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All four readers appear to be getting restless despite the regular dog photos, so it’s time for an update. I’m too tired for a clever narrative, so you’ll have to settle for a factual accounting of the events since Nov. 8th.

1) Went to Phoenix for work to deal with a certain federal agency that administers the aviation industry. If I ever so much as imply that I might one day consider applying to work for this agency, please put me out of my misery. Thanks in part to frivolous industry lawsuits, this agency’s bureaucracy knows no bounds. And the European version is worse.

2) Entertained the parents during Thanksgiving week and drowned my government-induced frustrations in corn pudding. After Thanksgiving, cut down a perfectly healthy fir tree for the living room.

3) Decorated for Christmas. Our external trimmings are festive, but not quite inflatable-Santa-in-the-front-yard festive (although I secretly like those). We have 1.5″ red, white and green lights all over the place, providing more than enough light to drown out the neighbors’ classy wreath and one strand of miniature white lights. Some of this unbridled festivity may stem from my constant struggle against white lights while growing up. By parental mandate, our tree was all-white on alternating years, and I believe it has been all-white every year since I left for college.

4) After four years, finally a true Midwestern winter! Indiana Jones does not care for zero degrees and blowing snow, but I say he’s the one who refuses to wear a sweater.

5) Attended first-ever (for me) company Christmas party. Verdict: Too few drunken coworkers (zero, by my count), too many akward moments from the hired comedian, who attempted too many blue jokes in a red room (ixnay on the esusjay okesjay…). It was painful, even if I was laughing nervously on the inside.

6) Have become belatedly addicted to Six Feet Under. We’re on Season 3, so no spoiler comments please.