Christmas Eve 2016

I went to Dad & Ma's for our annual Christmas Eve family get-together last night.

Dad & I watched the 2nd half of the Patriots' destruction of the Jets. I had some pepperoni, cheese and crackers. Kevin's clan arrived. Sarah's clan arrived (minus Hayden, who had popped in earlier). Then we ate dinner (I had meatballs with mushrooms & gravy, dinner rolls, and mac & cheese - very low-key) and watched more football.

The girls all loved the art supplies (high-quality drawing pads and colored pencils/art pencils). Jared & Drew liked the Hot Wheels, and Ma was thrilled with the Blue Moon glasses. Plus: Dad is psyched for the Celtics game on January 18th.

I lucked out (as usual), with the following:

From Kevin's family: $15 in scratch tickets.
From Sarah's family: $25 Amazon GC (gift card).

From Dad & Ma:

• A 3-pack of Strathmore paper pads (sketch/newsprint/drawing).
• $15 Starbucks GC.
• $25 Barnes & Noble GC.
• $50 Master Card GC.
• Two "Life is Good" brand tee shirts (see images below).
• A brown tweed & leather Red Sox cap (see below).
• A pound of Starbucks Christmas Blend ground coffee.
• A 19 oz tub of soft peppermint candy.
• A pair of GreenLife frying pans.
• A box of wooden matches and a giant Yankee Candle (Christmas Wreath scent).

They always take care of their 4 kids, I am lucky to be one of them!

Birthday

Yesterday (the 24th) was my birthday (it was also Thanksgiving).

I had Starbucks Sumatra coffee & an apple spice muffin for breakfast. And I drew this:

"Revenge!"

Then at noon it was off to Dad & Ma's for Thanksgiving. Kevin's family (minus Holly, flu) and Sarah's family were there too. Dinner was awesome. We watched the Lions beat the Vikings, and had the birthday stuff for me and Jackie (I gave her $15 in a card). I received handmade cards from all 4 nieces (Georgia even gave me $5!), and $50 & a bag of Starbucks Anniversary Blend beans (plus a mug).

Everyone else left around 4:00, but I stayed and watched the Cowboys beat Washington with Dad, before I left at 8. Home, a giant Kit Kat, and several episodes of "Party Down" on the Starz network. It was a great day.

November Goals

Just like last month, I am posting some goals for this month. And since I have only a few days left at work (the next 3 Sundays at time and a half pay), I'll have plenty of time to get things done:

• Work out ten times: (I.I.I.I.I.I.I.I.I.I.).
• Go on three hikes: ().
• Hang out in Boston.
• Hang out in New Hampshire with my old friends.
• Hang out near the ocean.
• Visit a museum.
• Winterize the apartment.
• See a live ♫♪♫♪ show.
• Draw as much as possible: Bald female wizard; Generic superhero; Samurai Turkey!
• Practice my guitar.
• Find a great new job!

Headless Zombie

Drew this today:

Jack 1

I drew this a couple of days ago:

October Goals

A list of the things I'd like to accomplish in October:

• A day trip to Boston, and hopefully hang out with a friend or two.
• Visit a museum.
• Go to a beach.
• Spend an overnight in the Portsmouth, NH area, and hang out with old friends.
• Spend a day or an overnight on Martha's Vineyard.
• Attend two concerts (1: xxxxxxxxxxx @ xxxxxxxx. 2: xxxxxxxxxxxx @ xxxxxxxxx).
• Go on three hikes (1: Crow Hills 2: Mt. Wachusett 3: xxx).
• Work out ten times (I.I.I.I.I.I.I. ).
• Draw ten things (Jack O'Lantern, Jack O'Lantern, Headless 'Ken' zombie, wild pumpkin )

• Practice with my guitar ten times ( ).
• Go to a Halloween party!
• Find a new, better job.

All items accomplished will be changed to RED as they are completed!

Back in the Sketchboard Saddle

I haven't done any serious drawing in some time. 

Here is yesterday's offering, a not-quite-Halloween Creep O-Lantern (haha):

Now that it is fall, the time of year I seem to get the most done in all areas of my life, there will be many more art-related happenings.

Mostly Boring Week

Except for a few awesome deliveries (books, shoes, clothing, toys), this past week was all about work and housecleaning. I am removing clutter of all kinds. Also, I did some drawing.

I did buy some new music last night:

• The rest of Pete Yorn's upcoming album.
• The self-titled album by old favorites Halou.
• 3 songs from Supreme Beings of Leisure.
• A pair of songs from Spiral System.
• A few classics from The Outfield.
• And "Hello Friday", by Flo Rida and Jason Derulo.

California Trip Recap

Jason & Stacie's backyard

First look at Lake Tahoe

On the frozen lake! It was shallow all the way to the ice's edge,
several hundred yards out.

Sand Harbor, on the Nevada side.

View from my window seat on the flight home.

Random Drawing

I wanted to do something with lines: