I'll say again what I've been saying for months: we need to skip February next year. I'm just glad that I have more heat in my house than I did in my last apartment... though I'm not looking forward to the gas bills.

The best cryptic metaphor I can think of for describing my life recently is that I am at the top or the bottom of a mountain. I can't figure out if I am looking up or down at it, but I know it's in front of me. I feel that I must either let go and jump off or gather my strength and start the climb - or both. I know that this is a good thing - it is what I have sought. It is just overwhelming.

I am noticing how my body adjusts to the cold. I feel constricted. It makes me want it to be spring even more. I am doing my best to respect the cycle of the seasons, and adjust or find other ways to fill myself with warmth.

For Thanksgiving, I got up early and went for my annual jog. This year I did it through the neighborhood around my house - where I will be for at least a few years to come. I then drove out to my parent's. I had some great time with them and around 5:00 my aunts and uncles started showing up and by 6:00 we had dinner. I kept trying to get my mom to take off her apron and join us at the table. I embraced another holiday tradition and went out shopping on "Black Friday". My parent's decided they wanted an High-Definition TV, so I went to Meijer at 3:00 AM and waited in line to buy a 42 inch LCD for only $500. I also got them a Blu-Ray player, and came home and set everything up. After taking a nap I went to the mall with Alex for a bit, and then decided to just drive home that night.

Over the course of November, I developed an infatuation with my friend, Sarah. It took me some time to realize how I really felt towards her, but suffice it to say we are now spending a majority of our free time together.

At work, we've been doing full days since mid-November on a large package of spots that will take us through 'til the holiday break. We were also given the week between Christmas and New Year's off. I'm thinking of taking a road trip.

I was really anxious to take care of my holiday preparation. I finished almost all of my Christmas shopping before December by way of local craft fairs and amazon.com. The other week I hung some lights along the front of my house. This Monday I made my own cards to mail to family and Tuesday I took care of all my gift wrapping. Now all I have to do is enjoy the holiday season.