various and Christmas sundry

I called my mom today to ask her for oranges from the ranch. They're almost ready now, and the selection from the grocery store becomes less and less inspiring as I imagine the ones we pick off the trees out there.

I find myself getting more and more into the Christmas spirit everyday; I didn't really expect that for some reason. When my mom told me she planned to buy a Christmas tree today, and that we could help her put it up when we get to Corpus next weekend, I was more relieved than I thought I would be. In my mind, I can smell the fir already. Everywhere I go, I see Christmas lights, and it seems too soon, the way it does when I see them before Thanksgiving, but it isn't too soon anymore.

At just over ten days until Christmas, though, I haven't really done much to prepare. Shipping is trickier at this time of the season, so most of the purchasing or preparation will need to be done in person. I still have presents to buy (and to choose, for that matter) and preparations to make for the road trip. We still don't know exactly where we're going, but I intend to try to dodge the bowl games as best I can.

It was beautiful and sunny today, and I was on campus for a while after seeing "Lost in Translation" at the Dobie. With the holidays upon us, campus was nearly deserted; I find that I like it best with no students around. I spent about an hour and a half taking pictures of the Littlefield fountain (currently not running, but filled with water), details of the Union, the Tower, all the usual stuff.

Sometimes, I get the feeling that I take the same pictures over and over and over again, and to some extent, I know I do. I'm looking forward to the road trip, to the change in scenery. I'm hoping it'll spark something exciting.