So, when Elsa gets stuck in the house without anything to do, she foists herself on her friends.

Monday there was no school, duh, so we packed up LMT and the single female offspring and went to Seattle. I got the hardware that was left out of the futon pack, and then we went for dim sum. Not sure the junior LMT was as impressed as we felt she should have been, but the elder LMT and I pigged out admirably. The regret began at the table and carried us through the rest of the day. We didn't even eat real dinner. That's a good round of dim sum, baby.

Little Miss Thing got a new shower head and her pictures hung. Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas, LMT, from the woman who complains of not knowing about those holidays. I guess I came through. Thanks for letting me have the first shower, and for letting me do my laundry. You have nice-smelling detergent and dryer sheets. I never use those. A nice touch of civilization. And thanks for letting me cook my London Broil. I promise to always let the meat rest, and next time to cook it 3 fewer minutes.

I put my futon frame together and slept in an actual bed for the first time since mid-November. Novel. Oh, yes, that's how a bed feels. How lovely. And kitties on the bed. Yay!

School was on today, without bus transportation. Of course, only about half the kids showed up. What a riot. I spent the day on roller skates; I skate one day per school year, and today was my day. One student, probably a second grader, asked, "How is it that you are permitted to roller skate?" and I answered, "I just decided to. If my principal tells me to take them off, I will, but until then, I'm having my one roller-skating day for the year." He was still puzzled and clearly not satisfied. Oh well. For the record, my principal did not ask me to take them off. I believe she was amused. So was my Director of Student Services, who affectionately (I hope it was affectionate) called me an idiot.

I got a LOT done on the psychologist end of things (I'm one of three subs for the one out on maternity leave), and hopefully will begin to hand off the duties to the new guy. It's tough to do two jobs at once. I really cleared my plate, though, and can move into the Winter Break without anything hanging over me. That's a good place to be.

Now, to get into a rhythm, to fit in my exercise, my vitamins, my regular meals, some cooking, and some good outdoor time. Last year at this time I began losing weight, getting serious about watching portions, and I dropped 20 pounds. That's my winter goal again this year. Twenty pounds would put me at my pre-grad-school weight, my 1988 weight, and I'd be pleased as punch. If I'm exercising, I may not drop that much, may just shift it to muscle, but I could potentially drop 2-3 sizes. I don't want to jinx it, so I'll shut up now.

To everyone out there, rubber side down, friends, and keep in touch.