Rather than try to give a full (and boring) account of my vacation, which would never get done anyway, I'll simply share some random vacation thoughts:

• Winter vacation is surprisingly short out here in the Real World™.
• Crossword puzzles are dangerously addictive.
• Working for a sexy, well-known company is totally the way to go when it comes time to attend a (pseudo) high-school reunion.
• Yes, Hero is still that good the second time.
• No matter how many times I read almost nothing on vacations, I'm still convinced it's important to take two or three books with me.
• Presents are very, very exciting when you are three and a half.
• The iTalk may be more expensive than writing reminders to myself on paper, but it's way more fun and a lot harder to lose.
• Pfeffernüsse is quite tasty.
• Friends don't let friends visit Powell's with a credit card.
• There's a reason that samba baterias generally play outside.
• Snow is much prettier on forested hills as I drive by than it was piled on the sidewalk and by the side of the road as I slogged to class.

All in all, a very successful holiday.