So, today is our first day at Hayward. It's a more modern facility, slightly more upscale vending machines, slightly more urban people -- a little more mellow, a little less parental. The Auburnites threw us a good-bye party, cooked us a homemade meal, left us a huge gift basket on our last day...in short, we're terribly spoiled! But thus far living at home -- not having to leave at 7pm on Sunday & knowing I'll be going home tonight -- is nice. I feel like there's so much to get done, especially christmas shopping before I leave for Bethlehem on the 22nd. They're giving us two whole weeks off for the holidays, which is a gift in itself.

Wish me luck -- got to pare down the finance$ without those per diem$. And Happy Holidays to all, across religion and culture.