The Oh in Ohio

Last night, Christmas Eve, my parents, my two sisters and I crammed into the peapod and made the ten hour journey to Akron, Ohio. We do it every year and every year it seems as though the drive takes shorter and shorter- this time it took less than ten hours, sweet! Although I do feel sort of guilty about the trip.. I was incredibly comfortable, sprawling out over my two sisters, which in turn made for a very uncomfortable trip for Maddie and Manda Panda. Yea, I feel guilty... but not guilty enough to conserve my legspace and let them lean on me occasionally. I woke up pain free and it was worth all my selfishness.

We arrived at quarter to six worn out and not completely ready for Christmas to start. Took a little pre-Christmas nap. The aunts, uncles, and cousins arrived in time for a late Christmas lunch and presents. The entire present process took about three hours. Oh man.. Yea, we're one of those families that goes around and reads the cards aloud, passes around presents, gives hugs to every person that gave them a present, the works. But it was really nice to see my Ohio family; only see them once, maybe twice a year if I'm lucky, so getting to see them is a real treat. They're all like different versions of my Daddy; quiet and incredibly funny. What more could I want?

For the next week I'll be updating from the beautiful city of Akron, Ohio. Hopefully I packed my camera's USB cord so I can share a little of Akron's charm.

I don't like pointing out presents but Manda Panda gave me a really thoughtful gift.. I got them and was surprised because I had forgotten that I'd even wanted them! She's a sweetie. Beautiful new rock climbing shoes. They remind me of bumblebees. Or the Chinese women that bind their feet to make them smaller. I think I'm a masochist because I'm overjoyed about an overwhelmingly painful pair of shoes that cut off circulation to my feetsies. When I took them off after only wearing them for about fifteen minutes I could feel the tingle of blood rushing back to my feet. Let the fun begin.