Yeah, I know, I disappeared for the duration of the holidays. Basically, we went to visit my in-laws and my parents and I barely turned my computer on because I was on vacation. This was remarkably wonderful for my mental health and overall well-being to just disconnect and do wild and crazy stuff like read some books, do some Sudoku puzzles, and watch TV and not be a slave to my computer like I usually am. So, in the interest of playing catch-up, I'm going to pull out my trusty go-to thang and do a numbered list:

1) Mike's suitcase had a mind of its own: when we flew to visit my in-laws, Mike's suitcase, which held ALL of his clothes for the trip, went to Mexico City. We did not go anywhere NEAR Mexico City. Almost 70 hours later, he had his bag back. But it made for an interesting trip and some clothes-borrowing in the interim.

2) The holidays overall were very emotional for me this year. The last time I saw my Grandma was on New Year's Eve 2006, so on New Year's Eve 2007, I was a bit melancholic. Add to that the fact that my mom and I spent a few hours at my grandparents' house that day going through a bunch of stuff, and, well, I was a bit of a wreck. I found some more things I wanted to bring back with me, but that doesn't bring my grandparents back at all. It's nice to have some more of their things to have around my house and remind me of them all the time (not that I need reminding, but it does bring me comfort). The most fun find and the thing I most wanted to find? Letters my grandparents had written to each other years ago. I can't wait to go through them at my leisure after my mom peruses them.

3) It's been hard re-engaging my brain and getting back to work. I was regretting my lack of computer time yesterday when I had SO many emails waiting for me, but I got through those and am plowing through work like I had no time off at all. It was hard to turn on my computer yesterday morning, though!

4) I've been bitten by the organization bug, as always seems to happen this time of year, and I am eager to organize my house. Actually, reorganize would be more accurate, because I keep my stuff pretty organized much of the time. This will be more of a rearranging and purging thing, and finding spots for the stuff we brought back with us from my grandparents' house. I would dearly love to organize the front of the garage while I'm in this mode, but it's WAY too cold out to consider it. Will have to wait till spring to do that.

5) Scores at my grandparents' house: One of the coolest things I found? A 1950 Hopalong Cassidy thermos, in REALLY good condition. That is getting displayed in my living room! I love vintage stuff like that! So awesome. I could probably get a decent amount of money for it on eBay, but I'm keeping it. I also came back with my grandma's measuring cups and spoons, rolling pin, sugar bowl, napkin holder, a record cabinet that was always in their living room, a ton of old photos, the quilt that was on their bed for years, a huge afghan my grandma made, two lamps, two sconces, my grandpa's money clip and cuff links, things my mom and aunts had made when they were younger, old report cards, some Christmas decorations, and a few other odds and ends.

6) I have taken custody of ALL of the family photos and paper-related family history items (y'know, stuff like my great grandmother's elementary school graduation program, etc.) from the house and plan, over the next year, to scan them all in and make copies for my aunts, mom, brother and cousins so everyone has a copy of them. It's going to be a big project, but I figure if I do a chunk each week, it won't overwhelm me too much. It's the genealogist in me that wants to preserve this stuff, so I am excited to sit down and go through it all and put it into order.

7) New Year's was celebrated in grand style at my parents' house: we played Scrabble, watched the movie "Dick" (a tradition started a few years ago -- it's HYSTERICAL!), and we watched the Pink Panther movie with Steve Martin in it too (Pink Panther movies are a long-time family favorite). So we did a lot of laughing that evening, turned the TV over to watch the ball drop at midnight, then turned the DVD player back on to finish watching Pink Panther. Good times.

I think that's about it for now. I always seem to get really moody and introspective in January, and I'm sure this year will be no different. I get into this post-holiday blues mode, and sit here wishing I lived closer to my family... I'm just warning you that it's sure to show up any day now, so if I get cranky, that's why.

Happy New Year and tell me how your holidays were!!!