's mom is really great and made me feel very welcome. His sister gets annoyed easily with him as I do with my brother. Something about having picked on each other for the majority of their lives might have something to do with that. I loved it. I spoiled Cheruby with too much stuff. I couldn't think of what to get for him. I thought of something, but didn't think it was appropriate. Now, I think it would have been, but that's okay. There will be other times to get him his heart's desire. And he got me this gorgeous ring - it's a cat's eye gold ring that suits me very well. Of course, I cried when I got it. Did I mention that he makes me very happy? Well, if I didn't...

Oh, and I got to meet his ex-girlfriend last night. I was so not myself. Mostly just quiet and not a lot to say. If she hadn't made such a big deal out of meeting me, I likely wouldn't have cared one way or the other, but she did for 8 months so last night was very nervous for me. I'm glad she's so nice, but she still hurt my Cheruby very badly in the past and I think it'll take me a while to get over that. She had this amazing hooka from Kuwait that was used last night with some mint and grape flavoured tobacco. It was neat to watch. I phoned a friend for some support to come play games with us, but he declined as he was very tired. I understand I didn't impress upon him the need for some support for me in the situation. I knew I could make it on my own even though it would've been easier with him there.