Speaking of Thanksgiving...

I unfortunately have very few pictures to share. I know, I know, it's a tragedy. I left my camera in San Diego, and I forgot to get someone else to take pictures for me. In short synopsis, I went to Gilbert for a few days before Thanksgiving to spend time with my family, and, in particular, to celebrate my mom's birthday with her. We played all day, going to a movie (Eagle Eye - I recommend it), shopping at AJs and putting together a delightful spread of wine, cheese and hors d'oeuvres which we shared with a small gathering of some of my mom's best friends. It was a wonderful day.

The day before Thanksgiving, my mom and I made rolls and pies together. She got these pictures on her iPhone.

How cool is my mom, that she not only has a full chef's get-up, but she has multiple chef's get-ups, so that I could wear one, too? Super cool.

Unfortunately, no amount of attire could hide the fact that I felt totally inadequate when it came to making pie crusts. We start making them, and my mom says to me, "Now, with pie crusts, you need to make sure to measure everything exactly. You can't have too much flour. But make sure you get enough flour. And you can't have too much water. But make sure you get enough water. And you don't want to overwork it. But make sure you work it enough to mix it. And when you roll it out, try to keep it round. And when you put it in the pan, cut off the edges, but not too much, and make it even all the way around." What did I hear in that? Only the fact that there are about 15 ways to mess up pie crusts. No pressure. I should be clear that there really was no pressure from my mother - she was encouraging the whole time - all the pressure came from inside this perfectionist, performance-driven head of mine.

Well, with all of the frustration and self-deprecation and doubt, how did they turn out? Just fine. Why is it that I get overwrought about these things?

My short synopsis just turn into self-analyzing. Back to synopsis mode.

I drove to Tucson on Thanksgiving day and spent the day with dear friends who may as well be family. Between the Bouchards, the Butlers, the Yeakleys and me, we had a fabulous Thanksgiving feast, and even better Thanksgiving conversation. Have I ever mentioned how much I love these people? A lot. Really a lot.

I stayed in for most of black Friday, but returned to the Bouchards that evening for a viewing of The Scarlet Pimpernel, with the Butlers and Yeakleys also in attendance. It was a sweet evening of laughter and relaxation, and a two hour movie turned into three or four hour experience.

That was the good part of my last week. Unfortunately, Saturday started the rough part, where I was sick on the couch, and couldn't muster up enough energy to do anything other than lay there and watch movies or lay there and sleep. Thanksgiving leftovers were out of the question, much to my chagrin, and I had to miss seeing my old roommate and friend Amy, with whom I was really looking forward to catching up. It was a sad day.

I recovered enough on Sunday to drive back to San Diego, but I have to say, my stomach hasn't been the same since.

So, that brings us mostly up to speed. Now it's December, I am enjoying a house decorated for Christmas, and it's time to focus on shopping for gifts, making Christmas cookies, and finishing up a cross-stitch stocking for my uncle. Oh, and helping to plan the upcoming nuptials of my dear friends Ryan and Ariel. Time to get to work!