The final countdown

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Happy Monday, everyone! I have just TWO more days before I go to Illinois and Indiana for the holidays! Yay!

The weekend was busy but fun.

On Friday night, Amanda and I went to Black Bottle for dinner. I highly recommend the "blasted broccoli" and "mussels marseille-style."

On Saturday we met G&G for dinner at Vince's in Federal Way and spent the evening in Federal Way at Scott's birthday party (look for a post about that later today).

On Sunday we were planning to go skiing, but everyone was too tired from the party/intimidated by the single-digit temperatures.

To avoid traveling with a load of presents to Indiana, Amanda and I celebrated Christmas early and opened presents (except one each, which we will bring to Indiana). I totally scored! I got a Flip, pillows, socks, a sweater, toothbrushes, a DVD, a knit hat and Snorenz. Thanks, Amanda!

We went to Madame K's for dinner and saw Rosie Thomas' Christmas show at Town Hall (Thanks, Wesley!).

Now I'm about to kick-off my last Monday before vacation. Word to your mothers.

Holidays can be a headache

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Sorry I've been MIA these past couple days.

Perhaps the reason why holiday vacations are so noticably relaxing is because everything leading up to them -- closing work projects, planning the trip, last-minute shopping, packing, etc. -- is so damn stressful.

Yesterday I actually left work mid-morning because I had a killer migraine. My right eye was twitching non-stop, too. I'm not crediting pre-vacation stress entirely for this episode (brews from the Jolly Roger the previous night may have contributed), but I'm quite sure it was the catalyst.

Amanda and I leave for Chicago on Wednesday and then we'll be heading east to Leo, Ind., one week from today. This is when I meet her family for the first time, which reminds me of a headline I read the other day: "Guy killed meeting girlfriend's family for first time."

That's comforting.

No, seriously though. Because I'm a polite, charming fellow I'm quite confident that things will be smooth with Amanda's family in Indiana. I've already made my first impressions on WIB and have gained a small readership out of her family (Hi Grandma Lowden, Aunt Teresa, Amber and Sheree!).

Before we get to crunch time next week, I have lots of opportunities this weekend to unwind that I'm looking forward to. Look for some pictures over the weekend from Scott's ski-themed birthday party on Saturday night.

Now back to finishing up those projects at work...

Crystal Mountain may open Saturday

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You heard it here first!

According to the Ski Crystal announcement, "We can’t say for sure but we’re looking at a possible opening on Saturday, December 13th with limited operations. We’re keeping a close eye on the weather over the next few days. The big deciding factor will be the system on Friday. We sill need another 6-8 inches of snow in order to open."

Lifts and trails available IF Crystal opens:

Discovery Chair: Discovery Meadow
Chinook Express Chair: Broadway & possibly Skid Road
Forest Queen Chair: Downhill & possibly Magoo.
Below Forest Queen & Chinook Express: Tinkerbell to lower Quicksilver

Discounted lift tickets will be just $25 due to the limited runs (or extensive runs to some of us), which means this is a good opportunity get your legs back in shape on the cheap.

Pray for 6-8 inches on Friday! (That's what she said.)

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I've had many memorable experiences during my walks home from the gym in the morning.

I've been (gently) hit by a car. I've heard fire and brimstone sermons from the local church. I've seen people making out in cars.

Considering that I live just three blocks from the gym and am usually walking back around 7 a.m., I consider this impressive.

Today was no exception. I was walking past the drug store when an old, white, beat-up Ford hatchback pulled up to the curb in front of me. A man hopped out of the car and yelled at me,

"JESUS LOVES YOU!"

Then he jumped back in the car and drove off.

"Thanks," I replied, and continued my walk home.