I have all my out-in-the-weather errands done, and am going to settle in for warm grading with the TV. It's all easy grading -- no essays -- so even though there's a ton, it should go pretty quickly.

We did an impromptu tree-trimming at ND and Kristin's a few years ago. It was a total blast. I am all for cocktail party trre trimming.

We did that last weekend! It was awesome. I made hot mulled cider (with rum, of course) and Becca made pasta primavera and Sean helped decorate the tree. Then there were games. I adore that tradition.

So we had our annual Xxxmas party last night, and it was a total blast. Our friend Fionn came dressed as a stocking in hysterically wrong fashion, and our inappropriate gift exchange was a hilarious success. I should have taken pictures of the gifts.

Coffee: If anyone checks my Facebook, you will see Fionn's costume. The best part is that everyone keeps thinking it's Drew (Fionn is basically Drew 10 years ago). At our wedding reception, multiple people commented on how nice Drew's brother was. It didn't take long to figure out they were talking about Fionn.

ETA: ION, I cannot believe our first wedding anniversary is in three weeks. Where did that year go?!?

I've decided my tree will wait until Friday; I don't want to have one in the house for three weeks. Two weeks will do. That means I can do laundry and write today before going over to make dinner for my folks.

I have a big tree and I am not even here for the holidays. Xmas trees are my favourite part of the holidays (also baking and presents). I still kind of want a 2nd one for all my neglected ornaments. But I am a tree control freak. There was lots of ornament rearranging after my nephew helped decorate the tree, now , I can't get him to even look at it.

Video of the Metrodome collapsing. Whoah.

If anyone checks my Facebook, you will see Fionn's costume. The best part is that everyone keeps thinking it's Drew (Fionn is basically Drew 10 years ago). At our wedding reception, multiple people commented on how nice Drew's brother was. It didn't take long to figure out they were talking about Fionn.

Even I did a double take. And spelled his name wrong apparently.

We did not decorate at all. And then I realized that we are throwing a concert afterglow party on the Tuesday before Christmas. So it`s a Christmas party, whether I intended it or not. So I probably should have decorated. But I have no cash, and no leftover decorations hanging around, so people will just have to deal.

Liese, there are a couple really easy ornaments/decorations you could make if you have the time or inclination.

When does DD take the gingerbread lattes away? Because between now and then, I'm going to overload on them, I can tell.

Gingerbread lattes are my favorite. I luckily found a bottle of gingerbread flavored syrup for $1 last January that is probably saving me big bucks on fancy coffees this year. Homebrewed coffee, a bit of cream, and syrup is just as decadent as far as my tastebuds are concerned.

I also got pumpkin pie spice ad eggnog syrups at the same time - I tried the pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving but misread the instructions and only used half the recommended amount. Consequently, that was not so delicious. But I haven't been motivated to try again because I've got gingerbread and why have anything else when gingerbread is available?