Today the panic begins. You know, the final rush to get all of the last minute work on projects in before finals are due. I also have to worry about the craziness at work. What the hell happened to a bad economy?

In other news, we've decided we will be hosting Early Christmas this year. It's a tradition that my family made up in order for everyone to get together for the holidays. Rather than scurry around the whole state trying to meet up with everyone, we do Christmas the week before. Everyone can make it, because it's not as busy and it really does take the stress out of the whole day.

I haven't decided what we'll be making yet, but Real Simple had some wonderful make-ahead appetizers that looked extra yummy. There were some grilled cheese sandwiches with fruit preserves and fancy cheeses that looked fun and delicious, but I'm not sure our family is that adventurous.