on certain Sundays in November when the weather bothers me

Find this & other lovelies at Missed Connections

So excited to be going home for the holidays. I leave tomorrow evening and won't have to come back to reality until Sunday evening.

I have been thinking a lot lately (this is no change in status quo, but the topic is noveau) I am trying to become more accepting and excited about the holidays. I've been sort of a "Bah Humbug" kind of person for awhile, withstanding Thanksgiving. I love Thanksgiving. I think this is because it is not reduced to gift giving and materialism. It's about food and who you share it with. That is my kind of thing.

I am a horrible hater of gift giving and receiving. But I am trying to get better at it. I am trying to get better at it because growing up I had a Grammy that adored the holidays and a Mom who does too. I want to have that kind of environment for my own children someday. I figure I only have numbered more childfree holidays to practice on. So I may even deck the hall (I only have one in my apartment) and listen to an occasional carol...(however, my rules on Christmas cards and materialism still apply).

Happy Thanksgiving, and beginning to the holiday season!

title courtesy of The Counting Crows, Hard Candy

eating cheese on toast

So tonight I was planning on having a little Thanksgiving feast for Keenan and myself, since as per usual we will not be together for the holiday (see also *actor's schedule).

Unfortunately, for the first time ever, the pilot light is out in the gas stove. Luckily the range still works. So everything that was going to be baked...is now being scrapped and reconstructed to be cooked on the range, or in the slow cooker. So no turkey...we are having porkchops with stuffing and vegetables. And no pie, unfortunately I haven't found a dessert that I have the ingredients for that doesn't need to be baked. Probably running out for some heavy cream so I can whip up a mousse.

I do not trust anyone but my maitenance man to light the thing, so comments to that effect are worthless to me. *I mean that in the sweetest most honest way*

title courtesy of Kate Nash, Merry Happy

when i look at you i squint you are that beautiful

happy birthday my dear friend. this weekend was the kind that you find yourself needing. i spent friday night with my new friend josie. and then spent saturday night at kate's 30th birthday party with 2 of my oldest friends. half of my life. i've been friends with these two, half of my life. we became friends in close quarters, a high school class of 40 some people. we spent most every day together for 4 years. we don't get to exist in close quarters anymore, but we are closer than ever in our hearts.

title courtesy of ani difranco: slide

And I remember the sound of your November downtown

I am doing this on the weekend:

• pumpkin pancakes & cinnamon syrup
• Kate's 30th birthday party
• reading food blogs
• getting my hair colored (the blonde is peeking through)
• need to get Kate a present!
• a little baking is in order
• exercise outside: the weather is lovely!
• start thinking about holiday shopping (yuck)

Food blogs I am loving lately:

• Two Peas & Their Pod
• For the love of cooking
• Lick the bowl good

I hope your weekend is fantastic! I am planning on it.
title courtesy of Joshua Radin: Winter