Liz

Comfort zones are most often expanded through discomfort. I’m not sure why this Christmas Eve fortune cookie made me laugh so hard, but it did.

Well, kids, as I suspected, Santa did not bring me a fully-weighted 88-key keyboard for Christmas. This was no surprise and was not at all a disappointment. I knew it was highly unlikely. 🙂 Instead, I *did* get a snazzy new microwave and completely perfect toaster that promises “carefree” toasting. Until I saw that on …

So, if you’ve been paying any attention at all, you know that the Norell clan tends to go a wee bit overboard with the Christmas cheer. For starters, *everyone* in this house still believes in Santa Claus — you’re just simply not allowed in the door this time of year if you don’t. Yesterday, Grandma …

From Christmas in Arkansas 2008 Here’s Gabriel, the adopted grandson, oh-so-eager to have his picture taken. It’s a nonstop barrel of laughs here Chez Norell this year. Today I’m on wrapping duty and participating in the Holiday Baking Extravaganza. Happy Christmas Eve! 🙂

OK, so maybe “incredible” takes this a bit too far. Yes, yes, alright, it’s definitely going too far. But nevertheless, things are progressing famously! I am not sure how, since I haven’t exercised (in any sort of rigorous way) in over a week now (thank you vacation, grrr) and have been eating all sorts of …

My friend Jeff and I have decided to coin new acronyms for all the singletons out there. RIB: Random Internet BoyRIC: Random Internet Chick Although neither of us is exactly in renegade dating mode, we find these acronyms to be helpful in certain contexts. And hopefully, you will, too!

The family has begun to arrive. Grandma’s here now, and Tracy + company will be here forthwith. Let the week of Christmas cheer begin!! I love my family, I do, and nobody would ever dare suggest otherwise. But four days? All together? I am sensing some marathon paper-writing sessions in my near future, is all …

But. I’m going to anyway. 🙂 I just had lunch with my mom and one of her coworkers (hooray for mexican food on a bitterly cold day!!!), and as we were settling up the bill, my mom pulls out her Hawaii ID card (which she can use to get discounts, since they own a house …

I LOVE it when people send me random Internet funnies. (Links, not forwards, people, please!!!!) Here’s my favorite from today, shared by Justin: Funny church signs

For the first time in years, I remembered to bring some of my favorite piano (sheet) music home with me, and so when I’ve been able to (which has not been frequent) the last few days, I have been sitting down at the piano trying to play the songs I love without completely butchering them. …