Props to Michael's (the craft store) for allowing me to pretend that the Christmas season has already begun. Actually, I've been waiting for it for a month or two now; made one trip awhile ago to buy melting chocolates, and went back today to get the molds. They must pump crack into the air along with cinnammon, because I was drawn down the stocking stuffer aisle and had a strong urge to get cheap things for Brianna and Derek. I got her a little pack of Disney princess stick-on earrings and rings, and a pack of glow-in-the-dark dinosaurs for him. Annnnd I felt somehow strongly compelled to buy a pack of glow-in-the-dark dinosaurs for myself, so I did. Only a buck, and I've been wasting a lot more money than that this quarter by not packing a lunch most days. They must go on my nightstand. I don't know why.
I remember also how important Christmas shopping was four years ago when I was working on grad school applications. I am worried about getting the preliminary data for our NSF grant and then all the work that I will probably have to do helping to write the grant while still TAing. So, I like focusing on preparations for a happy and relaxing time of the year.