'tis the season for lost children, traffic, and electric blankets!

'tis the season for lost children, traffic, and electric blankets!

So today, I picked up Kimmie so that we could meet up with Karen at the Galleria. Kim's a bit sick though (gah, I better not get her cold!), and said that she'd only go shopping with us today under one condition. . . that I took her to Panda Express, a fake Chinese-ish fast food place. :)

So, I took her there, of course.

It was actually the one close to the hospital that my dad works at, so he dropped by for a bit. We ended up talking about how I'll graduate with three, complete degrees (good job, me!), and his unhappiness. Once again, he reminded me that psychology is useless and pointless. I then told him, "You know dad, it's okay if you aren't proud of me. To be honest, my friends are proud of my accomplishments, and I am happy."

In return, he responded that psychology is stupid.

He was quite sincere.

Afterward, Kim told me in the car that my dad told her multiple times that I am setting myself up for failure (be it in the game industry or in the field of psychology), and that I will suffer.

Hoorah!

Afterwards, we met up with Karen at the ridiculously packed Galleria. Goodness! It was pretty crazy trying to park, and somewhat good that they had people managing traffic. . . except, the lady seriously ran in front of my car (no joke. . . REALLY). No really, what are you thinking?! We watched as she tried to get other cars to turn. . . WHILE SHE WAS IN THE WAY!


Karen had to leave early, and Kim and I wandered around, pondering about taking pics with Santa, eating at Corner Bakery (yummy Chicken Pomodori. . . w/o mayo, haha), and window shopping. Actually, a woman came around distributing pins at the cafe tables, trying to collect money. Kim told me to just ignore it, but the woman's tact was simple, but kind of impressive. As opposed to directly asking or waiting for people to approach her, she dropped off pins to each table to reflect the number of people seated, then made rounds back to collect either the pins or the money. Well anyways, I'm perhaps too much of a softy (or someone who appreciates those who ask for money without intimidation. . . I've seen some really aggressive bell ringers who try and guilt you into donating) and helped out of course. I know there are many people who try and take advantage of the holidays to make money, so all I can do is hope that this woman is sincere.



We were actually about to leave Nordstrom and head home, but then an announcement came on about a lost child in Nordstrom (and the store was about to close). So off we went, in search of the poor 5 year old. And it's scary, really, I mean these stores are so packed during the holidays, can you imagine what it would be like? Kimmie was a bit excited, saying it was like playing "Where's Waldo?", and I was surprised to see how many people were looking for her and even barricading the exits. Kim searched a closed off restaurant in the store, while I checked fitting rooms and bathroom stalls. . . and clothes racks (didn't you ever hide in the middle of them as a kid? I know I did!).

Thankfully, someone found the girl.

Parents, please keep an eye on your child. I know everyone is so busy and stressed, but it's so easy for a child to slip off.

Afterwards, we dropped by Karen's to deliver her Christmas gift and pick up my birthday gift :). Hoorah for rain boots, earrings, and a fun shirt! Oh! And my other half of the cookie cake. ;) Kim then enjoyed reading the book Nicolo gave me (which I haven't looked through yet!), The Zombie Survival Guide, and made sure to give me some helpful pointers; something like, you are 5x safer in water than on land, and though zombies can walk in water (since they don't have to use their lungs), as long as you are on a boat (with the water level being at least 12 feet deep and without an anchor for the zombies to climb), you should be able to survive a zombie attack. :)

Currently, Kim's asleep on my bed (don't want to catch her cold!), and I'm camping out on the futon with an electric blanket. . . that's right, electric blanket. <3