well, today my dad and i managed to complete the christmas decorations on the front porch. it looks ok, but not great. i don't particularly like the fact that we have two different santas in our front yard... but i'll get over it. my impression is that it's not true to have two santas and is confusing to kids. but honestly, i'm only doing the decorations for my benefit because it reminds me of growing up -- and seeing our traditional decorations that have been used since before i was born reminds me of that.

in unrelated fashion of xmas, i took a sex & the city personality quiz i read about in entertainment weekly. you answer a list of questions and it tells you which character you most resemble. i'm a "carrie." most of it i can agree with:

"Carrie most resembles you. You are quirky and creative, with a keen eye for life's subtleties, and a flair for insight that often dazzles your friends. This innate intuition applies equally to your savvy sense of style, where you always seem to be a little ahead of the biggest fad and the latest trend. Mainstream is a dirty word in your vocabulary, instead its all about the twist; the minor variations that give it your unique flavour. Your habit of analyzing all things big and small is both your saviour and your nemesis. While it may help you gauge the craziness of the world around you, it can lead you in futile circles of self-absorption. And it will all work out in the long run, just as that bright-eyed, soulful spirit keeps trying to remind you."