ODE TO THE TEN TON CHEESE

I'm eating S'Mores Pop Tarts and OH MAN they are so good. Sorry Body, I'm going to be bad to you just one more time, okay? At least I'm drinking milk, that's healthy! TAKE SOME CALCIUM, SELF!

Adam went with me and the Sibbie to Kohl's tonight. We were hoping to spend our Christmas gift cards on some nice swag, but the selection wasn't that great (surprise, surprise). Don't get me wrong, I completely acknowledge that Kohl's has some serious deals when you can find them. But sifting through all the crap on the 70% Off racks wasn't worth the time (nor did we have time anyway; we got there an hour before they closed). Lindsey got some menorah socks for her Jewish roommate, along with some makeups and a card holder/wallet. I bought 4 different packs of barrettes, something I haven't had a decent variety of since I was a kid (you know the ones--tiny, colorful, and animals/cute things on them). Naturally the store didn't have any wild colors or designs. But I did get many different shapes and styles, including some leopard-print ones that are deliciously tacky but still pull-off-able. FOR ME ANYWAY.

My dad bought me the complete The Lord of the Rings for Christmas and I've been reading it since then. Bill and I have also taken to reading in turns over the phone, but he's been struggling to keep up (I hate to say it, Bill, but it's true and we all know it). Every time I would tell him online where I was at in the book, I would end up reading four more chapters later in the day. So maybe it's hopeless to read together anymore since I'm going to be done before you know it and I don't know if I have the balls to re-read those lengthy chapters, however delightful a book companion Bill Berg can be. I was stupidly reading it until 4:30AM twice this week. It's already 2:10AM and I know if I go pick it up when I get in bed, I'll be up until I'm killing myself with exhaustion and then I'll be angry with myself tomorrow for sleeping until 12:30 again (I've been sleeping in awfully late ever since the holidays started). Sleeping in late makes the days too short for me, and I really do love experiencing the mornings. Everything just looks different in that morning light, you know? I'd rather be getting up at 9 every day instead. Too late for that tomorrow, though. I must get 8 hours sleep or I start punching things.

I cooked dinner for the fam tonight. We had some roasted chicken that was too dry, some overly-seasoned roasted potatoes, and some awesome broccoli/carrots (at least I got that right). I totally get into the whole experience of cooking/eating at home. I enjoy setting the table a certain way and taking care of everybody. I can't wait to have my own place and play host all the time, making awesome recipes, themed mix CDs, etc. I love it all.

Most of you folks haven't really seen me, mostly because of my geeky deliberate restriction on personal photographs in public forums. Probably because I ruined it for myself years ago when I went through that "I just got a digital camera and I'm going to take photos of myself for weeks on end" phase. Now I have no current pictures of myself on my hard drive. I look and feel older, my hair is longer than it's ever been, and I wear tons of gold jewelry. That's all that has changed since 2002, 2003, or 2004. I didn't take any shots of myself at all in 2005. But I might have to start taking some because I'm toying with the idea of making Tracy paper dolls and that would require photography. Also there is the fact that I love seeing photos of my online friends because it makes them more real to me. Do I want to be more real to you? Do you want me to be more real? WE'LL SEE WHAT HAPPENS.