Holiday Party and Los Angeles Bound

It’s been a busy week getting ready to head to LA–wrapping gifts, finishing up shopping, packing, laundry, etc.–as well as really starting to get into the nitty gritty of writing my qualifying papers, and trying to get all of my December work done at work since I’ll be gone for so long!

Tonight was my work holiday party, hosted at Sally’s beautiful home along the river. Last year’s party was pretty big–where I work is sort of broken up by lab, and then by project. So Sally’s lab, which I am a part of, consists of several projects going on all at once. I am a part of a few, but there is one main project–the one whose government grant funds me. While last year’s party was attended by people who work in several projects in Sally’s lab, this year the party was specific to the main project I work on. Since I spend most of my time with these people, they are really the ones I know best and am closest to. It was a really fun party! Nik came, and he hadn’t met anyone (except for Amy) before. We had a blast chatting with everyone, sampling cookies, and participating in the gift exchange. At one point, Sally got on the piano and our speech therapist sang some carols–it was all very holiday-ish and home-y! I think Nik had a good time too–we both really love Amy, and she was there at our sides the whole time.

Tomorrow I head to LA. I think I’m all packed and ready to go…prepared for the long drive. I actually am looking forward to the drive–something about rocking out to my songs (which I would never do if anyone was with me!!) makes for a fun 7 hours (hopefully not 12 hours, as was the case 2 years ago…).