Reunited, and it Feels So Good!

I am preparing myself for an extreme amount of family time and travel time to come over the next week. Allow me to elaborate:

Friday: Work, catch a train to Philly, spend the night with the 'rents.
Saturday: Drive with the fam up to NJ to have a mini family reunion with my dad's side of the family, much of which I haven't seen in 7 years.
Saturday night: Catch a local train from north jersey into Manhattan, rendezvous with friends from school.
Sunday: Drive back to NJ to watch the Eagles / Giants game at the Meadowlands and then back to NYC to catch a train to DC.
Monday: Work, celebrate roommate's birthday
Tuesday: Work, catch a train back to Philly, spend the night in the city with friends.
Wednesday: Head to the 'rents, celebrate birthday of one of my oldest friends who no longer lives in the Philly area, but visits occassionally.
Thursday: Drive up to NJ to spend Thanksgiving with my mother's side of the family, including my cousin's HS football game.
Friday: Attend the HS 5-year reunion of a bunch of my friends with whom I grew up with, but did not attend the same HS. I'm an honorary member of their graduating class. Hopefully, this HS reunion will turn out better than my own, which I attended this past spring. Open bar + double-fisting long island iced teas = bad idea. I was "asked to leave" the bar. I rule!
Saturday & Sunday: Squeeze in as much visiting time with all remaining friends as possible, and then train back to DC on Sunday.

Meanwhile, in DC: Unfortunately, I'll be missing my roommate's big birthday celebration tomorrow night, as well as another friend's housewarming party on Saturday night, but I am incredibly excited to see my father's family on Saturday. These cousins are about the same age as my sister and I, and I was 16 the last time I saw them or talked to them.

I'm hoping Saturday night in Manhattan isn't too crazy, especially considering I tend to get myself into some form of trouble every time I go up to New York. Sadly, the football game on Sunday is going to be a bust. First, the Eagles' season is shot. Second, McNabb isn't playing. That covers it.

Thanksgiving is always one of my favorite holidays. Personal favorites include: stuffing, sweet potatoes, and turnips (weird, but delightful). This year, my sister will be joining us for the day. She hasn't spent a Thanksgiving with us in close to 10 years due to her participation in the National Field Hockey Festival which always takes place the same week. My family isn't too crazy, and no one really likes to drink (excluding moi) As a result, our holidays are usually on the tamer side. One exciting development is the growth of my one cousin, L. She's in 7th or 8th grade, I'm guessing and is turning into a HUGE label whore. Her parents not materialistic at all, so it's really funny when I hear her telling them how much she wants "a Louis," an iPod mini, a cell phone etc. When I told her I once spent a year as an Abercrombie "brand representative," the awe in her eyes was astonishing. Fortunately, I have cut my ties with said retailer and limit our relationship to me and the generally naked models plastered on the walls.

Anywho, I'm taking it easy at work today, for the past few weeks have been very busy. I'd rather relax today and end the week on a productive note tomorrow. We'll see if that actually happens, but keep your fingers crossed.