Thanks guys for all your feedback. Getting my nipple pierced is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and with your encouragement, I think I’m finally going to get it done. It’s supposed to be a nice weekend, especially on Saturday, so I think I’ll drive up to Burlington and get it done. I have not decided on which place to go to yet, but I’ve narrowed it down to three places. I’ll decide before I head up there on Saturday.

Tonight, however, I am going to the Vermont Burlesque Festival. At least that’s the tentative plan. I think it will be a lot of fun. I’ve been told it’s fun, and I’ll finally get to see the inside of the Barre Opera House, which is where tomorrow night’s part of the festival is being held,

How old is too old to get a nipple piercing? You see, I’ve always wanted one. I’ve always thought they were very cool and super sexy. I always told myself that when I got into shape, I’d get my nipple pierced. I did get into shape once, but I didn’t feel like I was in good enough shape at the time to warrant fulfilling the promise to myself. I don’t think anyone is really satisfied with their bodies, and I should have been back then and I wasn’t. Ok, I’ve gotten off topic. The thing is, am I being silly wanting a nipple piercing at 40 years old and out of shape? It’s something I’ve really been contemplating lately. I’ve even had dreams about it. So please give me your honest answer. I kind of feel like I’m being silly about it, and I’ve passed the age when I could have had it done. Plus, I’m not in shape, which has always been one of the things keeping me from getting my nipple pierced. What do you guys think?

It’s Monday and there isn’t much to be said. The weekend was kind of a wash. I stayed in Saturday because one, I had a headache all day, and two, because we didn’t get above 0 degrees all day long. Sunday started out with -14 degrees but eventually rose to 10 degrees. I ran to the grocery store for some quick provisions, then settled in for the night. Star Trek: Discovery was back on again last night. Wow, what an episode. I won’t say much about it, but that it was exciting and heartbreaking. Anyway, that was my weekend.

For most of the time I’ve been home, I’ve had a headache. I’m having to get used to the Central Time Zone again, which kind of has everything upside down. Nights are the worst because I want to go to bed so early. Mornings are better because I don’t sleep as late. The weather is vastly different too. Plus there is the added stress of family. All of that together gives me one massive headache. I’ve been staying with my parents, but on Friday I will go to my house and visit more with my cats, Edith and Lucy. I look forward to spending time with them and with my aunt. Hopefully, that will reduce my stress and alleviate my headache.

Thank God, it’s almost over. I have to survive this morning’s breakfast and then they will be gone. They meaning my sister’s family. They have two wonderful children, who I love dearly; however, the inequity in how they treat the boy and girl is more than I can stand. Nothing my nephew does gets him into any real trouble, but everything my niece does gets her yelled at. She’s a normal 10 year old with ADHD, and her parents don’t make sure she takes her medicine. So when she doesn’t take her medicine and is hyper, she gets yelled at. My sister went ballistic yesterday because my niece spilled the punch I’d given her. This is just one example. I get very frustrated at the way they treat my sweet little niece, but I’m not allowed to say anything. It’s so very frustrating. Thankfully, they will leave after breakfast in the morning and things will return to something like normal around here.

I always get down here and wish I wasn’t here for the whole week, but I love being with family (most of them) at Christmas and I love New Year’s Day. New Year’s Day is special in our family for its traditions, and I’d hate to miss it. I know if I get the job in Chicago, I won’t have the luxury of staying a whole week. Maybe next year, I’ll just come for New Year’s Day.

Merry Christmas, everyone. I hope each of you has a wonderful day. ‘It’s the season to be jolly. I know a lot of us are with family, and that can be rather tiring, especially if you aren’t out. The best thing to do is to make the best of the situation. Enjoy the fellowship, ignore the snide remarks or questions, and open your presents with glee. I’m staying mostly with my parents this holiday, and they constantly argue with one another. I’ve learned just to tune them out and focus on what I have to be joyful and thankful for in this life. Merry Christmas!

Today, Thursday December 21, will be the shortest day of 2017 for anyone living north of the equator (the Northern Hemisphere).

Technically speaking, the winter solstice occurs when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Capricorn, or 23.5° south latitude. In 2017, this will occur at exactly 11:28am Eastern Standard Time today.

There is nothing yet to report on the job front, except that I go back to work at my current job today. I took yesterday off. It’s always best to take an extra day after a whirlwind trip like that. I needed the day to relax. It’s a good thing too. I had a terrible headache yesterday, so it was mostly a lazy day curled up in bed with Isabella. She’s such a good little companion when you’re not feeling well.

I fell asleep earlier than usual last night, then I woke up and it was my usual bedtime so I rolled back over and went back to sleep. So I forgot to do a post for today.

Not much to say today. I’m going to get my tires changed for winter. I hate changing out my tires, but it has to be done. Also, it’s one week before I fly to Chicago. I hope all goes well then.