Scott Christmas

For the first time ever, Brett and I had a solo Christmas. He had just moved up (finally, permanently!) the week before, and we wanted some time for just the two of us. For a few days we relaxed, blazed through True Detective (which I thought was good, although perhaps not as good as it thought it was), and I made Christmas dinner.

In Brett's family, ham gravy is the pillar of all holidays. It is discussed endlessly beforehand, eaten quickly during, and remembered fondly afterward. So, I made a ham with ham gravy.

It was not as good as my mother-in-law's. Oh well--even not-as-good ham gravy is yummy.

Movies, Solo

Do you ever go to see movies by yourself? I do. When Brett and I were living separately, if I wanted to see a movie, I went alone. And even now that he is here, he does not want to see all of the movies I want to see (or, often, he is patient enough to wait until a movie comes out on digital format and I am not).

Over Christmas break, I went to see two movies by myself. First, I saw Wild. I read Cheryl Strayed's biography of the same name a few years ago, and although I enjoyed it, I was ambivalent about seeing the movie. For me, enjoyment of the book rested in the significance of small moments and Cheryl's internal conflicts, and I was not sure how that would translate into a movie. However, the reviews were overwhelmingly positive, so I went to see it.

I really enjoyed it. The movie was able to translate the subtle emotions of the book into film. I was only disappointed that one of my favorite encounters in the book--Cheryl meets a father and son hiking--did not make it to the film.

Second, a very different kind of movie--Big Hero 6. Again, I had not planned on seeing this movie, but the reviews were excellent and I had a free afternoon. 

It was so cute, but also had a surprising amount of emotional depth (I may have cried, although that is not a great barometer, as I can be brought to tears by commercials). 

(Almost) Midnight Train to Champaign

Last week, I took the train to and from Champaign to visit Brett. Although it was great to be in Champaign (we went to one of my favorites for lunch, Golden Harbor--yummmm), it was a busy weekend. I cleaned out the apartment as best I could before the big move, and Brett had to study for finals.

I took the late train home, and although I was not initially looking forward to the trip back, I had a nice surprise waiting for me at the station--a friend from law school, Krystelle, was taking the same train back! It was great to catch up.

Accidentally Christmas-coordinated.

This week, I did not go back to Champaign. Brett had one final remaining, and it was the one he needed to study for the most. The next time I am in Champaign, it will be to move Brett. I cannot wait!

Best Buy

Did you take advantage of Black Friday or Cyber Monday? I picked up a few items, and I am particularly happy with this perfume.

Nordstrom featured a sample of Jo Malone's Blackberry and Bay cologne in their holiday promotional, and I was hooked after one whiff.

Turkey Day Recap

Happy belated Thanksgiving!

We had a great holiday back in WashMo. Highlights include:

-Not one, but two, delicious Thanksgiving dinners. My dad had to work Thursday evening, so we had a wonderful lunch with my parents, then we headed over the Brett's parent's home for Round 2.

Meal #1 at my parents house.

To prepare for the turkey/ham/mashed potato/pie onslaught, we had our own Turkey Trot in the morning (Brett ran, I walked). Although it was a little cold, I think this is a nice tradition to start.

-Visiting with friends, old and new. We had lunch and watched the Mizzou game with our old friend Nick and his girlfriend. Nick's family has two pugs, so there was only one way I wanted to watch the game--covered in pugs.

#puglife

-Seeing some family. We stopped by my cousin's adorable new home, where I got in some baby cuddles and got to catch up a bit with my extended family.

-Dinner in St. Louis with my parents at a very nice restaurant. Yum.

-Riding around town on my dad's Can-Am Spyder with Brett. We drove on some of the windy, scenic roads in town. We also stopped at the high school parking lot so I could drive around a bit. I learned to drive a car in that parking lot, so it was only appropriate.

My mom's helmet, my dad's bomber jacket, my face, and my husband.
We were parked when we took this picture, don't worry.

-Taking in the Garden Glow. Last night, Brett and I went with my parents to the Garden Glow at the St. Louis Botanical Gardens (the Gardens are covered in Christmas lights and holiday decorations). We had a great time. 

I hope you and yours had an equally wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

The Shai-Hulud of Earworms

I join the rest of the internet in commanding you to watch this video, which Glen Weldon of Pop Culture Happy Hour called the Shai-Hulud of earworms.

Then you must read this Buzzfeed article. Then you must read Dune (which really goes without saying). At that point, we will have enough shared cultural references to have a conversation.

Sylvan Esso

Since hearing a recommendation on NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour, I have been listening to Sylvan Esso's self-titled album on Spotify on repeat. PCHH particularly praised the single Coffee, but the track that I have most enjoyed is Wolf.