November 30th - Holly and Jolly

Decorating my apartment for Christmas is fun!

November 29th - Like Mother, Like Daughter

I realize more and more each day that I am my mother's daughter. Even while decorating my tree, I know that I am more like her than not. Growing up, our tree was decorated with ornaments passed down through the generations, ornaments collected from our travels, and of course, ornaments created by my brother and me in pre-school (milk cartons, popsicle sticks, and globs of Elmer's glue seemed to be the main ingredients). There was no "theme" tree for us - our tree was about our family and our life together.

Flash forward to today: my tree is decorated with my travel ornaments (I began collecting on my trip to Europe a few years ago), S'mores, and skates/skaters. There's no real theme - just ornaments that represent where I've been, what I like, and who I am.

(Yes, I realize this is my third tree-related picture in a row. The Christmas tree is a big deal - just ask my mom.)

November 28th - Sammy's Tree

A footnote to yesterday's picture . . . Sammy is still in awe of the Christmas tree.

November 27th - Changing of the Holidays

The Christmas tree is up. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for giving me your old tree!

(What you can't see in this picture is that Sammy is hiding underneath the branches. I wonder how long it will be until I get my 3 o'clock wake-up call from a falling tree.)

November 26th - Mii

I carried a watermelon.

November 25th - Happy Thanksgiving!

The Thanksgiving table at my apartment.

November 24th - The Domain's Christmas Tree

After getting out of work at noon today, Mom and I went to see a movie (Burlesque, which was very good) and then came back to the apartment to wait for Esther. The three of us then went to dinner at The Domain and took in the big Christmas tree in front of Macy's. Even though the weather was mild as we walked around after dinner, we're all preparing for the major cold front that is supposed to come in before the game tomorrow. Bundle up and hook 'em, Horns!

November 23rd - O, Christmas Tree

More Christmas decorations from work.

November 22nd - Pilgrims' Progress

Two of my few Thanksgiving decorations: Pilgrims (from Plymouth, no less)

November 21st - At Bethany

I discovered this little spot on the way out of church this afternoon and thought it would make a nice picture of the day.

November 20th - Harry Potter

I went to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1) this afternoon. It was wonderful, but wow - what a cliffhanger! (I'm glad I've read the books so I know how things turn out.) It's hard to believe that I've been watching the movies (and reading the books) for almost 10 years now.

P.S. Texas won! Light the tower orange!

November 19th - Deck the Windows

I was greeted with this sight on my way into work this morning. The Christmas season has arrived!

November 18th - Breezy

This wavy guy has been outside my apartment complex the last few weeks - I guess he's trying to grab the attention of passing motorists.

November 17th - One Flew Over the Moon

November 16th - Shoes in a row

So, how many people live here?

(And yes, I do feel like I'm running out of creative ideas. Only 135 more days to go!)

November 15th - Freeze

The Thanksgiving turkey is in the freezer.

November 14th - Granddad with his grandkitty

A match made in heaven.

November 13th - The Tower

At least UT is saving money on orange lights this year.

November 12th - Fall Color

I saw some of the first fall color around Austin this afternoon - right next to a Christmas wreath. I'm definitely not in New England anymore.

November 11th - Guns up?

I'm now the not-so-proud owner of a Texas Tech shirt.

November 10th - Holy fog, Batman!

The fog was so thick this morning I could barely see 10 feet in front of me as I drove to work. It eventually cleared off to welcome a beautiful sunny day.

November 9th - Sky Show

I wish I had taken this photo a few minutes later - the clouds were even more striking then.

November 8th - Daylight Savings Time

My rear view on the way home from work this afternoon.

November 7th - Tomorrow's Lunch

A few years ago, I began bringing my lunch to work in reusable plastic containers - it was my small way to be more environmentally friendly. People always like to comment about my stackable containers, but I really like them.

November 6th - It's beginning to look . . .

a lot like Christmas. Really?! Could we just wait a few more weeks?

November 5th - Happy Friday!

November 4th - Royal Ivey

I wonder what the real Royal Ivey is doing now?

November 3rd - Two-faced?

Or Four Eyes?

November 2nd - Closet Space

Quite a step up from my tiny closet in Boston.

November 1st - Living the Dream

My desk.