I feel I rushed out of my apartment today, when I really didn't, and the only things I could consider as forgotten were the half-gallon of milk I bought only last night and still had two-thirds left to drink, and my checkbook. It's just that now, with more expenses, I want to try to conserve my cash and use all that I purchase, so the milk that will likely be bad when I return (no earlier than Friday) will bother me. For maybe half a day. And I could've used my checkbook to balance it when my statement comes to my house this week and now that my paycheck has been deposited. But it's also a good thing that I forgot it because I have only nine checks left, and my replacements might not come for a few more weeks. I'll have to conserve the checks - save them for the landlord and such - and maybe pay a bill or two with a credit card (ugh).

Enough of that crap. Casey and I had our Christmas last night, and she completely loved the copy of Brad '61 I tracked down with the help of Barnes and Noble. She's been warning me since August (or earlier) that she's a picky gift-getter, so I made sure to pay attention when possible gift ideas came up. When we stood in the library of the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh in September and I read through the book and she said, "You can get me this for Christmas," I kept that in mind. I also got her a raffle calendar, with the potential to earn her $25-$200 for certain days next year, with the checks sent right to her - a no-hassle money gift! And I threw in a CD single of "Horny" by Mousse T, a song on the South Park TV soundtrack (the Chef Aid one), which she had on tape but never got on CD. So, in conclusion, I rule.

And so does she. I received a set of four tall pilsner glasses which will make a fine addition to my kitchen, and a useful set to bring with me as I change residences over the years. And I also couldn't help but think (right now) that whatever we buy for one another will, in a short time, be together under one roof. So, in a sense, she bought herself some glasses too! It was a great first Christmas - a homemade, oven-baked macaroni and cheese dinner, complete with French green beans (with mustaches!) and BEER. Mmmmm. Then we watched a tape of "Survivor" and laughed (more) at Big Tom before starting "Home Alone" before falling asleep.

Dinner's just arrived during this lull at work, so I'm going to get a drink and eat.