I just turned in my last paper for this quarter. That means I am officially done with my first quarter of grad school. *whew* I’m happy it’s done, but at the same time I’m excited about continuing. I am getting my degree for myself, I have no business reason to do it, it’s totally personal. I get tuition reimbursement, so I have to show that it’s somewhat business related, but that’s easy when I’m a developer and my specialization is application development. I’m only taking one course per quarter from now on, so that should help keep my sanity and still allow me to have some fun (ie. poker).
I’m also done with my Christmas shopping. The nice thing is that my wife took care of all the shopping, even for herself 
She had been wanting some jewelry and didn’t know where to get it. A month ago or so she found it somewhere and bought it and wrapped it up. I just went and got some smaller gifts for my family and that was it. I really hate Christmas shopping, it drives me crazy. As tech savvy as I am, you’d think I’d have it figured out by now: order it all online. The problem? Ordering requires advanced planning and I don’t always plan ahead enough for holidays. I’m not sure why not, but it happens every year. Oh well, maybe next year.
You know, I got the “big” presents for six out of seven family members online this year. Then, I only had to step into two stores, Target for stocking stuffers and a specialty wine shop for my old man, to fill out my list.
There’s something really satisfying about NOT going to the mall during November and December, trust me…
I hear ya. Just found out I have to go get another present today (Christmas Eve) because we forgot one and my wife is busy cooking and cleaning to get ready for tomorrow. Yikes!