Actually, I've already cried. I came home from the Algebra final so keyed up and so sure I'd failed that I burst into painful sobs at my kitchen table. John sat across from me and was sweetly supportive, though I didn't pay much attention until he pointed out that even if I got a D on the final I'd still get a C for the course. My jaw dropped as I finally realized I am all done forever with pure algebra. I won't know about my final grade until next Tuesday, but I don't care any more. Even if I did as badly as I'm convinced I did, I passed the course. This particular albatross is at long last history.

I took Wednesday off to study and finish my Christmas shopping. I got it all done! Feel the smugness radiate across the browser interface? That's right, I'm all set and it's only the middle of the month. I stayed within my budget, too. Um, for other people. Somehow I wound up buying quite a lot for me and the house. I really cannot be trusted in either Nordstrom or Bed, Bath and Beyond.

Boy, you take one day off and everything changes. In my absence a second person has given notice and will be gone within two weeks. The gal who replaced the first one is excellent and a nice person to work with, but this means I'm the lead agent up front now. My future went from "Steadily Improving" to "Danger! Hideous Overwork Ahead!" Before mutiny could cross my mind my boss announced they were giving me a generous raise. Well, okay then. Meanwhile, I managed to stay calm despite a frenzy of last-minute shoppers who could not believe they couldn't go someplace warm for Christmas.

Thoughts of my vacation next month in Guadalajara are keeping me buoyant no matter how many hopes I crush, I mean reality checks I give. My aunt and uncle have invited me to visit them and I've never been to that part of Mexico so I'm very excited. I'm ready for some sun and fun. It's been a long, long semester.

As promised, I'm having a glass of Bailey's. Here's to a job well done, and a successful and much less stressful next term. Cheers.

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Border graphic by Jade Leaves Designs in memory of Ginkgo