Well, I Tried. Well, I Also Survived. I Definitely Have Outgrown the Insanity of Holiday Season Ridiculousness (Oh, Our Species)

My day began writing, moved to a haircut, and then I thought, "Maybe I should stop and grab a few things at Burlington, before next week's shenanigans begin." 

Um, they have begun. I feel terrible for anyone having to work retail at this time of year. Of course, this was my life 18-22 in Central New York, but the mall culture of yesteryear seems more tame and a lot less material. Phew. It's excessively material now. The aisles were a mess and moving around was difficult. I did well, though, and got the few things I set out to get.

But then there were the lines that wrapped around the store. I can only imagine what such places endure on the weekends. God bless us, every one. 

I did find a miniature inflatable tube guy to give to Ethan, as he's obsessed like most 3 year-olds when around them. I did not know Fran had bought him the real deal...the kind that goes outside. 

I enjoyed the history book that came with the desk wagger, though, including its roots to an artist in Trinidad in the 70s. Pretty amazing that this car lot, bank, retail store, festival waving weenie was the invention of an islander and I instantly wrote to Kris to see if she knew this trivia. She did and said there's a documentary she will send me that I have to see. The inventor should be living a life of luxury, but something about global history has me believing the opposite is likely true. 

My undergrad, now grad, student and I received great, unexpected news about an article we've been working on for two years. It looks like it will be going to press and this makes me so proud - so proud, I had to reach out to Kelly to thank her for all the mentoring provided to me when I was at Syracuse. I told her she now has a grandchild in the publishing traditions.

Okay, Saturday. Bring upon me what you will.