Yesterday was mom's birthday--55, if she doesn't mind me telling so (it's for history, you know). I woke up yesterday morning at about 9:00 since classes are done with. I had to finish my one-act play and turn that in by noon for my class, which I finished at 11:00 and had it in the mailbox a few minutes after. Still needs tweaking, I think, but I've come to believe that there is no such thing as a final draft and that something can always be changed, even in the greatest of fiction. Anyway, got that taken care of and rescued Kristofer from the boredom of studying and we went to the mall for a bite to eat and to shop through jewelry stores for my mom. I really wanted to get her pearls (she's been kidnapping the pair she gave me for Cotillion) and I thought it was ironic to give her pearls on Dec. 7th (Pearl Harbor Day). Well, on a college budget it was difficult, but we finally found a necklace that Kris and I both liked and then headed home to the Castle Arroyo. Kris had played football with some buddies the day before and, in the midst of the "most amazing catch", proceeded to just about fall on his head and was aching all over. So he sat in the hot tub while I began decorating. I didn't do much--didn't mom to get fussy and tell me I had taken too much stuff out. Later, Kris and I helped dad get the tree out from the garage--beast of a thing and a bit dusty. Trees aren't meant to travel. But we got it together, hooked up the lights, and dusted it off. Dad put the angel on top--his big contribution--and the ornaments awaited in the boxes. After woof-woof, mom opened cards and presents. Kris went home to study while the ladies--mom, grandma, and me--began decorating the tree. It didn't take us too long with the three of us and grandma told us all about her trip to Kansas for Thanksgiving, including the details of a wonderful dinner party with Christmas napkins and homemade desserts and they played cards. It was lovely, she said. I had to giggle about the Christmas napkins; I didn't really think grandma cared about things like that, but apparently she does. Grandma and Cody went to bed, and then there were two. I followed mom around the house, watching her O.C.D. in action. After what seemed like forever, we made our specialty hot choocolate and sat on the patio, sipping our gold-rimmed mugs with whipped cream mustaches. It was quite delicious. I'm still home now, taking a break from my mild studying--mostly figuring out exactly what I need to study--and everyone is off doing their normal Friday stuff. I've got my French exam tonight, then dinner with the class and professor, and only one more final to take care of...thank goodness!! Carrie