A few years ago when

A few years ago when my aunt moved into a new house, we started going up to Chapel Hill on the day after Christmas to have a big family lunch/dinner. Today was no exception, although the cast was a little different — Katie is out in Seattle with Joel and his family, and Brian had to fly to New Orleans this morning for work. Work! He is coming back tomorrow night; apparently they have a report due just after New Year’s. Without the twins, there were only seven of us.

Nevertheless, we had a great meal thanks to Aunt Nancy’s heroic efforts in the kitchen, and then exchanged gifts. I got two definite keepers — photos coasters from Casey (I’ve made them for other people but never for myself!) and a blanket from Aunt Nancy that she knitted herself. Very cool.

Yesterday was pretty quiet after the morning’s present-opening. For the first time ever, I had the fewest presents among my siblings. I must’ve misbehaved this year. I got many of the things I asked for and many things that I didn’t but are just as cool. An REI gift card from Brian, a video game and CD from David, a book and calendar from Katie and Joel, money from Grandmother, and assorted clothes and books from Mom and Dad. Mom says part of the reason I got less is that she still “owes” me some presents — shoes and a purse. So we get to go shopping tomorrow — woohoo!

I think all my presents went over well too. A book and an REI gift card for Brian (yes, we each gave the other an REI gift card), Battlestar Galactica Season 1 for David, a camping lantern for Joel, a book and camera bag for Katie, an amaryllis for Grandmother, a UNC fleece jacket for Mom, and the Cosmos DVDs for Dad.

Mom and I went to the movies last night and saw “The Holiday.” It was a good chick flick and we enjoyed it, though Mom cried through the whole thing. When we got home the rain had finally stopped, and I knew I’d feel guilty if I didn’t squeeze in a run, since I missed today due to our daytrip to Chapel Hill. I headed out at 10:00 for three laps around the block; one lap, conveniently, is right at a mile. Taking a cue from Steve B, I didn’t wear my watch! It felt weird. Never fear runners: I will be doing my speed workout tomorrow since I missed it today!