So I've been back in Chicago for a little bit, but I've just been slowly settling in.

Christmas was really wonderful. Going back to California and spending time with my family and friends was just what I needed for a new boost for this upcoming semester.

I did of lot of partying while I was in SB, and that was great, but also a bit much, although I don't regret a single minute of it. I luckily had a week here in Chicago before school started again, so I've been sleeping in and basically recuperating.

First Christmas was great as usual. I got my new pair of glasses, courtesy of my aunts. It was a relief, because my last pair of glasses were completely broken and scratched, I could barely see out of them. Figured out too that I had over corrected one of my eyes last time, so now everything is clearer and I don't seem to strain as much as I used to.

I knitted scarves for the family and gave my youngest cousin the very first cat I made. Everyone really loved their presents which made me happy. It's always hard when you don't have money to find something that people are going to be happy with. But it turned out great in the end.

Here is the Christmas tree:

Was able to go back to Sinister for a night. I was almost able to go back for New Year's eve, but it was my aunt's birthday so I ended up staying with the family instead. Sinister was a blast, just like always. I really was so happy to see everybody there. I missed the place a lot!

On new year's day the family and I went on a 3 hour long walk on the beach. It was daunting at first since most of you know how much I love exercise. But I ended up loving it, it was such a beautiful day! I also soaked up all the sun I could since I knew I'd be back in Chicago before long.

It was freezing when I got back to Chicago, but two days later the weather warmed up. It was even in the 60s this past week-end. It's starting to get cold again a bit, mostly raining a lot. But I can handle that and I'm actually quite happy about the weather these days.
Lucy was overjoyed to see me again and has been very needy and a big beggar this week. Sophie, the cat, was regal and accepted my presence as inevitable, not wanting to admit that she is thrilled to have another pair of ankles in the house to attack.

It's late, I'm tired and can't believe I'm still up on the computer.

Leaving you guys with a pic of lucy in her christmas booties (not really, they were just gift card holders and they ended up fitting her paws):

And of my christmas sculpey guys: