Yes, I’ve been a very bad blogger. You can just add it to the list of things I’m bad about: I’m a bad dissertation writer, a bad housekeeper, a bad remember to go to the grocery store-er, etc.

So, a quick update for those that still check in here on occasion. It’s been a busy quarter despite not teaching or really taking any classes. I went to a couple of conferences and gave a few talks and workshops. One of the major conferences in my field happened to be in Phoenix this year, which gave me a great excuse to actually be home for Thanksgiving. Still, the conference itself took up a large chunk of time, so it didn’t feel like that long of a visit. But, conferences do provide a bit of incentive to get some written work done, and I do occasionally work on the dissertation, although its frustrating and requires more self motivation than I can usually muster on a daily basis.

I went a little crazy this fall with all the great video game deals retailers have been offering to get people to spend money that they don’t have. But I think Demon’s Souls was totally worth it, even if I haven’t been able to play it as much as I would like. I mean, we’re talking about a game that’s so hardcore, it has no pause button. You’ve really got to make sure you have a good couple uninterrupted hours to play this one.

Um, let’s see, what else has been going on? Recent events include a fantastic and gut-busting cookie exchange with some friends (pictures of my slightly sad efforts below).

And I’ve also been on a terrarium-making kick lately. Yeah, I know they’re all the rage on etsy and other DIY blogs, but I really do like the idea of having just the teensiest patch of green in the apartment to get me through the bleak Chicago winter. So far, I seem to be successful in getting the moss to grow, but I still need to add some decorative elements and maybe a few other little plants to make them really snazzy.

So, that rather sadly sums up the past few months. Rest assured, a lot of eating, drinking, and general merrymaking also went on, but none that seems especially blogworthy. Hopefully, the holidays will bring new and noteworthy adventures (and trust me, finishing a dissertation chapter or two would be new and noteworthy). Stay tuned. Same bat-time, same bat-channel.

Some not-so-perfect-looking Buttered Rum Meltaways.	Two different peanut brittle attempts, one which I seem to have burned slightly.
My little jar terrarium. Look at the thriving moss!!	Don’t even try to tell me the samurai isn’t a nice touch.