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.


I hope everyone is making the most of their holiday season. Even though I'm in Chicago this Christmas, courtesy of the internet, much merriment was shared between me and my folks today. We watched each other open presents via video chat and spent much of the afternoon shamelessly launching koopa shells at each other in playing Mario Kart over the Wii network (note to Nintendo: make more games that you can play with your friends online!!). In short, a good time was had by all. While it wasn't quite the same as being at home, it was pretty darn close, and it involved no waiting in line at the airport. Yay!