Sweet home....Arkansas....!

Have returned to the great green south for the glorious Christmas season, a time away from textbooks, research proposals, foreign languages and dining hall food. And the chance to sleep in a nice big bed, sleep when I want, and eat when I want.

My joy in my return, however, was marred by the fact that both my flight were late- the one out of Toronto over an hour, and my connecting flight about 20 minutes. So when I finally did arrive home around 9:30 last night, the only energy I was able to spend was on a tour of the lights in the house and enough to get me to bed. Then I was up at 8 to go to the doctor where I endured more waiting, an x-ray, and was told that they don't know what's wrong with me but I have to see the ortho surgeon again.

But the house is beautiful- all the lights, our xmas trees, a surreal absense of snow and the cold air that bites into your skin. Chris is driving, Dad is on vacation, and Mom gives me hugs. Upon my return last night it took the dog about 10 minutes or so to remember who I was and to stop jittering in my presence. Now we're buddies again.

Today I wrapped presents, curled up on the small couch and read a book that had nothingto do with Chinese history and the popular culture expressed in wrestling, then drank Maragritas and ate pigs-in-a-blanket with the family in front of the webcam with our other family.

The dog now has her head on my lap, aiming for a pat. I think I shall oblige.