You are probably thinking this is gonna be some holiday message.  Sorry, it's not.  It is however a mini-rant of sorts to help you guys avoid the same problem. 

I went to get my oil changed not too long ago.  I am not sure what the place is called, but it is the old Niagara car-wash / quick lube.  I strongly advise against going there unless you know the guy changing your oil.  Some ass-pack there put transmission fluid in my car instead of oil.  So now I am carless.  Thanks jerk. 

My advise = even though it can be a bit time consuming and dirty, do it yourself.  I am from now on provided my car is at all salvageable.  Again thanks for being such an asshole "lube guy".

A couple of years ago I had psychology at BC.  We got to take the "stress test" that assigns a numerical value to events that have happened in your life over the past year.  That number should be indicative of the amount of stress it serves you.  We won't even go into my score, but one interesting thing on the list was holidays.  Apparently holidays are one of the most stressful events of the year.  I had never thought of it that way before, but I totally understand.  Oh, and I'm thrilled to know that it's not just me.

My family is an interesting mosaic of extremities.  When I was a little one I remember both sides of my family having awesome holidays.  We were all get together and sit at the gigantic dining room table.  Grandma would get out her best sterling and china.  For a few moments of each year, my family would get along as a unit.

I get along with most of my family.  As separate components of a broken puzzle.  My dad's family fell to pieces after grandma passed.  I think they only talk to each other once or twice a year.  OK, well I take that back.  They only talk to my dad about once or twice a year.  The uncles are a little closer than that. 

My mom's family, on the other hand is an odd mix of people.  Again, I get along with most of them.  However, I do not think they should all be together in one place.  Scene: arguing over lame stuff which leads me and my brothers in the corner far far away from everybody.  Happens at every gathering without fail. 

So, what does this leave me with on the holidays?  I run run run and run some more.  Each holiday typically involves me going to about 4 places to ensure I see all of my family.  Unless, that is, I am fortunate enough to have the money for gas and the free time from studying to go to my uncle's house in Monticito.  Then I have a sweet excuse as to why I didn't go anywhere else.  Also having the time to relax on the patio in the sun where the table is set and have a nice pleasant holiday. 

So, if I get to see you this thanksgiving great!  If not, I hope you all have a fantastic 4 day weekend.