And Christmas is over. Christmas Eve: The morning was mostly spent doing things at home, but I did get to go deposit my paycheck and have Taco Bell for lunch. Bob came by and brought me part one of my Christmas present. We headed for the church around 3 because my family and I were singing and had to practice with the instrumentalists. Then we had a choir rehearsal, and finally, the service. We had to stop by the house so my dad could change clothes, and then we headed over to the house of some friends, and ate dinner. Then, as usual, we went Christmas caroling with said friends. I like singing bass on Joy To The World. Anyway, then we came home and OPENED PRESENTS! I got Harry Potter 2 in Spanish, a Spanish phrase book, a mini-dictionary, a Garfield page-a-day calendar, 2 CDs, and a new fleece jacket. Then, sleep. Christmas day: Santa came (hee), and brought me a CD burner, among other wonderful gifts. So after loafing around for the morning, we went to my great aunt Louise's for a lunch with my dad's family. Some of the people who usually don't get there until late were already there. My dad's two favorite girl cousins showed up, and they are both hilarious. Then we all just spent the rest of the day at home. It was the first Christmas without my grandmother, and I know people were aware of her absence, but everybody made sure festivities went on without her. She was spoken of in funny ways I know she'd laugh at. But I miss her. We all do. Yesterday: I spent all of yesterday in Winston-Salem at my grandmother's house. I got $60 from Jon and a gift card to the Gap from my grandmother. I think I'm going to try and find some pants that look better on me. So I've got these weight loss goals. I cannot begin to explain what an inspiration it is to see Joy lose 31 pounds. Her weight has always been such a struggle, and to see her do this is amazing. So she's going to help me stick to a diet, and in the spring, we're hopfully going to start walking a mile a day, four nights a week. We'll see how it turns out. Neal and Lori are getting married today. That's so weird. Joy, Kim, and Michael are coming here at 11, and we're going to have lunch, I think with Bob and his mom, and then go to the wedding. Many photos will be taken. And then it's back to work on Monday. Another whole week of vacation. Then, we start the new semester, which will contain the Winter Retreat, All-State, state festival, hopefully a chorus trip, prom, and, before we know it, graduation. Wow. I can't believe how close graduation is, even now.