It’s the quiet time between holidays, and I don’t like it. I’ve already cleaned up most of the mess made by the boys, and we traded our Annual Thortilöc Wyatt for the return of Josh for All Time, but things will be quiet around here until Friday when the celebrations begin anew.

Alla and I are continuing our silent protest against the Scrooge-like atmosphere in the Space Station, and we are working from home this week. I’m sitting here in a bathrobe and Diet Coke – I had a little accident – and I am quite content, if cold and wet. It’s good that I get some relaxation in while I still can, because the end of the year is going to be hectic and will lead to what I’ve already dubbed the January of Trepidation.

I have but four days of work next week to lay out my plans for world domination before I’m off to Las Vegas for six days. Upon my return, a new astronaut will be starting at our space station and will be placed in my capable (if tiny and mutated) hands. In between all this, we will welcome Shan to Vancouver for keeps and have a belated Thortilöc celebration with her and Josh, as well as going about our regular business and trying to keep my soul from being devoured by certain people. We’re also down to our Emergency Salsa, meaning we need to go to Costco. I have trepidation about it all.

Still, I’m looking forward to our festive three-day New Year’s plans before I jump into January completely naked.