It's been a while..

Tonight is Major League Baseball Opening night. I've always liked baseball a good deal, but this year it takes on a whole new meaning. Living on Long Island means that I will get every Mets game on tv, whether it be on SNY or on channel 11 (the CW?) Whatever it is, I am truly appreciative.

I started watching baseball in 1988, about the same time that collective group of drug addicts, womanizers, and generally bad people known as the Mets were rippin' up the major leagues. Sure, they haven't won a World Series since 1986, but it was this team that captured my imagination. And hell, as a ten year old, that blue and orange was pretty damn flashy. Being from Pennsylvania, many would assume I would root for the Phillies.. but I always thought they were kinda boring. Others thought I would pick the team my father followed, the Yankees. I chose otherwise.

There have been periods over the years that I almost gave up on baseball, but I always found my way back. This is another one of those times. I'm right in the middle of the excitement, as I think the Mets really have a good shot at the World Series this year, and I get to watch it. I'm actually going to my first Mets game in 17 years in about two weeks.

So let's get this party started right, because I'm ready to go and the Mets are in it to win it.

Conan O'Brien

Over half my life, I've led a college-like schedule. Go to sleep at 1 or 1:30 and wake up at like 8:00 or later. It didn't matter the job, or the time I was on the schedule. For a long time, I didn't have to be in to work until 12 noon.. and I would take full advantage, waking up as late as I possibly could, enjoying the night life the evening before. I haven't quite enjoyed the night life as much over the past few years, but I'm still up late.. usually watching Late Night with Conan O'Brien.

So.. you can only imagine my happiness in recently acquiring tickets to see Late Night, while in Manhattan for work that day. I got to the show and I must admit that I honestly thought the studio would be bigger than it actually is. For those who wonder, I think it seats about 125. The stage itself, tiny. It's really a great setting where you really feel like you're part of the show.

Actually getting into the show was not very easy, as we were shuffled around the NBC building like cows ready for slaughter. I said to one innocent bystander that I had been to court earlier in the day and it was easier to get in there (and it really isn't easy to get into court these days, by any means..) Anywho, we finally got into the show.. and we got sweet t-shirts. I never really met anyone famous before, nor had been in close proximity to any celebrity. As much as I dislike the idea of celebrity, I'm enamored with it. I guess it was because my mother bought those dumb scandal sheets while I was growing up, so I got sucked into it.

So I'm sitting there in great anticipation to see who is on the show and I learn that tonight's lineup is Jim Gaffigan, Liev Schreiber, and Solomon Burke. Hmm. I'm thinking to myself, well at least Conan's there... and Max Weinberg, Springstreen's drummer! Most people don't really know who Jim Gaffigan is, while others only know Schreiber as Cotton Weary from the Scream movies. And oh yeah, Solomon Burke, a man who is apparently in some sort of music hall of fame. I was hoping there'd be bigger celebrities, but you know what, these guests sufficed. The idea of celebrity has ruined a lot of people, like Britney Spears and Tom Cruise and the list goes on and on. On that night, I was content with the cast of characters who was assembled for this memorable evening. Celebrities who were real people, and not built up to be some kind of superhero.

Over all, my experience at Conan was great... and I'd love to do it again soon. And maybe some day, just maybe, I'll get to sleep at a normal hour. Buuut.. I doubt it, especially with starting school this Fall.

School!

So this past week has been a big week in re-establishing myself as a student. It started this past Wednesday, as I began my non-matriculated class at Stony Brook. I feel as it's a good transition back into the realm of education, as we watch movies on a weekly basis and talk about the social issues addressed in each. This past week, we watched Crash.. a movie that I had never seen, and must say that I really enjoyed. Looking back, I honestly never would have imagined that any movie starring Matt Dillon, Sandra Bullock, Ryan Phillipe, and Brendan Fraser would ever have a shot at winning an Oscar, but it was powerful enough that it was able to overcome its lackluster cast. Oh, and did I add that Tony Danza has a bit part in the movie, with a few lines?

Back to education. I'm glad I'm taking this class because it's going to help me get back into the swing of things, as I was accepted as a student in the MSW program for this Fall! I'm so excited. I guess there wasn't a great deal of doubt, though I've never been too happy with my gpa from undergrad. As a matter of fact, it was the only thing that I ever really regretted... having a so-so GPA. I thought it would hinder my chances to get into grad school, but I guess not. I can finally let go of that regret, as it's time to open a new chapter in my life. My underachieving at Lock Haven did not matter after all, as my work experience superceded all of this.

This September is really going to change my life, as I'm getting married and starting school... oh yeah, and I'll be working a full-time job with a 14 hour a week internship. I'll be busy, busy, busy.. but when I get done, it will all be worth it. And after that, I will be done with school.

Looking back, two years ago from this day, I was in a rut. I had been working at a job with no potential for growth for nearly three years, I had not been in any kind of relationship for years, I didn't think I'd return to school, and I figured I'd just settle for living in the Lehigh Valley for my entire life. The only thing I was really passionate about was going to karaoke on a weekly basis and putting back some drinks. It's funny how things can change, with just one piece of the puzzle setting things in motion for change. While I do miss attending karaoke at the Tally Ho, my life has led me to much greater things than happiness through being a "Regular." I miss it, yes, but I still sing... in my car. And I still partake in some drinks now and then.

Things are finally going how I want them to, and I'd like to thank everyone who's helped me along in this process... who's been a friend over the years, and has stood by me.. no matter where I lived... no matter what choices I've made. You all mean the world to me. And of course, Cassy has also been a key to my getting where I am today.

Alright, enough wishy-washy sentiment for today. Back to my usual wit next time. Bottom line, I'm really excited!

Cold.

One word, right there, Cold. That's all I have to say about the past few weeks. And the weather over the past few days, RIDICULOUS! I was expecting snow here in Long Island, but I don't think us Islanders receive a lot of snow. I think oftentimes the storm hits the water, and turns to rain... or in this case, ice.

Yesterday was quite the adventure. I had to go to the Jamaica, Queens office of my work in order to do Service Plan Reviews. Another downfall of living on Long Island when it comes to bad weather, the train. If you have to go into the city for whatever reason, you can't really use the excuse about driving, as the good ol' Long Island Rail Road is at your service. My train ride was quite pleasurable, as I do enjoy using public transportation. However, this would be the only bright spot of the day.

Upon arriving at the train station in Jamaica, I was all discombobulated (is that the right spelling? never wrote the word out before, though I use it often). Anywho, I had to take what was normally a 10-15 minute walk to the office... in the worst weather conditions I've ever experienced. I missed the warmth of my bedroom and the comfort of my bed, as the sleet spattered off my face. I almost saw an older woman and her umbrella blow away, thinking, I'm not in PA anymore. I enjoy the city in general, though I don't like walking outside in the wind, cold, and nasty precipitation.

Eventually I braved the storm and made it to our Queens office, partaking in my Service Plan Reviews that took all of 45 minutes. Then, it was back to the train. The train ride back was not quite as joyous, as I had to listen to some presumably drunk men ramble on about god knows what. My train car was almost empty, except for these buffoons. It's times like this I truly wished I would not have forgotten my mp3 player.

Bottom line is, I need to move somewhere with good weather... and by good, I mean 75 degrees year-round, minimal wind, no humidity. It seems like just a month ago people were complaining about how warm it was and yearning for winter. Oh yeah, that was the case.. and I was one of those people. I hope all these groundhogs were right and that Spring weather is right around the corner.

Observations.

One of the things that made me a perfect fit as a sociology major for my undergrad is the fact that I enjoy to "observe" people. I don't mean this in any sort of sick, twisted, demented way.. like a stalker might. Instead, I'm the guy who makes sure to sit facing others in a restaurant, just to see what's going on. I'm the guy who enjoys sitting on a street bench, trying to figure out what is going through other peoples' minds. That's me. Living in Long Island fornearly four months, I've observed life here and I've been able to contrast it with life back in PA. Personally, I like both places. However, here's my beef.

Working as a caseworker for foster care, I've been able to discuss independent living skills with some of the kids who I work with. I've been able to discuss renting, income, and other things that are pertinent to being able to live on your own and support yourself.

Living on Long Island does not foster this, though. Most of my coworkers are anywhere from 22 to mid 30's. Over half of them live at home with their parents. I just don't get it, I mean, I do... as this is one of the most expensive places to live as far as real estate is concerned. I just don't know how they do it, though. Shortly after turning 24, and only 8 months out of college, I was up and out. I did not need to live with my parents anymore. I needed to "be an adult." Not to say that anyone who lives with their parents isn't, but moving out of your parents' home is a big step toward independence. The only chance people really have to move out around here is to split a house with people they don't know, or live off of someone's house in an "apartment." Or maybe, just maybe, they'll get married and be able to buy a house.. with each spouse working three different jobs.

I've enjoyed my time living on Long Island, and I will continue to do so. However, my dreams will eventually take me somewhere else. Whether it's back to PA, or somewhere totally different. My dream.. is to own a nice house on a nice piece of property, without having to kill myself to pay the mortgage. That's just me though, call me crazy.

So as I embark on my path to earning an MSW, I do not regret any decisions I have made or any challenges I have faced... I welcome them.

And for those of you from Long Island, move out if you can. It's worth it.

Random Sunday.

This is the first Sunday since August that I've gone without football. I know it happens every year, but it's quite disheartening. It truly means that winter is upon us. It's about time. Some of the weather around here lately has been bonechilling, and I know it's the same for my hometown and very similar for other bordering cities. It's funny, because no one is ever really content with the weather. In the summer, people complain that it is too hot. In the winter, people complain it is too cold. And there are often other complaints for the other seasons. Just so that everyone knows, for future reference. My ideal day is Sunny and 75 degrees. There it is. If I ever complain about a day with these characteristics, you can call me out.

On a side note, as many of you myspacer's can see, there is a picture of my dad and me... circa 1979. Big John has been in the hospital the past couple days, due to problems with his gall bladder and he also has some sort of spot on his liver. It's all being checked out, though no answers are available as of yet. It makes me realize that I've often taken him for granted, as I'm sure some of you may do with your family. That guy would do ANYTHING for me or my mom, and he's often met with some kind of opposition. I'm not a teenager anymore, time to stop treating my dad as if I were. A lot of people get in arguments about petty things, and it can take away from that friendship for a day, a month, a year, or even longer. People have to get past these things and make sure they cherish the relationship they have with this person. Don't get hung up on little things, because they don't matter in the long run. Don't take your family or friends for granted, because that's where it's at.

10 days..

It's been ten days since I posted my last blog. Shame shame. Can't believe I've gone that long. Don't really have an excuse for you, whoever you are... whoever it is that still reads my blog.

Things have been going pretty well lately, though I was definitely upset that the Eagles lost. I'll tell you what, I'm happy with whoever wins the Superbowl.. as long as it's not the Patriots.

It's time to get focused for baseball. It's great living on Long Island when it comes to baseball, because everyone is a Mets fan. Speaking of the Mets, I've been reading "The Bad Guys Won!," the story of the '86 Mets. I looked up to these guys when I was a kid, spending all my hard-earned allowance buying their baseball cards and any other paraphenalia a child might purchase. It just kinda stinks to know that many were drug abusers, women users, and just generally a bunch of crass scum-bums. Disappointing, I tell you. However, I am glad they won the championship that year.. the last year any team I'm interested in actually won a title. I bought tickets for the first Friday game at Shea Stadium. Sure, it will be cold and I'll be in the Upper Deck.. but it'll be the first game I went to since 1990. I'm excited.

I'll be back soon, with more exciting content.

Long Weekend Musings

I'd like to start out by wishing each and every one of you a Happy Martin Luther King, Jr., weekend. I appreciate diversity, and it seems that's what this holiday represents. The best part of this holiday, I get off from work. This is my first year celebrating the holiday, as the job I had been at for 4 years did not give us the day off. What am I am planning on doing with this day, you may ask. Not really sure. I was hoping the weather would be nice so I could go explore some of the "hiking" in Long Island, but it's supposed to be wet and cold.

Who would've thought, that it'd be cold in January? (I hope you can spot the sarcastic tone.) It's actually supposed to get down to 28 degrees at one point this week in Port Jefferson. I'm assuming that it will be roughly the same, back in good old PA. It's really not surprising that the climate is exactly the same as PA, as I live pretty much directly East of the Lehigh Valley. However, my mother still thinks that I'm up North and that the weather is much colder here. Perhaps some day she will find out, though I can never see my dad roughing the "long" trip from PA to come visit. It's all good though, as that's why I expected. I hope I get visitors some day, though.

I went to a new place on Friday, Mulcahey's... new for me, anyway. Apparently this place is really popular, and I could tell it was by the crowd. I find it funny how Bud Light is so popular here.. it's like freakin' holy water(with barley and hops.) Back in PA, it seems like the drink of choice is Miller Lite, and then maybe Yuengling Lager. Oh, that's another thing here. If you ask for a Lager in NY, you have to specify, or it will result in the bartender looking at you dumbfoundedly. I hope that -ly is supposed to be there, as I truly do cherish proper grammar. But back to the bar. There was a Billy Joel tribute band playing, which was great. I'm not the hugest William Joel fan (hope you pick up on that one, "Office" fans)... but I can definitely appreciate his music, and they really brought it to life. I especially enjoyed their rendition of "Allentown," at which point I explained to my friends that the song is really not about Allentown but that it's about Bethlehem. They wondered how I knew this... it was simply a matter of representin'.

Speaking of the Office, I was initially a fan of Andy Bernard. I thought the guy was kinda funny how he flipped out randomly. His rivalry with Dwight was entertaining and I could appreciate his character. However, what he did this past week is unforgivable. He's a brown-noser and he stuck his nose too far into my boy's business. For those non-Office fans, Dwight quit this past week due to Andy Bernard's scheming to make Michael think Dwight was trying to take his job again. I hope Dwight doesn't miss any air-time, as he is definitely the best character on the show. There better be Conflict Resolution here, or I'll be greatly disappointed. (Like they're really going to keep Dwight off the show long..)

The Eagles are out of the playoffs. They had a good run this year and I hope they keep Donte Stallworth this offseason. If they do, I'm all about his jersey... in the color green, for those of you who might be so inclined to buy me one at some point. (Wink, wink CP) I must represent amongst the sea of Jets fans on Long Island.

That is all. Enjoy your long weekend, I know I will.

It's only 8 months away..

(Disclaimer: There is some sappiness in here, of sorts.)

So I was sitting here today realizing that my wedding is coming up fast, in about 8 months to be exact. There were times, not too long ago, that I figured I would never get married. I was preparing for that, thinking about ways I'd be able to afford a house on my own, as well as beginning to collect housewares such as pots and pans. I was truly domesticated. About two years ago, that idea changed when I met my fiancee, Cassy. And now, 8 months from Monday, I'll be getting married.

The best idea ever? The bridal shower. Now I know that this doesn't involve me at all, but involves family and friends buying pretty much any housewares that we picked out at the location of our choice. Ah yes, the wedding registry. I know it's a bit early, but we decided to register after we completed some other wedding tasks. Being home for a week between Christmas and New Years allowed for us to make some decisions and book certain services for our wedding.

So when we got back from PA, we were going to register. Or at least, start registering. Or so I thought. We went to town, mostly through Cassy's prodding, and we're practically done, after only a few days. Good for her, because I love all of the stuff that we've picked out, and I hope that you all partake in purchasing items off this registry.

If any of you are curious as to what we registered for, check it out. It's great. There's things on there I never even imagined I might own, but through the wonder of weddings... and the shower that accompanies for the bride, we will.

http://www.target.com/gp/registry/registry.html/ref=cm_cw_sr_1/601-7315866-7060954?ie=UTF8&type=wedding&id=LXCCJYE5FQ0T&jsebd=1

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/regGiftRegistry.asp?order_num=-1&wrn=%2D1287634042

http://macys.weddingchannel.com/gvr/guestregistrydetail.action?retailer_registry_uid=303967294&listby=dept


Enough bragging. I never followed registries much until recently, so it's probably in my karma that we'll only get half the stuff we want. Damn.

Happy New Year!

Man, it's been over two weeks since I posted anything on here. I don't want to fall on my old ways, and remain ignorant toward my beloved blog and to anyone out there who has actually caught on. First and foremost, Happy New Year! I know, it's already the 9th, and I'm sure most of you have broken your resolutions already.

I broke one of my resolutions today. I drank Diet Coke. Yeah, I had a soda. I said I wasn't going to drink soda anymore, but it's okay if I drink it every once in a while. It's a better addiction than, say... crack, or cigarettes. Nice analogy, eh? It was with this Diet Coke meal that I ate McDonald's. For those of you who used to read the old Shawn Report, you know that I was a Regular at McDonald's the same way I was at the Tally Ho. I'm glad that craving has passed, along with the craving to smoke.

So yes, this blog continues to remain random for the New Year, just like it has always been.

My New Year has been pretty good, so far. I've realized, over time, that I don't like to make grand resolutions anymore... because I don't want to let myself down. I've stuck to a few resolutions, to some extent, but never fully. It was only when I randomly decided I would no longer smoke cigarettes... did I actually quit. It wasn't a resolution, it was a spur of the moment thing on the way back from Arizona.

But let's forget about resolutions, and talk about the holidays. It was definitely great to be home for over a week, and spend a lot of time with my friends and family. I do miss the old neighborhood, but it's still great being able to do my own thing over here in New York. I really enjoy it and I'm really excited to be taking a class this semester at Stony Brook University. I miss school, I really do... and it's in realizing that I can't really get any further with my degree, that I return to take classes. While I'm not officially accepted for the Fall, I've pretty much completed the entire application except for the essay.

The ESSAY!

I haven't written any kind of essay in over five years. Sure, I write permanency reports for my foster kids; I've written biopsychosocial assessments for other clients; I've ever written grants. But writing an essay for the sheer fact that I NEED to write an essay, to get into school, that's.. intimidating. But after this weekend, it'll hopefully be said and done with. I'm taking this holiday that celebrates Martin Luther King, to crank out this essay.

When I was discussing this with my future mother-in-law, I told her of the fact that I didn't like to write about myself. She mentioned the fact that I used to have a blog, where all I did was write about myself. Little does she know, I still write a blog... where all I do is write about myself.

Hmph. Dilemma solved. Now if I could only take the essence of this little blog we may call "The Shawn Report," and transcend it into this ultimate essay that speaks about my personal goals and dreams, while tying in my opinions on social welfare... then we're set.

I hope.

Christmas time.

My entire life, Christmas has been a focal point of the season. I was always excited for the season and it often proved to be very rewarding, in many ways. I've always enjoyed giving gifts more so than receiving gifts, and that tradition continued this year. However, I really did enjoy the gifts I received this year. Nothing big and flashy, but things that I really liked and needed.

I got Office paraphenalia, Eagles gear, clothing, a watch, and many more wonderful things. However, it's the time that I've spent with my family and friends that has been the greatest gift. There are others I have yet to see, but I will soon.

It all just happened so fast. Christmas didn't quite approach... like Christmas, this year. I think the main thing has been the temperature. It shouldn't be 50-some degrees in December, on a regular basis. I'd like to comment about global warming, but I don't know enough about the topic... and this is supposed to be a happy Christmas blog, not one that tells of the destroying of our environment.

Getting back to the Eagles, I KNEW that they could beat the Cowboys. My dad's prediction was Cowboys 42-Eagles 7. My future brother-in-law called for a blowout by the Cowboys. And look what happened. The Eagles are atop the NFC East, and I'm excited.

I didn't get to see the Rudolph or Frosty movies this year, so I'm mildly disappointed. However, my fiancee bought the Rudolph tree ornament for me, so I can dig that.

I'll be back with more "Shawn Report" this week some time.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas

It's my favorite time of the year, and I really haven't had a chance to write about it. I've been pretty busy, with traveling, shopping, and spreading the normal holiday cheer. I hope to get back to this blog some time later or tomorrow and talk a little bit more about Christmas, since I do enjoy it.

But if not, Merry Christmas!

Sunday SUNDAY Sunday..

It's hard to believe, but I graduated from Lock Haven University about five years ago. It doesn't really seem like it's been that long, or does it?

Since that time I've had a lot of different ideas in my head about a Masters program. For a time, I wanted to go back to school for Business. Another brief period of time, I thought it was a Masters in Nutrition I would seek. And then of course, there was always the old fallback, going to school to be a Guidance Counselor.

In the four years after college, these ideas all went through my head. I wasn't really sure what exactly it would be... until this year. I came across a job as Youth Case Manager for Catholic Charities, and after that it all started to make sense. I wanted to go to school for my Masters of Social Work.

Acquiring an MSW will never make me a rich man, but it will leave me fulfilled, knowing that I'm doing something that I really like. There are a lot of different pathways I can take as a Social Worker, but I really haven't gotten that far yet. For now, I am content working in Foster Care. It is very draining, but it feels great to know that I've helped people.

A few days ago I was picking out Christmas gifts for my clients. A kid who was about 17 led me over to the "Toy Closet." If I was a child, this place would be magical, all sorts of games, puzzles, sports equipment, you name it. Being 28, I was still impressed. I picked out ESPN Scene It for a client, in hopes we can play during my visits. But back to my point. I believe this 17 year old was part of one of the programs at Little Flower, but I didn't want to directly ask. He offered his thoughts on attending a camp in PA for kids who had problems with alcohol, and told me that it changed his life. Then, he asked me something I don't get often. "Why did you want to become a social worker?" Not often do my kids ask me this question. A lot of my clients don't even want to see me half the time, as they have become jaded from being funneled through the foster care system. Back to the question at hand, I did have an answer. I did it because I want to help people, oh, and add to that how I like working with youths and adolescents. I went on to explain that I had wanted to become a journalist, but that I felt the media hurt people more often than it helped people. All you see on the news are the things that are wrong with the world, never much that is positive. This 17 year old kid respected my answer and it led to more questions, which was great. He seemed street-smart and he seemed like he had a good head on his shoulders... now.

I did something today I've been hoping to do for years. I started the process to work toward my MSW. I requested Letters of Recommendation from former employers, and e-mailed the head of admissions for the Department of Social Welfare.

It may have taken a while, but college, I'll be back... soon.

Random Saturday Musings.

I've done a lot of air-headed things in my life, but it relieves me to learn that this was not the case in what I thought was my latest indiscretion. It was about 7:10 PM on Thursday night and Cassy had come over to my place. I wanted to return movies to Blockbuster (and cash in an online rental for in-store rental), mail some Christmas cards, and get some food... getting back to my place in time for the 1 hour Christmas episode of the Office, something I had been waiting for for two weeks. After renting Talladega Nights, I had thrown some mail into the mailbox at the local Post Office. We got back to my place at exactly 8 PM and I had to run inside because I did not want to miss any of the Office. The show was well worth it, but afterwards, I realized that I didn't bring Talladega Nights in. I go out to the car, and it's gone! What could've happened to it? Wait a minute... wait... I MAILED IT! Or so I thought. I was positive that I had thrown this DVD case in the mail with my Christmas cards, so much so that I went into the Post Office the next day. I felt like an idiot, as I told the mulleted counter man that I had thrown this movie in the mailbox. He checked with other weeks and he said that chances were that it got mailed somewhere else. I was disgruntled, more than anything else, as I really didn't want to pay 23 bucks for a movie that I didn't even have in my possession. So, I forgot about it. I wake up today, and it turns out one of my housemates found it on the front lawn. In my mad dash into the house to see the Office, I knocked it right the hell out of the car and it was right there. Moral of the story is that I'm glad I am not such an idiot that I put a non-online rental in the mail.

Speaking of the Office, it was a great episode. I'm happy that Dwight was prominently featured in this episode, as he has not had a big role in the last few. As much as I enjoy the Andy Bernard character, he shall never surpass Dwight.

I'm getting married in... what turns out to be less than 9 months, as of yesterday.. and there's A LOT we need to plan. I know that it will all work out fine, though.. it always does.

There's a chance that the Mets may get Barry Zito, at least, that's what their website says. I hope so, because he seems like a pretty cool guy.. and he's one heck of a pitcher.

The Eagles still have a really good playoff shot. I never thought that I would see the day that Jeff Garcia would be leading them to the playoffs. Some things just work out in strange ways.

I talked to a Jets fan last night, about my entire prior idea about how someone could be a Jets fan. He really didn't have an answer, but he did tell me how great of a QB that Chad Pennington is... hmmm, and people talk trash on me for supporting Donovan McNabb. I guess it really is about where you were raised. Honestly, can't really talk junk on Pennington in comparison with McNabb, because neither has won a Superbowl.

I can't believe that next week is Christmas already. I love Christmas time, though it really hasn't felt like it due to the weather. I'm excited, nonetheless, and happy that I'll be home the entire week from the 22nd to the 1st.

That's all I got for now.

The greatest show on tv.

Since the Shawn Report was last a global phenomenon, its author, me, became pretty much obsessed with the tv show, The Office. I'm just warning all of you now that there may be a lot of Dunder Mifflin references placed into future postings.

Today was our Secret Santa at work and the person who had me bought a Dunder Mifflin mousepad, along with a calendar featuring the Office. So it's been a great Christmas so far, to say the least. I can now add this paraphenalia to my desk along with my Dwight bobblehead.

It's great having a work buddy who is into the show as much as I am.. so much so, that we organized a get together tomorrow night after work, and it's at Chili's. (another Office reference) There will be no passing out Dundee Awards.. only good times and some adult refreshments.

I hope your Christmas season is going well, all of you.