xmas xmas.

Now that I am home from work, I am looking forward to the evening ahead:

Part I: Working out on the elliptical while re-reading Harry Potter (so much for reading new stuff over break).

Part II: A roasted veggie pizza, Syrah, and Arrested Development on Netflix.

Part III: More Arrested Development and working on my sister's scarf.

I know some people find spending Christmas alone weird and sad, but for me, a second of solitude during the holidays is a rare treat. I have a huge family on both sides (that are in a fairly constant state of conflict over Quality Time where my sister and I are concerned), and my holidays therefore have historically been more chaotic and stressful than anything else. Not having to deal with all that has been nice, even if I did miss my two-year-old cousin's rendition of "Red Solo Cup" (my twenty-five-year-old cousin is not a good influence).

For the Rest of Us

Happy Festivus, one and all. I have already accomplished a few feats of strength (I ran three miles, then went shopping two days before xmas), and I am now airing my grievances:

1. My yarn won't knit itself.
2. I have a giant zit in the middle of my freaking forehead that is preventing me from going out.
3. Finding pants that fit me is really difficult.
4. My hair straightener has burned the crap out of me many times over the course of this year.
5. The vast majority of people I know think I'm a giant weirdo.
6. I still haven't mastered applying makeup.
7. Especially lipstick.
8. I'm not photogenic.
9. I've lost three cats this year (two to the breakup from hell, one to cancer). Kind of over it.
10. The breakup from hell itself and all of its attendant/subsequent ridiculousness. 
11. Driving to Cullowhee and back for grad school twice a week all semester...
12. ...and having to do it again next semester despite the program's curriculum that stated that all of my classes would be in Asheville. 
13. Gas is still $3+ a gallon.
14. Amy's work won't let her come see me again. :(
15. I was too busy with school to finish my reading challenges for 2011, and I'm not even going to bother signing up for any in 2012 because I know my life will be just as nuts then, too.

And probably a bunch of other stuff I'm forgetting. 2011 was tough, yo. 

I'll post a list of good things before the year is out, promise.