I rung in the New Year tonight with Dawes, which seems pretty fitting. I saw them about seven thousand times this year (or that's what it seemed like after the Middle Brother tour), so it was a good ending to 2011.Before the show, we had a fabulous dinner at Barbette (lobster! yum!) and then drinks over at Muddy Waters -- two of my favorite spots in town. I flew back into town at 6 am this morning, and I was sad that there was no trace of snow, but lo and behold, mother nature took care of that tonight with huge, wet flakes. It was lovely.I hope you all had a fabulous (and safe) New Year's Eve! Now go rest up and think hard on your resolutions :). Oh, and if you want to see more shots from tonight's concert, they are up over here. Enjoy!

All week my dad has been mumbling something or other about getting his goose stuffed. But you know, it's Kansas. I thought it was a euphemism or something. Silly, silly city girl. He really WAS getting his goose stuffed!He brought her home today (him? who knows) and has set her in my bedroom until he takes her out to his "lodge."I head back to Minneapolis tomorrow morning at 6 a.m., so I should be home and back in bed by about 9 (here's hoping). And then hopefully I'll see many of you out tomorrow night, but if not, I hope everyone has a happy New Year.

This is my dad. Look at those eyes! Yeah, I didn't get those, that's for sure. I think everyone on his side of the family has those gorgeous baby blues.I shot this photo today right before we were all heading out to a funeral. My parents have had a LOT of funerals this year, which I suppose happens at a certain age. Today's service was for Gary, a longtime friend of the family who owned a few bars in town. He kinda reminded me of Buddy Garrity. Not in a bad way at all, but in the way that he was friends with everyone in town -- and man, that church was PACKED today to prove it.The rest of the day was pretty standard -- a little shopping, more time with my grandmother discussing family and basketball and then a really nice dinner out. Oh! And my aunt came into town tonight to see me (I think it's been about 6 years since I saw her last... is that right?). That was really fun as well. Tomorrow Mom and my grandmother and my aunt and I are all heading out for manicures. Girls day out! Woot! (This guy in the photo? Word has it he'll be sitting on the back porch sipping on Miller High Life all afternoon. Lucky guy.)

I flew home to Wichita today on a teeny-tiny plane (twelve rows) and got in around noon. Mom and I wrapped a bunch of gifts for Christmas that I brought (since they can't be wrapped on the plane) and then we went out to my grandmother's house for a bit. My grandma is almost 91, and it is always great to see her. "Can I get you anything? Coke? Dr. Pepper? Sherry? Bourbon? Cookies? Chocolates? Egg Nog? With Bourbon?" Seriously, she is not happy until you have some sort of treat in your hand. And it is awesome.My mom has her house all decked out for Christmas, and it looks so beautiful. I thought this candy dish was good representation, and I wanted to show you guys these great colors. I mean, who could even eat one of these? They are so pretty!Anyway, I'll be here for a few more days with no wi-fi and very limited cell service. So if I seem quiet, don't worry, I'll be back on Saturday. With lots of stories, I'm sure.*Also, as a warning, the Panera in Wichita has jerryrigged power outlets that do not work with mac power adapters. HOW EVIL IS THAT? I have 3% left. Gotta bolt.

Tonight was the last night of chanukah, so we celebrated in the grand tradition of take-out thai food and college basketball. YUM. Otherwise, it has just been a busy day. Worked at the paper, dropped off some information at the University, drinks with friends, dinner with family and next I need to pack my bags as I fly out to Wichita first thing tomorrow morning. You know what that means? More photos of the basement are on the way!

Tonight we took Jamie's mom to see Stuck Between Stations at St. Anthony Main. This is an independent film that was made by a Minnesotan and filmed all over Minneapolis. I imagine watching it is how New Yorkers feel when then see movies that make their city as important as the characters themselves. It made me love this town even more (as if that were possible). Plus? Cute love story during the holidays? Count me in.After the film, we wandered over to the Aster Cafe for some of their delicious beverages (orange sea-salt mocha? Yes, please). Overall, a really nice end to the holiday break. And yup, I am back to the office tomorrow. But only for one day, suckers! Then I'm off until January 3 (so, so awesome).

Merry Christmas! Memphis here was thrilled to get a stuffed loon today from her stocking. So excited, in fact, that she cut her gums on the tag while attempting to gut the poor bird, covering the fur in blood before 11 am. Yes, it was a busy morning. Don't worry, the poor thing was decapitated by 8 pm. Um, the loon... not the dog.