Um, kettle? This is the pot. You're black.

Okay, so I was just doing all my computer socializing (checking the facebook, emails and the blogs of my buddies--the only people who really look at my blog), and I saw that only one of my blog friends has updated within the last 24 hours. And I thought to myself, "C'mon people! Entertain me with your stories!" And then I realized how much of a hypocrite I am, as it's been quite some time since I last posted. So here you go, this is my penance. A guilt-post, if you will.

I have one more day (that's 4 more finals to give and grade) before Christmas break and before we begin a new semester! I cannot wait. While this school year started out with such promise for me, it hasn't been all roses. I'm ready for a break and a change.

Today I had my last Wizard of Oz rehearsal of 2008. I will not see the kids again for rehearsal until Jan. 5, when they will no longer be allowed to use their scripts. I'm scared stiff right now. 7 weeks from now, I'll be sitting through Act I on opening night. We are so not where I wanted to be at this point!!!! Please pray for my cast that they get their act (excuse the pun) together and bring their A-game come Jan. 5.

We're gearing up for the holidays at Casa Zustiak. I think I have all my shopping finished with the exception of one gift (thank you snow day that really shouldn't have been a snow day!). Of the things I have purchased, 95% of it is wrapped. Cards have been sent out. I made some goodies a while back, but those are long gone, not to be replaced. (If I make them, then I'll eat them.) Tomorrow once I get home from school, I'll have a bit of laundry to take care of, minimal straightening up to do and some dusting/vacuuming to finish up. Then we pack and load up the Mom-Mobile and head west!!

Shockingly, I have kept up with my exercising. I must say that I am quite proud of myself. This is the first New Year's resolution that I've ever kept (for longer than 3 weeks). I started exercising at the beginning of 2008, and I've made it a lifestyle choice. Granted, there have been about 3 weeks total throughout the year when I've been busy/lazy, but overall, I've kept up with it. I got my reward today: A few of my graduates came by during rehearsal to see me. Two of them were very surprised by how trim I apparently look. One of them asked me how much weight I've lost. I really haven't even lost weight--I've just reconfigured it. Hopefully, I can keep it up in this next new year. (And who knows, maybe the goal for 2008 will be to kick my Coke habit--Coke-a-Cola! I don't do drugs!) I'm actually going to sign up to do some races this spring. Wish me luck!

Okay, so that's all for now. I apologize in advance if any of you are like me and need your daily "blog-fix" and I'm not contributing. Know in advance that I won't be blogging again for at least a week while we're out of town. Maybe Christmas Day I can post some pictures, since we'll be home (at least briefly).

Until then, I wish you a Blessed, Merry, Happy Christmas!!