I got back from Houston a few days ago, and am now back in the lab. However, I'm only here for a few days because right after the new year, I'll be heading out to New York and Baltimore to be in my friend Tim's wedding. So for these few days, relaxing and Christmas cheer take a back seat while I work on this research proposal grant that is due in the second week of January.

My time in Houston was really fun. I went a day early and stayed a day later than my parents, who went to Houston on Sunday and stayed till Monday. We had a big "family-to-be" dinner on Sunday night and hung out playing White Elephant (or Yankee Swap, depending on where you're from). I originally drew out this nice foam neck massager as my present, but got it stolen away early on in the game. Instead, I ended up with this giant neon blue candle (no joke), and a $10 gift card to "The Cheesecake Factory". Oh well, I will enjoy the one slice of cheesecake that I will be able to afford with this gift card.

We've started a little bit of the planning for the wedding lately. I think it's going to be really hectic this semester with school as well, but I guess that is life right? Be on the look out for the wedding website that will go up soon. I'm working on it now but it's not quite ready for primetime. For those who are wondering if we've set a date, the answer is coming soon...