the underwear drawer

it's the most wonderful time

Thanks for all the opinions, everyone. So we're all in agreement, picture D, right? Just kidding. The ayes have it, picture C all the way. I already told Stan (the photographer) about the choice, and he's going to polish up the image before we send it off to my publisher for whatever whatever.

Cal's Thanksgiving vacation began this afternoon (I distinctly remember from my childhood that Thanksgiving vacation did not start until Wednesday afternoon, but maybe that's what we get for sending our kid to a private school--paying more money for less schooling) (just kidding, we love our school) (not really kidding though). Since I was on call Monday night I was able to pick Cal up this afternoon, and as a special treat, I took him to one of those places where you get to paint and fire your own pottery. It was pretty fun.




The lady at the place remarked a couple of times at how focused Cal was and how amazed she was that he was able to sit there for almost two hours painting. I don't think it's quite so amazing--he is five years old, after all, I think that's old enough to attend to a task without being distracted by other kids or music or that shiny thing over there--but that's definitely Cal's personality all the way. Inability to focus is certainly not one of his weaknesses.




(Above: the plate that Cal designed to hold our cookies for Santa. Not sure why he thought Santa would particularly enjoy the math problems, but...OK.)




Anyway, we made some Christmas presents.

As I discussed before I am skipping straight ahead to Christmas because I am working Thanksgiving weekend and therefore the prospect of Thanksgiving this year depresses me. Though I guarantee there is likely no better way to put into stark bas relief exactly what to be thankful for than spending Thanksgiving in a hospital (health, family, being not dead, etc.) I've been hearing some version of this conversation for the past week and a half, and it's starting to drive me slowly insane.


NURSE
You have to brine it.

SURGICAL TECH
We went to my brother's house last year and he deep fried his.

NURSE
Oh that's good, though. So juicy.

SURGICAL PA
But the stuffing has to be on the side, not in the bird, or else it doesn't cook through.

NURSE
I like to make mine with chestnuts. First you roast them, then chop them up fine...

SURGICAL TECH
Sometimes we do raisins.

SURGICAL PA
Well, when I make my mashed potatoes, first I...

MICHELLE
Everybody shut it! There will be no more talk of Thanksgiving feasting! I'm working on Thanksgiving and will therefore be eating a frozen dinner in the doctor's lounge while having football inflicted upon me because I can't find the remote control for the TV! So just! Shut it!

(Silence)

PATIENT
I like when my wife does the thing where she puts the layer of marshmallows on top of the sweet potatoes.


(To be clear, I don't really yell at people for getting excited about Thanksgiving, I'm not a total dick. For most people it's four days off work to be with your families, and hats off to you all, you've certainly earned it. But...I am really looking forward to Christmas this year is all.)

Anyway, thanks everyone for your help with choosing the photos. I'll put up the final image as soon as Stan is done with it.