nolly

I woke up far too early this morning. Got outside with my luggage and spotted the shuttle van shortly thereafter. When we were most of the way to the airport, I realized I'd left my pack at home. The pack containing my cell phone, PDA, credit cards and antihistamines. Curb checked my checked bags -- I was surprised they let me do this with an e-ticket, but it was no problem. Grabbed coffee and a cinnabon because i couldn't think straight. After providing my body with fuel, I grabbed a taxi home and back to get the missing bag, then went on through security. I had plenty of time -- because I've been searched the last couple of times I left town, I scheduled the van quite early. So of course, I wasn't searched at all.

Read all of the first volume and part of the second volume of Strangers in Paradise while I waited to board; finished the second volume on the plane, read a bit of The Phoenix Guards, and did the crosswords.

By the time we got to DFW, the mocha I'd had while waiting to board was combining with a few other factors (overheated, for one) to make me feel vaguely ill. A pepto tablet, a bag of chips and a bottle of Sierra Mist put things to right, though. Read the third SiP volume and more of the Brust while waiting, then slept most of the flight to Birmingham.

Off the plane, met by my mother and one of my uncles. My bags were among the first few out, so we were off to my grandparents in short order. Got the bags in, discovered I'm sleeping in the ham shack this year, though I'll likely move to a real bedroom when some of the relatives leave in a couple of days. Dinner happened shortly after arrival, then I wrapped my presents and got them under the tree just in time for gift opening. Dad's sweater seems to fit pretty well; Mom's is rather too large. The afghans for my grandparents were well received, and my brother and his wife seemed to like the books[1] and game[2]. I got a couple of the DVDs I'd asked for, some binoculars, and other assorted goodies; I'll likely take photos later.

Played Taboo and then Apples to Apples with varying combinations of cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. Then people from this time zone all went to bed, and I got a chance at the computer, allowing me to check email, LJ, etc. However, if I'm going to be sociable tomorrow, I should hit the sack soonishly myself.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

[1] Card's Sarah and Rebekah
[2] Settlers of Canaan